Social media’s have-nots

An era of social disenfranchisement

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12420928
AutoresXinru Page (0000-0003-4067-7529, Bentley University, autor de correspondencia), Pamela Wisniewski (0000-0002-6223-1029, University of Central Florida), Bart P Knijnenburg (0000-0003-1341-0669, Clemson University), Moses Namara (0000-0002-0099-8275, Clemson University)
Año2018
Volumen28
Número5
Páginas1253-1274
Fecha de publicación2018-08-24
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-03-2017-0123
OpenAlexW2888276937
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas9
Referencias citadas38

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the motivations, concerns, benefits and consequences associated with non-use of social media. In doing so, it extends Wyatt’s commonly used taxonomy of non-use by identifying new dimensions in which to understand non-use of social media. This framework encompasses a previously unidentified category of non-use that is critical to understand in today’s social media environment. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory interview study with 17 self-identified social media non-users distributed across age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. A thematic analysis is conducted based on a novel extension of Wyatt’s framework and the risk-benefits framework. This is supplemented by open coding to allow for emerging themes. Findings This paper provides empirical insights into a formerly uninvestigated population of non-users who are prevented from using social media because of social engagement (rather than functional) barriers. It identifies how these individuals face social consequences both on and off social media, resulting in social disenfranchisement. Research limitations/implications This is an initial exploration of the phenomenon using an interview study. For generalizability, future research should investigate non-use with a broader and random sample. Practical implications This paper includes design recommendations and implications for social media platform designers to mitigate the consequences experienced by socially disenfranchised non-users. Social implications Addressing concerns of this newly identified class of non-users is of utmost importance. As others are increasingly connected, these non-users are left behind and even ostracized – showing the dark sides of social media use and non-use. Originality/value This work identifies types of non-use of social media previously unrecognized in the literature

Developmental psychology · Empirical research · Exploratory research · Generalizability theory · Political science · Population · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social media · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Privacy, Security, and Data Protection · Psychology · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology