Weak Ties in Networked Communities

Internet and Social Movement Action Repertoires

“…The internet is a 'weak-tie instrument' par excellence (Kavanaugh et al 2005), as such it is able to attract easily and rapidly a large number of people to join an action or event. Walgrave et al (2008) have pointed to weak ties crossing movement and issue boundaries as an important asset for social movement actors expanding their mobilization potential.…”

Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? Internet Communication, Geographic Community, and Social Capital in Crisis

“…The Internet has the potential to bridge and expand social networks (Kavanaugh et al, 2005). One of the authors of this article ran a telephone response center for his university immediately after the storm.…”

“…However, Wellman, Haase, Witte, and Hampton (2001) discovered that online interaction supplements other interpersonal channels, such as face-to-face and telephonic communication, without increasing or decreasing their use. Kavanaugh, Reese, Carroll, and Rosson's (2005) exploration of the Internet's connection to social capital produced evidence that heavy Internet users with bridging ties (i.e., ties that link separate network groups) have higher degrees of social engagement, use the Internet for social purposes, and attend more local meetings.…”

The Perceived Role of ICTs in Quality of Life in Three Chinese Cities

“…It was found that there was a positive relationship between information technology and quality of life (Mundlorf 1994). Positive results of the Internet are also found in providing health information for breast cancer patients (Gustafson et al 2005), health officials and community residents (Eng 2005), enhancing social relations and face-to-face interaction (Kavanaugh et al 2005), providing a valuable means for social interaction and mental stimulation for older adults, as well as empowering individuals with severe functional impairments (Sandberg et al 2005).…”