Articles tagged with Mass Media
A new framework for classifying content and trigger warnings has been developed based on analysis of 32 countries and 10 different sectors. The framework categorizes warnings by theme (e.g. violence, language) and media type.
Research reveals a 23% increase in online incivility among Congresspeople from 2009-2019, with more inflammatory tweets receiving more likes and retweets. Politicians who received reinforcing feedback from likes and retweets subsequently engaged in more uncivil tweeting.
The partnership between pharma companies and patient influencers has raised concerns about the potential risks and benefits. While some see it as a way to improve disease awareness and treatment options, others worry about misinformation and advertising blurring the lines between opinion and ad content.
A Simon Fraser University study found that Google's autocomplete subtitles for 37 conspiracy theorists were never consistent with their behavior. The labels often normalized individuals who spread misinformation and harm to minority groups. Researchers call for Google to review these subtitles to better inform the public.
A new study by researchers from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that exposure to alternative health media can affect beliefs about consequential health-care issues like vaccination. After Dr. Mehmet Oz endorsed the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine on a March 2019 episode of “The Dr. Oz Show,” significantly more people in hi...
A review of almost 200 studies spanning 15 years reveals large gaps in understanding how to use social media for crisis communication efforts. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to assess crisis communications on a global scale.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that US journalists' tweets from the 2016 campaign trail employed more emotive and informal language compared to traditional news articles. This reliance on intuition and past anchoring biases suggests a cognitive bias in word choices.
Researchers found that smartphone app usage patterns can be used to identify individuals with over 30% accuracy. The study analyzed data from 780 people and showed consistent patterns in application usage behaviors on a day-to-day basis. This highlights the potential risks to privacy when using apps automatically collected by smartphones.
A new study by the University of Edinburgh suggests that social media bots pose less of a threat to spreading harmful messages and misinformation. Bots were found to have very limited relation to users' stance on different topics, making up less than 10% of accounts affecting users' views.
A survey of over 1,100 people in the US found that lack of COVID-19 testing availability increases intentions for risky behavior, potentially leading to increased transmission. Participants with negative tests showed greater intention to engage in behaviors facilitating viral transmission.
A study by North Carolina State University found that image complexity drives consumer engagement on Instagram. The researchers identified six measures of image complexity and developed a model to determine which combination generates the most positive feedback.
New research shows radio dramas can shift behavioral intentions, beliefs, and attitudes toward violent extremism. Experimental studies found that participants who listened to fictional radio dramas increased prioritization of addressing violent extremism and reduced justification of violence.
A new study found that news media amplified rather than rectified misleading health information from TV personality Dr. Oz, resulting in the further spread of misinformation. The researchers called for government oversight to lessen the risk of spreading inaccuracies.
A USC study found that people whose moral beliefs align closely with their online community are more prone to radicalization, posting hate-speech messages. The research also replicated findings in another extremist network on Reddit, highlighting the role of morality in fueling online radicalization.
An analysis of Germany, Sweden, and the UK's handling of the COVID-19 crisis found that a lack of transparency around policy decisions, mixed messaging, and increased questioning of government legitimacy fueled public distrust. The study suggests that crisis preparedness and resilience framing should encompass governance structures tha...
A new study by MIT researchers finds that video clips have a modestly larger impact on political persuasion than the written word, but only by one-third. Participants were more likely to believe events occurred when shown in a video, but this advantage was limited to changing attitudes and behavior.
A study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that governments downplay pandemic severity if they prioritize economy over public health, while exaggerating it when prioritizing public health. The researchers suggest transparent information policies are key for balanced objectives.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that universities are increasingly using social media metrics to claim impact in research, despite this being a 'naïve and problematic' grasp of the concept. This is linked to institutional isomorphism, where organisations imitate each other's approaches to uncertain goals.
A study found that search engines like Yandex and Google often display inaccurate information about health treatments, including false claims about remedy effectiveness. The researchers argue that clearer warnings about possible health risks are needed for medical queries.
A Boston University researcher found that while many climate deniers are receptive to disinformation, some are also open to the science. Her study suggests that engaging with individuals most vulnerable to climate disinformation is crucial in stopping its spread.
