Articles tagged with Social Media
A special issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines the effects of the George Floyd protests on the criminal justice system. Studies focus on policy changes, police institutional change, and public attitudes surrounding defunding the police.
SnehAI, an AI-powered chatbot, engages young people in India about SRH through a non-judgmental avatar-based interface. The chatbot successfully presented itself as a trusted friend and mentor, fostering curiosity and action.
Researchers analyzed 60 billion tweets to understand vaccine hesitancy on social media. They found that anti-vaxxer profiles often share links to YouTube videos and commercial sites selling alternative health products, highlighting the spread of misinformation in echo chambers.
Yang Wang's research focuses on usability of privacy technologies and artificial intelligence. Researchers will conduct semi-structured interviews, surveys, and co-design sessions with users from India and Bangladesh about their experiences with targeted ads.
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.
Research from six countries highlights social media's importance for migrant and ethnic minority populations seeking COVID-19 information, particularly in cases of language barriers or limited access to official sources. Positive social media experiences can increase vaccine uptake by sharing personalized and culturally tailored public...
Researchers found that fact checks are a more effective counter to COVID-19 misinformation than false news tags. The study, published in Public Opinion Quarterly, tested the impact of fact checks and false tags on public perception of false claims about the pandemic.
A global study highlights inadequate information from healthcare professionals and lack of sensitivity leading to child vaccine hesitancy. Expectant parents are seeking alternative sources due to concerns about adverse reactions and long-term side effects, with some fearing measles as a minor childhood illness.
A recent study found that people are equally convinced by false and true expert consensus, but provide source information can strengthen the latter. Researchers at UNSW Science's School of Psychology tested this phenomenon and developed strategies to combat misinformation. By providing context on how original sources used evidence to a...
Researchers found that people with strong convictions and those with mild views both change their opinions to align with a partner's opinion based on shared personal features. This led to a decline in polarization and an increase in support for redistributive policies.
A new study reveals that online social network algorithms can distort and amplify biases against minority groups, leading to unequal visibility and ranking. Researchers found that homophily and the proportion of minorities in a network can contribute to this effect.
A University of Kansas study analyzed 451 news articles from major publications and found that media worldwide reported on the pandemic as a racial threat, often blaming China or Asia. The study highlights the importance of responsible language in media coverage to avoid perpetuating xenophobia and discrimination.
A study found that Black Americans on Instagram are more willing to post political content than their non-Black counterparts, defying expectations. Despite uncertainty about their followers' political leanings, Black users are more likely to engage in political expression on the platform.
A study analyzing over 1 million Swedish Tweets found scant evidence for significant polarization on immigration topics, even after the 2015 refugee crisis. The researchers discovered a shift in sentiment towards more negative tones and fewer neutral tweets after the crisis.
Researchers used Facebook data to measure cultural similarity between countries, finding associations between immigration patterns and people's food and drink interests. Countries with more immigrants showed higher cultural similarity between origin and destination countries.
A recent University of Cincinnati study found that the term 'storyteller' attached to a journalist's bio diminishes public confidence in media. Participants on both sides of the political spectrum associated the term with biased reporting and decreased credibility. Researchers urge journalists to be more mindful of their online presence.
A study by Washington University in St. Louis found that slant and consistency of messages in national television ads significantly impact online word-of-mouth chatter and candidate preference. Consistency with the primary message is crucial, even for more partisan messages, suggesting that campaign strategies should focus on building ...
A new study published in the Journal of Politics found that factual corrections on Facebook's news feed can improve users' accuracy in recognizing misinformation. Even when exposed to misinformation, users became more accurate despite freedom to choose what to read, with fact-checks increasing accuracy across partisan lines.
Researchers developed an algorithm that prioritizes reliable news sources based on audience diversity, reducing the spread of misinformation. The new strategy incorporates data on web traffic and self-reported partisanship to promote diverse news sources.
A field experiment in China found that people tend to increase activity when informed that others are themselves increasing activity, suggesting a low-cost intervention for promoting economic activity during the pandemic. The study suggests that social cues can be a useful signal for evaluating risks and making decisions about activities.
A recent study tracked shifting mental health signals across eight Australian cities using machine learning and spatial mapping. Researchers found a shift from pessimism early on to increased optimism in the middle phase, before returning to pessimism in the later phase.
A study published in EPJ Data Science explores the effectiveness of counter speech in curbing online hate and disinformation. The research reveals that organized counter speech appears to contribute to a more balanced public discourse by increasing the frequency of counter speech and decreasing that of hate speech.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers found a correlation between excessive social media use and higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of chronic inflammation. Participants who used social media excessively also reported more frequent visits to doctors and health centers for illness treatment.
A study found that recreational cannabis companies market their products in a way that appeals to children and teens, despite state-based regulations prohibiting it. The marketing is easily viewed by people of all ages on social media platforms.
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...
A new study found that social media use is correlated with higher levels of C-Reactive Protein, a marker of chronic inflammation, and more frequent somatic symptoms. This suggests that excessive social media use may negatively impact physical health in multiple ways.
A study found a significant decrease in social salience of climate change during the COVID-19 pandemic's first wave. Facebook shares and reshares revealed a notable dip in climate change attention.
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.
The BMJ is appealing to Facebook's Oversight Board after its investigation into poor clinical trial research practices at Ventavia was wrongly labelled with 'missing context' and censored on Facebook. The media outlet argues that the social network's fact-checking processes are opaque and lack accountability.
A recent study by MIT researchers found that family members trust devices with human-like social behaviors, such as Amazon's Alexa or Jibo's social robot. The study revealed significant effects of branding on perceptions, showing users viewed Google as more trustworthy than Amazon despite similar designs and functionality.
