Showing papers in "Journal of Information Technology & Politics in 2016"
TL;DR: A systematic literature review of 127 studies addressing the use of Twitter in election campaigns is presented in this paper, where the authors discuss the available research with regard to findings on the use by parties, candidates, and publics during election campaigns and during mediated campaign events.
Abstract: Twitter has become a pervasive tool in election campaigns. Candidates, parties, journalists, and a steadily increasing share of the public are using Twitter to comment on, interact around, and research public reactions to politics. These uses have met with growing scholarly attention. As of now, this research is fragmented, lacks a common body of evidence, and shared approaches to data collection and selection. This article presents the results of a systematic literature review of 127 studies addressing the use of Twitter in election campaigns. In this systematic review, I will discuss the available research with regard to findings on the use of Twitter by parties, candidates, and publics during election campaigns and during mediated campaign events. Also, I will address prominent research designs and approaches to data collection and selection.
495 citations
TL;DR: The authors used functional theory, political advertising, emotional appeals, and social endorsement to conduct a content analysis of the official Facebook posts of U.S. presidential candidates in 2008 and 2012 elections and found that the Republican candidates used higher percentage of fear appeals, while Barack Obama used humor and enthusiasm in his posts.
Abstract: Although there is increasing research about the influence of political use of social networking sites on audience members, few studies have examined the content in candidates’ pages on these sites. To fully comprehend the impact of these online political messages, an analysis of the messages themselves is fundamental. The present study uses theoretical concepts from functional theory, political advertising, emotional appeals, and social endorsement to conduct a content analysis of the official Facebook posts of U.S. presidential candidates in 2008 and 2012 elections. Results demonstrate that John McCain and Mitt Romney attacked more, while Barack Obama acclaimed more. The Republican candidates used higher percentage of fear appeals, while Barack Obama used humor and enthusiasm in his posts. Implications are discussed.
100 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the intermedia agenda setting between old and new media platforms through a study of the Norwegian Twitter and mainstream media agendas and found that Twitter gives attention to issues that are overlooked by mainstream media, such as environmental challenges and gender equality.
Abstract: This paper investigates intermedia agenda setting between old and new media platforms through a study of the Norwegian Twitter and mainstream media agendas. The study tracks top tweets and headline news, asking whether Twitter mainly rehashes mainstream media content or actually produces original content. The study finds that Twitter and mainstream media are consistent on the salience of many issues, but also that Twitter gives attention to issues that are overlooked by mainstream media, such as news about environmental challenges and gender equality. The paper also suggests that Twitter contributes to an expansion of the elite, meaning that it has become an important platform for eloquent and media-savvy people outside the traditional political, economic, or academic elites.
90 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate first-level and second-level agenda-setting effects in the online environment by focusing on two heated Italian political debates (the reform of public funding of parties and the debate over austerity).
Abstract: The rise of social network sites reopened the debate on the ability of traditional media to influence public opinion and act as an agenda setter. To answer this question, the present paper investigates first-level and second-level agenda-setting effects in the online environment by focusing on two heated Italian political debates (the reform of public funding of parties and the debate over austerity). By employing innovative and efficient statistical methods such as the lead–lag analysis and supervised sentiment analysis, we compare the attention devoted to each issue and the content spread by online news media and Twitter users. Our results show that online media keep their first-level agenda-setting power even though we find a marked difference between the slant of online news and the Twitter sentiment.
63 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors found that age, gender, income, education, and social media usage are significant predictors of being online-only voters, while technology appears more likely to engage people who are younger, male, of higher income and educational attainment, and more frequent social media users.
Abstract: Does online voting mobilize citizens who otherwise would not participate? During the annual participatory budgeting vote in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil -- the world's largest -- Internet voters were asked whether they would have participated had there not been an online voting option (i-voting). The study documents an 8.2 percent increase in total turn-out with the introduction of i-voting. In support of the mobilization hypothesis, unique survey data show that i-voting is mainly used by new participants rather than just for convenience by those who were already mobilized. The study also finds that age, gender, income, education, and social media usage are significant predictors of being online-only voters. Technology appears more likely to engage people who are younger, male, of higher income and educational attainment, and more frequent social media users.
58 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed U.S. Senate candidates' campaign Twitter feeds during the 2012 election cycle and explored the differences across candidate gender and electoral success for personalization and interactivity.
