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Study: Teen bloggers show little risky behavior online

A study of 100 teen bloggers found that most used blogs to discuss positive activities like studying, spending time with family, and going to church. The teens' blog posts showed little evidence of risky behaviors, with only a few instances of complaining about boredom or feeling negative emotions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChild and Adolescent Social Work Journal·DateMar 24, 2010

Health stories by experts more credible than blogs

A study by Penn State researchers found that health information from doctors on websites is considered more credible than blogs. Participants were more likely to trust expert sources and act on their advice, with a greater emphasis on the role of editors in presenting accurate information.

SourcePenn State·JournalCommunication Research·DateFeb 5, 2010

Ghostwriting documents now fully available on PLoS Medicine Web site

The PLOS Medicine journal has made all 1500 ghostwriting documents publicly available, revealing a coordinated campaign by Wyeth and medical writing companies to promote hormone drugs. The editors call for action to eradicate ghost-writing, including retraction of papers and investigation by academic institutions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 21, 2009

If you're happy, then we know it

Researchers at the University of Vermont have created a 'hedonometer' that measures global happiness by analyzing millions of online blog posts. The study found that Election Day 2008 was the happiest day in four years, while the death of Michael Jackson was one of the unhappiest. The method uses a standardized scale to assign happines...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJul 24, 2009

Online ethics and the bloggers' code revealed

A recent study found that bloggers adhere to an ethical code based on standards journalists follow, with key principles including truth telling, accountability, and minimizing harm. However, the extent of their adherence depends on context and intended audience, highlighting the need for 'teeth' in ethics codes.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalNew Media & Society·DateJun 25, 2009

African-American blogs offer key health communications tool

A recent study found that African-American blogs provide a unique platform for discussing HIV and AIDS, allowing individuals to express themselves freely and anonymously. The researchers identified three key risk factors for the Black community: ineffective leadership, Black cultural practices, and individual behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateOct 2, 2008

In human grid, we're the cogs

Researchers from UC San Diego propose a grid system that utilizes human computation to label images and perform tasks for the benefit of others. The 'Soylent Grid' uses CAPTCHAs to engage humans in the loop, allowing for efficient data labeling and various applications such as assistive technology for visually impaired individuals.

Blog, Blog, Blog

The Navy is testing a blog as part of the Defense Acquisition Incentive-Net Centricity (RAI-NC) initiative to speed up the exchange of information on new defense technologies. The pilot program, developed by Traction Software, enables users to post proprietary data and distribute general information among team members.