Between 'filter bubbles' and community leaders: An exploratory study of Facebook groups for Russophones/Russians in the Netherlands. (1st June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gabdulhakov, Rashid; Trottier, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Journal of global diaspora & media. Volume 1:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 105
• Publication Date: 2020-06-01
• Subjects: Mass media and immigrants -- Periodicals; Emigration and immigration -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 302.23086912
• DOI: 10.1386/gdm_00006_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2632-5853

Abstract

Through an exploration of Facebook groups designed for Russophones and Russians in the Netherlands, this study considers online community belonging negotiations. In doing so, the article aims to address the role of online administrators (admins) in online community construction, seeking to enrich the algorithm-centric literature covering customized feeds. The authors argue that by moderating discussions, approving and banning users, and setting the agenda more generally in the online environments that they create and manage, admins acquire and perform functions that may surpass or compliment algorithmic biases.