Understanding and creating platforms for action in local communities

Abstract

Social media platforms offer opportunities for individuals to connect to a worldwide audience discussing subjects of direct relevance to them. Large networks of individuals are primarily driven through self-interest to engage in horizontal information-exchange, with a focus on the discussion of everything from music artists, through sports teams, to global events. Often individuals and organisations on social media platforms obtain social capital through the strength of their network of connections and through the amount of connections that they may have (Benkler, 2011; Damásio, 2011). Aside from the consideration of ‘global’, the same considerations can occur within local contexts, with residents discussing issues related to their geographic area, and improving their stock of social capital through their linkage to community figures. As noted recently (Valenzuela, 2013; Bowerbank, 2013) this localisation of conversation may contribute to widespread community action