scholarly journals The Internet, social networking Web sites and political participation research: Assumptions and contradictory evidence

First Monday ◽  
2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isidoropaolo Casteltrione
Keyword(s):  
Political Participation ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Political Activity ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
The Impact

Over the last decade there has been a proliferation of academic studies addressing the relationship between the Internet and politics, with an increasing number of publications focusing on the impact of such a medium on political participation. Within this specific sub-field research has produced contrasting evidence and generated an intense academic debate. Some scholars stressed the positive impact of the Internet on political participation (i.e., optimists), while others minimised its mobilising power, emphasising its tendency to reinforce existing participatory trends (i.e., normalisers) or highlighting its limited or even negative influence on political participation (i.e., pessimists). Similar findings also emerged in relation to social networking Web sites (SNSs), digital platforms that have been the subject of much research in recent years. This paper discusses how two assumptions characterising many studies focusing on the Internet, SNSs and political participation have contributed to the contradictory findings produced by optimists, pessimists and normalisers. The first assumption is the consideration of political participation as an activity aimed exclusively at affecting governments’ actions, either directly or indirectly. This conceptualisation has arguably prevented scholars from grasping the multidimensional nature of political participation and from assessing how the influence of the Internet on this phenomenon can vary according to the different types of political activity. The second assumption is the perception of the Internet as a homogeneous platform and an over-generalised notion of Internet usage. This, in turn, has led researchers to concentrate on the online/off-line distinction and to overlook the impact of different digital tools and various usage practices. This paper argues for a shift in the ways political participation, Internet and SNSs usage are conceptualised and operationalised in academia. It suggests moving away from the polarised debate between optimists, pessimists and normalisers, and adopting a more differential approach through which examining the effects of digital technologies on political participation.

scholarly journals To Trust Or Not To Trust: The Impact Of WebTrust On The Perceived Trustworthiness Of A Web Site

2001 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Portz ◽  
Joel M. Strong ◽  
Larry Sundby
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Commerce ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Private Information ◽  
Web Site ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Computer Experiment ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Certified Public Accountants ◽  
Assurance Services ◽  
The Impact

Despite the explosive growth of electronic commerce, many individuals are still reluc-tant to conduct business transactions on the Internet. Individuals may mistrust sending private information over the Internet or they may have concerns about the existence, performance, standing, and integrity of online businesses. In direct response to these concerns, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has developed an electronic commerce assurance service called WebTrust which is intended to improve the consumer's confidence in the process and the quality of information disclosed on vendor web sites. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the effectiveness of WebTrust by examining the influence of WebTrust on consumers' perceptions of a web site's trustworthiness. The question is investigated through a computer experiment. The results of this study are very encouraging for electronic commerce assurance services in general, and the WebTrust service in particular. Evidence is found that the presence of WebTrust on a web site has a positive impact on the perceived trustworthiness of the website. The results also show that knowledge of WebTrust plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between perceived trustworthiness and the presence of WebTrust. When subjects have prior knowledge of WebTrust they perceive a web site with WebTrust to be more trustworthy than a web site without whereas, the presence of WebTrust has no impact when subjects are uneducated about the WebTrust assurances. Also, when WebTrust is present, subjects with knowledge of WebTrust are more confident in the web site than those without knowledge of WebTrust. When WebTrust is not present, knowledge subjects are more unsure of a web site without WebTrust than those without knowledge.

Political activities on the Internet: Slacktivism or political participation by other means?

First Monday ◽  
2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Serup Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Political Participation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Real Life ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Political Activities ◽  
Internet Activism ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Life Impact ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Political Decisions

The impact of the Internet on political participation has been a debated issue in recent decades. Internet activities have been criticized for being slacktivism, where the real life impact of the activities is limited; the main effect is to enhance the feel-good factor for the participants. This article examines whether this accusation is valid. It does so by examining two aspects of Internet campaigns: Whether they are effective in affecting real life political decisions, and whether Internet activism substitutes traditional forms of off-line participation. Although it is not possible to determine a consistent impact of Internet campaigns on real-life decisions, there is no evidence of the substitution thesis. If anything, the Internet has a positive impact on off-line mobilization. Accordingly, there is little evidence to support the accusation of Internet campaigns being slacktivism. It is at worst harmless fun and can at best help invigorate citizens.

