Journal article
Bursting the filter bubble: the mediating effect of discussion frequency on network heterogeneity
- Abstract:
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Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the structural processes that lead citizens to escape their common social circles when talking about politics and public affairs (e.g. “filter bubbles”). To do so, this study tests to what extent political attitudes, political behavior, news media consumption and discussion frequency affect discussion network heterogeneity among US citizens.
Design/methodology/approach
Supported by the polling group Nielsen, this study uses a two-wave panel online survey to study the antecedents and mechanisms of discussion network heterogeneity among US citizens. To test the hypotheses and answer the research questions, ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions (cross-sectional, lagged and autoregressive) and mediation analyses were conducted.
Findings
The findings imply that political discussion frequency functions as the key element in explaining the mechanism that leads politically interested and participatory citizens (online) as well as news consumers of traditional and online media to seek a more heterogeneous discussion network, disrupting the so-called “filter bubbles.” However, mediation analyses also showed that discussion frequency can lead to more homogenous discussion networks if people score high on political knowledge, possibly reflecting the formation of a close network of political-savvy individuals.
Originality/value
The survey data give important insights into the 2016 pre-election situation, trying to explain why US citizens were more likely to remain in homogenous discussion networks when talking about politics and public affairs. By using two-wave panel data, the analyses allow to draw tentative conclusions about the influential and inhibiting factors and mechanisms that lead individuals to seek/avoid a more heterogeneous discussion network.
- Publication status:
- Published
- Peer review status:
- Peer reviewed
Actions
Access Document
- Files:
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(Preview, Accepted manuscript, 501.4KB, Terms of use)
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- Publisher copy:
- 10.1108/OIR-11-2019-0345
Authors
- Publisher:
- Emerald
- Journal:
- Online Information Review More from this journal
- Volume:
- 44
- Issue:
- 6
- Pages:
- 1161-1181
- Publication date:
- 2020-07-11
- Acceptance date:
- 2020-06-21
- DOI:
- ISSN:
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1468-4527
- Language:
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English
- Keywords:
- Pubs id:
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1122481
- Local pid:
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pubs:1122481
- Deposit date:
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2020-08-24
Terms of use
- Copyright holder:
- Emerald Publishing Limited
- Copyright date:
- 2020
- Rights statement:
- © Emerald Publishing Limited.
- Notes:
- This is the accepted manuscript version of the article. The final version is available online from Emerald at: https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-11-2019-0345
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