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We examined the effects of media multi- vs. single-tasking on performance in a scenario that resembled the media multitasking requirement of many contemporary office workplaces. Older (n = 117, M age = 70.99 years, SD = 5.18) and younger adults (n = 109, M age = 22.86, SD = 3.93) performed a repetitive computer-based reading task (Task 1) that, in the multitasking condition, was repeatedly interrupted by news app messages that the participants had to read for comprehension (Task 2). In the single-tasking condition, the messages appeared after Task 1 was completed. In both conditions, participants afterwards answered questions about the message content. Performance in Task 1 was poorer in the multi- than in the single-tasking condition, but there was no evidence of greater multitasking costs in the older compared to the younger adults. Regarding Task 2, there was no indication of multitasking costs in any age group, but older adults showed poorer comprehension, regardless the task requirements. This effect of age was mediated via working memory updating abilities. Thus, the way information is commonly presented in social media, that is, usually bit-by-bit and not ordered by topic, seems to disadvantage older readers due to poorer updating abilities. All in all, the results provide some indication that, in terms of task accuracy, older adults do not appear to be at a disadvantage compared to younger adults when it comes to coping with the multitasking demands of digitalized societies. • When repeatedly interrupted by app notifications, performance in a repetitive reading task decreased. • Comprehension of the notification content did not suffer from multitasking demands. • Media multitasking costs remained stable with age. • The common bit-by-bit news presentation in social media seems to disadvantage older readers due to poorer updating ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online appearance preoccupation is a known correlate of poorer body image, social problems, and mental health symptoms among youth. Yet, this study is the first to investigate individual and social risks and resources expected to explain the level of concurrent, as well as change in, online appearance preoccupation across one year. We focused on two risk factors of appearance teasing online by peers and appearance-based sensitivity to rejection, and two positive resources of appearance neutral support from important others and ways of coping with appearance-related stressors. A total of 752 Australian adolescents and emerging adults (14–21 years; M = 17.8 years, SD = 1.8 years; 41% young men; about 95% White or Asian) recruited from secondary schools or university were included. Results of regression analyses suggested that, concurrently, online appearance teasing, appearance rejection sensitivity, and positive coping were uniquely associated with online appearance preoccupation. Further, the positive association of peer appearance teasing with online appearance preoccupation was stronger among young men than young women. Over time and once all risks and resources were considered, positive coping with appearance pressures was associated with a decrease in online appearance preoccupation from T1 to T2. Gender (girl/young woman) and intensity of social media use were notable risks for concurrent online appearance preoccupation and predictors of increases in preoccupation over one year. Findings are discussed in light of theory and provide practical suggestions for future research and interventions among youth. • A longitudinal study of youth online appearance preoccupation was conducted. • Social and personal risks and resources were tested as predictors of preoccupation. • Positive coping was a prospective resource for declining preoccupation. • Female gender and social media use were prospective risks for preoccupation. • Appearance teasing and rejection sensitivity were also risks for preoccupation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online forms of sexual violence, such as image-based sexual harassment and abuse, can have serious consequences for victims' well-being. Still, not every victim seeks help. Therefore, the present study examined the engagement of youth with advertisements on Snapchat for the promotion of help-seeking at a victim support organization after image-based sexual harassment and abuse victimization. Two advertising campaigns, focusing on either image-based sexual harassment or abuse, were run on Snapchat targeted at 13-to-25-year-old Dutch users. A 2 x 2 x 2 quasi-experimental design was implemented, manipulating three variables in each campaign to measure the engagement (ratio of swipe-ups to impressions) generated by each advertisement variation. The analyses indicate that 2.93% and 3.79% of Snapchat users engaged with the image-based sexual harassment and abuse campaigns respectively. A significant increase in engagement was found in the image-based sexual abuse campaign when self-blame was mentioned in the advertisement. The acknowledgement of self-blame, a well-known barrier to help-seeking, and the reassurance that one is not to blame, may be beneficial in promoting help-seeking. In conclusion, the use of social media advertising by victim support organizations may be effective in promoting help-seeking. Further research on the role of personal characteristics on advertisement engagement is encouraged. • Social media advertising may be beneficial for reaching victims of image-based sexual harassment and abuse. • Snapchat advertising may be effective in promoting help-seeking after image-based sexual harassment and abuse victimization. • The content of the advertisement may influence the Snapchat users' engagement with the advertisement. • Acknowledging self-blame and reassuring that the victim is not to blame increases engagement with the advertisement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the information age, many individuals turn to digital influencers' videos on social media as a source of stress relief, emotional support, and a sense of friendship-like connection, and this process of emotional transmission is well described by social contagion theory. Given the limited research on the role of follower stickiness in determining the market value of digital influencers, we integrate the characteristics of digital influencers, incorporating social compensation theory and empathy as follower traits, and demonstrate a positive impact on parasocial interaction. An online survey was conducted with 597 participants who had watched digital influencer videos. This study highlights the role of social contagion theory, offering a novel perspective that highlights the importance of improving followers' online social well-being and stickiness after interacting with digital influencers through emotional contagion. Furthermore, our findings highlight the mediating role of online social