Examining Differential Gains From Internet Use

Comparing the Moderating Role of Talk and Online Interactions

Bibliographic Data

ID22693076
AuthorsBruce W Hardy (0000-0003-4852-7373, Cornell University, corresponding author)
Year2005
Volume55
Issue1
Pages71-84
Publication date2005-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0021-9916 • E-ISSN: 1460-2466
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/joc/55.1.71
OpenAlexW4248626953
LanguageEN
Citations received1

The idea that interpersonal discussion moderates the effect of public affairs mass media on participatory behavior has been empirically supported by recent research. However, these studies focus on face-to-face conversations as the only means by which citizens discuss political issues with others. This study takes the idea one step further and not only examines the effects of face-to-face interactions, but examines the effects of computer-mediated interactions and internet hard-news use on participatory behavior. We found that not only did internet hard-news use have a positive main effect on participatory behavior, but that this effect was moderated by both face-to-face interpersonal discussion and computer-mediated interactions such as chat. This study explores explanations for this phenomenon and implications for future research.

Citizen journalism · Computer-mediated communication · Differential effects · Epistemology · Face (sociological concept) · Face-to-face · Face-to-face interaction · Internet privacy · Interpersonal attraction · Interpersonal communication · Interpersonal influence · Phenomenon · Political science · Politics · Public relations · Sociology · The Internet · World Wide Web · Communication · Computer Science · Media Studies and Communication · Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence · Psychology · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology

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