Research on social media and its effects on people. Covers sleep and mood, body image, self-objectification, and the platforms' wider social impact.
A recent IU study analyzing over 100 million Web clicks and 1.3 billion public posts reveals that social media news consumers access a narrower range of sources, contributing to the rise of collective social bubbles. This trend is attributed to people filtering their access to information through social media platforms.
Researchers found that nearly all health policymakers have Twitter accounts and may be receptive to useful findings. Effective tweets should target Congress members on committees with jurisdiction over health issues, educate policymakers rather than persuade them, and include links to research articles.
A University of Georgia study found that depressed Pinterest users are lacking in proactive coping approaches and positive messages. Researchers analyzed 783 posts and found that many displayed serious or severe depression, with few health professionals addressing the issue.
Ivan Dylko's model explores how customizability technologies increase political selective exposure, making users more surrounded with like-minded information and potentially polarized. The research suggests that technology-driven changes exacerbate this behavior.
A study by the University of Georgia found a correlation between certain patterns of connections on Facebook and drug and alcohol use among female students. Students with a history of childhood physical abuse were more likely to be part of densely interconnected groups, associated with higher risk for alcohol use. In contrast, those wi...
A new study in PLOS One analyzes tens of millions of tweets surrounding specific social protests and finds that a critical periphery of 'slacktivists' greatly amplify a movement's message, doubling its reach. The researchers argue that these peripheral players are essential to give protests resonance.
A study conducted by Penn researchers found that teens understand the risks of distracted driving and cellphone use, but still engage in these behaviors. The study also revealed that context plays a significant role in how teens differentiate between texting and social media use.
A University at Buffalo study uses Twitter data to enhance computer models guiding traffic during snowstorms and adverse weather. By analyzing over 360,000 tweets, researchers found that including such data improves the accuracy of models, particularly during peak tweeting hours and in densely populated areas.
A study published in Journal of Communication found that 16% of Jewish Israeli Facebook users unfriended friends during the Israel-Gaza conflict due to political comments. Users who unfriended were more likely to be ideologically extreme and less supportive of free speech.
A Baylor University study finds that advertising and public relations education lacks essential skills for success in social media. The research recommends incorporating business literacy, math, online community management, and media planning into courses to address these gaps.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a virtually perfect single layer of 'white graphene,' featuring high mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and transparency. This breakthrough material could enable faster data transfers and improve the performance of electronic devices.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that envy plays a significant role in driving Facebook posts and negatively impacting users' mental well-being. Envy-induced behavior, fueled by unrealistic social media portrayals, can create a cycle of jealousy and self-importance.
Artur Avila, a renowned Brazilian mathematician, has won the TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize for his groundbreaking work on dynamical systems and chaos theory. His research has helped resolve major mathematical quandaries and brought global awareness of Brazilian mathematics.
Researchers found that having over 300 Facebook friends increases cortisol levels in teens, while supportive behavior towards friends reduces stress. The study suggests that excessive social media use can lead to increased stress and potentially depression.
A new study published in PLOS ONE analyzed over 20 million tweets to gain insights into the psychological characteristics of real-world situations. The research found large gender differences and significant differences between weekdays and weekends.
A framework co-developed by Hiroki Sayama and his team can help students understand all types of networks, from social media to beehives. The framework provides seven concepts that characterize any network, allowing students to see common patterns across disciplines.
Neuroscientists can analyze social media broadcasts to measure emotional states, social conformity, and personality traits. Social media use also reveals differences in brain structure and function compared to offline environments.
The Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) plans to put its embattled past behind it by completing six delayed reports by the end of 2015. Under new leadership, the agency aims to increase transparency and adopt a cooperative tone.
The Fundao Dam failure in Brazil's Samarco mine disaster may have been caused by its structural failure. An integrated approach to detecting and characterizing cyanobacteria blooms could reduce human health risks and direct field resources more effectively.
Analysts' revisions help investors with stock valuation and shape market assessments of corporate disclosures. Only 28 percent of revisions matched corporate news, but offered more information than releases.
Research at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015 found that intimate partners of people with heart defibrillators are concerned about resuming sexual activity. After discussing their concerns, partners reported a significant decrease in fears related to cardiac arrest and ICD discharge during sex.
A new hybrid optical microscope/mass spectrometry-based imaging system developed at ORNL provides sub-micron resolution for chemical analysis and differentiates between polymers and cells. The technology enhances understanding of material interactions, drug transport, disease progression, and response to treatment.
A new study by Emilio Ferrara and Zeyao Yang found that positive emotions spread virally through Twitter feeds, with about 20% of users deemed highly susceptible to 'emotional contagion'. These users were four times more likely to produce positive tweets than negative ones.
A new study found that kids with asthma who make 5 acute care visits have a 87% probability of future emergency department visits. Early treatment and controlled asthma management significantly reduce asthma attacks and ED visits.
Biologics target the cells and pathways that cause allergic inflammation linked to asthma. New treatments have improved breathing and reduced asthma attacks in people with severe uncontrolled asthma.
A content analysis of nearly 500 anti-vaccination websites found that over two-thirds used misinformation and pseudoscience to claim vaccines are dangerous. The sites also promoted positive behaviors like eating healthy and breastfeeding, often using these tactics to sway vaccine-hesitant parents.
A global study in Health Affairs found no significant differences in the health, nutrition, and educational outcomes of left-behind children and rural children living with their parents. The research suggests that programs specifically targeting left-behind children may be misdirected and should focus on all rural children instead.
A new study found that much of the negative chatter about a recalled car brand spills over to rival brands, impinging them in the process. The 'perverse halo' effect reduces sales overall for all involved brands.
The number of American alligators in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge decreased following dry years and recovered later, according to a USGS study. The decrease was proportional to the intensity of the dry event, highlighting the impact of hydrology changes on alligator populations.
A new study combines data from various sources to create more accurate flu forecasts. The ensemble models outperform traditional methods, including Google Flu Trends, and provide near-perfect correlation with CDC reports. Researchers hope to expand the model's capabilities to track other diseases.
A research team developed predictive models of flu-like activity combining data from Google, Twitter, EHRs, and crowd-sourced flu data. Ensemble modeling outperforms individual data sources and rivals CDC's retrospective reporting accuracy.
A new study analyzes 464 Twitter tweets related to MRI and finds that patients express anxiety about various aspects of the procedure, including diagnosis and treatment. The study highlights the potential use of social media platforms like Twitter to gather insights into patient experiences and improve medical care.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a method to analyze Instagram data to expose underage drinking patterns and demographic trends. The study found that teenagers consume alcohol more on weekends and holidays, and that different brands are followed by varying demographics.
A study published in Seismological Research Letters found that the 2015 Nepal earthquake produced less damage than expected, with researchers attributing this to the Kathmandu valley's ancient lake bed sediments. The shaking was reportedly amplified by these sediments for small and moderate earthquakes, but not as much for larger ones.
A recent study examines the use of LinkedIn for professional development, finding adults are receptive to sharing knowledge and meeting professionals. However, negative experiences such as unwanted advertisements and unsolicited invitations were also reported.
The study found substantial growth in Twitter adoption and impressions at three major critical care conferences, with over 6.6 million impressions in the first year and 32.6 million views in the second year. Healthcare providers dominated tweets, accounting for 71% of all tweets.
The site recreates the British early modern social network to trace personal relationships among figures like Bacon, Shakespeare, and Newton. It identifies over 13,000 individuals and 200,000 relationships, providing new ways for scholars to consider communities, factions, influences, and sources.
Researchers found that social media content can be linked to health outcomes, with shared data comprising nearly 1.4 million posts and tweets from over 1,000 participants. The study suggests that social media data can provide insights into health trends and behaviors, potentially informing education campaigns and interventions.
Researchers discovered hundreds of censored Weibo posts criticizing air pollution and government response to the documentary 'Under the Dome'. The study highlights the effectiveness of Chinese censorship in suppressing public expression.
A new study reveals a sudden drop in the atmospheric concentration of a human-made ozone-destruction gas: HCFC-133a. Researchers explore the causes behind this decline and examine recent developments in U.S. policy addressing geomagnetically induced currents, as well as space weather and earthquakes.
New algorithms have been developed using the natural process of Japanese tree frogs singing out of sync to solve computational problems in graphs and social networks. These algorithms, known as FrogCOL and FrogMIS, can identify independent sets of nodes and detect structural patterns in complex networks.
A study by researchers at Chapman University proposes a mathematical approach to identify the most effective way to spread information on Facebook using cancer screenings as a health intervention. The research challenges established methods and suggests that both opinion leaders and social clusters can be used to maximize reach.
A recent study highlights the importance of in-person social connections for preventing depression in older adults. Individuals without regular face-to-face interactions had a significantly higher risk of developing depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that online e-cigarette vendors use sophisticated and aggressive marketing practices to promote their products, including social media engagement and promotional offers. The study highlights the potential of the Internet to encourage e-cigarette initiation and underage purchasing, despite laws in place to regulate onl...
A recent study found that mobile device tweets are more likely to employ egocentric language compared to non-mobile device tweets. Researchers analyzed 235 million tweets and discovered a consistent greater ratio of egocentric to non-egocentric tweets on mobile platforms.
A new study by the American Sociological Association found that men dominate media coverage due to their representation in leadership positions and the lack of female representation in these roles. The study analyzed data from over 2,000 US newspapers and magazines from 1983-2009.
A study published in the American Sociological Review found that media coverage is dominated by men, with 82% of names being men's. Despite significant social and economic advances, women continue to be underrepresented in media coverage.
Researchers found that people's aesthetic preferences for faces agree about 50% and disagree about 50% with others. Personal experiences, such as those with friends or media, play a significant role in shaping individual face preferences, according to the study published in Current Biology.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown process of warm Gulf Stream water and continental shelf exchange. Researchers also explored the effects of Saturn's magnetospheric dynamics on Titan's ionosphere.
Concordia researchers investigate how social media gamers cheat in games like FarmVille, with some defining cheating as breaking social norms. The study found that most respondents admitted to cheating, including purchasing currency or creating multiple accounts.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that Twitter behavior can predict users' income level, with lower-income users using the platform more for personal communication and higher-income users using it to disseminate news. The research analyzed over 5,000 tweets and identified strong correlations between online expressio...
The Endocrine Society releases a scientific statement linking endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure to increased risk of developing diabetes and obesity. The statement highlights the need for regulation and education to minimize further exposure and protect public health.
A Cardiff University team developed an intelligent system to detect malicious links disguised in shortened URLs on Twitter, identifying cyber-attacks within 30 seconds with 98% accuracy. The system was tested using tweets from high-traffic events and showed promise in preventing malware infections.
A new study by University of Delaware researchers found that positive comments on Facebook pages about political candidates positively influence viewers' own views, while negative comments have a negative effect. The study tested the impact of social media interactivity on citizens' perceptions of politicians.
The National Practice Guideline offers specific guidance on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of opioid use disorders. Medication options include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, with recommendations for patient monitoring and follow-up.
A study found that online support forums for people struggling with suicidal thoughts experience a shift in language and behavior after celebrity suicides. Redditors become more inwardly focused, posting about their own life struggles rather than seeking support from others.
Researchers say that the Black Widow controversy sparked by her romantic subplot with Bruce Banner fueled a surge in online sexism and misogyny. Fan anger over the scene where Natasha Romanoff confesses to being sterilized was partly due to a growing female fan culture, as well as the underrepresentation of women in comics.
The study found that political marketing used hashtags and mentioned candidates by username, while citizens commented on news and gave opinions during debates. Citizens' conversations were more dismissive and influenced by campaign controversies.
Researchers found that technology tools are more helpful when used separately, rather than together, in virtual museums. Participants preferred tools that offered agency and control, while novices appreciated a variety of options.
Research suggests that online campaigns need to be surprising to motivate public response, with distrust in sources and bias against non-news sources hindering engagement. Unfamiliarity with organisations also plays a key role.