The Longitudinal Dimension of Social-Mediated Movements: Hidden Brokerage and the Unsung Tales of Movement Spilloverers

This study traces the retweet networks among a group of movement spilloverers spanning across five social-mediated movements (i.e., People’s Climate March, Women’s March, #GrabYourWallet, March for Our Lives, and #StoptheBans) and examines the longitudinal inter-movement dynamics. Our analysis reveals that movement spillover is a widespread phenomenon existing in ideologically compatible movements across issue areas and lasted over 5 years. We also found that movement spilloverers functioned as relationship brokers both within their original movement networks and across movements. We identified four types of brokers based on their movement memberships and flows of information, and explored the unique characteristics of these brokers. We found that itinerants and representatives are exceptionally influential among the general public and media, whereas coordinators commend considerable influence among politicians. Representatives are most effective when influencing the activist community. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.