Final answer:
Group moral is often higher when individuals are part of a strong-tie communication network, reinforcing commitment and trust within small, closely connected communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The moral of a group tends to be higher if the communication network is characterized by strong-tie connections among its members. Studies in high-risk activism, such as the civil rights movement, illustrate that strong-tie networks—where individuals have close relationships with one another—encourage members to stay engaged even in the face of danger. Smaller groups typically have these stronger connections, which facilitate coordination, trust, and engagement, leading to a more resilient moral. However, in larger groups, while the ability to attract attention and exert pressure increases, so does the risk of division and weakened cohesion.
Social capital plays a critical role in this dynamic; communities with higher social capital experience higher levels of trust in government and civic participation. Social media can help in building strong ties when they transcend online interactions and result in meetings in person, or when the interactions become frequent and intimate enough to form primary group status. On the other hand, social media may also create echo chambers through self-selection of friends, potentially leading to biased information and weakened moral if not balanced with diverse, direct relationships and critical examination of shared content.