Articles tagged with Social Media
A study reveals how extremist groups exploit video games to recruit and radicalize impressionable users on gaming-adjacent platforms. The research highlights the challenges faced by moderators in detecting and reporting harmful content, and emphasizes the need for better understanding of these platforms and their subcultures.
A new study by USC researchers reveals that social media susceptibility clusters among users' friends, leading to a phenomenon called the Susceptibility Paradox. This pattern is strongest in influence-driven sharing, where users are more likely to post content if their friends have done so before.
A new study has found a strong correlation between the sentiment of Instagram images and user sentiments on social media, particularly for anti-war images. The research suggests that social media images can significantly influence public opinion on sociopolitical events, with notable effects observed in comments from users.
A new study reveals that women politicians in Europe receive uncivil tweets regardless of their prominence, with a higher likelihood of identity-based attacks than men. Women in politics frequently report serious online harassment, creating additional barriers for women entering politics.
Researchers used AI tools to analyze posts from 54 Reddit communities, finding similarities in speech patterns between hate speech groups and communities for certain psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that exposing oneself to hate speech online may lead to decreased empathy and traits similar to Cluster B personality disorders.
A recent study of a Czech dating app analyzed heterosexual users and found that men pursue more desirable women, while mutual matches occur between those with similar desirability levels. This pattern is largely due to rejection by less desirable counterparts rather than an initial preference for similarity.
Researchers developed an AI tool to automatically generate HIV prevention and testing campaign messages for counties in the US, leveraging real-time social media data. The method was tested in three studies, showing that AI-selected messages were perceived as more actionable and effective by target audiences than control messages.
A new Northwestern University study suggests that teen dating apps may provide valuable social connections for adolescents, particularly those in sexual and gender minority populations. The study found no significant differences in mental health outcomes between teens who use dating apps and those who don't.
A study from UT Arlington found that social media platforms can play a life-saving role for young people navigating difficult circumstances at home. Young adults who experienced child abuse and neglect relied on social media to cope with trauma, access information and connect with others.
A new report by NTU Singapore and Research Network found that prolonged social media use is associated with difficulties in sustaining focus, increased emotional fatigue, and behaviours resembling addiction. The study suggests the need for platforms to redesign their systems with user well-being at the core.
Research by Ohio State University professor Michelle Ann Abate argues that memes are a type of digital comic. Memes use similar visual and verbal elements to comics, producing humor through interplay between text and image. However, differences exist in layout and format, with memes often arranged vertically for online consumption.
A study using AI language models analyzed sentiments and emotions expressed by almost 400 pediatric patients on social media, finding that 94% of comments were negative, with sadness and fear prevalent. The study highlights the need for integrated care approaches to support vulnerable young patients managing complex medical conditions.
Associate Professor Benjamin Mangrum's new book analyzes how comedy tackles technological advancements and their effects on human life. The book highlights the importance of humor in making technology seem ordinary and incorporating it into daily life.
A new study from Uppsala University shows that short teaching interventions on disinformation have no long-term impact on students' ability to distinguish between credible and misleading news. However, students who valued democratic ideals highly were better at identifying true and false information. The study suggests that isolated le...
Paulina DeVito, a Ph.D. candidate in computer science at Florida Atlantic University, has been awarded the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to pursue research on developing large language model-based approaches for analyzing public discourse on social media. Her work aims to understand how people discuss emerging technologies and infor...
A study by NYU researchers found that deactivating multimedia content on WhatsApp reduced false rumor recall, but not belief in false news or polarization. Participants who received more political content improved their ability to identify misinformation.
Researchers found journalists' reliance on online resources increased significantly during COVID-19, exposing them to threats like trolling, cyber stalking, and fake news. The study suggests a need for more resources to help journalists build skills to mitigate online trauma.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that teens who see cannabis or e-cigarette content on social media are more likely to start using those substances. The study, which surveyed over 7,600 California high school students, also found a link between influencer content and substance use.
A survey study of California adolescents found exposure to e-cigarette or cannabis posts was associated with increased use of these substances. The study suggests that improving social media community guidelines and policy attention may help prevent youth substance use.
