In France, 90% of the population now has access to the internet. Social science research shows that there has been a shift in the digital divide, moving from a first generation divide based on access to the internet to a second generation divide based on digital skills. While these two divides have decreased over the years, there is still a significant gap when it comes to expressing oneself in digital spaces, with differences in participation based on social class, gender, and age similar to those seen in the offline world.
A study conducted in 2016 by political science researcher Julien Boyadjian focused on individuals who comment on political news on social media platforms. These individuals, referred to as “political tweetos,” dedicate part or all of their online activity to political commentary. The study used a combination of quantitative methods, including surveys administered to over 600 respondents, and qualitative methods involving content analysis of Twitter accounts and semi-structured interviews with users.
The survey revealed that individuals who share political messages on Twitter are a fairly homogeneous group, consisting mostly of men, college graduates, residents of Paris, executives, frequent voters, and even political activists. These social characteristics contribute to a sense of legitimacy in discussing politics publicly, both online and offline. The majority of these individuals identify with left-wing political ideologies, though there has been a noted shift towards a more right-wing presence on the platform in recent years.
In order to account for the diversity of practices observed in the qualitative analysis, Boyadjian identified four ideal types. While not all accounts and users fit neatly into these types, they serve as a valuable tool for understanding the organization and potential polarization of the social world. This typological approach is common in social sciences and allows researchers to better categorize and analyze the behaviors and attitudes present within a given population.
Overall, the study highlights the complex dynamics at play in the realm of political commentary on social media platforms. While the digital divide in terms of access and skills has decreased, there are still notable differences in who participates and how they engage in online political discussions. Understanding these nuances is crucial for comprehending the evolving landscape of political discourse in an increasingly digital society.
