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More equal online: Study reveals people’s idealized self-representation on the internet

Researchers found a clear tendency for people to assign idealized attributes to their online avatars, particularly regarding psychological traits. This phenomenon suggests that internet users often present an idealized version of themselves, with significant differences between actual and ideal self-representations.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

Remote teaching during the pandemic disadvantages students in New Jersey’s lower-income school districts

A Rutgers study finds that remote teaching during the pandemic contributed to teacher and student stress, particularly in lower-income school districts where students faced inequities in online learning opportunities. The study highlights the need for targeted e-learning solutions and retrospective audits to address digital inequality.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateMay 18, 2022

Does presenting credibility labels of journalistic sources affect news consumption? New study finds limited effects

A new study by New York University's Center for Social Media and Politics found that labeling credible sources does not shift people away from low-quality information or reduce misperceptions. However, providing credibility indicators may improve the news diet quality of heavy misinformation consumers.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2022

Existing infrastructure will be unable to support future demand for high-speed internet

Researchers have found that the UK's existing copper network cables can support faster internet speeds, but only up to a certain frequency, and will not be able to support high-speed internet in the longer term. The study highlights the importance of investing in future technologies to make high-speed internet available to all.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

Ethical communication in the age of information

Researchers from Osaka University proposed a comprehensive ethical framework and practical guidance for communicating with research participants through the Internet. The framework addresses issues such as participant recruitment, informed consent, and data protection, aiming to improve future practice in medical research.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 20, 2022

ASMR fans are hypersensitive to the world

Research reveals that ASMR enthusiasts are hypersensitive to their environment, easily overstimulated by noise and movement. They also possess heightened bodily awareness, noticing physical changes when experiencing emotions.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2022

Teen internet usage associated with stress and suicidal ideation

A survey of nearly 30,000 Korean high school students found a strong association between non-academic internet usage and mental health issues such as stress and suicidal ideation. Students who spent more time online reported better health, reduced stress, and fewer feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2022

Smoking cessation drugs prescribed over the internet are as safe and effective as in-person treatment

A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that internet-based smoking cessation interventions using prescription pharmacotherapy were as effective as in-person clinical trials. Up to a third of participants achieved smoke-free status after 12 weeks, with quit rates substantially higher than unassisted attempts.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

A new digital gap in internet usage between rich and poor people has been detected

A new study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid researchers has detected a significant digital gap in internet usage between rich and poor people, with poorer areas consuming more social media and traditional news outlets. The study found that higher levels of education and purchasing power are associated with more traditional online m...

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 20, 2022

Internet use lessens extreme social isolation risk during COVID-19

A study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that increased internet use during COVID-19 lockdowns was associated with reduced risk of hikikomori, a state of marked social withdrawal. The research, which included participants from 45 countries, also highlighted an increased risk related to online gaming.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeCase study·DateJan 19, 2022

Machine learning models quantum devices

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a novel machine learning algorithm that allows for efficient and accurate verification of time-dependent quantum devices. The algorithm, inspired by quantum reservoir computing, leverages memory effects in these systems to improve verification efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2021

Extensive use of smartphones by parents might damage toddler’s development and have far-reaching consequences

A recent study from Tel Aviv University found that mothers' smartphone use reduces toddler interaction by a factor of four. Reduced interaction can have far-reaching consequences on child development, including language and social skills. The study also found no significant difference between browsing smartphones and reading magazines.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 15, 2021

Deeper defense against cyber attacks

A KAUST team developed an improved method for detecting malicious intrusions using deep learning, achieving accuracy rates of up to 99% in simulations of different kinds of attacks. This stacked deep learning approach promises an effective defense against cyberattacks and could prevent outages in critical infrastructure.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCluster Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021

Rural Bangladeshis turn to faith, family for fact-checking

A Cornell University study finds that rural Bangladeshi villagers rely on local experts, spiritual views and social justice to evaluate new coronavirus information. They use a five-part system called 'situated fact-checking' to assess claims, considering factors like the source's reputation and the community's sense of morality.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateNov 11, 2021

Adolescents are using social media to post about self-injury

Researchers found a significant rise in Instagram posts with hashtags related to self-injury, with nearly 110,000 posts in December compared to 58,000 at the start of 2018. The study also showed a connection between self-injury and depression, as well as suicide, highlighting the need for effective coping strategies and online monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal for the Advancement of Counselling·DateNov 10, 2021

UBCO researchers examine how e-cigarette users quit

A UBCO study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that negative health experiences and withdrawal symptoms are major barriers to quitting e-cigarettes. Gradual reduction methods, including tapering nicotine concentration and using distraction techniques, were preferred by over 65% of quitters.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

Study offers snapshot of celebs’ social media influence on COVID-19 info

A study published in the Atlantic Journal of Communication analyzed Instagram posts from 20 celebrity influencers about COVID-19 between March and May 2020. The researchers found that celebrities initially modeled guidance from health experts, normalizing suggested behaviors such as staying home and practicing hand hygiene.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAtlantic Journal of Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

Emergency food management sector ill-prepared for digital disaster management

The emergency food management sector is ill-prepared for digital disaster management due to the lack of effective digital tools. A recent study found that existing digital strategies have not been proven effective or tested, leaving personnel with no guidance on potential best practices and the impact of digital tools.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 15, 2021

New journal article examines vaccination misinformation on social media

A new study examines vaccination misinformation on social media, revealing that fear-provoking messaging fuels its spread. The research team developed predictive models to identify true and false information on Twitter, categorizing messages as positive or negative cause-effect statements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

At-risk teens may face increased online threats

Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Online searches may reduce predisposed belief in misinformation

A new analysis suggests that online searches can reduce belief in misinformation about Zainichi Koreans, particularly among those who were predisposed to believe it. However, participants showed an increase in negative feelings toward the group after conducting their searches, despite correction of specific misinformation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

New research: The internet does not turn people into trolls – it just makes real-life trolls more visible

A new study published in American Political Science Review finds that those prone to hostility in offline discussions are also hostile online. The researchers suggest that increasing the visibility of aggressive behavior online can exacerbate online hostility, rather than removing it through education or moderation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·TypeSurvey·DateAug 26, 2021

Internet CBT for depression reviewed and analyzed

An international study found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) is as effective as traditional CBT in treating mild to moderate depression, especially for the elderly. The study also identified harmful components of online treatments and emphasized the importance of regulating iCBT programs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2021