Revisiting Communication Infrastructure Theory: A Meta-Analytical Approach to Understanding the Influence of Integrated Connectedness to a Neighborhood Storytelling Network

Communication infrastructure theory (CIT) posits that integrated connectedness to a community storytelling network (ICSN), which refers to individuals’ access to community communication resources and opportunities, positively affects civic engagement. We meta-analyzed this relationship with 23 studies (k = 28, N = 17,792) and found that the overall effect of ICSN on civic engagement was moderate (r = .38), with slightly different effect sizes for different types of civic engagement, including neighborhood belonging (r = .42), collective efficacy (r = .28), and civic participation (r = .41). The relationship was largely unaffected by moderators. Among ICSN components, interpersonal neighborhood storytelling was particularly influential in fostering neighborhood belonging and civic participation, while the three components (i.e., interpersonal neighborhood storytelling, local media connectedness, and participation in community organizations) contributed similarly to collective efficacy. We discuss the importance of neighborhood storytelling in fostering civic engagement and offer implications for theoretical advancement and practical applications.