Multidimensional Internet Connectedness and local civic engagement in the context of post-disaster Fukushima, Japan

This study examines Internet Connectedness and civic engagement in post-disaster Fukushima, Japan. Internet Connectedness encompasses the post-access digital divide, conceptualized through intensity, activity scope, centrality, and place scope. Guided by communication infrastructure theory, structural equation modeling results indicate that individuals who engage in broader types of online activities and perceive the Internet as more central had stronger connections to their online neighborhood storytelling network (online ICSN). Higher online ICSN and a broader Internet activity scope led to increased civic engagement on social media, subsequently positively affecting offline civic engagement. The study results offer specific measures and guidelines for narrowing the digital divide and fostering residents' community engagement, which are likely to play essential roles in disaster preparedness and resilience.

Automated summary

This study examines the Internet Connectedness and civic engagement in post-disaster Fukushima, Japan. The results of the study show that a broader Internet activity scope and perceiving the Internet as more central are positively related to stronger connections to online neighborhood storytelling networks and increased civic engagement on social media, subsequently affecting offline civic engagement. The study provides specific measures and guidelines for narrowing the digital divide and fostering community engagement, which are important for disaster preparedness and resilience.