well-being in strengthening stickiness between followers and digital influencers. Using social contagion theory explore how influencers impact follower well-being and stickiness via parasocial interaction. Digital influencer characteristics have a stronger effect on parasocial interaction than follower traits. Empathy, social attractiveness, and expertise are strong antecedents of parasocial interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has provided gambling operators with access to millions of individuals and novel ways to promote gambling. Research has suggested that exposure to gambling advertisements on social media platforms is associated with increased gambling in individuals at-risk for problem gambling. These findings bring into question whether social media platforms are sensitive to differences in user account activity (e.g., tweets, likes, accounts visited) when displaying promoted advertisements and gambling-related content. To assess for these differences, four Twitter/X accounts were created and assigned to send out tweets containing pro-gambling or safe-gambling messages. Additionally, each account was assigned to interact with Twitter/X profiles associated with gambling operators or responsible gambling. Accounts were assessed daily for promoted advertisement traffic and gambling-related content from January to March 2022. The study included three phases that implemented changes in privacy settings, websites visited, and gambling-related tweets observed. To assess for between-phase differences, Tau- U analyses were performed using R. Gambling-related content observed was dependent on assigned account activity. Accounts that interacted with gambling operators' profiles were only displayed pro-gambling content. Conversely, accounts that interacted with responsible gambling profiles were only displayed safe-gambling content. No promoted gambling advertisements were observed throughout the study. Findings suggest that Twitter/X is sensitive to differences in account activity, and user activity may influence gambling content displayed on Twitter/X. Nevertheless, gambling operators should adopt a conservative approach on social media to ensure protection of consumers. Consumers should be given autonomy to engage with gambling content without being drawn in involuntarily. • The type of gambling content displayed on Twitter/X is influenced by user account activity. • Pro-gambling content was only displayed for accounts that interacted with gambling operators' profiles. • Safe-gambling content was only displayed for accounts that interacted with responsible gambling profiles. • Individuals and gambling operators hold a shared responsibility for what gambling content consumers experience online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing literature suggests that lengthy durations of screen time (ST) are associated with lower levels of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and other negative outcomes in children. Nonetheless, the current available evidence largely relies on cross-sectional studies. In addition, data on the content and context (parent–child co-use and solitary use) of ST are scarce. We set out to conduct a one-year, two-wave longitudinal study to investigate the association between exposure to different types of ST and HRQoL among primary school children in Hong Kong, from 2021 to 2022. A population representative random sample (N = 1428) participated in the study. Results from pooled ordinary least squares regressions showed children's ST duration was significantly associated with worse HRQoL (β = −1.101, p < 0.0001). However, interactions of ST content and context, including parent–child co-use × TV viewing (β = 1.305, p < 0.0001), parent–child co-use × video gaming (β = 0.280, p < 0.0001), solitary use × video gaming (β = 0.198, p < 0.0001), and solitary use × social media use (β = 0.454, p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with better HRQoL. Our findings suggest that increased overall durations of ST are associated with worse HRQoL in children, but this association is impacted by the types of ST content and context. • The content and context of screen time (ST) influenced the association between screen time and pediatric quality of life. • Among the solitary ST activities, gaming and browsing social media were associated with better pediatric quality of life. • All parent-child ST activities were significantly associated with pediatric quality of life, though directions varied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health misinformation has become rampant in the digital age, because people often share unauthenticated health messages on online platforms. While previous studies have pinpointed different factors that influence the dissemination of such unverified health content, few have delved into the transition from exposure to online health information to its unverified sharing. Drawing upon the theory of motivated information management, this study proposes a research model that connects online health information scanning to unverified health information sharing. Using two-wave survey data in China, we found a positive association between online health information scanning and uncertainty discrepancy in Time 1. Such discrepancy subsequently led to perceived health threat and health anxiety in Time 2, which ultimately increased unverified health information sharing in Time 2. Overall, this study enriches the information management literature by theorizing the pathways from information scanning to unverified information sharing through cognitive and emotional responses. Moreover, the findings offer practical insights for social media operators and health professionals to propose informed strategies to curb the spread of unverified health information on the internet. • The study theorizes the pathways from information scanning to unverified information sharing. • A two-wave survey was conducted in China to test the model. • A positive association exists between information scanning and uncertainty discrepancy. • Uncertainty discrepancy increases perceived health threat and health anxiety. • Perceived health threat and health anxiety trigger unverified health information sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media such as Instagram have provided sexual minority youth with safer contexts to express their sexual identity authentically and positively. However, as much of the existing literature draws upon small-scale, cross-sectional, and/or qualitative designs, it is currently unclear how authentic and positive self-presentation on social media informs sexual identity development over time. This study therefore explored the longitudinal relationship between authentic and positive self-presentation on Instagram, and the sexual identity clarity and self-acceptance of sexual minority youth. The moderating effect of micro- (i.e., peer feedback on Instagram) and macro-level (i.e., cultural context) social factors was also examined. Two-wave survey data were collected from 729 sexual minority youth from the United States, the Czech Republic, and Poland (M age = 18.54, SD = 1.63, Female = 76.82%), and data were analyzed using a multi-group cross-lagged panel model. A positive reciprocal relationship was found between positive self-presentation on Instagram and self-acceptance, whilst the associations between sexual identity clarity and self-presentation were moderated by peer feedback on Instagram. Cultural context had no moderating effect on the hypothesized model. Results suggest that whilst a dynamic relationship exists between sexual identity development and self-presentation on Instagram, peer feedback on Instagram may inform the frequency and effects of potentially adaptive self-presentation. This study therefore sheds new light on the developmental and social factors that inform the social media use of sexual minority youth, and findings extend our understanding of how social media contributes to sexual identity formation. • Sexual minority youth often turn to Instagram to present their sexual identity, which may inform identity development. • Positive self-presentation on Instagram positively predicts self-acceptance two months later. • Self-acceptance positively predicts positive self-presentation on Instagram two months later. • The interrelations between sexual identity clarity and self-presentation were moderated by peer feedback on Instagram. • Cultural context did not significantly moderate our hypothesized model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important step in developing effective interventions to stop the spread of misinformation is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of people who are likely to share misinformation on social media. Accordingly, we conducted a meta-analysis of 60 articles on the individual traits of people who share misinformation. Results showed that the passing time motivation (r = 0.524) had the strongest positive relationship with misinformation sharing, whereas trust in information (r = 0.437) and the socialization motivation (r = 0.350) had a large positive effect. The motivations for entertainment (r = 0.276) and altruism (r = 0.220), and trust in social media (r = 0.219) all had medium positive effects. Prior exposure to misinformation (r = 0.191) and political conservatism (r = 0.119) both had a small positive association with misinformation sharing, whereas the personality trait of agreeableness (r = −0.094) had a weak negative association with misinformation sharing. Information literacy (r = −0.229) exerted a medium negative effect, but new media literacy was not significantly related to misinformation sharing. Finally, contextual and methodological factors emerged as important moderators. Older people and women were more likely to spread health misinformation, whereas younger people and men were more likely to share political misinformation. Overall, this study indicates that misinformation sharing is more strongly related to psychological traits than to personality and demographic traits. Moreover, the uses and gratifications theory, theories related to trust and credibility, and the illusory truth effect may well explain misinformation sharing in the online space. • Passing time motivation had the strongest positive relationship with misinformation sharing. • Trust in information and the socialization motivation had a large positive effect on misinformation sharing. • The motivations for entertainment and altruism, and trust in social media all had medium positive effects. • Prior exposure to misinformation and political conservatism had a small positive association with misinformation sharing. • Information literacy exerted a medium negative effect but new media literacy had non-significant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, our paper attempts to advance a dual-process model from online social support to individual resilience via diverse social capital (bonding and bridging) and political beliefs (political efficacy, political trust and city identification). Drawing on a survey of 446 residents in Shanghai, China, the findings indicate that neither informational nor emotional social support directly affects individual resilience, but indirectly influences it through different pathways. Specifically, bridging social capital mediates informational social support and individual resilience, but bonding social capital might not follow a similar path. Notably, political efficacy and political trust are involved in the above mediation between informational social support and individual resilience. Besides, the serial mediation effect of emotional social support on individual resilience via bonding social capital and then city identification or political trust is also significant. Our findings are expected to reveal the mechanism of resilience construction and prepare for the future public health crisis. • Neither informational nor emotional social support directly predicts individual resilience in China during the COVID-19. • Bridging social capital mediates the relationship between informational support and resilience. • Political trust explains the mechanism from social support to resilience via both bonding and bridging social capital. • Political efficacy acts in the sequential mediation of informational support, bridging social capital, and resilience. • City identification acts as the pathway connecting emotional support, bonding social capital, and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past studies of sexual assault have found that passive voice descriptions of rape elicit an increased perception of victim responsibility compared to active voice narratives (Bohner, 2001), contributing to victim blaming and the perpetuation of rape myths. Building on this, we investigate the relationship between passive/active voice usage and perception, but from the perspective of rape survivors as disclosed in their online rape narratives. We collect rape narratives from Reddit's r/sexualassault board and group them into a passive voice group and an active voice group. We detect differences between the two groups of text using a cognitive network science approach that creates network representations from text such that nodes represent words/concepts while links represent syntactic and semantic relationships between them. We systematically identify nodes that are significantly more central to one network compared to the other, thus identifying characteristic concepts that semantically differentiate the two groups of narratives. We then investigate the contexts of these concepts applying semantic frame analysis. We find that concepts related to psychological distress (e.g. PTSD , flashback) are significantly more central to passive voice narratives, providing quantitative evidence of a link between passive voice usage and an increased focus on