Abstract
This article applies social capital frameworks to examine the effects of Instagram hashtag use on heterogeneous and homogeneous networks as well as online civic engagement. Using an online survey of college students (N = 193), the results revealed that using Instagram hashtags for communication, connection, learning about people, and emotional support played an important role in the formation and strength of both heterogeneous and homogeneous networks. The study also found that heterogeneous networks are highly associated with informing current events and public affairs whereas homogeneous networks are highly associated with sharing information, knowledge and discussion online with like-minded people. This demonstrates that Instagram hashtags used in heterogeneous and homogeneous networks has positive effects on online civic engagement. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for the impact of hashtags on online networks and engagement.
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