Public spheres or echo chambers? Nonprofit E-advocacy and civic engagement on harm reduction policy in the U.S.

Abstract

This study examines how social media platforms shape drug policy advocacy by analyzing stakeholder engagement surrounding supervised consumption sites in New York City. While research has explored organizational use of social media for advocacy, less attention has focused on patterns of civic engagement and dialogue. Analyzing messages and comments from two opposing organizations—OnPoint NYC and Harlem East Block Association—over 24 months (2022–2023), we investigate whether social media-based drug policy advocacy creates public spheres for diverse dialogue or echo chambers of like-minded individuals. Through content and stakeholder analysis of 1,513 organizational messages and 428 user comments, we find that social media can function as a public sphere for policy discourse, though this depends on organizational approach. Evidence of substantial inter-organizational engagement suggests opportunities for coalition-building through social media advocacy. These findings enhance understanding of digital advocacy's role in policy discourse and provide insights for organizations seeking to effectively engage stakeholders through social media platforms.