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Communities and communication

The event aims to explore connections, camaraderie, and visibility within digital communities, considering their development, growth, and real-world interactions. The conference features keynote speakers, special guests, and a wide range of submissions from various media forms.

Suicide on screen: Getting the message right can support better mental health outcomes

Research suggests that media portrayals of suicide can increase suicidal ideation and behavior if not done sensitively, but also highlight the potential for positive outcomes when portrayed in a supportive manner. Filmmakers have a significant responsibility to ensure their content does not harm viewers, particularly those with a histo...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateSep 8, 2020

Engaging in family meals starts with healthy family communication

Researchers found parents with better communication and lower discouragement were more likely to participate in family meals, leading to healthier habits. The study also highlighted the importance of open communication about children's weight without promoting unhealthy body image.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 8, 2020

Tweeting while watching TV diminishes enjoyment

A new study from the University of Connecticut found that tweeting while watching TV decreases viewers' ability to become immersed in the narrative. College students who engaged in media multitasking reported lower levels of transportation into the content and intensified emotions compared to those consuming only one medium.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateJul 2, 2019

Putting a price on reputation

A study by University of Technology Sydney researchers found that a company's corporate reputation commands a premium of around 9% for its products. Consumers are willing to pay more for products with important features and a good brand reputation, but less so for novel features regardless of reputation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Marketing Management·DateDec 12, 2018

Life is like a box of hippocampal scenes

A neuroimaging study found that the hippocampus responds strongest to event boundaries in everyday experiences, such as films. The researchers discovered a strong match between participants' hippocampal activity and independent observers' identified transition points, varying according to their agreement on these points.

Turn off the telly and get moving

A recent study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis found that prolonged TV viewing increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, a potentially fatal condition. The research, which analyzed data from over 15,000 Americans, suggests that even regular exercise is not enough to offset the risks of sedentary behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis·DateFeb 21, 2018

Reinventing the inductor

The University of California - Santa Barbara team designed a new spiral inductor made of multiple layers of graphene, which offers one-and-a-half times the inductance density of traditional inductors. This innovative design enables a one-third reduction in size while maintaining high efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 21, 2018

Swearing is a sign of the times

A recent study by San Diego State University researchers found that the use of swear words in books has increased significantly over time, reflecting a growing value on individual freedom. The study analyzed tens of thousands of books published between 1950 and 2008 and discovered a steadily rising trend of taboo words being used.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSAGE Open·DateAug 3, 2017

Negative tweets can trash TV programs for other viewers

Researchers found that negative social media comments about a TV show tend to lower enjoyment for other viewers, while positive comments have little impact. The 'bandwagon effect' suggests that people adopt beliefs and ideas because they think others hold similar beliefs, making negative comments more influential.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateJun 22, 2017

Protests with many participants and unified message most likely to influence politicians

A new study by Ruud Wouters suggests that protests with many participants and a unified message are more effective in influencing politicians. The research found that features such as the number of protesters and unity had the greatest impact on changing politicians' opinions, regardless of their party affiliation.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 31, 2017