Multidimensional Internet Connectedness and local civic engagement in the context of post-disaster Fukushima, Japan

This study examines Internet Connectedness and civic engagement in post-disaster Fukushima, Japan. Internet Connectedness encompasses the post-access digital divide, conceptualized through intensity, activity scope, centrality, and place scope. Guided by communication infrastructure theory, structur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCommunication monographs Vol. 91; no. 2; pp. 217 - 238
Main Authors Jung, Joo-Young, Kwesell, Allison, Mai, Lisi
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Routledge 02.04.2024
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
communication infrastructure theory
digital divide
Fukushima Japan
Internet Connectedness
social media civic engagement
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Summary:This study examines Internet Connectedness and civic engagement in post-disaster Fukushima, Japan. Internet Connectedness encompasses the post-access digital divide, conceptualized through intensity, activity scope, centrality, and place scope. Guided by communication infrastructure theory, structural equation modeling results indicate that individuals who engage in broader types of online activities and perceive the Internet as more central had stronger connections to their online neighborhood storytelling network (online ICSN). Higher online ICSN and a broader Internet activity scope led to increased civic engagement on social media, subsequently positively affecting offline civic engagement. The study results offer specific measures and guidelines for narrowing the digital divide and fostering residents' community engagement, which are likely to play essential roles in disaster preparedness and resilience.
ISSN:0363-7751
1479-5787
DOI:10.1080/03637751.2023.2279562