The vote this week by the U.S. House of Representatives, by an overwhelming 352-65 margin, could lead to a nationwide ban of the popular social media app TikTok.
Tag: Social Media
MSU co-authored study: 10 insights to reduce vaccine hesitancy on social media
Young Anna Argyris, associate professor in the Michigan State University Department of Media and Information, is part of an international team studying the detrimental effects of vaccine misinformation on social media and interventions that can increase vaccine uptake behaviors.
Anti-vaccine conspiracies fuel divisive political discourse
Heightened use of social media during the coronavirus pandemic brought with it an unprecedented surge in the spread of misinformation.
Serious doubts raised over WhatsApp’s misinformation strategy – new report
Just 10% of people surveyed understood that the terms ‘Forwarded’ and ‘Forwarded many times’ in WhatsApp meant they were reading potential misinformation.
Online digital data and AI for monitoring biodiversity
The random information posted online could be used to generate information about biodiversity and its conservation.
A celebration of Black History Month at Argonne
To celebrate Black History Month, Argonne is pleased to highlight six employees and one up-and-coming high school STEM student who exemplify how a diverse team drives our science mission forward.
Customers prefer text over video to provide service feedback
At a time when one viral video can damage a business, some companies are turning to their own commenting platforms rather than letting social media be the main outlet for customer feedback.
Social media can reveal who needs the most help
Language use in social media can be a useful tool for social scientists, because it reflects living conditions in areas the posts originate from.
Psychologist Calls Attention to Social Media as a Public Health Hazard
In New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ State of the City speech, he discussed protecting kids’ mental health in the face of excessive social media usage. Dr. Anthony Anzalone, a clinical psychologist at Stony Brook Medicine, also agrees that social media…
Stricter parental monitoring of social media isn’t always better
Parents are often under the impression that the best way to protect their preteens and teens online is to restrict their use: limiting the amount of time they can spend, implementing rules about which apps they’re allowed to use, etc.…
Experts assess states’ case in lawsuit against Meta over youth mental health concerns
Meta, the parent company of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, faces federal lawsuits from 42 states’ attorneys general asserting that the company intentionally crafted features to make children and teens become addicted to their products. Virginia Tech experts Mike Horning and Donna Wertalik offer their perspectives on what the lawsuits mean for social media companies and users.
Social media giants send mixed signals on muscle-building supplements content
While social media platforms have strict policies on illegal muscle-building drugs, the policies around legal muscle-building dietary supplements vary
Five unsafe skin care trends to avoid
Social media platforms are rife with skin care advice from a variety of sources, which can make it difficult to know how to approach the recommendations you find online. In recognition of National Healthy Skin Month this November, board-certified dermatologists are spotlighting unsafe skin care trends that they see on social media and elsewhere to help you keep your skin looking its best.
Studies illustrate moderate awareness—and room for growth—with new 988 lifeline
Public survey and social media analysis provide insight into knowledge and use of the lifeline
Experts Available for SCOTUS Social Media Cases
Tomorrow the U.S. Supreme Court will be hearing two cases–O’Connor-Ratcliff v. Garnier and Lindke v. Freed–both focused on whether individuals have the First Amendment right to criticize government officials on social media without being blocked from those officials’ personal accounts (if those…
Positive messages can mitigate harm from objectified fitness posts
A few words of body appreciation can help counter the negative impact of viewing objectified images of female fitness influencers, according to a Washington State University study.
First ever study of wartime deepfakes reveals their impact on news media
A first ever study of wartime deepfake videos reveals their impact on news media and outlines implications for social media companies, media organisations and governments.
Doctor Discusses Concerning Social Media Trends
Dominic Lucia, MD, at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center, answers common patient questions and reacts to the latest medical research. What are some trends or challenges on social media that struck you as bad advice? (SOT@ :14,…
You Are What Your Food Influencer Is Eating: UNLV Social Media Experts Team on Mukbang Study
Ever find yourself inexplicably sucked into (another!) video of social media influencer downing a massive feast of 100 different kinds of shrimp? You can’t scroll past. And before you know it, you’re craving crustaceans, making reservations at that new seafood restaurant, and searching for recipes. We’ve got one word for you: mukbang.
Combating Distrust Online: New GW Study Explains Why Current Messaging Efforts May Not Be Effective
New research led by the George Washington University finds that current mitigation efforts to combat distrust online may not be effective because organizations and governments tackling distrust are only targeting one topic and only one geographical scale.
Social media and low self-compassion behind rise in cosmetic surgery
When Kylie Jenner famously admitted that her signature pout was the result of lip fillers, there was a significant increase in interest and uptake of the cosmetic procedure. That’s the power of social media. But why is social media so persuasive and what is driving young women’s attitudes to cosmetic surgery?
Q&A: New book examines intersection between climate and information crises
Adrienne Russell, professor of communication at the University of Washington, examines in her new book how journalism, activism, corporations and Big Tech battle to influence the public about climate change.
Subscriptions drive views of alternative and extremist videos on YouTube
As the second most popular social media platform in the world, YouTube frequently attracts criticism. In particular, critics argue that its algorithmic recommendations facilitates radicalization and extremism by sending users down “rabbit holes” of harmful content.
X biometrics collection: Cornell experts on fighting bots, privacy
Social media platform X plans to collect user biometric, employment, and education data as a matter of policy. The following Cornell University experts are available for comment. Stephen Wicker, professor and expert on data privacy, says biometrics collection on social…
Two networks, two realities, one big problem
National news coverage from the two largest broadcast outlets, CNN and Fox News, not only reflects growing political polarization in America, but in a recent publication, researchers at Virginia Tech have shown that partisan and inflammatory broadcast coverage has increased over time and can exacerbate growing divides in the new public square of social media.
The pressure is real for mums managing their children’s digital use
Parents are spending considerable amounts of energy thinking about and mitigating the risks associated with their kids using mobile phones and the internet.
Despite social media claims, Borax is not safe to consume
A nephrologist explains the damage that this trend can cause
MSU expert: How to navigate AI and social media in education
As AI-powered technologies like ChatGPT and social media increasingly making their way into our personal lives, education and workplaces, many teachers, parents and other stakeholders have questions. Here are some things to consider for the upcoming school year from Christine Greenhow, a professor in Michigan State University’s College of Education.
Using social media to raise awareness of women’s resources
The Covid-19 pandemic created a global increase in domestic violence against women. Now, an MIT-led experiment designed with that fact in mind shows that some forms of social media can increase awareness among women about where to find resources and support for addressing domestic violence.
Social Media Usage Negatively Impacts the Schoolwork of Students from Adolescence to College Research Suggests
There are several plausible explanations for these findings supported by previous literature. For example, it is possible that social media use of any platform presents a distraction, especially among early adolescents who are not as capable of skillfully multitasking as well as their older peers.
Machine learning, blockchain technology could help counter spread of fake news
A proposed machine learning framework and expanded use of blockchain technology could help counter the spread of fake news by allowing content creators to focus on areas where the misinformation is likely to do the most public harm, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York.
Is Threads the new Twitter or will it unravel? Social media expert weighs in
Threads, a new social media platform from Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta company, launched this month as a direct challenge to Twitter. While Elon Musk’s rocky tenure as Twitter CEO has some wondering if the end is nigh for the company, it…
New social media platform Threads builds competition among rivals, says expert
Threads, the newest venture from Meta, has become Twitter’s biggest rival in less than a week, registering 100 million users within five days. “Threads has often been discussed as the app that could kill Twitter,” said Virginia Tech multimedia journalism expert Mike Horning.
Researchers design tools to automatically detect natural disasters using images on social media
An international research team has designed a deep learning system able to detect natural disasters using images posted on social media. The researchers applied computer vision tools that, once trained using 1.7 million photographs, proved capable of analysing, filtering and detecting real disasters.
Flexible, Supportive Company Culture Makes For Better Remote Work
New research from the Georgia Institute of Technology used data from the employee review website Glassdoor to determine what made remote work successful. Companies that catered to employees’ interests, gave employees independence, fostered collaboration, and had flexible policies were most likely to have strong remote workplaces.
Cutting back on social media reduces anxiety, depression, loneliness
Iowa State University researchers found college students who tried to cut their social media use to 30 minutes per day scored significantly lower for anxiety, depression, loneliness and fear of missing out at the end of the two-week experiment and when compared to the control group.
