Call for papers: “Social Media and Political Action” special issue of Online Information Review

A call for papers has been posted for a special issue of Online Information Review on “Social Media and Political Action.” Initial versions of papers are due by November 1st.

This special issue of Online Information Review seeks to contribute to the debate on the growing importance of online social media in the political process. This issue is intended to offer a broad overview of the current state of the impact of the new communication protocols by compiling a set of narrowly focused contributions. In doing so, the issue is intended to further the debate on whether social media has generated a major paradigm change in governance and political participation.

Specifically, the editors are interested in papers (up to 8,000 words) asking questions about the consequences of social media for the various stakeholder groups, including voters, interest groups, parties, elected officials, political institutions and the general public. These papers can consider the impact of the new communication protocols on single countries or across borders. Both institutional as well as individual level work is also encouraged. The work can address the areas of institutional change, campaigning, group formation, ideology, participation, unrest and general political behavior.

Initial submissions are due November 1st, with decisions made December 15th and revised papers due January 30th, 2016. Please contact issue guest editors Kevin Wagner (Florida Atlantic University) and Jason Gainous (University of Louisville) if you have any questions or queries, and review the full call for papers on the Emerald site for full details.