Week 9 readings – trash talking vs civic engagement on SNSs

One of the things I found fascinating about this week’s readings is the research acquired in the Johnson et al chapter, “United We Stand?” On page 189, they explain,

“Research indicates that the development of homogeneous social networks reinforces existing political dispositions, often leading to more actively empowered political behavior. On the other hand, a more diverse social network stimulates discussion of controversial topics. Past analyses have found that citizens with more heterogeneous discussion networks are more likely to participate in community forums and assorted political activities. It is apparent that interpersonal discussion with those of similar and different viewpoints is related to political activity at many levels.”

It’s hard to say, because of my own perception, that political discussions have increased within the community due to one of the following factors: 1) furthering my education connects me to more “politically minded” individuals, 2) getting older has put me in more “civically engaged” circles, 3) the rising generation maintains a more “politically-inclined” culture. The research above refers to new media as the means. I’m not sure if it’s just one of these factors or a combination of them, but it does appear that citizens are becoming more politically active, particularly the youth.

Having said that, for SNSs and other new media to catalyze civic engagement is a almost too good to be true (I’m not saying it isn’t true, but it’s a pretty remarkable finding). Based on past our discussions of gap-filling and the new media’s role in joining together previously disparate groups of people with common interests, I would say that the internet has the power of creating political force within groups (forums are huge in this regard). But I’m still leery of SNSs’ role in facilitating “serious” civic action.

When I enter Facebook, all I see are memes about “binders full of women,” “ponies and bayonets,” and “Big Bird.” I see a lot of sour rants and soap boxes and annoying political jabs from people who I thought were my friends but suddenly become something else altogether on Facebook. Overall, SNSs make me want to defriend my friends. Because of our conversation about Facebook mimicking reality, does this make me “hate” my friends in real life? That’s not the question I want to pose to our class, but I would like to have a discussion about how SNSs specifically foster civic engagement, and not do the opposite (which I’m not sure what the opposite of civic engagement is—anarchy?).

One last question: what does an SNS stimulate more, civic engagement or plain old trash talk? Even though trashing politics is easier than civic engagement, it seems like SNSs provide not just a medium for this to happen but a completely new means of understanding politics. Memes are the new political cartoons, and that is how, I believe, most of the public understand politics today.

69 thoughts on “Week 9 readings – trash talking vs civic engagement on SNSs

  1. I have to say that SNS can sometimes bring out the worst side of you. It got to do with the sense of being annoymous…. I always wonder whether I should determine my friends’ aweful comments as the indicator for their characteristic or tell myself that I just peek at their cruel side. Also, when it comes to the politic, I highly doubt the existence of communication!!!! I do not think that two persons with critically polarized political views can actually engage in conversation…because they just cannot. Loved your post!!!

  2. 很多準備參加Pegasystems PEGACPLSA23V1 認證考試的考生在網上也許看到了很多網站也線上提供有關Pegasystems PEGACPLSA23V1 認證考試的資源。但是我們的Fast2test是唯一一家由頂尖行業專家研究的參考材料研究出來的考試練習題和答案的網站。我們的資料能確保你第一次參加Pegasystems PEGACPLSA23V1 認證考試就可以順利通過。

  3. 我々のGAQMのCFA-001ソフトを利用してお客様の高通過率及び我々の技術の高いチームで、我々は自信を持って我々CertJukenは専門的なのだと言えます。アフターサービスは会社を評価する重要な基準です。これをよくできるために、我々は全日24時間のサービスを提供します。GAQMのCFA-001ソフトを購入してから一年間の無料更新サービスも提供します。試験に失敗したら、全額で返金する承諾があります。だから、GAQMのCFA-001試験に合格したいあなたは安心で弊社の商品を選べばいいんです。

  4. What a powerful and inspiring article, thanks for sharing! Want to get promoted and earn a higher salary? These Study H12-111_V3.0 dumps questions helped me do it, and I’m giving them to you for free today!

  5. Fühlen Sie sich nicht selbstbewusst, die Microsoft PL-300 Zertifizierungsprüfung zu bestehen? Fürchten Sie bitte nicht, weil wir ZertFragen die beste Prüfungsunterlagen anbieten können. Die Microsoft PL-300 Dumps von ZertFragen sind die neuesten und vollständigsten Prüfungsunterlagen in dem Markt. Damit können Sie mehr selbstbewusst werden. Das sind von vielen Leuten geprüft.

  6. 過去数年にわたって、何百人もの業界の専門家を集め、数え切れないほどの困難を克服し、最終的に完全な学習製品であるC-THR86-2405テスト回答を作成しました。カスタマーサービスは24時間ご利用いただけます。メールまたはオンラインでいつでもご連絡いただけます。さらに、C-THR86-2405テストトレントを購入するためのすべての顧客情報は、厳重に機密保持されます。お客様のプライバシーを第三者に開示することも、営利目的で使用することもありません。次に、製品の詳細を紹介します。

  7. Thank you for your amazing share; the content is truly shocking! Thanks to the Dumps C1000-161 vce program, I secured a promotion and salary increase. It’s available for free now. Wishing you all quick promotions!

