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Alcohol 'promotion' detracted from success of Women's World Cup

Alcohol promotion detracted from the success of the record-breaking Women's World Cup tournament, say researchers. The 'thorny issue of alcohol' was highlighted in a broadcast of the final match between England and Spain, where a fan celebrating with beer was featured.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateSep 28, 2023

Sports media use linked to belief in rape myths

A recent study found that young men who regularly consume sports media are more likely to accept rape myths, even after accounting for negative masculine norms. The researchers suggest that the production of sports media around athletic events contributes to this connection, portraying men as hyper-masculine aggressors and women as tro...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateAug 7, 2023

Screen time not harmful for academic skills of preschoolers

A recent study by Ohio State University found that low to moderate levels of screen time do not negatively impact preschoolers' language, literacy, and math skills. However, high levels of screen use at nighttime were linked to smaller gains in social skills, particularly for those who used more than two hours of media daily.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTranslational Issues in Psychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Illusions are in the eye, not the mind

A new study suggests that simple limitations in neural responses explain visual illusions, rather than deeper psychological processes. Researchers developed a model that combines information on neural firing speeds, pattern perception, and natural scene assumptions to predict how animals see colour and understand visual illusions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 15, 2023

A study shows that the physical appearance of video game characters affects girls' body image dissatisfactio

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that playing video games has a negative impact on girls' satisfaction with their eye and skin color. The researchers concluded that the media's emphasis on women's physical appearance contributes to body-shape pressure, making girls feel insecure about their bodies.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalRevista Mediterránea de Comunicación·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Later brand reveal in advertisements leads to better sales

A University of Otago-led study found that television advertisements are more successful when the product is shown first and the brand is revealed later. This approach creates unresolved tension and attention, leading to prolonged processing and positive associations. The results contradict standard marketing theory and practice, highl...

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022

Seasonal changes in adolescent suicide explain controversial ‘13 Reasons Why’ findings

Research by Dan Romer finds that seasonal fluctuations and other factors eliminate the apparent suicide contagion effect reported from the release of '13 Reasons Why'. The study also reveals a decline in adolescent suicide rates during summer months when youths are not in school.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Excessive television viewing in childhood is a risk factor for later smoking and gambling disorders

A University of Otago study found that excessive leisure time television viewing in childhood and adolescence is associated with a higher risk of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis disorders and disordered gambling in adulthood. This association was independent of other potential influences.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·TypeCase study·DateNov 29, 2022

Access to media amplifies negative effects of terrorism on school enrolment in Kenya

New research by Lancaster University and Bocconi University finds that Kenyan parents with access to mass media believe the risk of dying in a terrorist attack is 12 times larger than actual rates. This leads to children being kept out of schools, affecting their education and future earnings.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022

Autistic adults have become increasingly visible in media, books, television, and more in the past decade, but challenges with representation persist

New research from UC Santa Cruz shows improvements in autistic adult representation in media and advocacy websites, with a notable increase in adult representations in film and television. However, the study also highlights persistent issues with childlike portrayals and limited attention to intersectionality.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateJun 29, 2022

The great and powerful Dr. Oz? Alternative health media consumption and vaccine views

A new study by researchers from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that exposure to alternative health media can affect beliefs about consequential health-care issues like vaccination. After Dr. Mehmet Oz endorsed the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine on a March 2019 episode of “The Dr. Oz Show,” significantly more people in hi...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Communication·TypeSurvey·DateMar 29, 2022

How picking up your smartphone could reveal your identity

Researchers found that smartphone app usage patterns can be used to identify individuals with over 30% accuracy. The study analyzed data from 780 people and showed consistent patterns in application usage behaviors on a day-to-day basis. This highlights the potential risks to privacy when using apps automatically collected by smartphones.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2022

Research demonstrates importance of consistent branding in political television ads

A study by Washington University in St. Louis found that slant and consistency of messages in national television ads significantly impact online word-of-mouth chatter and candidate preference. Consistency with the primary message is crucial, even for more partisan messages, suggesting that campaign strategies should focus on building ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalQuantitative Marketing and Economics·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

UC study: Journalists might want to nix the term ‘storyteller’ from their bios

A recent University of Cincinnati study found that the term 'storyteller' attached to a journalist's bio diminishes public confidence in media. Participants on both sides of the political spectrum associated the term with biased reporting and decreased credibility. Researchers urge journalists to be more mindful of their online presence.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateFeb 9, 2022

TV watching linked with potentially fatal blood clots

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that prolonged TV watching is associated with a higher risk of blood clots, including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. To reduce this risk, scientists recommend taking breaks every 30 minutes to stand and stretch or using a stationary bike.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJan 19, 2022

Screen use, mental health symptoms in children during pandemic

A recent study by Xuedi Li and colleagues found that excessive screen time was associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that parents should monitor their child's screen use to mitigate potential mental health effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2021

Giving performers copyright over their work could protect them from deepfake technology, study shows

A new study by Dr Mathilde Pavis from the University of Exeter Law School proposes reforming performers' rights to include copyright over their performances. This would provide better protection against unauthorized deepfakes and simplify the structure of intellectual property law.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConvergence The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 3, 2021

TV ads inspire investment interest

A new study by Cornell University reveals that TV ads significantly influence retail investors' decisions, leading to increased online searches and stock trading volumes. The study found that certain types of ads, such as those airing during prime-time hours or for financial sector products, generated the strongest investor response.

SourceCornell University·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 12, 2021