Online Social Participation Research Articles

In-person and online social participation and emotional health in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) sometimes have barriers to social participation. The advent of the internet has created online support systems for social participation such as websites for individuals with MS. However, minimal research has been conducted about determinants of individuals' in-person and online social participation or how types of social participation contribute to emotional well-being. The present study aims are: (1) to assess the role of access to resources and other determinants as enabling in-person and online social participation, and (2) to analyze the association between social participation and emotional health of individuals with MS. The sample consisted of 508 individuals diagnosed with relapsing/remitting or secondary/progressive MS. Data from NARCOMS registry and data from original questionnaire on determinants of social participation and emotional health were merged. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed. Individuals with access to the internet were more likely to participate online with friends (OR 5.47, p<.001) and the community (OR 47.7, p<.001). Individuals who regularly participate in in-person social participation with friends reported being happier (B=.38, p<.001), less depressed (B=-2.01, p<.001), and less anxious (B=-1.21, p<.001) than those who did not. However, there was no evidence of a relationship between emotional health and online social participation. Increasing access to in-person social participation with friends will likely have the most positive impact on emotional health. Future research should examine the aspects of online participation that are helpful or harmful.

A shift from offline to online: Adolescence, the internet and social participation

ABSTRACTAdolescents’ social participation is increasingly taking place in virtual settings, including social media, but there is no longer a distinct boundary between online and offline social participation. Furthermore, online social participation is becoming a societal concern, with internet use identified as impacting social and emotional well-being. This qualitative descriptive study explored the occupational nature of online social participation amongst Irish adolescents aged 9-16 years old. Data were collected through three focus groups. Four themes that captured the nature of the Internet as a setting for social participation were identified: a) building relationships and connections, b) identity experimentation and construction, c) cyber culture and virtual norms, and d) overuse and unsociable behaviour. The study provides insights into how adolescents experience and organise their social occupations in online settings and how these unfold into offline ‘reality’. While online social participation expands social experiences and connections, face-to-face experiences were more valued. There is an imperative to research online-offline social participation to develop a broader understanding of this evolving, contemporary occupation.

Online and Offline Social Participation and Social Poverty Traps: Can Social Networks Save Human Relations?

In this study, we develop an evolutionary game model to analyze how human relations evolve in a context characterized by declining face-to-face interactions and growing online social participation. Our results suggest that online networks may constitute a coping response allowing individuals to “defend” their social life from increasing busyness and a reduction in the time available for leisure. Internet-mediated interaction can play a positive role in preventing the disruption of ties and the weakening of community life documented by empirical studies. In this scenario, the digital divide is likely to become an increasingly relevant factor of social exclusion, which may exacerbate inequalities in well-being and capabilities.

E-Participation: Social Capital and the Internet

Studies in the social capital literature have documented two stylised facts: first, a decline in measures of social participation has occurred in many OECD countries. Second, and more recently, the success of social networking sites (SNSs) has resulted in a steep rise in online social participation. Our study adds to this body of research by conducting the first empirical assessment of how online networking affects two economically relevant aspects of social capital, i.e. trust and sociability. We address endogeneity in online networking by exploiting technological characteristics of the pre-existing voice telecommunication infrastructures that exogenously determined the availability of broadband for high-speed Internet. We find that participation in SNSs such as Facebook and Twitter has a positive effect on face-to-face interactions. However, social trust decreases with online interactions. We argue that the rising practice of hate speech may play a crucial role in the destruction of trust

The emergence and impact of consumer brand empowerment in online social networks: A proposed ontology

This article presents a proposed model introducing consumer brand empowerment and discussing its antecedents and outcomes. Consumer brand empowerment reflects the perceived empowerment resulting from the consumer’s influence over the brand-related attitudes and behaviors of other consumers in an online social network. The antecedents in the proposed ontology focus on the sharing of brand information in online social networks and how it promotes a sense of consumer empowerment by enabling a consumer to influence the brand attitudes of other consumers. The online social network participation factors studied include reach and how its impact is moderated by variety, depth and frequency of brand-related information sharing in social networks. The outcomes resulting from consumer brand empowerment relate to the desired cognitive, affective and behavioral brand experiences sought by an empowered consumer. The article discusses the implications of the research relative to both marketing researchers and managers interested in understanding brand management within the emerging social network landscape.

Canada falls short on safeguarding its drug supply

Canada falls short on safeguarding its drug supply

Abstract ED05-02: Building a tobacco-free world: Engaging youth and young adults

Abstract A recent study by Christakis and Fowler (2008) found that when one or two people in a social network stop smoking, others in that network also tend to stop as well—highlighting both the importance of social networks and the potential to virally spread behavior change. Dr. Donna Vallone will discuss research related to prompting online social engagement and participation in the EX community, a component of the web-based smoking cessation program, www.becomeanex.org. Evidence suggests that these online social networks can provide social support to online smokers interested in quitting—a critical component of cessation treatment outlined in the US Clinical Guidelines for Smoking Cessation. Social media applications of EX on Facebook, Twitter and other channels will also be discussed. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):ED05-02.

Bowling Online, Not Alone: Online Social Capital and Political Participation in Singapore

Since gaining independence in 1965, the Singapore government has relentlessly pursued economic growth and prosperity, while at the same time exercising tight political controls, which has largely eroded traditional political participation among the citizens (George, 2003; Rodan, 1998). In the economic domain, Singapore’s performance has indeed been very impressive; the country was recently ranked as the second in the world regarding the Global Potential Competitiveness and rated as the Most Competitive Asian Economy, among numerous other accolades (Economic Development Board, 2007). At the same time, its democratic record has been less than stellar, earning Singapore a ‘‘partly free’’ rating in the Freedom in the World report (Freedom House, 2007) and a ‘‘noticeable problems’’ label regarding the state of media freedoms (Reporters Without Borders, 2007). Not surprisingly, several studies and reports have indicated high levels of political apathy in Singaporeans (e.g. Chan & Wong, 2001; Veloo, 2002; Yap, 2000). However, since Singapore has universal suffrage and all citizens over 21 are required to vote by law, this apathy has not been reflected in the election turnout rates. In recent years, researchers have suggested that the Internet may play an important role in reviving and rejuvenating civic and political participation in Singapore (George & Yee, 2007; Kluver & Soon, 2004; Tan, 2003; Yeo, 2003). Given Singapore’s estimated 90 percent literacy rate for above 15-year olds (U.S. Department of State, 2007) and highly developed information infrastructure with 99% connectivity (IDA, 2007), it can be argued that its populace is in a good position to take advantage of the new forms of social connectivity. Singapore’s