Twitter as Speech: An Analysis of the Tweets of Nebraska State Legislators

Advisor Information

Chin Chung Chao

Location

UNO Criss Library, Room 232

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Start Date

4-3-2016 10:00 AM

End Date

4-3-2016 10:15 AM

Abstract

Twitter is a new tool available for political communication. Early research has concentrated on categorical content analysis, however few researchers have looked at a theoretical component. Speech Act theory can be used to describe the messages contained in a tweet. Moreover framing theory tells us that messages can raise the salience of issues. This study conducts a content analysis of the Twitter accounts of Nebraska State Senators to discern how they are using this new communication tool, which speech acts are present and whether they are applying issue framing. Since Nebraska Senators run for the legislature in non-partisan elections, one would expect framing tweets to be used to convey their position on issues. Moreover, a study of state legislators expands the understanding of how Twitter is used in political communication on the state level.

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Mar 4th, 10:00 AM Mar 4th, 10:15 AM

Twitter as Speech: An Analysis of the Tweets of Nebraska State Legislators

UNO Criss Library, Room 232

Twitter is a new tool available for political communication. Early research has concentrated on categorical content analysis, however few researchers have looked at a theoretical component. Speech Act theory can be used to describe the messages contained in a tweet. Moreover framing theory tells us that messages can raise the salience of issues. This study conducts a content analysis of the Twitter accounts of Nebraska State Senators to discern how they are using this new communication tool, which speech acts are present and whether they are applying issue framing. Since Nebraska Senators run for the legislature in non-partisan elections, one would expect framing tweets to be used to convey their position on issues. Moreover, a study of state legislators expands the understanding of how Twitter is used in political communication on the state level.