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This article expands this line of work with a number of novel tests. First, it compares the predictive power of online versus offline network size on civic engagement. It then explores the role of strong-tie versus weak-tie discussion frequency and participatory behaviors. Finally, it examines the extent to which the contribution of network size, both online and offline, on civic engagement is mediated by discussion with weak ties. Using original survey data from a large national sample of U.S. adults, results indicate that (1) the relationships between online and offline network size and civic engagement are positive and fairly similar in strength, (2) weak-tie discussion is the strongest predictor of civic behaviors, (3) weak-tie discussion largely mediates the association between participation and network size online and offline, and (4) online networks entail greater exposure to weak ties than offline networks. <\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1177\/0093650210384984","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2010,12,10]],"date-time":"2010-12-10T01:19:11Z","timestamp":1291943951000},"page":"397-421","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/sage-journals-update-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":273,"title":["The Mediating Path to a Stronger Citizenship: Online and Offline Networks, Weak Ties, and Civic Engagement"],"prefix":"10.1177","volume":"38","author":[{"given":"Homero","family":"Gil de Z\u00fa\u00f1iga","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"University of Texas at Austin, Austin,"}]},{"given":"Sebasti\u00e1n","family":"Valenzuela","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"University of Texas at Austin, Austin"}]}],"member":"179","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2010,12,8]]},"reference":[{"key":"atypb1","volume-title":"Standard definitions: Final dispositions of case codes and outcome rates for surveys","author":"American Association of Public Opinion Research.","year":"2008"},{"issue":"1","key":"atypb2","first-page":"34","volume":"5","author":"Bachmann, I.","year":"2010","journal-title":"International Journal of Internet Science"},{"key":"atypb3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1146\/annurev.psych.55.090902.141922"},{"key":"atypb4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Bennett, W.L. 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