All the news that you don't like: Cross-cutting exposure and political participation in the age of social media. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Min, Seong Jae; Wohn, Donghee Yvette
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 83(2018)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Cross-cutting exposure -- Disagreement -- Social media -- Political participation -- Facebook -- Political conversation; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.01.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated the factors that affect the relationship between cross-cutting exposure and political participation. It was found that cross-cutting exposure to politically disagreeable news on Facebook, overall, was associated with increased political participation both online and offline. The association was stronger when the cross-cutting exposure came from weak ties, or acquaintances and strangers, and when the individuals were highly engaged with the cross-cutting news. Cross-cutting exposure from strong ties showed no significant relationship with political participation. It is suggested that cross-cutting exposure and political participation in the age of social media are different from those of the offline world, because they are supported by the norm of individual self-expression and take place in more anonymous and comfortable settings. Highlights: Social media cross-cutting exposure relates positively to political participation. Cross-cutting exposure from weak ties is particularly beneficial. Users highly engaged with cross-cutting information are more participatory. Social media cross-cutting exposure differs from offline cross-cutting exposure.