Articles tagged with Social Media
A new study led by the University of Exeter shows that social media can be used to monitor animal species relocating due to climate change. The researchers examined posts about Jersey tiger moths on Instagram and Flickr, finding they are unexpectedly common in towns and cities.
A new report reveals young Australians are feeling financial pressure, worsening mental health, and declining trust in institutions. Cost of living, education, and mental health were identified as key concerns, with young people taking the lead in social issues.
A new NIH study funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program found that teens with strong, high-quality friendships tend to have better mental health. The study suggests that emphasizing ways to bolster the quality of their social relationships could help address the current youth mental health crisis.
Research from the University of Kansas found that social media did not bridge gaps between feminist groups and traditional Algerian thought, instead promoting violence and oppression. Despite having common goals, women faced misogyny and marginalization online.
A new study from Simon Fraser University found a close link between high social media use and psychiatric disorders involving delusions. Forms of delusions, such as narcissistic personality disorder and body dysmorphic disorder, were the most prevalent types related to high social media use.
A Finnish study found that excessive screen time is linked to higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Promoting physical activity from childhood may help safeguard mental health, with balanced habits crucial for prevention.
A new study from the Complexity Science Hub reveals that pre-existing emotions do not significantly impair our ability to distinguish between real and false news. Emotions triggered by news content play a pivotal role, eliciting more anger and less joy in response to false news headlines.
Researchers found significant flaws in Facebook's A/B testing methods, which can lead to misleading conclusions about ad effectiveness. The complex algorithms used by social media platforms can micro-target individuals based on unobservable factors, making it difficult to determine the true impact of ads.
Researchers found that emotional social media posts increase short-term willingness to pay for sustainable chocolate, but this effect diminishes within two weeks. The study suggests that emotional content can be an effective way to promote sustainable consumption in the short term.
Goethe University has joined Bluesky as a central social media communications channel to promote university life, research, and career opportunities. The move aims to escape problematic communication practices on X (formerly Twitter), favoring fact-based cooperation and democratic discourse.
Researchers discovered that trying to make ourselves happier actually makes us less happy by draining our ability to use self-control and willpower. This 'happiness paradox' is caused by mentally exhausting efforts to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
A new analysis of social media posts reveals that public support for solar energy remains high, but has become increasingly polarized. The study found that attitudes toward solar energy are largely being driven by politics, with significant differences in support across regions and states.
A cross-sectional study of social media posts about popular medical tests found most posts were misleading or failed to mention important harms, including overdiagnosis. The data suggest a pressing need for regulation of misleading medical information on social media platforms.
A study found that social influence and trust play key roles in older adults' adoption of demand-responsive transportation. The research, conducted in Senboku New Town, Osaka, revealed significant relationships between behavioral intention and performance expectancy among older people.
A global study found that social media influencers promote controversial medical tests with limited scientific evidence, often without mentioning potential harms. The tests include full-body MRI scans, genetic testing, blood tests, and gut microbiome tests. Experts warn that these tests can lead to overdiagnosis and overuse.
A survey of 200 UK teachers found that 76% of secondary school teachers and 60% of primary school teachers are extremely concerned about the influence of online misogyny on their students. The study reveals that male students often reflect misogynistic ideas, while female students face victims of misogyny in schools.
A comprehensive analysis of Bluesky reveals its structure, polarization, and political leanings. The platform's users, particularly those from X (formerly Twitter), exhibit left-leaning tendencies, as evident in the majority of shared links and content. The study also highlights how Bluesky diverges on the Israel-Palestine conflict topic.
A cohort study found no increase in sudden cardiac arrest/sudden cardiac death among young competitive athletes in the US, contradicting reports that linked COVID-19 infection and vaccination to the risk. The study suggests that many athlete cases shown in social media videos occurred before the pandemic, not due to COVID-19.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
A new study found that dating app users are more likely to undergo cosmetic procedures and digitally alter their appearance. The study suggests that the emphasis on appearance in dating apps contributes to an obsession with cosmetic surgery, potentially leading to increased body dissatisfaction and poor self-esteem.
Researchers analyzed 8,600 politician accounts from 12 countries and found no significant difference in engagement patterns between left and right-leaning politicians. However, they observed a considerable increase in likes after Musk's acquisition, which may be due to early followers' increased support.
A team of researchers from Sophia University demonstrated the potential of combining social media posts and transformer-based learning models to detect heat stroke risks. The study found that a Japanese model called LUKE achieved high accuracy, suggesting its viability in monitoring heat stroke risks during heat waves.
The new book Not Your Parents' Politics reveals that young people are actively engaging in political discourse on social media with diverse forms of expression, including humor and personal experiences. These expressions shape youth political socialization and democratic participation.
Research by West Virginia University expert Kylie Vo found that consumers who believe in karma are more likely to forgive companies that behave immorally and less likely to boycott them. In contrast, non-moral transgressions like defective products or misleading claims can severely damage consumer-brand relationships and brand value.
A new analysis found a 50% higher rate of hate speech on X after Elon Musk purchased the platform, with bot accounts remaining unchanged. The study contradicts previous claims of reduced hate speech and bot activity on X.
The American Heart Association and NFL Alumni Association collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles through Life's Essential 8, which includes four indicators of cardiovascular health and four behavioral/lifestyle factors. By following these steps, adults can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
A study using social media to assess illegal hunting activities in Lebanon identified 212 bird species, 94% of which are protected. The scale of illegal hunting is alarming, with many species experiencing population declines.
A global survey of 13,500 people across six European countries and the USA found that a clear majority believe incitements to violence should be removed from online content. 79% of respondents backed this stance, with strong support in Germany, Brazil, and Slovakia.
A global survey of 13,500 people in six European countries and the USA reveals that a majority want harmful social media content restricted. The study highlights differences among countries, with some nations supporting stricter regulations than others.
A UPV/EHU study concludes that feminist journalism is essential to overcome sexist coverage of women. The research highlights the need for better journalism to include a 'responsibility to criticise' and promote an egalitarian society.
A new study finds that parents' own screen habits significantly increase the likelihood of preteens engaging with mature media. Proactive parental monitoring and clear media rules are linked to lower consumption of mature content.
A study analyzing 4 million Facebook posts found right-leaning outlets engaged more on politics, religion, and migration, while left-leaning groups focused on education, health, and technology. The research highlights the influence of social media on public opinion during a major election year.
The Cambridge Companion to US First Ladies takes a holistic look at the position, its holders and their impact on the country. The book analyzes first ladies through various lenses, shedding light on often-overlooked details and their roles in shaping American history.
A first-of-its-kind study found that restrictive school policies didn't lead to lower phone and social media use among students, nor better outcomes in mental health and wellbeing. The study suggests that reducing time spent on phones is crucial, but schools must consider phone use beyond their boundaries.
A new study from Michigan State University reveals that social media plays a crucial role in connecting students with disabilities to others who share similar experiences. The research found that students with disabilities use social media as a tool for self-advocacy, identity exploration, and accessing vital resources.
The commission aims to ensure accurate and understandable health information, improving public trust in health institutions and providers. It will conduct a rigorous review of the current health information landscape and develop strategies to combat inaccurate or misleading content.
A recent study published in Seismica journal has debunked claims that a magnitude 4.5 earthquake in Iran was a covert nuclear weapons test. The researchers analyzed seismic signals from the event and concluded that it was caused by natural geological forces, contradicting widespread misinformation on social media and news outlets.
A recent study found that half of US adolescents spend at least 66 minutes per day on their smartphones during school hours, with the majority using messaging and social media apps.
A recent study evaluating NewsGuard's media reliability rating service found no evidence of bias against conservative news outlets. The analysis of over 11,000 sources in nine countries revealed stable trustworthiness scores since 2022, with the US receiving lower ratings due to hyper-partisan sources lacking editorial practices.
Researchers investigated how people decide to confront or avoid unfair behavior, revealing that avoidance is driven by both not wanting to witness inequality and a desire to avoid confrontation. Even those who tend to avoid unfairness will hand out punishment if forced to observe such behavior.
A study by University of Bath researchers found that memes in online communities of conspiracy theorists reinforce the collective identity of these groups. Memes often fall into three broad themes: 'deception', 'delusion', and 'superiority' of conspiracy believers.
A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid found that Spanish society demands mechanisms to guarantee the veracity of health news, with no age, gender, or social class correlation. The researchers suggest co-regulation as an intermediate solution to mitigate public skepticism about media reliability.
The paper highlights the need for a critical re-evaluation of how we study digital technologies' impact on young people's mental health. Oxford researchers call for a collaborative evidence-based framework to regulate AI integration into online platforms, ensuring its safety and benefits for children and adolescents.
A study of British motherhood influencers found that 3 in 4 posts feature children, with half linked to sponsorship and financial gain. The researchers express strong trust in Instagram's safety features, suggesting a deliberate strategy rather than accidental sharing.
A new megastudy tested 25 treatments to reduce partisan animosity and antidemocratic attitudes. The research found that 23 of the 25 efforts led to statistically significant reductions in partisan animosity. While the effects were not huge, they suggest it is possible to mitigate some of these issues.
A study by Technical University of Munich finds that digital violence discourages political participation, particularly among women, who experience sexualized online attacks. The survey shows that more than half of those affected modify their behavior, including giving up on politics entirely.
A new research project led by Cambridge will review existing studies on the impact of smartphones and social media on children's mental health and wellbeing. The team aims to provide policymakers with high-quality insights to inform future action, considering factors such as online habits, emerging technologies, and vulnerable groups.
Researchers will examine archival research, media content, and conduct interviews with series creators and experts to understand the show's influence on science education. The project aims to explore how 'The Magic School Bus' worked creatively, educationally, and financially.
A Swedish study found that topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is characterized by symptoms such as redness, pain, and itching, often accompanied by sleep problems. The study aimed to understand the phenomenon of TSW, which many patients consider a cortisone dependence.
A study from the University of Georgia found that about half of social media users have invested in digital currencies, with men and those with high risk tolerance being more likely to do so. On the other hand, people with higher education levels were less likely to invest. Investing in crypto comes with risks, such as volatility and u...
Goethe University Frankfurt and over 60 German institutions have withdrawn from X, citing the platform's disfavor towards democratic voices and manipulation of content for Elon Musk's worldview. The universities now prioritize fact-based knowledge and democratic values on alternative platforms.
A recent study by HSE University found that young adults in Russia consume media content about serial killers due to cognitive and emotional motives. Cognitive motives involve understanding the causes of human behavior, while emotional motives allow viewers to experience intense emotions often lacking in everyday life.
A new UC San Francisco study found that most 11- and 12-year-olds use TikTok and other social media platforms against the rules, showing signs of addiction. The study also revealed a quarter of children reported elements of addiction while using social media, linked to depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and disruptive behaviors.
The Joint Active Music Sessions (JAMS) platform allows musicians to connect and practice with others in real-time, using avatars that capture the nuances of live performance. This innovative platform aims to bridge the gap between physical and virtual music-making.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that 11- to 12-year-olds primarily use their smartphones to communicate with family and friends, rather than engaging with social media. While they do use social media, it is mainly for watching videos on YouTube and other platforms.
A new study examined the role of social media in coping mechanisms among ex ultra-Orthodox Jews who left their community. The research found that while time spent on social media was not associated with wellbeing, methods of coping through social media were negatively linked to wellbeing.
A study of 367 parents found that two-thirds recalled watching diverse media with their children, and their racial-ethnic identity predicted their attitudes but not their beliefs. Parents were more open to diverse content than previously thought.
The new book, 'Peace by Peace: Risking Public Action, Creating Social Change,' tells the stories of ordinary individuals who took small steps to make big changes in their local communities. Drift, a feeling of detachment and disconnection, is identified as a major challenge, but practical wisdom is proposed as a tool to counteract it.
Sage has acquired Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., expanding its portfolio of peer-reviewed journals in biotechnology and life sciences. The acquisition enhances reach and impact, ensuring high-quality science continues to make a difference.
Research from Rutgers University-New Brunswick found that screen time has no effect on suicidal thoughts, but rather the content teens engage with and experiences they have. Positive social media interactions can protect against suicidal ideation, while negative ones increase risk.