Dual Impact of Tie Strength and Visibility of Action on Political Participation Types

Abstract

This study examines the combined effects of visibility of action and tie strength with digitally enabled social movement organizations on mobilizing supporters for high- and low-cost political action Survey findings from this study show that different dimensions of tie strength interact with cost and visibility of political action differently to influence future participation. The findings contribute to our theoretical understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to social media’s relationship with political participation and have practical implications for social movement organizers seeking to mobilize online supporters for different types of political action.