Unpacking the association between social media use and support for unlawful behaviors in protests

A study in Hong Kong

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12420613
AutoresChuanli Xia (0000-0002-5644-0422, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University), Fei Shen (0000-0002-6682-1712, City University of Hong Kong)
Año2024
Fecha de publicación2024-11-08
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternet Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1066-2243 • E-ISSN: 2054-5657
EditorialEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/intr-01-2024-0070
OpenAlexW4404181964
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas67

Purpose Existing research has shown the role of social media in facilitating general protest participation. However, there is a noticeable gap in understanding the dynamics related to explicitly unlawful behaviors during protests, which have become increasingly prominent in recent times. Drawing upon the communication mediation model (O-S-O-R model), this study proposes a moderated mediation model to delineate specific mechanisms under which social media use influences individuals' support for unlawful behaviors in protests. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 1,121 Hong Kong residents was conducted in the context of the 2019 Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement to test the theoretical model. Findings Obtaining political information on social media has a dual effect on support for unlawful behaviors in protests. On one hand, social media use increases individuals' political knowledge, which is reinforced by frequent political discussions on social media. This enhanced political knowledge tends to reduce the likelihood of supporting unlawful behaviors in protests. On the other hand, acquiring political information on social media can also generate increased anger toward politics, potentially leading to a more supportive attitude toward unlawful behaviors in protests. Originality/value This study contributes to the expanding field of research on digital activism by revealing the intricate mechanisms by which social media usage shapes support for unlawful behaviors in protests. It also expands our understanding of explicit unlawful behaviors within protests as a distinct form of political behavior

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