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 study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and IT University in Copenhagen found that 94% of respondents violate computer authentication best practices, with novice users being more likely to do so. The study emphasizes the need for a better balance between human limitations and security measures.
A study found that 60% of US medical schools reported incidents of students posting unprofessional content online, with 13% reporting incidents involving violation of patient confidentiality. Many schools lack policies to address these issues, and only 38% have formal professionalism curricula.
Researchers aim to reduce isolation and depression among seniors by training them to use the Internet and social media. The study also focuses on increasing access to health information, making it easier for older adults to stay healthy.
The Purdue-led NEEScomm Center will connect 14 research equipment sites and the earthquake engineering community through cyberinfrastructure, education, and outreach efforts. The center aims to develop better ways of reducing earthquake damage through improved materials, construction techniques, and monitoring tools.
The use of Twitter for healthcare communication offers numerous benefits, including fast and easy dissemination of time-critical information such as disaster alerts and drug safety warnings. However, caution is needed to preserve confidentiality and patient privacy in the clinical care setting.
A new study reveals that popular social networking sites make user personal information available to tracking sites, allowing for direct linking of browsing habits to specific individuals. This can lead to inaccurate profiling and serious consequences for users.
A study found that college students who spent more time on Facebook were more likely to feel jealous towards their partners, triggering a vicious cycle of online behavior. This excessive Facebook usage can lead to negative influences on relationships and behavior, with some participants describing their use as addictive.
A recent study analyzing childrearing advice in popular US magazine Parents found a historical trade-off between children's autonomy in private spaces at home and public spaces outside the home. While children have gained more autonomy in self-expression, they have lost substantial freedom of movement and delayed responsibilities.
A new tool called Vanish can make online personal data expire, becoming irretrievable from all Web sites and home computers. The system uses decentralized file-sharing networks to create a secret key and then encrypts the message with that key.
Jessica Ridpath's PRISM Toolkit helps researchers communicate clearly in written materials, improving informed decision-making and reducing risks. The toolkit has been downloaded 2,000 times and has led to revisions of patient letters, brochures, and consent forms across healthcare institutions.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have found that an individual's date and state of birth are sufficient to guess their nine-digit Social Security number with great accuracy. The study also highlights the risks of identity theft, which cost Americans almost $50 billion in 2007 alone.
A new music search engine developed by UC San Diego engineers uses artificial intelligence to analyze songs and provide accurate song suggestions based on user input. The system uses machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in music genres, emotions, and instruments, enabling users to find specific songs through descriptive words.
Researchers from Northwestern University found no evidence that Facebook use correlates with lower academic achievement. Instead, they suggest that the impact of social networking sites on students depends on how they are used, with cultivating relationships potentially leading to positive outcomes.
Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital use online surveillance tools to track emerging infectious diseases, providing up-to-the-minute information. HealthMap.org aggregates real-time data on swine flu outbreaks, highlighting the potential of internet mining for public health support.
Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface system that allows people with locked-in syndrome or spinal cord injuries to send tweets using only their thoughts. The system uses EEG technology to detect brain activity and translate it into physical actions, such as typing on a keyboard.
A study by Ohio State University found a link between Facebook use and lower grades in college. College students who use Facebook spend less time studying and have lower GPAs, with STEM majors being more likely to use the site.
The University of Minnesota's Daily newspaper has launched a Facebook application that tests new strategies to engage young people in current events and build community. The app aims to provide a future business model for media organizations and generate real-world impact through online social network sites like Facebook.
Experts explore using social networking tools to identify prior art in patent applications, streamlining the process for the US Patent and Trademark Office. The Peer-to-Patent pilot project demonstrates a promising approach to reducing backlog, with similar initiatives being investigated by UK and European offices.
The latest issue of FIBER journal focuses on China's maturing apparel industry, highlighting its growth potential and the importance of understanding young Chinese consumers. Experts share best practices and tips for conducting business in China, as well as valuable insights into social responsibility in the industry.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that individuals with high trust in mass media tend to be healthier. Young, married, and highly-educated women reported the highest levels of health, while those in Turkmenistan had the lowest opinion of their own wellbeing.
