Research on social media and its effects on people. Covers sleep and mood, body image, self-objectification, and the platforms' wider social impact.
A massive meta-analysis of 25 previous studies found that efforts to reduce partisan animosity are largely ineffective, with superficial interventions improving feelings towards the other party by only 5.3%. The effects are fleeting, disappearing within one week, and even repeated interventions fail to produce lasting results.
Researchers found that posts with Community Notes attached were less prone to going viral and got less engagement. After getting a note, reposts dropped 46% and likes dropped 44%. The study suggests that Community Notes are an important addition to platforms' toolbox in reducing misinformation spread.
The Leopoldina discussion paper advocates for age limits and restrictions on addictive functions in social media to protect children and adolescents from negative effects. Researchers recommend setting a minimum age for access, restricting certain functions, and implementing policies to promote healthy social media use.
A study explores how Buddhist philosophy can enhance psychotherapy in the context of digital mental health. The findings focus on three key lenses: networked dynamics, reciprocity, and cognitive flexibility. These lenses frame experience as relational and evolving, highlighting the importance of overlooked connections and incidental en...
A new study from Ohio State University found that middle-schoolers who use primarily informational social media sites are less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. In contrast, interactive sites like Snapchat and Facebook were linked to lower ability to refuse sex and negotiate condom use. Informative sites like YouTube and TikT...
Researchers found that more interactive mobile apps and AI chatbots foster a sense of playfulness, lowering privacy concerns. However, this interactivity can also distract users from thinking about the information they share with the system.
A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that seven distinct strategies commenters employ when objecting to content online. The most common strategy is reputational attacks, also known as "vinegar," while moral appeals are less common but more effective in reducing online vitriol.
Researchers analyzed over 50,000 barrage comments from a promotional video on Chinese platform Bilibili, finding a clear link between positive emotional comments and purchasing intent. The study also observed real-time emotional contagion and nuanced dynamics in viewer behavior.
A study found that adolescents become highly motivated to seek rewards after just a few hours of social isolation, which can be beneficial in driving them towards social interaction. However, limited opportunities for connection may lead to pursuing less healthy rewards.
Gary Kebbell shares his expertise on navigating today's complex information environment and how to effectively consume news. The public lecture will provide insights into the evolving media landscape and the importance of digital literacy.
Researchers used a Taylor Swift concert as a unique opportunity to study seismic activity and engage the public in science. The 'SwiftQuake' was detected more than 100km away from the stadium, showcasing how cultural events can enhance scientific understanding.
A Michigan State University study found that unstructured digital media use contributes to digital skills, which are strong predictors of performance across academic domains. However, the study also highlights a significant gender gap, with boys experiencing substantially larger benefits from digital media use.
A new report from RMIT University and the University of Canberra proposes that local news organisations must adapt to their audiences' shifting news habits. The report recommends embracing community-driven content, including hyperlocal news, human-interest stories, and practical information.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that social media engagement flips from hostility to solidarity after a major crisis, such as the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and Joe Biden's suspension of his re-election campaign. This 'ingroup love' effect is seen in Republican and Democrat posts expressing unity a...
A new study examines 1.2 billion social media posts from 157 countries, finding that very hot days are associated with more negative moods, especially in lower-income countries. The research suggests that extreme heat affects people emotionally, not just physically.
Researchers from the University of Bath and University of Hong Kong found that additive advice bias is common in conversations, social media, and AI chatbots. This bias can leave people feeling more overwhelmed than helped, with well-intentioned tips piling on extra tasks.
Researchers found that ad hominem attacks are the most common way users confront perceived errors in comment sections, with a reliance on reputation-based insults. The study highlights the prevalence of this tactic and its implications for online discourse.
Researchers found that siblings, friends, and extended family play crucial roles in helping parents keep their children safe on online gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. Online safety risks include scams, anti-social behavior, and adult roleplays.
Researchers developed an AI framework to map interactions between content and algorithms on digital platforms, reducing the spread of misinformation. The system would allow users and platform operators to pinpoint sources of potential misinformation and promote diverse information sources.
The study found that health officials in Chicago used social media to engage in one-way communication, which could enhance public trust but also spread misinformation. Communications with images or videos received higher engagement levels, while maternal and child health topics outperformed COVID-19 and mpox topics.
Scientists discovered that people struggle to recognize ads on social media due to their ability to blend in with organic content. When participants realized an ad was sponsored, dwell time dropped significantly, indicating a loss of engagement.
A new study by Yifan Yu found that certain emotions, like anxiety and love, can make online content spread rapidly, while others, such as anger or sadness, tend to slow it down. The research also showed that demographic groups react differently to different emotional content.
Researchers analyzed over 66,000 Reddit posts from individuals with borderline personality disorder and found that decreased social connectedness, negative emotions, and hostile language can predict self-harm behaviors. Online support community posts may unintentionally reinforce harmful patterns of thinking and behavior through likes ...
A study by UniSA found that social media enhances news diversity in Australia, with more diverse sources available compared to traditional media. The research used Facebook engagement metrics and concentration analysis to show the growing importance of online news.
Negative patient experiences in online health care facility reviews frequently revolve around poor communication and administrative issues. Positive reviews emphasize supportive staff interactions.
US adolescents spend nearly an hour per school day on smartphones, with most of this time dedicated to social media. The study highlights developmental differences in smartphone use, with younger teens using less than older adolescents.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.