Abstract: Historically, a “feminine communication style” has not been a welcomed addition to the masculinized arena of American campaigning. But this style’s personalized and interactive elements have started to gain a foothold in digital campaigning because it mimics the intimacy of retail politics and face-to-face campaigning. To examine whether candidates are incorporating a feminine communication style in a mediated campaign setting, this study features a content analysis of U.S. Senate candidates’ campaign Twitter feeds during the 2012 election cycle, and explores the differences across candidate gender and electoral success for personalization and interactivity. Results revealed that men and women were similar in their incorporation of personalization, and women were more interactive than men. Further, the type of personalization and interactivity contributed differently to electoral success for women and men.
55 citations
TL;DR: This article investigated how individuals and organizations appropriated media resources to craft responses to the debates, and what this reveals about sources of influence in political communication on social media, and compared the stream of posts that spread widely during the debates with more mundane practices of personal expression.
Abstract: This paper explores political expression on Facebook during the 2012 presidential debates. We investigate how individuals and organizations appropriated media resources to craft responses to the debates, and what this reveals about sources of influence in political communication on social media. In particular, we compare the stream of posts that spread widely during the debates—content that “went viral”—with more mundane practices of personal expression to show differences between the viral content that caught the attention of news media coverage about the debates and the posting practices of individuals using their Facebook as a site for individual expression.
49 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that those who use social media for connective activities (e.g., to meet new LGBT friends, discuss LGBT issues) are significantly more likely to engage in boycotts or buycotts to promote equality.
Abstract: We test whether connective use of social media mobilizes individuals to engage in political consumerism. Analyzing data from a 2013 survey of LGBT adults (N = 1,197), we find that those who use social media for connective activities, (e.g., to meet new LGBT friends, discuss LGBT issues), are significantly more likely to engage in boycotts or buycotts to promote equality. We find significant interactions between connective social media use and political interest. Specifically, connective social media use mobilizes people with low levels of political interest to participate and reinforces the likelihood that people with high levels of political interest participate.
47 citations
TL;DR: This paper developed over 100 discrete Facebook stimuli varying these topics, and then test to what extent and which users match their definition of those posts, finding that users and researchers often agree on defining social and political content, but are more likely to disagree on categorizing news content.
Abstract: Although a growing body of literature examines exposure to social, news, and political information via social media, we have little understanding of how users delineate these categories. In this study, we develop over 100 discrete Facebook stimuli varying these topics, and then test to what extent and which users match our definition of those posts. Our results suggest that users and researchers often agree on defining social and political content, but are more likely to disagree on categorizing news content. Therefore, researchers should carefully define all concepts—especially news—when considering prevalence and effects on social media users.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the social media use of Swedish municipalities, detailing the potential relationship between traditional forms of e-government initiatives and social media engagement of Swedish citizens, and found that traditional government initiatives were associated with increased engagement on social media.
Abstract: The current study examines the social media use of Swedish municipalities, detailing the potential relationship between traditional forms of e-government initiatives and social media engagement of ...
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of anonymity and issue controversiality on the quality of online political discussion were investigated and it was found that controversiality has a greater impact on the discussion quality than anonymity.
Abstract: The quality of online political discussion is a concern regarding the democratic potential of the Internet. Although there is empirical evidence of the highs and lows in terms of the quality of online discussion, little is known about how different factors affect the discussion quality. Moreover, the effects of anonymity and issue controversiality have not been adequately addressed in previous research. Using an experimental design, the findings indicate that, contrary to expectations, anonymity does not necessarily have a negative effect on the discussion quality. Instead, issue controversiality is found to have a greater impact. Several interaction effects are found.
TL;DR: A new approach to measuring political polarization is presented, including a novel algorithm and open source Python code, which leverages Twitter content to produce measures of polarization for both users and hashtags.
Abstract: We present a new approach to measuring political polarization, including a novel algorithm and open source Python code, which leverages Twitter content to produce measures of polarization for both users and hashtags. #Polar scores provide advantages over existing measures because they (a) can be calculated throughout the legislative cycle, (b) allow for easy differentiation between users with similar scores, (c) are chamber-agnostic, and (d) are a generic approach that can be applied beyond the U.S. Congress. #Polar scores leverage available information such as party labels, word frequency, and hashtags to create an accessible, straightforward algorithm for estimating polarity using text.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a theory of Internet effects and citizenship norms, wherein specific uses of the Internet influence political participation by fostering dutiful or actualizing norms of citizenship.
