Face[book] Management: Self-Presentation of Political Views on Social Media |
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| Authors: | Rebecca A Hayes Andrew Smock Caleb T Carr |
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| Institution: | 1. Communication, Illinois State Universityrahayes@ilstu.edu;3. Communication, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh;4. Communication, Illinois State University |
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| Abstract: | This study explores Facebook users’ management behaviors related to their—and their friends'—political communication via social media, utilizing the concepts of context collapse and self-presentation. A new two-factor measure of Facebook management was developed, pilot tested (N = 139) and implemented in a survey utilizing a national sample (N = 352) of individuals aged 18–29. Results indicated Facebook users are not generally engaging in the strategic management of political disclosures or the political content to which they are exposed. However, as network sizes increase, participants engage in more disclosure behaviors and make greater efforts to manage content exposure. Additionally, participants with strong political beliefs engage in more Facebook management behaviors, possibly indicating an effort to limit cognitive dissonance. |
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| Keywords: | Cognitive Dissonance Face Management Political Communication Self-Presentation Social Network Sites |
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