THE IMPACT OF SERVICE QUALITY ON BRAND LOYALTY OF DTAC SELULER SERVICE USERS

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Debby Arisandi
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Main Research ◽  
The Impact

<p>Purpose- In the GSM seluler telephony sector, the main condition for protecting the subscriber base is to win customer to be loyalty, a key necessity for the maintenance of a brand loyalty in the long term. To achieve this aim, service quality must be measured and identified. This paper’s aim is to measure the effects of service quality towards brand loyalty on DTAC seluler service provider. This study will explore the relationship between service quality and brand loyalty in the seluler service industry.</p><p>Design/methodology/approach- The main research target sample covered 200 seluler phone users in Prince of Songka University, Hatyai campus. Field research was conducted. The questionnaire was formed by a synthesis of existing constructs in relevant literature. Reliability tests, descriptive statistic, and regressions analyses were performed to both confirm scale reliability and answer the research questions. The data were analysed by moderated regression analysis to test the hypotheses.</p><p>Findings- The findings of this study show that an overall service quality directly affects brand loyalty. Network quality, customer service, pricing structure and billing system are the service quality dimensions that have significant positive influence on brand loyalty, which in turn has a significant positive impact on brand loyalty 43,5%. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in winning customer loyalty.</p><p>Originality/value- It is of great importance for seluler operators in a mature market such as that of Thailand, to understand what the drivers of brand loyalty are. The present study produced useful findings, which can be utilized by seluler service provider managers, in their effort to develop and implement successful brand loyalty strategies. With respect to the findings, pricing structure has the most importance than others dimensions of service quality which provides positive outcomes on brand loyalty, not only in the present but also in the future. So, the effect of pricing structure on brand loyalty becomes greater than the effect of others dimenstions of service quality. Therefore, any GSM operator who wishes to preserve its existing subscriber base should concentrate on winning its subscribers’ loyalty, especially for DTAC.</p>Keywords- Seluler Services, Brand Loyalty, Service Quality

Citizen Deliberation Online

2019 ◽  
pp. 689-712
Author(s):  
Patrícia Rossini ◽  
Jennifer Stromer-Galley
Keyword(s):  
Political Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
The Core ◽  
Political Conversation ◽  
Political Talk ◽  
Citizen Deliberation ◽  
The Impact

Political conversation is at the heart of democratic societies, and it is an important precursor of political engagement. As society has become intertwined with the communication infrastructure of the Internet, we need to understand its uses and the implications of those uses for democracy. This chapter provides an overview of the core topics of scholarly concern around online citizen deliberation, focusing on three key areas of research: the standards of quality of communication and the normative stance on citizen deliberation online; the impact and importance of digital platforms in structuring political talk; and the differences between formal and informal political talk spaces. After providing a critical review of these three major areas of research, we outline directions for future research on online citizen deliberation.

scholarly journals The Utilization of Digital Platforms for Marketing in the Nigerian Entertainment and Media (E&M) Industry: Prospects and Challenges

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Nelson Obinna Omenugha
Keyword(s):  
Power Supply ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
The Internet ◽  
National Bureau ◽  
Network Infrastructure ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
The Government ◽  
Analogue To Digital ◽  
Economic Need ◽  
The Impact

The National Bureau of Statistics recently announced that the entertainment and media (E&M) industry in Nigeria recorded growth of 1.86% to 12.81%; contributing N54bn to the country’s GDP. The industry’s revenue is projected to reach an estimated $8.5bn in 2018, from $4bn in 2013, with internet as one of the key drivers (PwC report, 2016, p.14). This comes at a time when Nigeria’s economy has shrunk by 2.24% since 2015 and receded by 0.18% from the previous quarter. Therefore, this study unpacks the possibilities and challenges of the impact of e-marketing tools on the growth of the Nigerian E&M industry. E-marketing tools provide “a unique combination of powerful capabilities for marketers” (Parsons et al., 2015). E-marketing suitability for the E&M industry lies in its lower capital demand, and a convenient and online means of disseminating marketing messages across a heterogeneous population at an unlimited geographical space. E-marketing is a reality in Nigeria as a study by Mathew, Ogedebe & Ogedebe (2013, p. 549) shows that “Many Nigerians who used (sic) the internet as one form of communication or another are bombarded daily with advertisements of products and services from industries in the country.” This reality has brought a shift from mechanical to electronic and from analogue to digital; ultimately impacting the marketing realms. The internet enables these electronic/digital platforms; which marketers (E&M industry) and customers (content consumers) rely on to effectively reach and receive communication content and feedback respectively.  However, this study examined the challenges that have possibly hindered the full realization of the e-marketing tools of the Nigerian E&M industry and noted among others; poor power supply and unreliable network infrastructure in the country. There is also an increased customer expectation, security, content copyright and privacy issues as well as the challenge of compliance demand in the industry as influenced by ever dynamic digital boundaries. There is a huge economic need for the Nigerian government to live up to its obligation and enhance power supply and boost network infrastructure. The Nigerian E&M industry needs to continually integrate different digital platforms to reach targets and attract more content consumers. Both the government and industry should increasingly learn and bring a global perspective that can help the nation adapt to the constantly changing digital environment.

Web Sites for Young Children: Gateway to Online Social Networking?

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 2156759X0901300
Author(s):  
Sheri Bauman ◽  
Tanisha Tatum
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
School Counselors ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
21St Century Skills ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Social Networking ◽  
Basic Information ◽  
Developmental Issues

Traffic on Web sites for young children (ages 3-12) has increased exponentially in recent years. Advocates proclaim that they are safe introductions to the Internet and online social networking and teach essential 21st-century skills. Critics note developmental concerns. In this article, we provide basic information about Web sites for young children, discuss developmental issues, and make recommendations for school counselors to be proactive and aware of the advantages and dangers inherent in these sites.

scholarly journals The Role of Internet and SEO in Branding Destinations: Case of Albania as a New Destination in Balkans

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-52
Author(s):  
Ermelinda Kordha Tolica ◽  
Klodiana Gorica ◽  
Vjollca Hysi Panajoti ◽  
Elenica Pjero
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Target Market ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Destination Branding ◽  
New Destination ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The Development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has recently been changing almost every aspect of society and economy. Within the new technologies, Internet with has impacted the interactivity between people and the variety of products and brands. When the discussion is not simply about a common product/service, but about a tourist destination, the concepts of marketing and ICTs are even more intertwined. An important aspect of tourist destination marketing is its branding. Destination Branding concept is very important because it make possible for a destination to differentiate from competitors through an unique name and identification in the perception that the target market will have. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact that Internet has in destination branding, especially for relatively new destinations. The role of Internet is present through a variety of tools, such as web-sites, e-mail, social networks, blogging etc. We will bring the Albanian Case as a new destination to illustrate how the use of Internet and its related tools has helped in constructing a good brand image. Nowadays people find themselves firstly searching for information online about the destinations they want to visit, through Internet and the various platforms, so they are becoming very important as means for branding a destination. Many Internet elements can make a difference in branding if included as needed in the e-marketing strategy of companies that are making the important work about destination branding. The most important elements that have a positive impact in Albania, are content and keywords of Websites and a good level of sharing with social media. While there is much more to do with forms such as blogging, very important tools in SEO and the use of the right elements to raise brand awareness and differentiation.

Perception and Uses of Social Networking Sites by Undergraduate Students in Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Posigha Bassil Ebiwolate ◽  
Ojohwoh Rose
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Social Relation ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Academic Learning ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
The Impact

This study investigates the perception and use of social networking sites among undergraduate students in Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The main purpose of the study is ascertained the popularly used SNS, the purpose of using the SNSs, the perception of students towards SNSs and identity the impact of the use of SNSs by the undergraduate students. The study adopted descriptive research. The population of the study is 300 registered undergraduate students of Niger Delta University Library. Questionnaire was used to collected data. The result shows that Facebook, Google and WhatsApp are the popularly used social networking sites. Social relation, academic learning activities, sharing of information, etc. are the purpose of using social networking sites. The findings also revealed positive perception towards the use of social networking sites and, positive impact of using social networking sites. Arising from the findings some recommendations were made.

Web 2.0 Social Networking Technologies and Strategies for Knowledge Management

2013 ◽  
pp. 84-102
Author(s):  
Edward Chen
Keyword(s):  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Modern Enterprise ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Business Setting ◽  
Youtube Videos ◽  
Networking Technologies ◽  
Rss Feeds ◽  
The Impact

This chapter discusses the Internet phenomenon known as Web 2.0. It explores Internet use, Internet users, and the continuous improvements being made to the Internet. The purpose of this chapter is to explain the impact that social networking has on the modern enterprise; particularly, when it comes to collaboration and knowledge sharing. The growth trajectory of Web 2.0 software such as social networking, blogs, tags, RSS feeds, wikis, YouTube videos, and widgets are presented, and each component is outlined in detail. Each application is also applied to a practical business setting. The benefits and challenges of each application are discussed, and examples of organizations that are implementing Web 2.0 strategies are presented. Some limitations and concerns of Web 2.0 are discussed. The chapter concludes with an examination of the implications of Web 2.0 on companies and their business and marketing strategies.

Social Media, Surgeons, and the Internet: An Era or an Error?

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 555-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Azu ◽  
Elizabeth J. Lilley ◽  
Aparna H. Kolli
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Primary Care Setting ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Research Corporation ◽  
Physician Rating ◽  
Access Information ◽  
The Impact

According to the National Research Corporation, 1 in 5 Americans use social media sites to obtain healthcare information. Patients can easily access information on medical conditions and medical professionals; however physicians may not be aware of the nature and impact of this information. All physicians must learn to use the Internet to their advantage and be acutely aware of the disadvantages. Surgeons are in a unique position because, unlike in the primary care setting, less time is spent developing a long-term relationship with the patient. In this literature review, we discuss the impact of the Internet, social networking websites, and physician rating websites and make recommendations for surgeons about managing digital identity and maintaining professionalism.

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