Abstract: Research on the relationship between Internet use and political participation has identified numerous effects that result from various online activities, though the mechanisms of influence often remain unclear. In response, we develop a theory of Internet effects and citizenship norms, wherein specific uses of the Internet influence political participation by fostering dutiful or actualizing norms of citizenship. Using a longitudinal research design comprised of five nationally representative, postelection surveys (2002–2010), we find that people who engage in dutiful uses are more likely to participate in the dutiful act of voting than those who engage in actualizing uses; these findings are most prevalent among those aged 18–30. These results suggest that online activities, which reflect specific norms of citizenship, often predict corresponding forms of political participation.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify three salient use motives and differentiate two user groups based upon their primary use motives, and analyze the impact of use motives on politicians' social media adoption.
Abstract: Studies on politicians’ social media adoption have focused on structural antecedents, such as race competitiveness or resource availability. Yet theory suggests that new media adoption is heavily influenced by use motives. Based on a survey of politicians active on the federal level in Switzerland, we analyze the impact of use motives on politicians’ social media adoption. We identify three salient use motives and differentiate two user groups based upon their primary use motives. A multiple-group analysis of a well-established adoption model reveals how use motives affect politicians’ adoption of social media.
TL;DR: Using a holistic definition of political participation and an analytical approach, this paper constructed a four-group typology for young people's political participation in a randomized mobile phone interview with 672 Hong Kong respondents aged 20-29 years.
Abstract: Previous studies of the impact of social media on youth’s participation in politics are largely inconclusive. It is partly attributable to a diverse conceptualization of political participation and media use. Using a holistic definition of political participation and an analytical approach of building a typology of political participation, this study constructed a four-group typology for young people’s political participation in a randomized mobile phone interview with 672 Hong Kong respondents aged 20–29 years. Four groups were identified: critical citizens (14%); modestly politically active nonvoters (15%); voters (29%); and disengaged individuals (42%). The respondents’ media use and political characteristics were also examined. The study suggests that the theoretical relationship between political participation and new media use should be contextualized into a specific dimension of political activities and a definite group of individuals.
TL;DR: This paper examined the use of interactive features (i.e., discussion and participation features) on the Web sites of Dutch political parties during the 2010 local elections campaign and investigated whether a relationship exists between interactivity and election results.
Abstract: This article examines the use of interactive features (i.e., discussion and participation features) on the Web sites of Dutch political parties during the 2010 local elections campaign and investigates whether a relationship exists between interactivity and election results. A manual content analysis of 2,135 party Web sites demonstrates that Web sites from national parties that compete in local elections are more interactive than those of independent local parties. Furthermore, for elections in larger municipalities, the parties’ Web sites use more interactivity. Most interesting, a positive association between interactivity and election results is established when controlling for previous elections and national trends.
TL;DR: In this article, two alternative theories regarding the effect access to the Internet may have on perceptions of female political leadership ability in Arab countries are presented, and these theories are tested utilizing survey data drawn from twelve Arab countries and all three waves of the Arab Barometer.
Abstract: Can the Internet assist with the tearing down of barriers to female political empowerment in the Arab world? This article presents two alternative theories regarding the effect access to the Internet may have on perceptions of female political leadership ability in Arab countries. These theories are tested utilizing survey data drawn from twelve Arab countries and all three waves of the Arab Barometer, and I find evidence to support the hypothesis that access to the Internet affects female, but not male, perceptions of female political leadership ability in the region. It is my hope that this article can help shed light on how the Internet may affect politically marginalized populations.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare a low-usage election with a widespread usage election, the Dutch 2010 and 2012 national elections respectively, and find a positive association between Twitter use and preference votes.
Abstract: Does social-media usage (e.g. Twitter) influence candidates’ number of votes? Recent studies have shown that a modest impact might exist. However, these studies used data on elections in which only a limited group of politicians used Twitter. In such a context it was easy for a candidate to stand out. It remains to be seen whether the effect holds in times of widespread usage. This study compares a low-usage with a widespread-usage election, the Dutch 2010 and 2012 national elections respectively. It utilizes unique data on all 1024 candidates of the ‘large’ parties. Interestingly, even in the context of widespread Twitter usage we still find a positive association between Twitter use and preference votes.
