Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study of Tommy Robinson’s social media reveals how online influencers mobilise supporters without direct calls to action

Researchers found that far-right influencer Tommy Robinson used his Telegram channel to comment on events and legitimise violence during anti-immigration protests in 2024, shaping followers' interpretations of events without issuing direct instructions. The study identifies key tactics used by influencers to create emotional conditions...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Should emojis be used in workplace communications?

A new study by the University of Ottawa found that emojis can negatively affect perceptions of competence and appropriateness in professional settings. The researchers discovered that using positive emojis with negative messages can create a sense of dishonesty, while negative emojis can lower overall competence perception.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCollabra·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

Why we’re skeptical of the emotions we see on our screens

Researchers found that viewers question the sincerity of fear or sadness expressed about climate change in simulated news reports, text messages, and TikTok posts. Emotional expression can serve an important role in helping people find a community, but it may not necessarily persuade others.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 7, 2026

“Better design instead of blanket bans”

The report proposes new strategies for digital safety, including AI-powered tools to detect and intervene in harmful situations. Experts also recommend involving children and youths in the design process, particularly schools, to promote agency and well-being.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 2, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Struggling to identify emotions may increase vulnerability to TikTok addiction

A study published in Frontiers found that young people with attachment anxiety and difficulties identifying emotions are more susceptible to short video addiction. Mental training, such as mindfulness and attention regulation, can help prevent this addiction by strengthening emotional awareness and cognitive regulation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Young people’s critical capacity regarding digital advertising reproduces social inequalities

A recent study by Pompeu Fabra University reveals that socioeconomic conditions significantly impact young people's ability to detect algorithmically personalized advertising. The study finds that lower socioeconomic status is linked to decreased critical capacity, exacerbating structural inequalities.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalTechnology in Society·TypeSurvey·DateMar 25, 2026

Offended? Not me. How people use denial to appear rational on social media

A new study from the University of East Anglia shows that people deny being offended to take the moral high ground and protect their reputation in online debates. The research reveals how language and emotional management are used to negotiate and manage offence in digital spaces.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Language Aggression and Conflict·DateMar 24, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Social media and monetization in the Ukraine-Russia war

The article explores how social media drives donations for Ukrainian military operations, creating a cycle of need for more funding. Former and current military personnel share their experiences, highlighting the desperation and creativity in using available tools to wage war.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateMar 23, 2026

Prescription drug promotion by social media influencers

A systematic scoping review found that social media influencer promotion of prescription drugs carries risks of inaccurate or misleading advice. The study emphasizes the need for updated guidelines and digital literacy initiatives to safeguard public health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 23, 2026

Do political insults pay off? New research shows what politicians actually gain from divisive political rhetoric

A new study finds that personal attacks in politics are strongly associated with greater media coverage, but show no correlation with fundraising or policy success. Researchers discovered an asymmetric pattern of conflict entrepreneurs, who use antagonistic rhetoric to gain media attention and become 'media celebrities'.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2026

TikTok’s mental health ‘minefield’

A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Social Media Research·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 19, 2026

Ticketmaster's Eras Tour chaos made worse by crisis communication failures

A crisis communication study reveals Ticketmaster's inadequate response to technical failures and public backlash, leading to a political scandal and antitrust lawsuit. The company's lack of transparency, avoidance of responsibility, and failure to issue a full apology further damaged its reputation.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·TypeCase study·DateMar 16, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Students with lower self-control tend to procrastinate with short-form video; sleep suffers, but not grades, study finds

A study found that college students with lower self-control and habitual use of short-form videos experience poorer sleep health and higher stress, but not diminished academic performance. Researchers suggest that institutions of higher learning and society can help by providing holistic mental health and student health outreach services.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2026

Digital media use and child health and development

A systematic review and meta-analysis found consistent associations between digital media use and risks to child health and development, particularly social media use. The study highlights the need for multifaceted policies and interventions to mitigate potential harms from digital media exposure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 9, 2026

Swipe right, but safer

A new interactive tool, Safety Map, has been launched to address safety concerns on dating apps, with over 48 in-depth interviews conducted across Canada. The map curates safety information from 30 different dating apps, providing users with practical and accessible knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalLeisure Sciences·DateMar 5, 2026

How time changes impact public sentiment in the U.S.

