Research on social media and its effects on people. Covers sleep and mood, body image, self-objectification, and the platforms' wider social impact.
New satellite-based estimate reveals phosphorus transport from Saharan Desert to Amazon rainforest over multiple years. Researchers also investigate human and robotic missions to the Moon, potentially uncovering solar system origins.
An analysis of 80,000 health web pages reveals that nine out of ten visits result in personal health information being leaked to third parties. This can lead to identity theft and discrimination due to predictive algorithms grouping individuals into categories.
Scientists are struggling to weigh e-cigarette promises and threats as sales boom, with preliminary studies showing lower nicotine levels in users compared to smokers. Ongoing studies aim to flesh out potential health issues, including respiratory disease linked to flavorings.
Researchers found that social media can instantly reach a large percentage of students to provide timely and accurate information during crisis situations. The study suggests that students are more likely to comply with emergency notifications received through social networking channels.
Research using 405 consumer product recalls found that corporate social media reduces negative price reactions to recall announcements. However, as social media evolves, firms lose control over online content and negative sentiment from disgruntled users exacerbates market reactions.
A survey by Pew Research Center in collaboration with AAAS found that 87% of scientists believe they should take an active role in public policy debates. Scientists use various methods to connect with the public, including social media and blogging, with 47% using social media to talk about science or read about scientific developments.
Researchers identified key features that make tweets more likely to get attention, including using words like 'please' and being informative. The study's algorithm predicted tweet popularity more accurately than human observers, with potential applications in longer forms of discourse.
A UBC study shows that Twitter is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, with 25% of tweets about spinal cord injury coming from medical experts. The study also found that users discussing Parkinson's disease were more likely to share new research tools and methods.
Researchers analyzed nearly 1,000 tweets before and after engagement to discover how people altered their online personas. Tweets with words 'I' or 'me' dropped by 69%, replaced with 'we' and 'us', as individuals transitioned into couples.
Researchers found that people prefer online profiles highlighting a potential partner's success and humility, with specific details about their life. This approach balances presenting the best version of oneself while avoiding exaggerations.
A Michigan State University study found that Facebook users who like, share, or comment on alcohol-related posts are more likely to think about drinking. The research suggests that social media platforms can inadvertently promote underage drinking by making alcohol content highly engaging.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers confirms that humans use more positive words than negative ones across ten languages, including Arabic, Korean, and Chinese. The study analyzed billions of words from various sources and found a consistent positivity bias, indicating that language itself has a positive outlook.
A new study finds that individuals with attachment anxiety use Facebook frequently to seek feedback and reassurance, while extraverted users engage on the platform for different reasons. The research highlights the importance of personality in shaping social media engagement.
A new approach uses progressively trained deep convolutional neural networks to analyze sentiments in images. The method outperforms existing techniques on Twitter image sentiment analysis, even exceeding text-based sentiment classification on the same messages. This technology could inform economists and predict election outcomes.
Researchers found that surveillance use on Facebook can lead to feelings of envy and depression. Users who engage in comparison or surveillance behavior on the platform are more likely to experience negative mental health effects, according to a study published in Computers in Human Behavior.
A study found that publicly tweeting about sexism can increase women's wellbeing by allowing them to express themselves and feel like they're making a difference. The study, published in the British Journal of Social Psychology, involved 93 female undergraduate students who tweeted about sexism for three days.
A team of scientists has created a new type of lens that can rapidly switch between clear and dark shades, addressing safety concerns for pilots and others who need adaptable eyewear. The lenses, which can be controlled by the wearer, also offer fine-tuning capabilities to match various hues.
A Concordia University study found that individuals from collectivist societies generate fewer ideas but with higher quality, while those from individualistic countries produce more ideas but with lower quality. The study suggests that understanding cultural differences is crucial for maximizing productivity in international teams.
A new study found that oatmeal breakfast resulted in greater fullness and lower calorie intake at lunch compared to sugared corn flakes or water. The study suggested that the satiety effect of oatmeal may be due to its slower gastric emptying, which was more pronounced in overweight subjects.
Researchers analyzed over 7.6 million tweets about marijuana, finding that 77% were pro-pot, while only 5% were anti-marijuana. Pro-pot tweets often encouraged use and made claims about health benefits, reaching a large audience of young people at risk for substance abuse.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that negative emotions on Twitter are associated with higher heart disease risk, while positive emotions are linked to lower risk. The study used a large dataset of tweets and health data to develop a predictive model for coronary heart disease rates.
Researchers found that recent US mountain warming might be less than previously thought due to sensor biases. In other news, the Interior Secretary seeks common ground with Congress on climate change and scientific integrity.
A recent study by Iowa State University professor Reynol Junco found that social media use negatively impacts freshman grades, but not upperclassmen. The negative relationship is attributed to lack of self-regulation skills, which can be addressed through responsible Facebook use and academic guidance.
Researchers found that users who share news on social media sites, especially those who engage with friends, are more involved with the content. Users who ask questions or seek opinions from friends show increased involvement, suggesting that developers should encourage discussions about shared content.
A Concordia University study found that bilingual children are more likely to believe that traits arise from experience, while monolinguals tend to think they're innate. This discovery has important social implications, as it suggests early second language education could promote acceptance of human diversity.
A new study in Geophysical Research Letters finds that large thunderstorms can transport significant amounts of ozone from the stratosphere to the troposphere. Decades of mitigation efforts in megacities like Los Angeles demonstrate improvements in air quality, highlighting the need for continued action against urban air pollution.
A research team analyzed body size data for 25 marine species, including whales, sharks, and squids, to correct inaccuracies and understand the challenges of measurement. The study found that some species exhibit significant size variation within a single species.
A new pilot study found that majority of tweets from an Emergency Medicine Conference accurately reflected the presenter's message, while some misrepresented it and potentially harmed speaker's reputation. The study highlights the need for further assessment on the impact of social media on presentation quality.
A new study found that only 39 out of 93 possible behavior change techniques were used in top-ranked fitness apps, with social support and feedback being the most common. The study suggests that users should consider their individual needs when selecting an app to increase physical activity.
A new study reveals that computers can make accurate judgments about personalities better than most people, using digital signals like Facebook Likes. The researchers analyzed data from over 86,000 volunteers and found that computers could predict personality traits with greater accuracy than human judges, except for spouses.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are developing an iPhone and Android app called iChequIt that gauges Ebola risk based on social media posts and contact-tracing records. The app will provide users with a running score of their likelihood of contact with the deadly virus, but it's not meant to advise people how to live their lives.
A new study by Ohio State University found that men who post more online photos of themselves are more likely to score higher on measures of narcissism and psychopathy. Editing photos before posting is also related to higher levels of self-objectification, which values appearance over other traits.
Researchers used geolocalized tweets to identify land use patterns in Manhattan, Madrid, and London. They found that nighttime tweet activity is concentrated on weekends in Madrid and weekdays in Manhattan, while daytime leisure areas are prominent in London. This study shows the potential of social media data for urban planning.
Research by an economist at the University of Warwick found a negative correlation between Facebook connections and charitable donations. People with fewer friends on Facebook raised more money for charity than those with lots of connections. Additionally, individuals who complete tougher fundraising activities generate more cash.
Researchers at ORNL used atomic force microscopy to fabricate nanoscale patterns in polymerized ionic liquids, exhibiting unique properties and potential applications in lithium batteries, transistors, and solar cells. The study showcases the technique's promise for alternative nanofabrication methods.
Researchers found that electronic word-of-mouth plays a crucial role in crowdfunding campaign success, with Facebook being more effective than Twitter. The study also identified key factors for creators to optimize their campaigns, including participation in social networks and encouraging early backers to share the project.
A new study from UCLA found that combining social media with behavioral psychology increased HIV testing rates among men who have sex with men in Peru. The Harnessing Online Peer Education intervention was more effective than traditional care through social media, suggesting a valuable tool in the fight against HIV.
The study analyzed data from multilingual Twitter users and Wikipedia editors, as well as book translations in 150 countries. It found that a language's centrality in the network predicts its global fame, with some networks correlating better with certain measures of fame than others.
A Chapman University study found that 24.1% of tested herbs from Los Angeles and Seattle markets contained E. coli, while one sample showed Salmonella. The research highlights the need for better food safety measures at farmers' markets.
A landmark study found that training older adults in social media improves mental health and well-being by enhancing cognitive capacity, increasing self-competence, and combating isolation. The study showed that participants became more positive about computers, engaged in social activity, and had a stronger sense of personal identity.
Researchers at Kent State University will study how human dynamics across social media and social networks can be modeled using a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The goal is to improve disaster warnings and alerts as well as communicate more effectively with the public on social issues.
Researchers analyzed over 180 million geocoded tweets to understand how people in 95 cities worldwide reacted to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Citizens expressed emotions based on geography, social connections, and cultural ties to Boston.
Scientists have developed a stretchable electronic skin that can detect pressure, location, intensity, and direction. This innovation could be used in prosthetic limbs, robotic skins, and rehabilitation devices.
A study by USCB researchers determined that building an audience and engaging it during crowdfunding is crucial for success. The most important networks were those that were scalable, such as Twitter and email, which helped bring people to the projects.
NOAA and partners have released detailed sonar maps and images of the historic SS City of Rio de Janeiro, a San Francisco shipwreck that sank in 1901, killing 128 people. The wreck was located using cutting-edge technology in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.
Johns Hopkins researchers are using Twitter posts to gather important information about common mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder. Their techniques have yielded fresh numbers on cases of these illnesses, allowing for analyses that were previously difficult or expensive to obtain.
A new guide released by the Endocrine Society and IPEN highlights the growing threat of endocrine-disrupting chemicals to human health. The document provides an overview of EDCs, their impact on human health, and policy recommendations to mitigate these effects.
A recent study found that having a journalist engage with commenters can reduce incivility and increase the use of evidence in comments. The researchers partnered with a local television news station and conducted an experiment using its Facebook community, resulting in a statistically significant effect on the tone of the comments.
A UT Arlington professor aims to uncover hidden relationships in social networks using a new approach to analyze vast amounts of online data. The research could have numerous applications, including improving military intelligence and identifying emerging media trends.
Researchers found a significant warming trend in air and water temperatures over 51 years, with impacts on water quality, eutrophication, and aquatic life. Rising temperatures will lead to increased nutrient runoff and shifts in plant and animal distributions in the bay's freshwater rivers and streams.
Researchers from HURL and NOAA team discover the USS Kailua, a historic cable ship that served in World War II, sitting upright in 2,000 feet of water nearly 20 miles off Oahu's coast. The ship was surprisingly intact for its age, with well-preserved upper deck structures and no signs of torpedo damage.
Researchers argue that social networking sites can be used to provide timely updates and guidance during emergency situations on campus. The study suggests that these platforms could complement existing emergency notification systems, providing a cost-effective way to reach students and staff.
A study from Concordia University reveals that male millennials need specific emotional prods to engage with non-profits, unlike female millennials who respond to causes on an emotional level. Marketers must focus on the benefits of supporting a cause to successfully engage millennials in charitable efforts.
Researchers found that online activism did force the Chinese government to take some actions on air pollution, but corporate and government interests largely shaped the online discussion. The study shows both the power and limits of online activism in China, highlighting the need for more nuanced approaches to addressing complex social...
Researchers warn that social media datasets may be misleading due to built-in population biases and algorithmic changes. Scientists need to correct or acknowledge these biases to ensure accurate results.
Academic researchers are mining social media data to learn about online and offline human behavior, but flaws in studies point to need for more aware analysis methods. The study highlights issues such as user demographics, data filtering, platform design, spam bots, and biased results.
The G20 summit attracted a massive Twitter presence, with the US and its leaders dominating conversations. Dr Peta Mitchell's interactive map revealed over 19,000 geo-referenced tweets within Brisbane's declared zones, showcasing the event's global reach and public engagement.
Researchers found that social media campaigns with emotionally driven content, infographics, and peer influencers led to higher engagement rates. The study used a paid pilot campaign on Facebook, followed by influencer-led content for a month, resulting in improved attitudes towards organ donation.
The MIT researchers' model assumes that large groups of ratings can be clustered together and described probabilistically. They found that just five clusters were enough to account for most of the variation in a population, suggesting that collaborative filtering yields nearly optimal predictions.
A recent investigation explored whether Facebook murders were unique and worthy of a new label. The study found that these crimes followed typical patterns, with victims knowing their killers, and social media played no more significant role than other tools in the commission of violence.