psychological distress. We also find that family members (e.g. parent , brother) are more central to active voice narratives, suggesting a connection between active voice usage and an increased focus on others' roles in rape survivors' experiences. Our quantitative results reveal an important link between language and mental health that has valuable implications for therapeutic interventions. • Passive voice rape narratives place a greater focus on psychological distress • Active voice rape narratives place a greater focus on family members • Textual forma mentis networks create network representations from text • Cognitive network science is useful for detecting subtle differences in text • Semantic frame subgraphs provide insight into the contexts of key concepts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nations engage in a nuanced competition to achieve soft power through social media on a global scale. Exploring the intricate dynamics, research endeavors focus on unraveling the mechanisms by which national media endeavors not only captivate a diverse international audience but also amplify their influence through carefully crafted narratives. However, extant research falls short in both theoretical and empirical examinations of the intricate interplay between news content and news engagement. This research examines in depth the news content strategy employed by China's national media for global communication, focusing on 6632 YouTube videos of CGTN (China Global Television Network) from May 2021 to August 2023. Specifically, utilizing BERTopic machine learning techniques, we identified 16 distinct news topics and associated with news engagement metrics (e.g., number of views, likes, and comments). Our results reveal a pattern of selective engagement and avoidance by international audiences, particularly in their significant interest in geopolitical and technological topics, while showing less interest in Chinese cultural and social news. This study offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of national media's digital storytelling strategy, shedding light on audience preferences and areas for potential recalibration in content dissemination. • This study highlights how CGTN shapes China's global image through focused news narratives on social media. • CGTN's geopolitical/tech content attracts significant engagement, contrasting with lesser interest in cultural topics. • This study combines topic modeling with engagement analysis, revealing user's selective engagement and avoidance patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rising use of digital media, people, groups, and organizations are increasingly experiencing and responding to identity threats. We conducted an inductive, multiple-methods study to examine 50 viral stories on identity threat and response processes involving digital media (ITARP-DM). We uncovered three distinct ITARP-DM processes, which suggests that unique approaches are needed to deal with them. Although physical threats are more visible, threats to identity that are only words can still manifest in physiological consequences. When an ITARP-DM social justice cause affects a large group, it is more likely to spill over to offline protests and riots. • Our investigation uncovered three distinct patterns of identity threats and responses involving digital media (ITARP-DM). • The three types were: DM for ridicule and redress, DM for grassroots movements, and DM for reminders of past transgressions. • These distinct patterns of response actions call for a departure from one-size-fits-all approaches to deal with them. • Although physical threats are more visible, threats to identity that are only words can still manifest in physiological consequences. • When an ITARP-DM social justice cause affects a large group, it is more likely to spill over to offline protests and riots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media, including platforms such as Instagram or WeChat, has transformed several aspects our lives, ranging from global social interaction towards disrupted attentional patterns. Here, we explored how social media becomes a salient distractor intruding into global and local attention and the underlying neural pathways by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Thirty-eight participants underwent a global-local attention paradigm combined with online social information distraction (SD), online nonsocial information distraction (NSD), and without information disturbance (baseline: BL). Results showed that SD decreased accuracy during both global and local attention processing. In contrast, NSD primarily decreased accuracy during global attention processing. On the neural level the SD effects were mirrored in decreased engagement of a core posterior default mode network node (DMN), i.e. the left precuneus. The effects at the network level were mirrored by the core region of the posterior DMN. At the same time, there was decreased activation of the Higher Visual Network during local attention processing. Variations in trait fear of missing out (FoMO) moderated the relationship between precuneus engagement and behavioral accuracy during local attention processing specifically during SD. Findings suggest that – compared to non-social media distraction - social online media information disrupts attention via the posterior DMN and stronger engagement of the higher visual cortex. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential attention consequences of online social information intrusion and the neural mechanism underlying local attention disturbance in individuals with elevated levels of trait FoMO. • Both global and local attention is hindered by online social media distractions. • Online social media distractions lead to decreased activity in the precuneus. • FoMO modulates brain and behavioral responses when social media is distracting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media challenges (SMCs) have become more diverse and seemingly more extreme, with certain dangerous challenges causing immediate harm to participants and capturing the attention of media outlets and academics. Children and adolescents are the most at-risk groups, often engaging in these challenges without fully understanding the consequences. Nevertheless, most existing research and reporting on SMCs are driven by specific cases or phenomena. Thus, we conducted a scoping literature review of 66 studies that capture the breadth of the research field. Our review provides several critical insights. First, we identify a pronounced absence of theoretical grounding in the current literature, which we attribute to a focus on single-case and exploratory studies that often lack prior theoretical reasoning. This results in scattered and inconsistent descriptions of SMCs. This underscores the urgency of establishing a unified definition and a robust conceptual framework to explain the varied nature of SMCs. Second, the