Website content persistence and change: Longitudinal analysis of pro-white group identity

Analysis of text content from 28 sites collected annually from 2007 to 2012 showed that persistence was more likely for advocacy group identity, while examples of group goals were transient.

Abstract

Despite the ability of websites to quickly evolve, little attention has been paid to persistence and change in site content. Longitudinal examination of 163 pro-white advocacy group websites, in which establishing a core group identity is a critical strategic goal, showed a half-life of 2.40 years and 34% remained active after five years. Analysis of text content from 28 sites collected annually from 2007 to 2012 ( n = 1947) showed that persistence was more likely for advocacy group identity, while examples of group goals were transient. Content persistence trends reflect broader phenomena of ideologically oriented website persuasive material.