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WVU research shows buyers believe karma, not boycotts should punish brands for bad behavior

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.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateFeb 17, 2025

School bans alone not enough to tackle negative impacts of phone and social media use

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Study debunks nuclear test misinformation following 2024 Iran earthquake

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalSeismica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 4, 2025

New research: Social media bridges connection gaps for students with disabilities

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Contemporary Issues in Education·DateFeb 4, 2025

NewsGuard: Study finds no bias against conservative news outlets

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.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of Quantitative Description Digital Media·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2025

Recommendations for studying the impact of AI on young people's mental health  proposed by Oxford researchers

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJan 21, 2025

Cambridge leads first phase of governmental project to understand impact of smartphones and social media on young people

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.

Painful skin when tapering cortisone cream

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalActa Dermato Venereologica·TypeSurvey·DateJan 14, 2025

Social media users more likely to invest in cryptocurrencies

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...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Bank Marketing·DateJan 13, 2025

Tickling the nerves: Why crime content is popular

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.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalCrime Media Culture An International Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2025

Could online technology be a clue as to why boys in Norway are outperforming girls in learning English as a second language?

A new study found that Norwegian boys are outperforming girls in learning English as a second language, with the gap increasing at age 13. The researchers suggest that online gaming and digital technology may be contributing factors, contradicting conventional wisdom about gender differences in language acquisition.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAssessment in Education Principles Policy and Practice·DateDec 8, 2024

Home and neighborhood environments impact sedentary behavior in teens globally

A multinational study of 14 countries found that having a personal social media account was linked to higher total sedentary time in both males and females. Adolescents who reported less recreational screen time lived in walkable neighborhoods and had better perceptions of safety.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2024

Is 'bypassing' a better way to battle misinformation?

Researchers found that bypassing misinformation, by providing accurate information with positive implications, can be superior to correction in situations where people form beliefs rather than attitudes. This approach has potential for informing strategies to combat misinformation and change behavior. The study suggests a more nuanced ...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2024

Social media linked to early substance use in US pre-teens

A new study found that excessive social media use among 11-12-year-olds is associated with increased experimentation with substances like alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis. Schools and parents can play a crucial role in addressing this issue by implementing media literacy programs and monitoring content.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2024

How to reduce social media stress by leaning in instead of logging off

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that young people's mental health benefits from thoughtful social media management and intentional online interactions. The study showed that users who managed their online interactions more intentionally experienced reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024