A report from the JAMA/Archives journals found that nearly half of teens reference sex or substance use on their online profiles. A subsequent intervention study showed a single warning email from a physician reduced mentions of sex, while references to substance use remained lower over time.
A recent study by Seattle Children's Research Institute found that 54% of adolescents frequently discuss high-risk activities on MySpace, including substance abuse, sexual behavior, and violence. Profiles with church or religious involvement, sports, or hobbies were associated with decreased displays of risky behaviors.
Employees with high levels of job autonomy are more likely to blur the lines between work and family life, according to new research. The study found that having greater control over schedules is associated with more frequent work-family role blurring, particularly among men.
Researchers found that social networking sites intensify the ability to present oneself in a positive light, allowing users to explore different aspects of their personality. This can lead to increased individualism and narcissism as users sculpt their profiles.
Researchers will analyze larger networks to understand how they form and evolve over time, with potential applications in identifying critical nodes and predicting new growth areas.
A University of Georgia study suggests that Facebook profiles can be used to detect narcissism, with individuals displaying self-promoting behavior and having shallow relationships. Untrained observers were also able to accurately identify narcissistic tendencies based on profile characteristics.
Researchers analyzed brain activity using fMRI to identify differences in connectivity between Alzheimer's patients and healthy individuals. They found that patients had fewer functional hubs, compromising regional connections and contributing to memory loss.
A new report from Research Australia reveals a strong link between childhood ear infections and exposure to passive tobacco smoke. The study found that Aboriginal children were more likely to develop middle ear infections and experience hearing loss due to early exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
A large study of six grade students found that early intervention is imperative to prevent teen alcohol abuse. The researchers identified several key factors, including parental influences, peer influences, environment, and involvement in sports and other activities.
A Northwestern University study found that college students' choice of social networking sites is influenced by their race, ethnicity, and parents' education level. The research challenges the common assumption that all college students use Facebook, revealing differences in usage among various groups.
Researchers studying fantasy baseball aim to comprehend expert and novice players' approaches, as well as their learning processes. They analyze three leagues with varying levels of expertise, gathering insights into player strategies, community connections, and the role of technology in gaming.
Researchers at USC Information Sciences Institute have found a new source of artificial intelligence computing power in people's collective tagging activities on the social web. By extracting metadata from these interactions, they can improve information classification, reliability, and meaning.
Researchers explore five dimensions of online gifts: initiative, direction, incentive, identification, and limitation. These dimensions reveal how digital gifts facilitate social connections and influence community dynamics.
A national study from Tufts University reveals that college students know more about politics than pop culture, with half able to name their U.S. senator or representative and nearly two-thirds knowing at least one of their senators.
A new study aims to understand how college students network online and interact with each other in virtual communities. The research team, led by Professor Susan Barnes, will develop an undergraduate course on social media to explore the use of software for social interaction.
Researchers Constance Steinkuehler and Dmitri Williams found that online video games like 'Asheron's Call' and 'Lineage' foster social interaction and relationships beyond the workplace and home. The games offer virtual third places for informal sociability, bridging social capital and broadening worldviews.
A study of third-grade children found that those with more screen time requested advertised products more often. Reducing screen time may benefit children's health and combat obesity.
The ESRC Social Contexts and Responses to Risk network examines perceptions of risk and responses to it in various areas, including town-planning, intimate sexual behavior, and social care. The research aims to provide a clear assessment of how the social sciences can contribute to understanding and managing new risks.
Despite progress, older Americans face disparities in education, wealth, healthcare access, and risk factors for chronic diseases. The report highlights the need to address these gaps to ensure better quality of life for aging populations.
Researchers have identified two specific brain areas activated when people make mental state judgments, shedding light on the neural basis of everyday theory of mind. This finding may help develop interventions for individuals with autism who struggle with social skills and mental state decoding.
Researchers found that local communication, such as talking to neighbors, is crucial for a sense of community. The study also highlights the importance of strategic community organizations and media in building a stronger sense of belonging.
The Geological Society of America 1999 Annual Meeting features sessions on geological hazards, climate change, planetary science and Mars exploration. Keynote speakers will discuss the impact of earthquakes, greenhouse conditions and environmental consequences of impact events.