Using computational techniques to study social influence online : Group Processes and Intergroup Relations

Cork, A. and Everson, R. and Levine, M. and Koschate, M. (2020) Using computational techniques to study social influence online : Group Processes and Intergroup Relations. Group Processes Intergroup Relat., 23 (6). pp. 808-826. ISSN 1368-4302

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Abstract

The social identity approach suggests that group prototypical individuals have greater influence over fellow group members. This effect has been well-studied offline. Here, we use a novel method of assessing prototypicality in naturally occurring data to test whether this effect can be replicated in online communities. In Study 1a (N = 53,049 Reddit users), we train a linguistic measure of prototypicality for two social groups: libertarians and entrepreneurs. We then validate this measure further to ensure it is not driven by demographics (Study 1b: N = 882) or local accommodation (Study 1c: N = 1,684 Silk Road users). In Study 2 (N = 8,259), we correlate this measure of prototypicality with social network indicators of social influence. In line with the social identity approach, individuals who are more prototypical generate more responses from others. Implications for testing sociopsychological theories with naturally occurring data using computational approaches are discussed.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Group Processes Intergroup Relat.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3315
Subjects:
?? computational social scienceidentity prototypemachine learningonline social influencesocial identity theorycommunicationsociology and political sciencecultural studies ??
ID Code:
149439
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
26 Nov 2020 15:45
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 21:06