  8. JN0-460試験に合格して証明書を取得する方法に関する質問を検討していますか?最良の答えは、JN0-460クイズトレントをダウンロードして学習することです。 JN0-460試験の質問は、必要なものを短時間で取得するのに役立ちます。 JN0-460トレーニング準備を購入した後、GoShikenダウンロードしてインストールするのに少し時間が必要です。その後、学習するのに約20〜30時間かかります。 JN0-460試験ガイドをご覧いただき、貴重な時間を割いていただければ幸いです。

  9. Your article is breathtaking, I really appreciate you sharing it! The C_THR86_2411 vce exam helped me achieve a promotion and salary increase. Now, it’s free for everyone. Best wishes for your professional success!

  10. I’m thoroughly impressed by your article, thank you for sharing! Strengthen your IT expertise with free Reliable MD-102 exam braindumps. Best of luck in your studies!

  11. IT-Industrie entwickelt sich sehr schnell und die Angestellten in dieser Branche werden mehr gefordert. Wenn Sie nicht ausscheiden möchten, ist das Bestehen der CompTIA PT0-002 Prüfung notwendig. Vielleicht haben Sie Angst davor, dass Sie die in der CompTIA PT0-002 durchfallen, auch wenn Sie viel Zeit und Geld aufwenden. Dann lassen wir Fast2test Ihnen helfen! Zahllose Benutzer der CompTIA PT0-002 Prüfungssoftware geben wir die Konfidenz, Ihnen zu garantieren, dass mit Hilfe unserer Produkte werden Ihr Bestehen der CompTIA PT0-002 gesichert sein!

  12. Thank you for your article, it was incredibly thought-provoking. Free CFE reliable exam camp pdf questions—unlock your career advancement and salary boost!

  13. Your article was very refreshing, thank you for this amazing perspective. It’s time for the API-577 valid exam collection free exam! Wish me good fortune!

  14. The content is so good, it’s an immediate like. I advanced in my career with this Valid SSCP mock exam, and now it’s free for everyone. May you all achieve your promotions soon!

  15. Instant like, no questions asked. I earned my promotion and salary increase with the C-TFG51-2405 latest exam discount voucher. Now, it’s free for everyone. Wishing you all early promotions!

  16. I really appreciate your work, it left a profound impact on me. Get the free Latest test cram H19-462_V1.0 materials exam materials now—promotion and salary increases are within your reach!

  17. After reading this article, I have a more thorough understanding of the related topics. New C_ARSCC_2404 test question offers detailed and free content, aimed at assisting you with your goals.

  18. GoShikenは The Open GroupのOGEA-103認定試験の認証に対して特別な教育ツールで、あなたに多くの時間とお金が使わないようにIT技術にも身につけさせるサイトでございます。GoShikenは専門家チームが自分の知識と経験をを利用してThe Open GroupのOGEA-103「TOGAF Enterprise Architecture Combined Part 1 and Part 2 Exam」認証試験の問題集を研究したものでございます。

  19. 為了讓生活過得更好些,參加 P_C4H34_2411 認證考試獲取 SAP 認證是每位選擇IT行業的工作人員必經之路。只有獲取了公司要求的這張證書既可獲得加薪和升遷的機會。而 SAP 在考古題考試方面的雄厚實力源於業界企業的大力支持。數千家公司均依託 SAP 標準來提供一個可靠的員工業績評估。此外,數十家擁有自己考古題專案的公司也非常信賴 SAP 的 P_C4H34_2411 考古題,以確保員工具備扎實的技能功底。此舉可以為公司節省大量的時間和開銷。

  20. Thank you for your article, it gave me such a fresh perspective. This is the JN0-1103 latest test tips exam I passed for my promotion and salary raise. It’s free for you today—hope you reach your career milestones!

  21. Fantastic work, instantly deserving of a like. Access the comprehensive content of Latest test C-TS4CO-2023 dumps free for free, designed to help you achieve your goals.

  22. 「学ぶのに遅すぎることはありません」、C_C4H63_2411認定の準備が一般的になりつつあります。特に今日の職場では、さまざまなトレーニング資料やツールが常に混乱を招き、品質をテストする時間を無駄にしています。実際、当社のC_C4H63_2411テスト問題を完全に信じて、C_C4H63_2411試験に合格することを100%保証します。 C_C4H63_2411のテスト問題を使用した後、残念ながら試験に不合格になった場合、証明証明書により当社から全額返金されます。

  23. I’m deeply impressed by your article, thank you for sharing it. The P_BPTA_2408 new test camp materials system helped me secure a promotion and raise. Now it’s free for all. Hope your promotion is right around the corner!

