Impact of Online Cross-Cutting Exposure on Political Participation & Social Anxiety

Abstract

This study suggests that more nuanced human relationships and interpersonal communication structures must be explored to understand users’ political actions better. Cross-cutting exposure influences users’ political participation such that disagreement from close ties is negatively associated with political participation. In contrast, conflict from weak links is positively related to political involvement. Users’ political participation and social anxiety are further strengthened when they are highly engaged with the disagreement from weak ties. With 83% of the respondents between 18-35 years of age, this study mainly represents the young lot's results. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on social media’s effectiveness and whether cross-cutting exposure encourages or discourages political participation. It also contributes to the literature on the differentiation between close ties and weak ties and the effects of disagreement from each. This study aids in political consultants' and campaign managers' understanding of the effects of communication on people’s political and psychological attitudes in various contextual and cultural settings.