ABSTRACT
Scholars continue to debate how information and communications technology (ICT) influences civic behavior. Existing studies may be grouped into two approaches: ICT as a tool used to achieve a civic end, and ICT as an unanticipated influencer of how citizens view civic roles. This paper develops the second theory by testing moderated relationships between social media use, political identity, and citizen views of government service provision and spending. Regression results suggest that liberal users show greater preference for an active government, while conservatives show less preference.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions for improving the manuscript. Special thanks are also owed to Gregg Van Ryzin and Javier Fuenzalida, who offered much advice and guidance.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Alex Ingrams
Alex Ingrams is a PhD candidate at the School of Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers–Newark. His dissertation is on open government reform and performance. His other research interests include e-government, transparency, and technology innovation.