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Self-Reported Versus Digitally Recorded: Measuring Political Activity on Facebook
[journal article]
Abstract Facebook has been credited with expanding political activity by simultaneously lowering barriers to participation and creating new ways to engage. However, many of these findings rely on subjects’ abilities to accurately report their Facebook use and political activity on the platform. This study co... view more
Facebook has been credited with expanding political activity by simultaneously lowering barriers to participation and creating new ways to engage. However, many of these findings rely on subjects’ abilities to accurately report their Facebook use and political activity on the platform. This study combines survey responses and digital trace data from 828 American adults to determine whether subjects over- or underreport a range of political activities on Facebook, including whether they like political pages or share news links. The results show that individuals underestimate their frequency of status posting and overestimate their frequency of sharing news links on Facebook. Political interest is associated with a decrease in underreporting several political activities, while increasing the likelihood of overreporting the frequency of sharing news links. Furthermore, political interest serves a moderating effect, improving self-reports for high-volume users. The findings suggest that political interest not only predicts political activity but also shapes awareness of that activity and improves self-reports among heavy users.... view less
Keywords
facebook; social media; political interest; political participation; measurement; data capture
Classification
Interactive, electronic Media
Methods and Techniques of Data Collection and Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Computer Methods
Free Keywords
digital trace data
Document language
English
Publication Year
2020
Page/Pages
p. 567-583
Journal
Social Science Computer Review, 38 (2020) 5
Issue topic
Integrating Survey Data and Digital Trace Data
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439318813586
ISSN
1552-8286
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications