Networked Locality

Drawing upon extensive nationwide research in Hungary, this volume investigates how social media platforms operate as new spaces for local political interaction, community-building, and public discourse, and assesses their implications for democratic practices. At its core, this work seeks to answer fundamental questions about the nature, scale, and impact of local political engagement online. Our analysis spans micro-level interactions among individuals, meso-level storytelling agents such as community pages and political figures, and the broader context in which these dynamics unfold. Particular attention is paid to the role of political considerations, especially to how the interests of national political actors are reflected in and serve to energize local, social media-based publics. By offering detailed insights into Hungary's local social media landscape, it provides a broader understanding of the evolving role digital platforms play in shaping contemporary civic life, ultimately informing discussions about the future of community and political engagement in an increasingly digital world.

Márton Bene is a Research Professor at the HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences in Budapest and an Assistant Professor at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest. He leads the MTA–HUN-REN CSS Lendület "Momentum" PRiSMa Research Group. His research focuses on political communication, social media and politics, and political behavior.
Gábor Dobos is a political scientist. He currently serves as a Research Fellow at the HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences and as a Senior Research Fellow at Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary. His research interests include local politics, constitutional adjudication, and political institutions.