Climate change sentiments were overwhelmingly pro-human activity action, while vaccine sentiments showed a significant gap between pro and neutral views. The study analyzed 87 million tweets from 2007 to 2016 and found less interaction among users with opposing views on vaccines compared to climate change.
A study analyzing nearly 5,200 foods and beverages in celebrities' social media posts found that most depicted unhealthy profiles. Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and sweets were commonly showcased, raising concerns about their impact on public health.
A recent study found that social media posts about COVID-19 were less likely to contain misinformation than posts about other health topics. The research also revealed that health misinformation was already prevalent before the pandemic, with credible sources like governments and academic institutions being more trustworthy.
A new study led by a Pitt father-daughter duo found that people's emotions play a significant role in the spread of fake news on social media. The researchers discovered three distinct groups: 'hot' individuals who are highly emotional and likely to share fake news, 'upset' users who react negatively to misleading headlines, and the 'c...
Researchers at George Washington University found that mainstream parenting communities were exposed to misinformation from alternative health and anti-vaccination communities on Facebook. The study reveals how social media machinery can pull these communities closer to extremes, highlighting the need for a new strategy to combat onlin...
A new study published in Health Promotion Practice highlights the flaws in sexual education on TikTok, a video-based social media platform. The study found that many videos on the app provide unverified claims and misinformation, posing a risk to teenagers and young adults seeking sex education.
A study analyzing McDonald's social media marketing across 15 countries found that the company prioritizes children in lower-middle-income countries with more posts and child-friendly content. This may exacerbate existing healthcare issues in these vulnerable populations.
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 new study found significant discrepancies in estimates of social media use among teenagers and their parents, with parents underestimating the time spent on social media. The study also found larger discrepancies in families of color, single parents, and low-income families.
New research finds that social media echo chambers can create a strong bond and increase the likelihood of radicalization. In studies examining posts on Gab and Reddit's "Incels" community, researchers found that users who aligned with the group's morals were more likely to use hateful language toward outgroups.
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.
A study found that a hip hop song about suicide prevention led to an increase in calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and a reduction in suicides. The researchers suggest that positive media stories can have a protective effect, particularly for hard-to-reach groups.
A Penn State study found that live-streaming ads for alcohol, energy drinks, and junk food significantly increased during the pandemic, targeting young viewers. The researchers discovered that energy drinks made up nearly 80% of marketing, while ads for restaurants and soda were also prevalent.
Research by University of Kent and Nottingham Trent University found that video and text-based messaging apps have a negative effect on the mental wellbeing of young people over 16 during Covid-19 lockdowns. Despite this, face-to-face contact is positively associated with wellbeing compared to digital contact.
A computational analysis of billions of tweets has uncovered high-resolution timelines of the major stories surrounding Trump's presidency from 2016 to 2021. The study found that turbulence in these stories varied over time, with dominant narratives emerging for longer periods during certain periods.
During the pandemic, Twitter sentiment around vaping went from broadly positive to mostly negative, likely due to concerns over its link to COVID-19 infection. The study analyzed tweets and found a significant shift in public opinion on the risks associated with vaping.
A recent study used computer vision algorithms to analyze nearly 9,400 Flickr photos taken along Colorado's Front Range, identifying preferred outdoor landscapes with moderate accuracy. The algorithm performed well for images of water, structures, and agricultural lands, but struggled with forests. Combining social media data with on-s...
Researchers at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University received $800,000 in funding to launch a podcasting and video production studio and upgrade their social media marketing efforts. The award will also support the center's operating reserve.
Researchers found that when people react to news, they unknowingly group themselves into polarized networks, missing out on diverse news sources. This can lead to ideologically homogenous social connections and contribute to the high rates of American political divisiveness.
Researchers at UC3M found that Facebook ads can target a specific person with just four rare and specific interests. This nanotargeting ability exposes users to new risks, including potential identification without consent. The study highlights the need for advertising platforms to protect individual privacy.
A new UniSA study is helping protect children from online predators by investigating language and behaviors used to gain unacquainted children's trust. The research aims to deliver new linguistic indicators to monitor, identify, and apprehend suspects.
A research team from India identified a previously unknown species of kukri snake, Oligodon churahensis, found in the Churah Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The discovery was made possible by an Instagram photo shared by Virendar K. Bhardwaj, which caught the attention of a herpetologist and led to further investigation.
A recent study found that Twitter's architecture and features discourage the dissemination of conspiracy theories. Twitter users combine high levels of education with a greater tendency to search for news and engage in political debates, seeking reliable information.
Converting empty offices into podcast studios poses unique acoustic challenges. Experts recommend optimizing space for better sound quality, using minimal absorptive treatments and selecting suitable microphones. Aesthetically pleasing room finishes are also crucial for visually appealing recording spaces.
Researchers examined social media posts promoting live bird sales from West Africa, finding 83 species for sale, including endangered parrots. Social media platforms must work with wildlife experts to detect harmful content, as algorithms alone are not enough.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found an association between social media use and self-reported symptoms of depression in adults aged 18 and older. The research suggests that individuals who use social media more frequently may experience greater levels of depressive symptoms.
A new study by New York University's Center for Social Media and Politics found that warning users of the potential consequences of their use of hate speech can decrease their subsequent posting of hateful language for a week. Researchers examined the impact of issuing warnings to users who had been suspended for posting tweets with ha...
A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing found that brand-to-brand praise can lead to increased consumer engagement and sales for the praiser. The research suggests that this approach is particularly effective for brands that are not traditionally seen as warm or caring, such as for-profit brands.
Researchers found that re-identifying individuals from genomic data using public face images is harder than previously thought, with success rates well below idealized settings. They developed a method to alter social media photos and reduce the risk of privacy breaches.