A study published in PLOS One found that individuals experience a more negative reaction to the time change from daylight saving time (DST) to standard time (ST) in the fall, compared to the transition from ST to DST in the spring. Social media sentiment analysis revealed a depressive impact in early fall.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2026

Machines spot deepfake pictures better than humans, but people outperform AI in detecting deepfake videos

A recent study found that AI programs are up to 97% accurate at detecting pictures of deepfake faces, but performed at chance levels when it comes to detecting deepfake videos. Humans correctly identified real and fake videos about two-thirds of the time, picking up on subtle inconsistencies in movement and facial expressions. The stud...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Science of fitting in: Do best friends or popular peers shape teen behavior?

A groundbreaking longitudinal study reveals that peer influence is specialized, with best friends primarily shaping internal emotional states and academic behaviors, while popular peers set the standard for public image and social media engagement. The findings suggest that adolescents use different mental calculations to navigate thei...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 2, 2026

Flagging claims about cancer treatment on social media as potentially false might help reduce spreading of misinformation, per online experiment with 1,051 US adults

An online experiment with 1,051 US adults suggests flagging potentially false cancer treatment claims on social media can help reduce the spread of misinformation. The study found that intervening and reducing sharing of false information on social media may have a positive impact on public health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 25, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

When influencers raise a glass, young viewers want to join them

A study from Rutgers University suggests that exposure to alcohol in social media drives the desire to drink. Young adults who viewed influencer posts with alcohol were significantly more likely to report increased desire to drink compared to those who watched similar posts without alcohol.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 23, 2026

More time spent on social media linked to steroid use intentions among boys and men

A new study found that social media use, particularly exposure to muscularity-focused content and body comparisons, is strongly associated with increased intentions to use anabolic-androgenic steroids. Young men who frequently view muscular bodies or advertisements promoting muscle-building supplements also report stronger intentions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBody Image·DateFeb 20, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Social media images help fill “major gaps” in global biodiversity data

A new study shows that geotagged social media photos can improve biodiversity datasets by 35% and provide more accurate species distribution models. The enhanced models reveal range expansions in areas missed by traditional records, particularly in regions with sparse formal monitoring.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 19, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Addictive digital habits in early adolescence linked to mental health struggles, study finds

Research found problematic screen use in early adolescence strongly linked to higher risks of mental health problems, sleep disturbance, and suicidal behaviors. The study emphasizes the importance of reducing addictive features on digital platforms and families taking steps to mitigate its impact.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

Your social media feed is built to agree with you. What if it didn’t?

A new study from the University of Rochester found that social media algorithms can reinforce echo chambers, but introducing randomness can help reduce this effect. By exposing users to a broader range of perspectives, algorithms can weaken feedback loops and promote more open-minded views.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalIEEE Transactions on Affective Computing·DateFeb 10, 2026

Using influencers to encourage people to drink tap water

A new study has identified the power of influencer marketing in overcoming psychological resistance to recycling tap water. The research found that sensory and emotional content on Instagram is more effective than rational arguments in encouraging sustainable consumption, making recycled tap water more appealing through mental imagery.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateFeb 4, 2026

‘Masculinity crisis’: Influencers on social media promote low testosterone to young men, study finds

A new study found that social media influencers are promoting unproven claims about low testosterone in young men, framing common experiences as hormonal deficiencies. The content is linked to the manosphere, encouraging hyper-masculine ideals and positioning testosterone as a way for men to reclaim power and status.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 3, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Why parents turn to social media about kids’ drug use

A study by Harvard Medical School and the University of Texas at Arlington found that parents seeking advice on substance use from online peers can be misled by misconceptions. The research suggests that while social media offers a unique window into parental concerns, it should complement evidence-based guidance rather than replace it.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 3, 2026

Black and Latino teens show strong digital literacy

A study by UC Riverside found that Black and Latino teens are more adept at detecting online disinformation, particularly related to race and ethnicity. These teens are quicker to identify false claims and respond with corrective content, often driven by their lived experiences navigating online racism.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2026

How does TikTok shape young peoples' dietary preferences?

