The benefits and burdens of network diversity: Political engagement on social networking sites

Authors

  • Weiai Wayne Xu State University of New York, Buffalo
  • Michael A. Stefanone State University of New York, Buffalo
  • Jian Raymond Rui State University of New York, Buffalo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v18i9.4822

Keywords:

network diversity, social media, self-disclosure, political engagement

Abstract

Previous research suggests that network diversity is associated with higher levels of political engagement due to enhanced political interest. However, network diversity may also constrain political engagement because politically heterogeneous networks are comprised of others with disparate attitudes and beliefs, which may inhibit communication about politics. The results from an online survey (N = 255) suggest that network diversity affords both benefits and burdens to users in terms of online political engagement. Specifically, political diversity is positively associated with political interest, and political interest predicts political engagement on SNSs. However, political diversity in online networks is also associated with increased self-censoring behaviors. Further, relational diversity has a negative relationship with self-censoring, and this relationship is most pronounced for people with stronger self-disclosure tendencies.

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Published

2013-09-03

How to Cite

Xu, W. W., Stefanone, M. A., & Rui, J. R. (2013). The benefits and burdens of network diversity: Political engagement on social networking sites. First Monday, 18(9). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v18i9.4822