Living in an age of online incivility

Examining the conditional indirect effects of online discussion on political flaming

Bibliographic Data

ID20508596
AuthorsJay D Hmielowski (0000-0001-6449-4714, University of Arizona, corresponding author), Myiah J Hutchens (0000-0002-5424-7012, University of Arizona), Vincent Cicchirillo (The University of Texas at Austin), Vincent J Cicchirillo
Year2014
Volume17
Issue10
Pages1196-1211
Publication date2014-11-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInformation Communication & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-118X • E-ISSN: 1468-4462
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1369118x.2014.899609
OpenAlexW2160058911
LanguageEN
Citations received67
References cited64

Communication scholars have examined the potential pitfalls and rewards associated with the ability to communicate in online spaces. We continue in that line of research by proposing a mediated moderated communication process model focused on what conditions lead people to engage in aggressive online communication behaviors, otherwise known as flaming. Specifically, we argue that online political discussion socializes individuals to see flaming as an acceptable behavior. This increase in perceived acceptability in turn increases intention to flame. Results demonstrate that this increase in intention to flame is greater among those with high levels of verbal aggression. To test our model, we conducted two surveys that asked students and blog users questions about their online media behaviors. Results replicate across both surveys.Keywords: flamingpoliticsquantitativesurveycomputer-mediated communicationpoliticscommunication studies Notes on contributorsJay D. Hmielowski is an assistant professor of communication at the University of Arizona. His research interests include the study of science communication, with interest in how specific message factors generate attitudinal ambivalence, and how ambivalence affects information processing, information seeking, and political engagement. [email: [email protected]]Myiah J. Hutchens is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Arizona. Dr Hutchens' research focuses on the antecedents and consequences of exposure to counter-attitudinal information. [email: [email protected]]Vincent J. Cicchirillo is an assistant professor of advertising at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr Cicchirillo's research focuses upon the study of media technologies. Primarily, he focuses on the influence of video game play features and contexts on post-game play outcomes. [email: [email protected]]

Ambivalence · Incivility · Journalism · Media studies · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression · Hate Speech and Cyberbullying Detection · Psychology · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology

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