Influence of Social Media Use on Discussion Network Heterogeneity and Civic Engagement: The Moderating Role of Personality Traits |
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| Authors: | Yonghwan Kim Shih‐Hsien Hsu Homero Gil de Zúñiga |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Telecommunication and Film, College of Communication and Information Sciences, The 2. University of Alabama, , Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487 USA;3. School of Journalism, College of Communication, The 4. University of Texas at Austin, , Austin, TX, 78712 USA |
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| Abstract: | Using original national survey data, we examine how social media use affects individuals' discussion network heterogeneity and their level of civic engagement. We also investigate the moderating role of personality traits (i.e., extraversion and openness to experiences) in this association. Results support the notion that use of social media contributes to heterogeneity of discussion networks and activities in civic life. More importantly, personality traits such as extraversion and openness to experiences were found to moderate the influence of social media on discussion network heterogeneity and civic participation, indicating that the contributing role of social media in increasing network heterogeneity and civic engagement is greater for introverted and less open individuals. |
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