The Mediating Path to a Stronger Citizenship: Online and Offline Networks, Weak Ties, and Civic Engagement

TLDR

Studies of citizen communication networks date back to the 1940s, mainly focusing on political rather than civic activities. The study tests whether online and offline network size predict civic engagement, examines the influence of strong‑ versus weak‑tie discussion, and assesses whether weak‑tie discussion mediates the network–engagement link. Using original survey data from a large national sample of U.S. adults, the authors compare online and offline network size, analyze strong‑ and weak‑tie discussion frequency, and evaluate mediation by weak‑tie discussion.

Abstract

Empirical studies of citizen communication networks and participation go as far back as the 1940s, with a bolder focus in political—not civic—activities. A consistent finding reveals that individuals with larger networks are more engaged than those with smaller networks. This article expands this line of work with a number of novel tests. First, it compares the predictive power of online versus offline network size on civic engagement. It then explores the role of strong-tie versus weak-tie discussion frequency and participatory behaviors. Finally, it examines the extent to which the contribution of network size, both online and offline, on civic engagement is mediated by discussion with weak ties. Using original survey data from a large national sample of U.S. adults, results indicate that (1) the relationships between online and offline network size and civic engagement are positive and fairly similar in strength, (2) weak-tie discussion is the strongest predictor of civic behaviors, (3) weak-tie discussion largely mediates the association between participation and network size online and offline, and (4) online networks entail greater exposure to weak ties than offline networks.