Deep Dive: Attention, Network, Power

Attention, Network and Power

Attention: What is the quantity and quality of attention driving a specific Narrative Community? Which topics are garnering significant attention – and what kind of attention? Attention captures the intensity, visibility, emotional charge around the narrative. 

Quantitative signals include:

• Social media metrics such as shares, likes, comments, or mentions
• Search trends
• Hashtag velocity and longevity 
• Mentions in media 

Qualitative signals include: 

• Emotional tone (outrage, hope, fear, etc)
• Depth of engagement (just a “like” or actively remixing and debating?)

You might want to include not just current traction, but how attention has evolved over time: when a topic first emerged, how it gained momentum, key moments of amplification or suppression, and how it has shifted in framing across crises, movements, or media cycles.

Network: What is the social network that underlies the Narrative Community and how are actors related? This moves from exploring not just what is being said, but who is saying it and how they are connected. This involves mapping the connections and nodes within the Narrative Community.  Identify key individuals, organisations, influencers, institutions, platforms, and domains that are central to the narrative. This might include activists, social movements, media outlets, or funders. 

How is the information flowing and how influential are certain nodes in shaping the narrative? Network analysis often employs tools like social network analysis software to visualize and quantify these relationships.

Power: What is the influence, strength and centrality of the Narrative Community within the overall narrative space?

What is the influence and control exerted by various actors within the narrative space? 

• Quantity: Measure the volume of content or interactions produced by different nodes, providing a high-level view of who is most active or visible.
•  Unity: Evaluate how cohesive the members of the narrative community are in their views and messages. A higher degree of unity suggests a stronger, more influential narrative force.

Commitment: Look at the duration and consistency of engagement by narrative community actors. Long-term, consistent participation indicates a deep commitment to the narrative, enhancing its strength and resilience.