Using Exponential Random Graph Models for Social Networks to Understand Meta-Communication in Digital Media

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

See pdf with detailed review

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear reviewer 1:

Greetings!

Much appreciated for the precious suggestions! They are very professional and precise. All the revisions regarding suggestions are made. The concrete content is as followed：

1: The explanation and presentation of the ERGMs are revised and more clarity is added to the statement and presentation. Concrete examples and statistics are added to aid the clarity.

 2: The type of article has been changed to a conceptual paper.

 3: The examples of data sets are added to explain the models brought up in this article.

 4: The figures of graphs are added to explain the different structures in models.

 5: The formation of social ties is changed to the occurrence of social ties, in order to explain more accurately.

 6: The availability of data is explained in the tables added.

 7: It is outlined why social network analysis is a viable method for investigating meta-communication. Social networks are the underlying structural systems that have been referred to as the structural aspects of all forms of communication, which is the core concept of meta-communication.

 8: The citation of literature has followed the template for authors.

 Thanks again for the suggestions that helped me with accuracy and clarity! 

Reviewer 2 Report

This is an excellent conceptual piece about how to analyze the effect digital media has on the communication process. As noted, this has been a largely neglected area of study. Thus, additional study, especially quantitative study is needed. This article may benefit from such additional research. However, this article does a good job of brokering the conversation and will spur others to join the conversation.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 2:

Warm greetings!

Your remarks are incredibly motivating and helpful to the research into the novel area of communication studies. Much appreciate your review!

All the best!

Reviewer 3 Report

Peer Review for “Using Exponential Random Graph Models for Social Networks to Understand Meta-Communication in Digital Media”

This paper examined exponential random graph model and discussed how to introduce the models to conducting meta-communication in digital media and to provide a preliminary understanding of its formation. This was a well structured and reasoned conceptual paper. The author(s)’ arguments were logical and could be adopted in real studies.

Based on the strengths and significance of this conceptual paper, I would like this to be published as it has the potential to extend the analytical tool and strategies in the toolbox of social network analysis.

I would like to thank the author(s) for a well conceptualised paper and the editors for given me the opportunity to review this manuscript.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 3:

Warm greetings!

Thank you for the recommendation of this conceptual paper, your precious support is so valuable to the author! Much appreciated!

All the best!