Civic Engagement among Early Internet Adopters: Trend or Phase?
Andrea L. Kavanaugh

TL;DR
This study investigates how early Internet adopters are more civically engaged than later adopters, suggesting that increased civic activity is a phase driven by early users rather than a long-term trend.
Contribution
It provides empirical evidence from four U.S. towns showing early adopters' higher civic engagement and the decline among later adopters, highlighting the phase nature of this trend.
Findings
Early adopters are more involved in civic activities.
Later adopters show less community and political engagement.
Internet's impact on civic engagement is primarily driven by early adopters.
Abstract
This paper brings evidence to bear on the question of the long-term effects of Internet diffusion on civic engagement in geographic communities. It draws on findings from survey data collected in four U.S. towns and cities in fall 2000 where community computer networking is established. The study shows that early adopters of the Internet are more likely to engage in civic activities and to have higher levels of community involvement than later adopters. Further, early adopters are more likely to use the Internet to increase their community involvement and political participation. Later adopters in all four sites show less involvement in their local community and less interest in political activity and information, online or offline. These findings reinforce those of the Kohut (1999) study showing that later adopters are less civic minded and more interested than early adopters in…
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Taxonomy
TopicsSocial Media and Politics · Social Capital and Networks · E-Government and Public Services