existing research predominantly fixates on the negative aspects of SMCs, narrowing the scope of analysis and overlooking the diverse intents and potential positive outcomes of engaging with SMCs, especially for young individuals. We propose a consolidated conceptualization of SMCs, providing a unified definition that captures their multifaceted nature. We introduce a typology to evaluate various SMCs, their underlying intents, and potential consequences, underscoring the necessity of considering a spectrum of SMCs—spanning positive, neutral, and negative—to fully comprehend the potential benefits and risks associated with participation. Our work aims to lay a theoretical groundwork for future research and practical interventions. • A unified approach to defining and typologizing Social Media Challenges (SMCs) is needed, moving away from a sole focus on their negative impacts. • SMCs are defined as user content that fosters replicable behaviors and virality, marked by unique identifiers like hashtags. • SMCs can be categorized by their intent (positive, neutral, negative), and associated danger levels (low, high). • The motives of young people engaging in SMCs vary between positive and negative challenges, necessitating differentiation. • Framework merging rational decisions, needs, social learning, and platform dynamics for enhanced regulation & intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hate speech, a societal scourge, has found a potent conduit in modern technology, exacerbating its reach and impact. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the pernicious effects of online hate speech, which threaten their well-being and social cohesion. Addressing this critical issue, the current study uses a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the efficacy of "HateLess. Together Against Hatred" in reducing adolescents' online hate speech perpetration and victimization and increasing their online hate speech countering. A sample of 820 adolescents aged 12 to 16 (M = 13.27, SD = 1.04) from 11 German schools was divided into an intervention group (n = 567), who underwent the one-week anti-hate speech program, and a control group (n = 253). Utilizing multilevel mediation analysis, the study revealed that program participation significantly reduced online hate speech perpetration and victimization while enhancing countering hate speech. Notably, the intervention's success was partially mediated by increased empathy, which, in turn, predicted a decrease in hate speech perpetration and an increase in counter-speech, and by increased self-efficacy, which, in turn, was linked to reduced victimization and heightened countering hate speech. These promising outcomes suggest that HateLess could be a viable strategy for mitigating hate speech engagement and fostering a more respectful online discourse among adolescents. • Empirical studies of effective strategies to reduce online hate speech involvement among adolescents do not exist so far. • The present quasi-experimental study investigates the effectiveness of an anti-hate speech prevention program. • Findings show that HateLess is effective in reducing perpetration and victimization and increasing counter-speech. • The intervention effects are partially mediated by empathy and self-efficacy. • The program seems to be a promising approach for contemporary media education in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques increase evaluation performance and make the selection process easier while lowering illogical needs and expenses for the assessment of SIoT and its impact on the potential of human behaviors. To assess SIoT and its effects on the potential of human behavior, the MCDM-based solutions named the Entropy weighted method (EWM) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are often employed. The study focuses on developing intelligent and efficient SIoT technologies for human behaviors, enhancing activity precision and user performance. Nine key features are evaluated to determine their potential impact on human behaviors and their supporting facilities. Seven SIoT innovations and gadgets are used as alternatives for improving human behaviors. The EWM method is used to quantify the precision of SIoT studies and the TOPSIS methodology is considered a solid selection approach for selecting the best SIoT solution. The research findings indicate that MCDM-and-SIoT-based technologies are effective tools for evaluating and developing SIoT-based human behavior. The research area is expanded to include the adoption of SIoT in everyday living routines and the use of combined MCDM procedures. The study metrics and ranking outcomes of SIoT and their impact on human behaviors serve as benchmarks and a basis for decision-making. The experimental studies and monitoring techniques aim to support creators and researchers in integrating SIoT technologies into everyday user tasks. • To examine the impact and role of SIoT on human behavior in everyday lives. • To investigate the potential implications of SIoT technologies. • To identify solutions of SIoT technologies. • Entropy should be applied to determine the coefficients of the design parameters. • TOPSIS should be deployed to evaluate and rank the evaluated SIoT as solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

User-generated content (UGC), which generates vast amounts of content in real-time through social networks, offers a significant opportunity for mining new knowledge. The survival of information technology products such as mobile APPs (mAPPs) depends on continuance. The exploration of the impact mechanism underlying continuance intention is crucial given the low continued usage of many mAPPs. Mining real-world UGC provides an efficient approach for user experience and product evaluation compared to traditional interviews or surveys. This study proposes a novel UGC-driven, Kano model focused, pipelined framework to automatically identify impact factors and determine the impact mechanism underlying continuance intention. The above method framework involves unsupervised clustering text analysis to identify user needs and product functions from UGC, followed by the construction of a statistical model to explore the relationship between these factors and user satisfaction and dissatisfaction (Kano model). Additionally, a model to distinguish the attributes of factors that significantly affect satisfaction or dissatisfaction is proposed. Finally, user satisfaction and dissatisfaction are used as mediators to build models of continuance and discontinuance intention. Empirical validation of the proposed method is conducted with a case study of mobile health apps, involving the mining of 86,423 user reviews and structural equation modeling based on 1025 user responses. The results indicate that the UGC-driven method effectively explores the impact mechanism of continuance and discontinuance intention. • A novel user-generated