Citation

Himelboim I. Commun. Res. 2011; 38(5): 634-659.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0093650210384853

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The goal of this study is to examine--theoretically and empirically--the implications of unrestricted, computer-mediated social interactions for civil society. Discussions of 207,419 participants in 35 newsgroups over 6 years are examined. Patterns of participation and attention attraction follow a power-law degree distribution--a highly skewed distribution--as is expected in large networks. Furthermore, analysis shows that these patterns are dependent on group size: The larger a group, the more skewed is its distribution. These patterns indicate hierarchical social structures that limit equality among participants and well-informed citizenry. The growth of discussions, which can empower civil society, is in fact making it more hierarchical.