Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
351406 Computers in Human Behavior 2012 8 Pages PDF
Abstract

Research has recognized both selective and heterogeneous exposures on the Internet through online news and discussion. How online exposures through Internet news and discussion influence political diversity in individuals’ everyday lives needs to be addressed. The current research examines the extent to which Internet news use alters the effect of selective online interaction on political diversity in individuals’ social networks. Results show that while Internet news use has no direct relationship with political diversity in individuals’ social networks, it nevertheless moderates the negative effect of selective online interaction and indirectly contributes to political diversity. The social structural aspect of political diversity in social networks is discussed in comparison to political discussion networks.

► Selective online interaction has a negative influence on political diversity in social network. ► Internet news use moderates the negative effect of selective online interaction on political diversity in social network. ► Internet news use has no direct relationship with political diversity in social network.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Computer Science Computer Science Applications
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