The study investigates popular music's influence on everyday life and its embedding in cinema, tracing the lives of musicians like Franz Grothe under Nazi rule. It also explores the evolution of marching rhythms and swing elements in German popular music during this period.
A new study found that scientists who present their own work in science videos are perceived as having more expertise and being more trustworthy than third-party presenters. The study also showed that first-person accounts can humanize the science and make it more relatable to a wider audience.
A study published in the Journal of Marketing found that complimenting a competitor can increase a brand's reputation and sales, particularly among skeptical consumers. The tactic is most effective when done strategically and authentically, signaling a brand's warmth and trustworthiness.
A study of former journalists found that those who left their jobs voluntarily reported positive well-being and relief, while those who were laid off experienced depression, shock, and financial difficulties. The study also found that the skills honed as a journalist are highly transferable to new careers.
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.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Bristol found that exposure to false tweets about e-cigarettes' harm can deter adult smokers from quitting. The study recruited 2,400 UK and US adults who were not using e-cigarettes and showed them different health-related information on Twitter.
A new University of Central Florida study found that using deadline-ism messaging in climate change communications increases perceptions of the threat and support for government action. Participants who read articles with deadlines supported more political climate change action than those without deadlines.
A new study by MIT researchers found that crowdsourced accuracy judgments from groups of normal readers can be virtually as effective as the work of professional fact-checkers. The study deployed 1,128 U.S. residents who rated news stories and found that their average ratings correlated with those of professional fact-checkers.
QUT researchers identified external recognition and professional development as crucial strategies for getting shortlisted. Applicants with earned professional recognition or awards were four times more likely to be shortlisted than those without such recognition.
A new study found that a digital marketing campaign increased the number of vehicles fixed due to recalls, with a positive impact for airbag inflator-related recalls. The campaign also improved recall compliance for older vehicles, highlighting the effectiveness of digital tools in facilitating consumer access to relevant information.
A new study found that men are over-cited and women are under-cited in Communication journals, with papers authored by men showing a 14% overcitation rate compared to papers authored by women, who are under-cited by 20%. The researchers propose tools to help academics evaluate their citation practices and promote gender equality.
The first research to be simultaneously co-published in an academic journal and on Instagram showcases the meaning and aesthetic value of Mohammed Racim's work, challenging his depiction as backward-looking. Professor William Gallois' research uses high-quality images to present Racim's artistic style, previously under-recorded.
A study found that watching meaningful films like 'Hotel Rwanda' can make people feel more prepared to deal with life's challenges. These films are associated with positive reactions such as feeling a sense of purpose and being motivated to pursue significant goals. The key elements of these films, including poignancy and emotional ran...
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that providing users with the option to adjust privacy and content settings on Amazon Alexa does not necessarily increase their trust in the platform. In fact, for power users, it can have an unfavorable effect. However, customizing content increased trust among sensitive users.
New research from Ohio State University finds a fundamental flaw in Bluetooth Low Energy devices' communication with mobile apps, leaving them vulnerable to fingerprinting attacks and unauthorized access. The study identified over 5,800 Bluetooth devices, with 94.6% of them able to be 'fingerprinted' and 7.4% vulnerable to hacking.
A recent study by University at Buffalo researcher Janet Yang found that fear and anger have distinct effects on how conservatives and liberals process information about elections and climate change. Fear was linked to a systematic approach to information processing, while anger was associated with higher perceived knowledge of climate...
Most American preppers are influenced by mass media and government fears, preparing for short to medium-term disasters and believing society will recover afterwards. The culture of fear in the US since 9/11 and official recommendations from FEMA have contributed to this response.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a spatially adaptive broadcast system that enables broadcasters to adapt their geographical coverage in real-time, reducing energy consumption by up to 35%. This technology has the potential to improve the energy efficiency of wireless and broadcast networks.
Drexel researchers found the New York Times' coverage of PTSD from 1980 to 2015 neglected civilian and non-military cases, negatively framing the disorder. This narrow focus can inhibit awareness about PTSD resilience and recovery, and constrain discourse on social determinants of traumatic stress.
