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How do Digital Divides Determine Social Media Users' Aspirations to Influence Others?

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

As the social media landscape has become a significant space for civic and political activity, it has created new opportunities for individuals to influence others' opinions. Relying on survey data from Finland (N=3,724), this study focuses on motivation to influence online and identifies social media users who wish to express their opinions and persuade others. First, using factor analysis, we detect influential motivation to use social media. Second, we analyze how socio-demographic background, digital skills and interest in politics predict the probability of influential aspiration. Our findings show digital divides in online participation and in people's intentions to influence others. Drawing on digital divide theory, we discuss how different motivations to use social media lead to varied outcomes in terms of benefits, producing digital divides.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication11th International Conference on Social Media and Society
Subtitle of host publicationDiverse Voices - Promises and Perils of Social Media for Diversity, SMSociety 2020
EditorsAnatoliy Gruzd, Philip Mai, Raquel Recuero, Angel Hernandez-Garcia, Chei Sian Lee, James Cook, Jaigris Hodson, Bree McEwan, Jill Hopke
PublisherACM
Pages141-147
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781450376884
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jul 2020
Externally publishedYes
Publication typeA4 Article in conference proceedings
Event11th International Conference on Social Media and Society: Diverse Voices - Promises and Perils of Social Media for Diversity, SMSociety 2020 - Virtual, Online, Canada
Duration: 22 Jul 202024 Jul 2020

Publication series

NameACM International Conference Proceeding Series

Conference

Conference11th International Conference on Social Media and Society: Diverse Voices - Promises and Perils of Social Media for Diversity, SMSociety 2020
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVirtual, Online
Period22/07/2024/07/20

Keywords

  • Digital divide
  • Online influence
  • Online participation
  • Survey

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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