A1 Journal article (refereed)
Platformed Interactions : How Social Media Platforms Relate to Candidate–Constituent Interaction During Finnish 2015 Election Campaigning (2020)

Nelimarkka, M., Laaksonen, S.-M., Tuokko, M., & Valkonen, T. (2020). Platformed Interactions : How Social Media Platforms Relate to Candidate–Constituent Interaction During Finnish 2015 Election Campaigning. Social Media and Society, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120903856

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Nelimarkka, Matti; Laaksonen, Salla-Maaria; Tuokko, Mari; Valkonen, Tarja

Journal or series: Social Media and Society

eISSN: 2056-3051

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 6

Issue number: 2

Publisher: Sage Publications

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120903856

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68458

Abstract

Interaction between candidates and constituents via social media is a well-studied domain. The article takes this research further through a synthesis with platform studies, emerging scholarship that applies a critical perspective to the role of digital platforms in society. Examination of candidate–constituent interaction via Twitter and Facebook during the 2015 Finnish parliamentary elections revealed that the types of interaction differ between the two platforms: Facebook was used for formal campaigning and for praising and expressing support, while Twitter was utilized for information and for seeking and sharing opinions. An additional finding is that interaction approaches may be platform-specific, with socio-emotional functions being employed more often by candidates than constituents on Facebook while no such difference existed for Twitter. On the basis of the implication that platforms have a critical role in the nature of candidate–constituent social media interaction, we discuss the implications of platformed interaction for the democratic process, suggesting that campaign strategy may exploit it in ways that may even necessitate regulation. Furthermore, scholars of social media interaction might need to consider the broader ramifications of the findings, and contributions to theory that acknowledge platforms’ part in interaction may be needed.

Keywords: election campaigns; communication; political communication; politicians; social interaction; social media

Free keywords: electoral campaigning; communicative functions; politicians; social interaction; social media

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1