Political Activities, Time, and Social Network Websites

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between political activity and the use of social network websites (SNSs). Using data from a survey of attendees fielded at the 2010 United States Social Forum (USSF), a national meeting of social movement participants, this study focuses on individuals who use SNSs, such as Facebook or LinkedIn, for political and activist purposes. Specifically, the research examines the amount of time attendees spend on political activities per week and the number of political activities in which attendees engaged in the last 12 months, while controlling for individual factors. Results show the number of political activities in which attendees take part and the amount of time attendees spend on political activity significantly impact attendees’ use of SNSs. However, findings suggest that the average number of hours spent on political activities per week does not significantly impact attendees’ use of SNSs when included in a model with the number of activities in which attendees engage. Results suggest attendees who perform more varied political activities are more likely to use SNSs, but those individuals may not spend large amounts of time engaging in political activities. Findings extend the growing research focused on SNSs and social movements and suggest SNSs offer another space for activists to continue their involvement in social movements.