Homophily in the Guise of Cross-Linking: Political Blogs and Content. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nahon, Karine; Hemsley, Jeff
• Other Names: Gruzd Anatoliy guest-editor.; Wellman Barry guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: American behavioral scientist. Volume 58:Number 10(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1294
• Page End: 1313
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: political blogs -- homophily -- viral videos -- influence -- social networks -- social media -- information flows; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; United States -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1177/0002764214527090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-7642

Abstract

This study examines the behavior of influential political blogs (conservative and liberal) in reference to external viral content during March 2007 and June 2009. We analyze homophily and cross-ideological (heterophily) practices. We propose a multidimensional model that employs both qualitative and quantitative methods for examining homophily behaviors by looking at three dimensions: blog-to-blog, blog-to-video, blog post-to-video. Findings show that while homophily patterns prevail, some limited occurrences of cross-ideological practices exist. The cross-linking practices may include deliberative motives, but in essence they are not created for the purposes of discourse. Instead, these cross-linking practices strengthen previously held political stances of the users who create them and negatively portray and reframe content of alternative views. This represents homophily in the guise of cross-linking.