A study found that TikTok influences dietary habits by leveraging algorithmic mechanisms, entertainment content, and users' emotional connections. The platform affects food preferences, dining choices, and recipe evaluations among young people.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Consumer Studies·DateJan 28, 2026
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

To make AI more fair, tame complexity

Researchers found that complexity, including ground truth, real-world complexity, and stakeholder involvement, are key factors in reducing AI biases. By accounting for these complexities, developers can create more fair AI models.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateJan 21, 2026

Digital media breaks can improve well-being

A new study finds that short-term digital disconnection improves well-being, with participants reporting more positive effects and feeling more energetic. However, these changes are relatively small and tend to dissipate after two to three hours.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCommunication Research·DateJan 20, 2026

Updated "Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders" published by Oxford

The updated edition provides a comprehensive overview of major mental health conditions that emerge during adolescence, discussing treatment strategies and prevention methods. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing stigma, promoting evidence-based treatments, and integrating positive youth development into policy agendas.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·DateJan 20, 2026

Can a hashtag help prevent atrocities? Study shows social media can be a powerful tool

A new study by Binghamton University Professor Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm found that social media hashtags can help identify early warning signs of violence and amplify local voices. The research examined social media campaigns in Canada and Syria, analyzing over 5,000 posts tied to #TruthAndReconciliation and #SaveSyria.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Comparative Policy Analysis Research and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study shows how kidnapping of athlete's father influenced society, president across continents

A study from the University of Kansas found that the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Díaz, father of Colombian soccer star Luis “Lucho” Díaz, resulted in coverage that portrayed his son as a national hero and cast doubt on peace negotiations. The media framing of the story had broader implications for the Total Peace initiative and the Petro...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSport in Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 14, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Retail therapy fail? Online shopping linked to stress, says study

A new study from Aalto University found that online shopping is more strongly linked to stress than reading news or watching adult entertainment. Social media use and gaming also correlated with increased stress levels, while time spent on news sites reported lower stress levels.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJan 9, 2026

Working in groups can help Republicans and Democrats agree on controversial content moderation online

A recent study by Professor Damon Centola and alum Douglas Guilbeault found that content moderators who worked in teams reached near-perfect agreement on classifying controversial material online. In contrast, individual participants showed only 38% agreement, with Democrats and Republicans agreeing on classifications for only about 30...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Social Computing·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2025
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

US Congressmembers’ responses on X to mass shooting events differ along party lines

A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that US Congress members' social media responses to mass shootings vary along party lines. Democratic congressmembers are more likely to post about guns, framing their responses in terms of community, victims, and legislature, whereas Republican members focus on Second Amendment righ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2025

AI video translation shows promise but humans still hold the edge

A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that AI tools excel at speed and clarity, but human translators remain crucial for tone, cultural nuance, and natural sound. Generative AI can handle parts of video translation, but consumers still notice when something feels off.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of International Marketing·DateDec 17, 2025

There are fewer online trolls than people think

A recent study found that Americans overestimate online toxicity, with participants believing 43% of Reddit users post toxic comments when only 3% actually do. Correcting this misperception improves social cohesion by reducing pessimism and increasing positivity.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 16, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Tech savvy users have most digital concerns

A new study found that highly educated, Western European millennials have the most digital concerns, with individuals having higher levels of digital literacy being the most affected. The research also found that people's perceptions of digital harm are heightened by their level of digital exposure and knowledge.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalInformation Communication & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2025

Price of a bot army revealed across hundreds of online platforms worldwide – from TikTok to Amazon

A new analysis using COTSI data reveals that verifying fake accounts for use in the US and UK is almost as cheap as in Russia, while Japan and Australia have high prices due to SIM costs and photo ID rules. The average price of SMS verification for an online platform was $0.26 in the US and $0.10 in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025

Be careful trusting TikTok for gout advice

A recent study found that TikTok videos about gout are often misleading, inconsistent, or inaccurate. Gout is a painful inflammatory arthritis caused by high urate in the blood, and there are persistent gaps in awareness among patients and the public.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology Advances in Practice·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 10, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How emotions spread online following celebrity suicide news

A study analyzing resharing behavior on X (formerly Twitter) shows that different expressed emotions unfold in the aftermath of celebrity suicides, with disgust being the most contagious emotion. The findings emphasize the need for emotion-specific approaches to both theoretical modeling and practical intervention in online environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2025