Informational Sources, Social Media Use, and Race in the Flint, Michigan, Water Crisis

Ashleigh M. Day, Sydney O’Shay-Wallace, Matthew W. Seeger, Shawn P. McElmurry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Safe, clean water is necessary for health and well-being. Water issues affect minority and vulnerable populations at disproportionate rates, including the poor and racial and ethnic minorities. An investigation of the relationships of race, social media use, and informational sources during the municipal water crisis in Flint, Michigan, reflects an instrumental view of communication and uses and gratifications theory in this study. Data from 208 Flint residents in 2016 indicated that African American respondents favored interpersonal networks and resources and were more likely than other racial groups to obtain current information about the water crisis via Instagram. Preferred channels and sources to receive additional crisis information varied on the basis of race.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)352-376
Number of pages25
JournalCommunication Studies
Volume70
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 27 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Informational Sources
  • Social Media
  • Uses And Gratifications Theory
  • Water Crisis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication

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