content-driven framework is proposed to explore user experiences of mAPPs products. • A new model based on Kano model is constructed to automatically distinguish the attributes of factors. • Potential impact factors of continuance and discontinuance intention (CI and DCI) of mAPPs is mined from 86,423 reviews. • Technical characteristics mainly affect DCI, while functional characteristics mainly affect CI. • Technical features are the basic requirements of users, while functional design reflects user expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study draws upon the stimulus-organism-response (S–O-R) framework in examining the influence of stimulus factors (i.e., passive exposure to and active information seeking for COVID-19 vaccine information on social media) on users' internal psychological mechanisms (i.e., perceived information overload and psychological reactance) and vaccination behavior. We collected two-wave online panel data (W 1 N = 411, W 2 N = 264) in Hong Kong and tested our hypothesized model using structural equation modeling. The results showed that passive information exposure and active information seeking on social media were positively associated with both vaccination initiation (i.e., receiving the first dose) and full vaccination (i.e., completing the recommended 3-dose schedule at W2). We identified different mediation pathways from passive information exposure and active information seeking to vaccine skepticism through perceived information overload and psychological reactance. Specifically, a double-edged sword effect was found for active information seeking. Active information seeking was associated with lower vaccine skepticism both directly and indirectly through lower psychological reactance. On the other hand, active information seeking was associated with higher perceived information overload, which in turn was associated with higher psychological reactance and subsequently higher vaccine skepticism. Passive information exposure indirectly affected psychological state and vaccine skepticism through higher active information seeking. These findings contribute to the literature on the impact of social media use on vaccination behavior in the context of public health emergencies and offer practical implications for governments and social media platforms in risk communication and vaccination promotion. • Passive information exposure and active information seeking on social media were positively associated with COVID-19 vaccination behaviors. • Active information seeking was associated with lower psychological reactance but higher perceived information overload. • Active information seeking had a dual effect on vaccine skepticism mediated via perceived information overload and psychological reactance. • The effect of passive information exposure on psychological states and vaccine skepticism was fully mediated by active information seeking. • Lower vaccine skepticism led to the initiation and completion of COVID-19 vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media fatigue in individuals has been recognized as a significant consequence and has attracted considerable attention in numerous studies. Prior research on social media fatigue has predominantly focused on investigating the direct relationship between stressors and fatigue. Nevertheless, there has been a conspicuous lack of discussion concerning the psychological variable contributing to fatigue. This study aims to address this gap by proposing that the time cost plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between stressors and fatigue. Furthermore, we propose potential variables that could alleviate these sources of stress, thereby adopting a more comprehensive methodology compared to previous investigations on fatigue. Additionally, through a multi-group analysis based on types of social media (text-based vs. image-based), we explore the relationships between stressors, time cost, and fatigue. This approach is intended to supplement the literature on social media fatigue, confined mainly to analyzing a single platform. The empirical results validate the mediating role of time cost and demonstrate differences in stress perception between platforms. This study expands upon the theoretical framework of social media fatigue and proposes customized strategies for social media types, enhancing academic and practical comprehension. • Content relevance and expertise directly impact stress level that users perceive on social media. • Users face certain degree of social and information overload on social media. • On image-based social media platforms, users perceive social overload more than information overload. • On text-based social media platforms, users perceive information overload more than social overload. • Using social media, users perceive time costs which leads to social media fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online communities are becoming increasingly important in everyday life, providing opportunities for leisure habits and social organization. Some online communities are also considered risky for participants, but longitudinal studies on the potential negative consequences are needed. This social psychological study was grounded in theories of group behavior and social identification. We examined the longitudinal associations between participation in gambling and gaming online communities and excessive gambling and gaming. The role of social media identity bubbles was also considered. We used linear hybrid models and longitudinal data comprising five time points (T1–T5) to analyze within- and between-person associations. Nationally representative data were collected from Finnish respondents aged 18–75 (N = 1530) between 2021 and 2023. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) was used to measure gambling problems, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT) was used to measure gaming problems. The Identity Bubble Reinforcement Scale (IBRS) measured involvement in social media identity bubbles. The results indicated that participating in online communities was associated with both gambling and gaming problems at the within- and between-person levels. Interaction analyses showed that these problems were increased among active online community users who were also involved in online identity bubbles. Online identity bubbles play a significant role in the process by which non-problematic leisure activities can become addictive behaviors. • A longitudinal study (N = 1530) of the role of online communities in gambling and gaming problems. • Online gambling community participation had positive within and between-person associations with gambling problems. • Online gaming community participation had positive within- and between-person associations with gaming problems. • Gambling and gaming problems were heightened for those concurrently involved in online identity bubbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychopathological symptoms, especially depression and anxiety, can contribute to the development of addictive tendencies offline and online. The present cross-national study aims to verify whether Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Preference for Online Social Interactions (POSI) could explain the relationship between psychopathological symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) and Social Networking Sites (SNS) addiction. We tested our hypothesis in two samples from Poland (N = 1163) and Germany (N = 781) using self-report measures of psychopathological symptoms, FoMO, POSI, and SNS addiction. In both countries, we found the same result pattern. Depression and anxiety symptoms were positively related to SNS addiction. Moreover, FoMO and POSI partially mediated the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and addictive SNS use. Notably, the relationship between psychopathological symptoms is significantly more robust via FoMO as it is an essential predictor of SNS addiction in both countries. Our findings show that ineffective emotional regulation, as well as maladaptive thoughts and beliefs about one's Internet use among persons with psychopathological symptoms, might increase the risk for SNS addiction. • Depression and anxiety symptoms are positively related to SNS addiction. • FoMO and POSI mediates the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and addictive SNS use in Poland and Germany. • FoMO is a robust predictor of SNS addiction in both countries. • SNS addiction could be considered a secondary disorder for some individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of video sharing platforms has given rise to the creation and consumption of tourism-related content. However, there is limited knowledge about the characteristics of content creators that enhance users' engagement with their content. The present study aims to fill this gap by examining creator characteristics and their impact on three tiers of user engagement. Tourism-related content, comprising 366 videos across six destinations, was extracted from YouTube using three social media analytic tools: VidIQ, TubeBuddy, and SocialBlade. The data were analyzed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 4.0. The findings reveal that channel subscribers positively influence user engagement at three levels – views, likes, and comments. However, a higher number of video uploads negatively impacts engagement. Furthermore, older videos tend to garner more views, but users' tendency to like the videos decreases over time. In addition, we extracted 23,993 comments and performed sentiment analysis on users' comments using Python-based VADER social media sentiment analysis tool. The compound-based sentiment analysis reveals that 59.5 percent of users show positive sentiments toward tourism-related content on YouTube while only 9.3 comments were negative, and 31.2 percent of sentiments remain neutral. Temporal analysis shows the rising trend in qualitative user engagement from 2010 to 2023, highlighting a growing interest in consuming and interacting with tourism-related content. This study discusses its theoretical contributions and managerial implications for content creators, destination managers, and advertising agencies. • This study investigates the impact of tourism content creators' and videos' characteristics on user engagement on YouTube. • Subscribers, video duration and video lifespan positively influence user engagement (i.e., views, likes and comments). • Total video uploads negatively impact user engagement at three levels i.e., views, likes and comments. • First-tier engagement (i.e., views) enhances second-tier (i.e., likes) and third tier engagement (i.e., comments). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has created a new social landscape for adolescents. Knowledge is needed on how this landscape shapes adolescents' social skills and time spent with friends, as these outcomes are important to mental health and psychosocial functioning. Using five waves of biennially collected data from a birth cohort assessed throughout age 10–18 years (n = 812), we found that increased social media use predicted more time with friends offline but was unrelated to future changes in social skills. Age and sex did not moderate these associations but increased social media use predicted declined social skills among those high in social anxiety symptoms. The findings suggest that social media use may neither harm nor benefit the development of social skills and may promote, rather than displace, offline interaction with friends during adolescence. However, increased social media use may pose a risk for reduced social skills in socially anxious individuals. • Social media has created a new social landscape for adolescents. How does it affect their sociability? • Social media use, social skills and time spent with friends offline were measured at ages 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18. • Increased social media use predicted more time with friends offline but was unrelated to future changes in social skills. • No sex,- or age-differences were found, but socially anxious youth may be at risk for reduced social skills. • Social media may not harm or benefit social skill development; it might foster, rather than displace offline interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased social media usage during the COVID-19 pandemic raised the concern about social media addiction (SMA), especially among adolescents. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of adolescents' SMA in Hong Kong before and during the pandemic, to examine the effects of general parenting behaviors and Internet-specific parenting practices by fathers and mothers respectively on adolescents' SMA, and to analyze the moderating roles of general parenting behaviors in the relationship between Internet-specific parental practices and adolescents' SMA. This study employed a two-wave longitudinal design. A total of 878 secondary school students (53.9% were girls, age = 13.19 ± 0.52 years at wave 1) in Hong Kong completed a questionnaire-based survey in 2019 and 2020. Paired-samples proportions tests revealed that there was no significant change in the prevalence of adolescents' SMA between the pre-pandemic (10.7%) and post-pandemic (9.7%) periods. Multiple regression analyses indicated that paternal responsiveness was negatively and maternal responsiveness was positively associated with adolescents' SMA. Surprisingly, both paternal and maternal reactive restrictive mediations were positively associated with adolescents' SMA. Interaction analyses showed that paternal responsiveness moderates the effects of paternal co-use on adolescents' SMA, and maternal demandingness moderates the effects of maternal rule-setting on adolescents' SMA. The findings called for more comprehensive theoretical models that consider the interplay between general