This study found that increased screen time in late childhood was associated with more depressive symptoms, likely due to shorter sleep duration. Poor white matter organization during early adolescence may also contribute to this link.
Researchers found that starter packs contributed to nearly 20% of all follow relationships on Bluesky and helped users receive up to 85% more followers. However, they also reinforced existing communities rather than creating new ones, raising concerns about deepening popularity inequalities.
A study identified distinct trajectories of addictive social media, mobile phone, and video game use in US youths, finding links to increased suicidal ideation and worse mental health outcomes. The research suggests that high or increasing addictive screen use may warrant further clinical evaluation and intervention design.
Concordia researchers find that sharing animal photos and videos creates digital affective networks, fostering parasocial relationships and positive interactions. The study explores the phenomenon of sharing cute content, using a framework to explain its journey from creation to circulation on social media platforms.
Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and ensuring accountability. Whistleblowing contributes to justice and transparency. The CRN41 network explores these issues and advocates for measures to protect civic courage and freedom of expression.
A study found that teenage girls using multiple products on their faces increase the risk of skin irritation and allergy. The average cost of a daily skin care regimen is $168, with some costing over $500.
A systematic review of 117 studies involving over 292,000 children worldwide found that excessive screen time is associated with socio-emotional problems like anxiety and aggression. Parents are advised to monitor their child's screen use and provide emotional support as needed.
A recent UJI study reveals gender inequalities in the Spanish audiovisual sector, with only 35% of content created by women. The research also shows disparities in roles such as directors and photographers.
A study found that knowledge-based messages are more well-received than those focusing on avoiding pain during a pap test. Demonstrating medical instruments like the speculum can cause unintentional fear, especially when combined with messaging about potential discomfort.
Researchers developed an algorithm that achieves high levels of both accuracy and fairness in detecting toxic speech on social media. The approach uses a fairness measurement called Group Accuracy Parity (GAP) to find desirable combinations of accuracy and fairness for specific situations.
State policies on adolescent social media use have significant limitations, according to research published in The Milbank Quarterly. While there is evidence of negative outcomes from excessive social media use, particularly among vulnerable youth, the current research cannot definitively establish causal effects.
A study in Gastroenterology Nursing found that popular IBD-related TikTok videos have very low scores for quality of medical information, despite their high views. The research suggests that tailored educational content on IBD can be created for the platform, addressing gaps in IBD education.
A study published in the Milbank Quarterly found that evidence supporting state policies regulating teen social media use is limited. The authors analyzed 69 state social media legislative initiatives and concluded that while there is some association between social media use and adverse adolescent outcomes, the causal effects of harm ...
A study at UT Arlington will explore how social media interactions shape teen mental health and behavior, capturing daily surveys over six weeks. The research aims to identify short-term and long-term predictors of serious health problems.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that search engines can lead users into digital echo chambers because of how they phrase their search queries. This phenomenon, known as the 'narrow search effect,' makes it harder for people to discover broader perspectives.
A cohort study of over 11,000 children and adolescents found a significant association between increased social media use and greater depressive symptoms. Clinicians are advised to provide guidance on social media use for young adolescents and their parents.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that as preteens used more social media, their depressive symptoms increased by 35%. The research team tracked changes over time in each child to accurately assess the link between social media and depression. Experts suggest using digital habits tools to create healthier online behavior...
Researchers found that digital detox interventions on TikTok led to increased usage among users who were less skeptical of advertising, viewing the platform as more authentic. In contrast, users with higher skepticism showed no significant change in behavior. The study highlights the potential backfire effects of well-intentioned effor...
A new study reveals a strong association between viewing muscularity-oriented social media content and muscle dysmorphia among boys and men. Exposure to images of muscular bodies, posts promoting muscle-building supplements, and content featuring steroids increased the risk of muscle dysmorphia.
A new national survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, identifies parents' greatest fears for their children around screen time. Parents' top fears include privacy and safety concerns, exposure to misinformation, and not socializing in person.
A new study from the University of Kansas analyzed how professional women soccer players in Europe use social media to promote their personal brand. The research found that when a player's team shared its social media presence with a men's team, it negatively affected women players' following.
