Work

The Political Consequences of Online Disagreement: The Filtering of Communication Networks in a Polarized Political Context

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The present study challenges prevailing beliefs and research on the role of social media in supporting deliberation and an active public sphere. Based on a two-wave online panel survey ( n = 791) of the adult population of Hong Kong, as one case of a politically polarized society, we examine the degree to which individuals disconnect from those with whom they politically disagree with on social media. The analysis indicates that exposure to disagreement does indeed lead people to filter their information repertoire by disconnecting from those with whom they disagree. A moderated mediation analysis finds that political disagreement indirectly influenced activist participation through information repertoire filtration. However, in contrast to expectations, this effect was stronger when individuals had a lower level of affective polarization. Our findings underscore the value of focusing on the behavior of users to complement research on access to information about politics.

Source: Social Media + Society

DOI: 10.1177/20563051221114391

Authors: Xinzhi Zhang, Wan-Ying Lin, William H. Dutton

Institutions: Hong Kong Baptist University, City University of Hong Kong, University of Southern California, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Social Media and Politics

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $800