2023/06/20 by Thomas N. Friemel, Christoph Neuberger · 1 voice · 2 citations
Social Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Social Media and Politics #Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence #Social and Cultural Dynamics
paper · pdf · doi:10.1093/ct/qtad003
openalex publication_date 2023/06/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Abstract This article proposes to conceptualize the public sphere as a dynamic network of actors and contents that are linked with each other by communicative actions. This perspective allows us to theoretically derive and empirically describe the entire range of small to large network structures and their evolution over time. First, we will define the elements of these networks, which include the actors, content, communicative actions, and content relations. Based on these entities, four communicative roles (producer, recipient, curator, isolate) will be distinguished. Second, we will summarize how these actors perceive the communicative situation and how they select from behavioral options. Third, we will show how this combines with the network dynamics and outcomes that are discussed in the different lines of research. This provides not only the basis for understanding the link between the communicative actions on the micro-level and macro-level structures, but also new avenues for normative discussions.