Beyond just politics: A systematic literature review of online participation

Authors

  • Christoph Lutz University of St. Gallen
  • Christian Pieter Hoffmann University of St. Gallen
  • Miriam Meckel University of St. Gallen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v19i7.5260

Keywords:

Participation, Internet, Social Media, Literature Review, Engagement

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the current state–of–research on online participation. The review draws on four databases and is guided by the application of six topical search terms. The analysis strives to differentiate distinct forms of online participation and to identify salient discourses within each research field. We find that research on online participation is highly segregated into specific sub–discourses that reflect disciplinary boundaries. Research on online political participation and civic engagement is identified as the most prominent and extensive research field. Yet research on other forms of participation, such as cultural, business, education and health participation, provides distinct perspectives and valuable insights. We outline both field–specific and common findings and derive propositions for future research.

 

Author Biographies

Christoph Lutz, University of St. Gallen

Christoph Lutz is a PhD student in media and communication at the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland). His dissertation focuses on online participation and his other research interests include social media in science and public administration, online privacy and trust, and digital serendipity. 

Christian Pieter Hoffmann, University of St. Gallen

Christian Hoffmann is an assistant professor at the Institute for Media and Communications Management, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration Zurich. His research is focused on online communication, social media and political communication.

Miriam Meckel, University of St. Gallen

Miriam Meckel is a professor for communication management and director of the Institute for Media and Communications Management, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Her research focuses on online communication, social media, corporate communications and the transformation of journalism.

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Published

2014-06-28

How to Cite

Lutz, C., Hoffmann, C. P., & Meckel, M. (2014). Beyond just politics: A systematic literature review of online participation. First Monday, 19(7). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v19i7.5260