An experience or a material product: Which new purchase is more likely to elicit envy in other consumers?
A new study by researchers at the University of Utah suggests that the type of product and the kind of comparison being made interact to generate feelings of consumption envy, which has implications for consumer marketing.
GW Researchers Develop Online Hate Speech “Shockwave” Formula
WASHINGTON (June 6, 2023) – A George Washington University research team created a novel formula that demonstrates how, why, and when hate speech spreads throughout social media. The researchers put forth a first-principles dynamical theory that explores a new realm…
Social media posts can be used to track individuals’ income and economic inequalities
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London analysed 2.6 million posts on popular social media network Nextdoor and accurately predicted individuals’ income by solely examining the posts they’ve published.
Twitter’s plummet in value highlights social network governance challenge; expert explains
Revelation of a sharp decline in the valuation of Twitter “illustrates not just the consequences of [Elon] Musk’s stewardship, but the myriad challenges that exist for anyone managing a social media platform,” explains Virginia Tech media expert Megan Duncan. “Buying a social media platform might be easy, but governing it is hard.”
GW Experts: U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Social Media Concerns for Children & Teens
WASHINGTON (May 25, 2022) – The U.S. Surgeon General is sounding the alarm on the risk social media poses to children’s mental health. It comes amid a national youth mental health crisis. In an advisory issued Tuesday, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy…
The importance of social media in corporate social responsibility
A new study by Dr. Lucie Kvasničková Stanislavská from Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague published in PeerJ Computer Science titled ‘Global analysis of Twitter communication in corporate social responsibility area: sustainability, climate change, and waste management’ has found that social media is an increasingly important tool for companies to communicate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
APA panel issues recommendations for adolescent social media use
A presidential panel of the American Psychological Association has issued recommendations for the use of social media by adolescents, noting that while these platforms can promote healthy socialization, their use should be preceded by training in social media literacy to ensure that youth have skills that will maximize the chances for balanced, safe and meaningful experiences.
May Issue of AJG Features Colonoscopy Quality and Bowel Prep, CME on Social Media
The May issue of AJG features new clinical science and reviews, including bowel prep recommendations for physicians, longer withdrawal times for screening colonoscopy, the use of social media for continuing medical education, and tofacitinib de-escalation and re-escalation for ulcerative colitis.
Alarming Rates of Teen Suicide Continue to Increase in the U.S.
A study exploring trends in suicide rates among 13 to 14 year olds from 1999 to 2018 shows rates more than doubled from 2008 to 2018, following a rise in social media and despite significant declines in suicide mortality in this age group previously from 1999 to 2007. These trends were similar in urban and rural areas but were more common in boys in rural areas where firearms are more prevalent. Suicides occurred significantly more often between September and May and were highest on Monday followed by the rest of the weekdays, suggesting school stress as a contributor.
Top 100 fitspiration influencers: more talk than walk when it comes to body image
They’re the tanned, toned bodies sporting the latest fitness fashion, but when it comes to body image these ‘fitspiration’ influencers are more talk than walk, according to world-first research from the University of South Australia.
Social media expert gives bird’s-eye view on Twitter spat with NPR, PBS
The decision of social media platform Twitter under ownership of tech mogul Elon Musk to label National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service as “U.S. state-affiliated media” caused the prominent news outlets to respond by ending use of Twitter. This conflict is the latest in an escalating series of conflicts between Musk and media outlets of multiple stripes.
How is TikTok affecting our mental health? It’s complicated, new U of M study shows
University of Minnesota Twin Cities computer science researchers found that the nature of TikTok’s algorithm can have both positive and negative outcomes for users’ mental health and sense of belonging on the platform.
Lessons Learned From COVID: the Role of Social Media
Now that we’ve arguably rounded the corner from the pandemic, researchers are dissecting our response and how we can improve it in the future.Sebastian Souyris, assistant professor and Dean R. Wellington ’83 (Junior) Chair at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management, contributed to research led by Anton Ivanov, assistant professor in the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
More harm perceived globally regarding online harassment
Online insults and disrespect are perceived as more harmful by individuals outside the United States, especially when the content damages family reputation, according to a University of Michigan study.