Researchers found that simplified EULAs with separate pages and bullet points led to increased comprehension and a better attitude among users. This 'halo effect' enhances goodwill, transparency, and online safety for consumers concerned about privacy and security.
Research suggests that personal anxiety and mass media coverage interact to determine what people remember about a disease. The study found that selective media coverage can cause people to forget certain health facts, particularly those related to symptoms.
E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly available in low- and middle-income countries, where they pose a significant public health risk. The devices may produce known carcinogens and carry the potential for addiction, exacerbating cardiovascular disease and lung problems.
Researchers examined how people interacted with various web navigation tools to find that interactive tools can shape user perceptions of website content. Participants preferred simple clicking and mouse-over tools over more complex features like the 3D carousel.
Researchers found that interactive tools can boost persuasiveness of websites, particularly modality interactivity, which absorbs users and limits thoughts, while message interactivity increases thoughts and promotes positive attitudes towards the message.
Researchers found that displaying a user's interaction history on a website can offer a sense of conversation, making it more engaging than traditional websites. This approach also fosters positive attitudes towards the site, improving user trust and awareness of their actions.
Eleanor Roosevelt integrated her domestic and global perspectives through radio broadcasting, showcasing her ability to balance public and private personas. Her pioneering use of radio allowed her to negotiate these contrasts effectively.
A lack of cardiac rehabilitation programs worldwide is a significant issue, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. York University Professor Sherry Grace emphasizes the importance of integrating these programs into cardiac care to reduce deaths, re-hospitalization rates, and improve quality of life.
A study by Eric Brennan and Jim Leap found that drilling is more effective than broadcasting for establishing uniform and dense cover crops on beds. Drilled cover crops had greater uniformity and faster emergence, leading to increased weed suppression.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that many Canadians overrate their exercise intensity, failing to meet recommended guidelines. The study recruited 129 sedentary adults who underestimated moderate and vigorous effort, even with common descriptors.
A new University of Missouri study found that countries with freedom of information (FOI) laws tend to have lower corruption rates than those without. Having an FOI law is linked to higher levels of human development and can help prevent corruption over time.
A UT Arlington study analyzed eight documented cases of drones in journalism, revealing significant issues with privacy and trespassing. The research found that drones are increasingly being used for journalistic purposes, often to capture footage of protests or secretive government activities.
Researchers found that people respond strongly to the voice of smart objects, even if they're not human-like. The study suggests that speech is a social cue that can make objects more social and acceptable.
According to a new theory by Mats Alvesson and André Spicer, functional stupidity can raise productivity in organizations by promoting unity and consensus. However, this 'stupidity' can also lead to risks and problems if critical questions are not posed about decisions and structures.
A recent study found that moderate political groups receive less attention in newspaper articles compared to more radical groups, leading to a skewed perception of their importance.
A study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that women who read sex-related magazine articles viewed premarital sex as less risky and were more supportive of female sexual assertiveness. The researchers also discovered a racial disparity in attitudes, with white women viewing premarital sex as less risky than women of color.
A new study reveals that reading sex-related magazine articles from popular women's magazines like Cosmopolitan can have empowering effects on young women's sexuality. The research found that women who read these articles were more likely to view premarital sex as a positive and less risky behavior, while also promoting female sexual a...
A new study found that listening to mainstream rock music increased support for student groups catering mostly to whites, while Top 40 pop music showed equal support for diverse groups. In contrast, radical white-power rock listeners gave more funds to the white group and less to minority groups.
Health Canada's decision to cancel plans for new cigarette warning labels may result in increased smoking rates and a surge in smoking-related illnesses and deaths. Warning labels are an effective communication strategy that deter smokers and non-smokers alike, with international guidelines recommending large pictorial warnings.
Researchers at MU found that celebrity health stories can have a positive impact on consumers, with readers considering context and weighing moral implications before judging a behavior. The study suggests that experienced consumers are more likely to respond strongly to health messages from celebrities.
A new study by Brigham Young University found that reality TV shows exhibit more aggression than dramas, comedies, and soap operas. The researchers analyzed 120 hours of programming and identified 52 acts of aggression per hour on reality TV, with 'The Apprentice' topping the list.