The study analyzes 369,161 posts from Reddit's 'AITA?' board, finding that dilemmas concerning relational obligations were the most common type. Violations of trust, such as lying and cheating, were evaluated more negatively than acts of harm, highlighting the importance of trust in moral cognition.
A new analysis of 100 top TikTok videos about food noise found that half reference the use of medications, mainly anti-obesity drugs, to manage constant thoughts about food and eating. The study highlights the potential risks of misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found no evidence supporting a diagnosis of the New Brunswick neurological syndrome of unknown cause, highlighting the need for independent clinical evaluations. The data revealed presence of several neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative conditions instead
Researchers at Michigan State University found a significant link between problematic social media use and the likelihood of believing fake news. Participants who displayed more symptoms of excessive social media use were more likely to engage with and trust false news.
Researchers found that individuals with excessive and dependent social media use are more likely to engage with and believe false information. The study suggests that social media addiction may lead to increased susceptibility to misinformation.
A study found that Reddit is being used by people with second thoughts to openly share and seek advice before getting married. Researchers discovered that users are more comfortable expressing their unease on the platform than with family or friends, sharing topics from major red flags to smaller frustrations.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that adolescents with mental health conditions spend an average of 50 minutes extra on social media each day compared to their peers. They also report higher levels of social comparison, mood changes due to online feedback, and lower self-control over time spent on platforms.
A national study by Rutgers researchers found that nearly two-thirds of US adults have experienced some form of in-person gun violence, with Black and Hispanic adults more likely to be exposed. The study also revealed significant racial disparities in media-based exposure, with Black adults reporting the highest levels of exposure.
The proposed taxonomy identifies patterns of digital media use that could be problematic but warrant further evaluation. The study suggests that these patterns may require remediation to promote healthy adolescent development.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that nearly half of the time American children spend with their grandparents involves interacting with or watching media on a screen. Grandparents may want to watch along with their grandchildren or just want to understand what the children are watching.
Binghamton University is launching an Institute for AI and Society with $5 million in New York state funding, enabling researchers to tackle issues like online antisemitism and protecting power systems from malicious attacks. The institute will tap into the power of Empire AI, a consortium of public and private universities in New York.
A recent study by Concordia researchers uses reinforcement learning to maximize online polarization on Twitter, a platform prone to echo chambers and malicious manipulation. The approach confirms the effectiveness in intensifying disagreements across social networks.
The WNFC's player ambassadors will amplify public service announcements, social media content, and local community education events to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and CPR education in women. The league has also implemented a requirement for all coaches to be certified in CPR, AED, and first aid.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new approach to identifying fake news on social media using the SmoothDetector model. The model integrates probabilistic algorithms with deep neural networks to capture uncertainties and patterns in multimodal data, providing more nuanced judgments of authenticity.
Researchers found that both left- and right-wing users in Japan accepted and propagated pro-China illiberal narratives. The study suggests that cultural aversion to protests distorts understanding of overseas pro-democracy movements, fostering attitudes favorable toward authoritarian systems.
Eventgoers use social media to capture special moments and construct narratives of their own lives, intersecting with communal narratives. This mediated memory work influences how they experience and remember live events, blurring the lines between the present and future.
A new study found that sending young women twice-daily text messages prompting them to reflect on fitness content significantly reduced social comparison, a key mechanism contributing to poor body image. However, the study also found no significant change in body appreciation scores.
A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid examines the Internet's influence on politics and power, highlighting concerns about media control and erosion of democratic values. The research warns against confusing technology with media logic and emphasizes the need for critical analysis of digital narratives.
A study by UPF and UOC found that girls who use Instagram and TikTok have a more negative perception of the impact on their psychological well-being than boys. Girls tend to feel more observed and pressured by their outward image and require more external positive feedback.
A study of 45,202 Norwegian young adults found that using a screen in bed increases the risk of insomnia by 59% and cuts sleep time by 24 minutes. The type of screen activity used does not appear to matter as much as overall screen use in bed, with social media being no more disruptive than other activities.