  24. Bitte glauben Sie, dass wir PrüfungFrage Team sehnen sich nach dem Bestehen der GARP 2016-FRR Prüfung genauso wie Sie. Vielleicht sorgen Sie jetzt um die Prüfungsvorbereitung. Wir helfen Ihnen, die Konfidenz zu erwerben. Durch die kontinuierliche Verbesserung unseres Teams können wir mit Stolz Ihnen mitteilen, dass die GARP 2016-FRR Prüfungsunterlagen von uns Ihnen Überraschung mitbringen können. Sie können zuerst unsere Demo kostenfrei herunterladen und schauen, welche Version der GARP 2016-FRR Prüfungsunterlagen für Sie am passendesten ist. Danach können Sie Ihre verstärkte IT-Fähigkeit und die Freude der Erwerbung der GARP 2016-FRR Zertifizierung erlangen!

  25. The article is very rich in content and has introduced me to many new perspectives. Test CAMS simulator provides quality resources, and they’re free for you to use.

  26. Your article is spellbinding, thank you for sharing such brilliance! Access the comprehensive content of New 300-610 exam topics pdf for free, designed to help you achieve your goals.

  27. USGBC LEED-AP-BD-C 시험 기출문제를 애타게 찾고 계시나요? ExamPassdump의 USGBC LEED-AP-BD-C덤프는USGBC LEED-AP-BD-C최신 시험의 기출문제뿐만아니라 정답도 표기되어 있고 저희 전문가들의 예상문제도 포함되어있어 한방에 응시자분들의 고민을 해결해드립니다. 구매후 시험문제가 변경되면 덤프도 시험문제변경에 따라 업데이트하여 무료로 제공해드립니다.

  28. Wir sind der Schnellste, der daa SAP C_TFG61_2405 Zertifikat erhält; wir sind noch der höchste, der Ihre Interessen schützt. Wir sind ZertPruefung. ZertPruefung kann Ihnen versprechen, dass die Testaufgaben von SAP C_TFG61_2405 Zertifizierungsprüfung 100% richtig und ganz umfassend sind. Nachdem Sie die Testfragen zur SAP C_TFG61_2405 Zertifizierung gekauft haben, werden Sie kostenlos die einjährige Aktualisierung genießen.

  29. What an incredible article, thank you for sharing this inspiration! Latest exam camp CTFL4 file test questions available for free—get ready for promotions and salary growth!

  30. I’m really thankful for your article, it was a real eye-opener. Level up your IT knowledge with free 1z1-809 pass leader dumps. Wishing you success in your exams!

  31. Salesforce인증 Revenue-Cloud-Consultant-Accredited-Professional시험은 멋진 IT전문가로 거듭나는 길에서 반드시 넘어야할 높은 산입니다. Salesforce인증 Revenue-Cloud-Consultant-Accredited-Professional시험문제패스가 어렵다한들PassTIP덤프만 있으면 패스도 간단한 일로 변경됩니다. PassTIP의Salesforce인증 Revenue-Cloud-Consultant-Accredited-Professional덤프는 100%시험패스율을 보장합니다. Salesforce인증 Revenue-Cloud-Consultant-Accredited-Professional시험문제가 업데이트되면Salesforce인증 Revenue-Cloud-Consultant-Accredited-Professional덤프도 바로 업데이트하여 무료 업데이트서비스를 제공해드리기에 덤프유효기간을 연장해는것으로 됩니다.

  32. Your article has made a real difference to me, thank you! The C-S4CS-2508 exam cram pdf exam that helped me get promoted and earn a salary raise is available for you today at no charge. Hope you reach your career targets soon!

  33. 만약 아직도SAP C-THR87-2505시험패스를 위하여 고군분투하고 있다면 바로 우리 KoreaDumps를 선택함으로 여러분의 고민을 날려버릴 수 잇습니다, 우리 KoreaDumps에서는 최고의 최신의 덤프자료를 제공 합으로 여러분을 도와SAP C-THR87-2505인증자격증을 쉽게 취득할 수 있게 해드립니다. 만약SAP C-THR87-2505인증시험으로 한층 업그레이드된 자신을 만나고 싶다면 우리KoreaDumps선택을 후회하지 않을 것입니다, 우리KoreaDumps과의 만남으로 여러분은 한번에 아주 간편하게SAP C-THR87-2505시험을 패스하실 수 있으며,SAP C-THR87-2505자격증으로 완벽한 스펙을 쌓으실 수 있습니다,

  34. C_THR86_2505試験に合格することが、最高のキャリアの機会です。 関連する証明書の豊富な経験は、企業があなたの選択のために一連の専門的な空席を開くために重要です。 当社のウェブサイトのC_THR86_2505学習クイズバンクおよび教材は、選択したトピックに基づいて最新の質問と回答を検索します。 この選択は、あなたのキャリア全体の突破口となるので、C_THR86_2505スタディガイドの高い品質と正確性に驚かされるでしょう。

  35. I’m so grateful for your article, it was truly eye-catching and insightful. The Latest CCCS-203b exam sample test questions are free, and they’re the key to your next promotion!

  36. The article is very rich in content and has introduced me to many new perspectives. The DSA-C03 reliable test study guide material is top-notch, and I hope it assists you, with no cost involved.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *