Research on social media and its effects on people. Covers sleep and mood, body image, self-objectification, and the platforms' wider social impact.
A study published in Psychological Science found that women are more attracted to men when they're uncertain about how much he likes them. Women who were told the men liked them most or average were less attractive than those who didn't know their interest level.
Neutron analysis reveals that magnetic interactions responsible for high-temperature superconductivity occur in a next-nearest-neighbor ordering of atoms, not just adjacent ones. This discovery suggests that superconductivity shares a common magnetic origin among different materials.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new approach to analyzing social networking interactions, considering time and space factors. This enables better understanding of leadership emergence, trust changes over time, and migration within communities online.
A workplace's key employees may be at greatest risk of experiencing high levels of work stress. Workers who feel responsible for poor job performance or think it could negatively affect others are twice as likely to report high stress.
A study by Ohio State University found that 100% of pharmacy professors who had Facebook profiles would not send friend requests to their current students. The study suggests that faculty benefit from clear guidelines on social networking use to decrease discomfort around handling student friend requests.
A new research project at Tel Aviv University has developed a security application called Locaccino to fine-tune privacy settings based on user information and behavior. The app allows users to track their friends' physical location, but also provides flexibility in sharing personal data online.
Research finds that asking for advice can increase likelihood of patronizing a business and donating to a nonprofit. On the other hand, soliciting expectations creates distance and reduces subsequent transactions.
Researchers used a transgenic mouse model to visualize the most active neurons in the neocortex, finding that they act like a small population of highly connected individuals on Facebook. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the brain's center of higher learning and its role in learning.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that regional dialects and slang terms on Twitter can predict the location of tweet authors. The study analyzed over 380,000 tweets and found that users from different regions used distinct words and phrases, such as 'yinz' for Pittsburghers and 'coo' for southern Californians.
A survey of 405 postgraduate trainee doctors found that nearly three-quarters had a Facebook profile, with many sharing personal information and photos. The authors warn that this could lead to an ethically problematic situation if patients access their profiles, as it may be misinterpreted outside its original context.
Researchers identified a large colony of Siboglinidae tubeworms on the side of an underwater mountain in the Eastern Mediterranean. The discovery was made possible by a team of scientists ashore and the public watching live via internet, using high-definition video cameras and satellite telecommunications.
A USGS study has found large differences in arsenic concentrations from well to well, even at the town level, highlighting the need for private well owners to test their water. Elevated arsenic levels have been detected in multiple towns across Maine, posing a risk to residents' health and requiring prompt action.
A U-M study found that adding an interactive online community to an Internet-based walking program significantly decreased participant dropout rates. Seventy-nine percent of participants who used the social component stuck with the program, while only 66% of those without it completed it.
A recent study found that not all movie-watching experiences are enjoyable, with some films inducing emotional discomfort due to graphic content or disturbing themes. The presence of family members or unknown individuals can also impact viewer satisfaction.
A study by Young and Rice found that online social networking has both positive and negative effects on sexual risk behaviors in homeless youth, with potential for increased risks but also opportunities for effective health communication and information portals.
Experts warn that consumers have little control over their online tracking and profiling, leading to a loss of privacy and potential manipulation of behavior. Nancy King, associate professor at Oregon State University, advocates for a balance between protecting consumer privacy and allowing behavioral advertising to thrive.
Researchers discover JavaScript code accessing browser histories without user consent, highlighting potential for malicious activities such as phishing. Latest browsers have patched vulnerabilities, but users on outdated versions remain at risk.
Researchers report a case of an 18-year-old man experiencing asthma attacks triggered by logging into Facebook. The doctors suggest hyperventilation due to seeing his girlfriend's profile may have caused these episodes. They propose considering social networks as a potential trigger for exacerbations in depressed asthmatic individuals.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee researchers found that teleworkers experience fewer work-life conflicts and less job stress compared to their office-based colleagues. These benefits lead to higher job satisfaction for telecommuters.
A new study by Harvard University sociologists found that old-fashioned social pressure is the strongest attraction in determining who befriends whom on Facebook. Shared ethnic backgrounds and geographic origins also played a significant role in forming friendships. Meanwhile, race appears to be less important than initially thought.
A new UCLA–Harvard University study found that birds of a feather don't always flock together; instead, plain social pressure and shared characteristics like ethnicity, major, or state of origin play stronger roles in forming friendships. Social pressure proved seven times stronger than shared racial background.
Two new tools, Wildlife Health Event Reporter and Outbreaks Near Me, enable public reporting of sick or dead wild animals to detect wildlife disease outbreaks that may pose a risk to humans. These tools can also provide early warnings of emerging diseases.
A new study of student reactions to campus shootings found that online activities neither helped nor harmed long-term psychological health. Students reported feeling better after participating in online memorials and communications, but these effects did not translate into long-term change.
A significant increase in lung transplant rejection was found in patients with vitamin D deficiency. The study suggests that optimal vitamin D levels are critical for positive outcomes in lung transplant patients.
A Concordia University professor argues that nurses can advocate for better healthcare and services for teenagers who are LGBTIQ, reducing transmission of sexually transmitted infections by discussing safe sex practices. Nurses should be nonjudgmental, tolerant and supportive of LGBTIQ individuals in the clinic and community.
The Living Voters Guide aims to spark civil discussion among Washington voters by letting them work together to write their own voters guide. The guide uses elements of Twitter's character limit and Google's ranking system to encourage people of different views to learn from each other.
The Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media has launched a global Social Media Health Network, bringing together institutions from around the world to harness the power of social media in healthcare. The network aims to share best practices, develop training resources and facilitate growth of social media programs.
Researchers found that power users prefer customization to control their information universe, while nonpower users prefer personalized experiences with assured privacy. This study highlights the importance of considering user experience and privacy concerns when designing online news platforms.
A new study by MIT researcher Damon Centola found that people are more likely to adopt new health practices in networks with dense clusters of connections, rather than those with long ties. In the study, individuals in clustered networks were four times more likely to register for a health forum and participate regularly.
A recent study published in Ecology found that elk are responsible for the decline of aspen in Yellowstone National Park, contradicting previous claims that wolves helped restore the ecosystem. Aspen stands exposed to elk browsing did not regenerate, even in areas considered risky for wolf predation.
The study reveals that new media platforms empower customers as market players, influencing attitudes and behaviors. Companies must adapt marketing approaches to match the characteristics of these platforms.
A study of 276 Germans found that older readers preferred to read negative stories about younger individuals, while younger people showed low interest in articles about older individuals. The results suggest that people use the media to enhance their social identity and may prefer messages that portray others as having a higher status.
A Northwestern University study found that many college students trust websites and search engines ranked high on Google, prioritizing brand recognition over factual accuracy. The study involved 102 students who showed a strong preference for Google and other top brands, even when given hypothetical information-seeking tasks.
The new Keck website demonstrates advances in digital mapping by providing a customizable interface for users to access various data sets. The site combines ArcGIS Server and Google maps, offering an intuitive way to access data, and is significantly faster than comparable searches, returning results five to six times faster.
Researchers found that teenagers are adept at using technology to connect with each other socially and creatively, often in innovative ways such as watching video diaries on YouTube or assessing platform features. Teens also demonstrate digital literacy by evaluating online platforms and selecting appropriate privacy settings.
A study of 600 subjects found that consuming 67 grams of nuts per day significantly lowered total and LDL-cholesterol levels, as well as triglycerides. Pistachios' unique nutrient profile provides significant heart health benefits.
A Carnegie Mellon study analyzed over a billion Twitter messages to gauge public opinion on consumer confidence and presidential job approval. The results showed correlations between Twitter-derived sentiment measurements and traditional polling data, with notable similarities in trends and fluctuations.
A recent study by Rochester Institute of Technology found that using social media in classrooms has little effect on building student connections and social capital. The research used course management systems and discussion groups to enhance instruction, but results showed no measurable impact on students' social networks.
Researchers found a strong association between display of sexual references on Facebook and self-reported intention to initiate sexual intercourse. The study suggests that social networking sites can provide clues for when parents should talk to their children about sex.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that 30% of patients treated with cognitive behavior therapy experienced rapid symptom relief within four weeks, maintaining gains at follow-up examinations. Rapid responders showed lasting benefit for up to three months after treatment ended.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) presents its prestigious recognition awards to distinguished gastroenterologists for their exceptional achievements. The awardees were nominated by their peers and undergo a rigorous review process before being selected, reflecting the high esteem in which they are held.
A study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that white students with color-blind racial attitudes were more likely not to be offended by racially themed party images, while African-Americans were more likely to be bothered. The research suggests that color-blind racial ideology is detrimental to race relations on ...
Research from Kansas State University found that businesses can create different marketing approaches for various groups based on the type of relationship they seek with customers. Online retailers should focus on enhancing trustworthiness through measures like Better Business Bureau association and secure data protection.
Researchers found that online communication reinforces local relationships, builds networks of interacting individuals, and forms ties that bind for offline communities. The intersection between online and offline worlds creates a vibrant platform for community communication and information exchange.
Researchers analyzed 52,153 Twitter tweets mentioning antibiotics and found that misinformation can travel rapidly through the network. The study highlights the importance of promoting healthy behaviors and disseminating trustworthy information on social media platforms.
A study of 100 teen bloggers found that most used blogs to discuss positive activities like studying, spending time with family, and going to church. The teens' blog posts showed little evidence of risky behaviors, with only a few instances of complaining about boredom or feeling negative emotions.
A new study found that few websites provide high-quality patient information on treatment options for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Researchers evaluated 50 websites using various criteria to assess their quality and accuracy.
Research highlights the need for emergency online communities to address the psychological and social needs of people with disabilities during disasters. The study proposes three main objectives: developing coordinated online social networks, establishing adequate infrastructure, and conducting emergency training and simulation.
A new study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that propofol administration by a trained professional results in a low rate of sedation-related complications. The study identified risk factors for complications and highlights the importance of proper training and patient selection.
Researchers have discovered the bacterial protein VpsT as the key player in biofilm formation by Vibrio bacteria. This breakthrough provides new opportunities to disrupt biofilm creation and combat enteric disease, with potential applications for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers studying supra-glacial lakes on the Greenland ice sheet seek to understand their role in shaping the ice sheet's topography. The lakes form when melting water collects in pools in the lower levels of the ice sheet, and drain rapidly through cracks in the ice.
Research suggests that online social networking sites can facilitate faster information dissemination, provide timely information sources, and re-connect people affected by disasters. However, concerns about technology failure, credibility, and usability issues need to be addressed in developing emergency online networks.
A study by Penn State researchers found that health information from doctors on websites is considered more credible than blogs. Participants were more likely to trust expert sources and act on their advice, with a greater emphasis on the role of editors in presenting accurate information.
A new study by University of Virginia psychologists suggests that well-adapted youth with positive friendships will use social media to further enhance their relationships. However, teens with behavioral problems and difficulty making friends may use social media in negative ways or not at all.
Research from University of Texas at Austin psychologist Sam Gosling finds that Facebook profiles accurately reflect users' actual personality characteristics, rather than idealized versions. This discovery challenges the assumption that people present a curated version of themselves online.
Social media pioneer Anil Dash is leading Expert Labs, an independent effort to enhance policy-making by tapping into the wisdom of crowds. The initiative will leverage social networking platforms and technology startups to provide innovative solutions for sharing expertise.
Flocked swabs are found to be more effective than nasopharyngeal aspiration in detecting viruses, with a lower cost. Social media played a key role in disseminating news about the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, with 2.3 million searches for 'H1N1 flu' and 13.4 million for 'swine flu'
A University of Michigan study shows that news reports emphasizing social factors behind health issues can polarize public opinion, with Republicans becoming less supportive after reading such articles. Increasing awareness of social factors may not uniformly increase public support for action.
Landon Cox, a Duke University assistant professor of computer science, is researching peer-to-peer systems that distribute users' personal information across multiple servers. This aims to reduce the risk of data exploitation and provide more control over users' online presence.
Researchers found that online communities facilitate learning by transforming individual experiences into usable knowledge, enabling individuals to become empowered patients who make informed decisions about their health. However, the value of these communities depends on how individuals choose to act on the information they receive.