Localized social media and civic life: Motivations, trust, and civic participation in local community contexts

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the ways in which the localized use of social media influences civic life in local communities. Specifically, the study explores the direct and indirect effects of informational and social motivations underlying localized social media uses on trust-building (interpersonal trust, political trust, and trust in community organizations) and civic participation in online and offline contexts. The findings through a nationwide survey of U.S. adults indicate that localized social media use resulted in the increase of interpersonal trust. Furthermore, the results show that trust in community organizations and local political trust played a more important role as a mediator between localized social media use and civic participation. Notably, localized social media use driven by social motivations had a greater effect on trust and civic participation than informational motivation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed for civic technology and community building.

KEYWORDS:

• Localized social media
• social motivations
• civic participation
• interpersonal trust
• trust in community organizations
• local political trust

Additional information

Notes on contributors

K. Hazel Kwon

K. Hazel Kwon is an associate professor of Digital Audiences at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication, Arizona State University.

Chun Shao

Chun Shao is a doctoral candidate at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication.

Seungahn Nah

Seungahn Nah is a professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon.