#DearCongress: A public letter

Elisabeth A. Montemurro, David Kamerer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

#DearCongress was prevalent within Twitter discourse during the 2013 U.S. government shutdown. The hashtag allowed a community to form by assembling around a common topic. What a group communicates through social networks cannot be separated from its context. This micro-analysis of #DearCongress utilizes discourse tracing through word clouds, guided by Bruns & Burgess’ concept of an ad hoc public. By looking at the commentary during a political and time stamped event, we can better understand the role discourse plays in group formation, evolution, and impact.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalSchool of Communication: Faculty Publications and Other Works
Volume21
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2016

Disciplines

  • Communication

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