TL;DR: The authors analyzed whether interactive online news quizzes engage site visitors and help individuals acquire news knowledge and found that online quizzes, whether using a multiple-choice or slider format, help citizens acquire public affairs knowledge and lead them to spend more time with public affairs information relative to presenting information without a quiz.
Abstract: Drawing from a “mix of attributes” approach, this study analyzes whether interactive online news quizzes engage site visitors and help individuals acquire news knowledge. Results of a nationwide experiment (n = 456) indicate that online quizzes, whether using a multiple-choice or slider format, help citizens acquire public affairs knowledge and lead them to spend more time with public affairs information relative to presenting information without a quiz. Two field tests show that news site visitors engage with slider and multiple-choice quizzes at similar rates, and engage more and for longer amounts of time if two different interactive quiz formats are available on a Web page.
TL;DR: A unique comparative database of media news items and survey information from 15 politicians and 50 leaders of diverse NGOs (non-governmental organizations) was used to map how digital technology ignited a succession of consequences that altered traditional logics regarding the chances of NGOs to win the political communication competition.
Abstract: A unique comparative database of media news items and survey information from 15 politicians and 50 leaders of diverse NGOs (non-governmental organizations) was used to map how digital technology ignited a succession of consequences that altered traditional logics regarding the chances of NGOs to win the political communication competition. The independent variable digital fit represented a cluster of technological self-production and self-distribution affordances, and its effect on media and political success was tested. Statistical analysis and interview findings traced a precise trail of new digitally networked pathways for new types of NGOs to enter the political communication contest and win it.
TL;DR: This paper found that Facebook users are more likely to be members of voluntary associations and that Facebook use increases the likelihood of associational membership even for individuals with low levels of social trust and internal efficacy.
Abstract: Research concerned with a decline of associational involvement has examined whether the use of social networking sites, such as Facebook, may reinvigorate or crowd out involvement in civil society. Yet, previous studies have not systematically investigated possible effects of Facebook use on associational membership. We posit that the effects of Facebook use are twofold: Facebook stimulates associational membership directly through its inherent networking features and indirectly by compensating for the lack of traditional mobilizing factors, such as social trust and internal efficacy. Relying on a probabilistic sample of German participants aged 18–49, our findings show that Facebook users are more likely to be members of voluntary associations and that Facebook use increases the likelihood of associational membership even for individuals with low levels of social trust and internal efficacy. Instead of crowding out offline associational involvement, Facebook use stimulates membership in voluntary...
TL;DR: In this paper, the importance and communication frequency associated with legislator use of communication technologies (CTs) were examined, and significant complexity surrounding legislator utilization of CTs for their interactions with peers and constituents.
Abstract: This article explores the importance and communication frequency associated with legislator use of communication technologies (CTs). Demographic variations are examined. Our results suggest that significant complexity surrounds legislator utilization of CTs for their interactions with peers and constituents. For example, we conclude that: (a) legislators find mature CTs more important than Internet-enabled CTs; (b) legislator age and years in office impact the use of CTs, with older and younger legislators communicating less frequently; (c) gender is not a significant differentiator in CT use or importance; and (d) minority-party legislators communicate more frequently than their majority-party counterparts.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between the use of mobile applications and two types of political behavior: political information seeking and political discussion, and found positive relationships between e-commerce, information, literacy, and utility apps and negative relationships between relational apps.
Abstract: This study examines the relationships between the use of mobile applications and two types of political behavior: political information seeking and political discussion. Based on a 2012 national survey of smartphone users in South Korea, this study found positive relationships between (a) the use of e-commerce, information, literacy, and utility apps and (b) political information seeking and political discussion. By contrast, this study found that the use of relational apps was negatively related to political information seeking and not related to political discussion. The use of entertainment apps was not associated with either behavior. This study provides a starting point for examination of mobile apps as they continuously grow and develop toward user engagement, and furthermore shed light on their effect on political participation.
TL;DR: Schweller as discussed by the authors argues that in a world without the leadership to solve crucial problems, a third world war is inevitable and argues that it is rare these days to find a book advocating a Third World War, especially published by a university press.
Abstract: It is rare these days to find a book advocating a third world war, especially published by a university press. Schweller wonders whether, in a world without the leadership to solve crucial problems...