Dynamic Spirals put to Test

Author(s)
Hyunjin Song, Hajo Boomgaarden
Abstract

Within the context of partisan selective exposure and attitude polarization, this study investigates a mutually reinforcing spiral model, aiming to clarify mechanisms and boundary conditions that affect spiral processes—interpersonal agreement and disagreement, and the ebb and flow of message receptions. Utilizing agent-based modeling (ABM) simulations, the study formally models endogenous dynamics of cumulative processes and its reciprocal effect ofmedia choice behavior over extended periods of time. Our results suggest that interpersonal discussion networks, in conjunction with election contexts, condition the reciprocal effect of selective media exposure and its attitudinal consequences. Methodologically, results also highlight the analytical utility of computational social science approaches in overcoming the limitations of typical experimental and observations studies.

Organisation(s)
Department of Communication
Journal
Journal of Communication
Volume
67
Pages
256–281
No. of pages
26
ISSN
0021-9916
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcom.12288
Publication date
04-2017
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
508007 Communication science
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Social Sciences (miscellaneous), Communication, Language and Linguistics, Linguistics and Language
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/47c90949-fcd4-4308-a5df-683e34553d77