parenting behaviors and Internet-specific parenting, and highlighted the need for tailored interventions for fathers and mothers, respectively. Moreover, the counterproductive effect of reactive restrictive mediation deserves attention from researchers, social workers, and parents. • The prevalence of adolescents' social media addiction (SMA) in Hong Kong did not change after the pandemic. • Paternal responsiveness was negatively and maternal responsiveness was positively related to adolescents' SMA. • Both paternal and maternal reactive restrictive mediations were positively associated with adolescents' SMA. • Paternal responsiveness moderates the effects of paternal co-use on adolescents' SMA. • Maternal demandingness moderates the effects of maternal rule-setting on adolescents' SMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-disclosure is a communication strategy widely used to convey authentic personal experiences among video bloggers (vloggers) on YouTube. While self-disclosure plays a vital role in attracting viewers, whether self-disclosure enables vlog communities to thrive is relatively unknown. While scholars have suggested that reciprocal self-disclosure between vloggers and viewers can generate basic community resources, few have examined the role of this reciprocity in the context of cancer vlog communities on YouTube. Furthermore, the two types of user interaction distinctive to cancer vlog communities (i.e., individual-level and community-level), as key drivers of community success and sustainability, call for investigation. To address these research gaps, we explored the mediating effect of user contribution on reciprocity of self-disclosure between vloggers and viewers in cancer vlogs on YouTube. Analyzing linguistic features and expressed sentiments in 503 cancer vlog videos and 194,300 associated comments, we found that self-disclosure among vloggers discouraged viewers to comment, in turn dampening reciprocal self-disclosure among viewers. However, the sheer number of comments by viewers encouraged self-disclosure among viewers. The findings suggest that reciprocity of self-disclosure from viewer to vlogger was less likely to occur at the individual level (i.e., vlogger to viewer) when other users' comments were salient. However, contributions by other viewers cued community homophily at the community level, helping viewers leave their comfort zones to share personal stories with other viewers. • Self-disclosure for video blogging (vlogging) allows unique community interactions in YouTube communities. • We explored the role of member contribution in reciprocity of self-disclosure in cancer vlog communities on YouTube. • We analyzed linguistic features and expressed sentiments in 503 cancer vlog videos and 194,300 associated comments. • Self-disclosure among vloggers dampened reciprocal self-disclosure among viewers. • Other viewers' comments encouraged self-disclosure among viewers as they found community homophily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As social media influencers have become a global phenomenon, brands are channeling substantial resources into influencer marketing campaigns. Researchers are keenly exploring diverse content factors that wield influence in online social spheres, including linguistic elements. However, uncertainties persist regarding their association with digital consumer engagement. To bridge this knowledge gap, our study takes a comprehensive approach to identify prevalent linguistic styles employed by social media influencers, integrating multiple linguistic variables. We collected data and audio transcripts from over 11,000 videos featuring 151 top YouTube influencers. Native language processing and automated coding were then employed to extract linguistic variables from the videos. Utilizing a data dimensionality reduction technique (t-SNE), we streamlined their complexity and categorized them to unearth patterns in linguistic style within the sample. Consequently, we proposed an original taxonomy comprising seven linguistic styles used by influencers: videos of expert advice , storytelling , intimate experiences , struggle and overcoming , motivation and guidance , coaching and mentoring , and middle-of-the-road videos. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that each linguistic style correlates with varying levels of digital consumer engagement. These findings not only enhance the existing body of knowledge on influencer marketing and social influence but also offer important insights for influencers and marketing practitioners on selecting the most effective linguistic style for content creation to drive consumer engagement. • Identifies seven linguistic styles of social media influencers' videos on YouTube. • +11,000 videos were analyzed by machine learning techniques and clustering analysis. • Shows the linguistic styles' effect of influencer videos on consumer engagement. • Contributes to influencer marketing, social influence, and opinion leaders literature. • Guides influencers and marketing practitioners on how to communicate strategically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has been described as both a safe and toxic space for LGBTQ+ youth. This mixed-methods online study examined whether differences in youth's open-ended narratives moderate associations between quantitative measures of online discrimination and mental health and substance use. Three thematic groups emerged from open-ended responses of 406 LGBTQ+ 14–18-year-old participants: social media as a source of connection, refuge, or rejection. Moderation analyses indicated that at higher levels of discrimination, youth in the connection narrative group experienced elevated associations between measures of discrimination and depression, anxiety, and substance use compared to the rejection group. The results highlight the significance of a mixed-methods approach, as narratives from LGBTQ+ youth about their social media experiences illuminated the quantitative findings. Findings also call for practices that acknowledge the dual-faceted nature of social media and promote connections within LGBTQ+ communities to increase LGBTQ+ youth's mental health resilience against online discrimination. • Social media spaces offer connection, refuge, and rejection to LGBTQ + youth. • Discrimination online was associated with more depression, anxiety, and substance use. • Seeking connection on social media may exacerbate discrimination related stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meaning in life is essential for cancer survivors and may influence their coping behaviors and health. Extensive research has examined factors that predict meaning in life for cancer survivors. However, most of these studies focused on personal characteristics and reactions to a diagnosis but left the crucial role of communication underexamined. To fill this research gap, the current study conducted an empirical analysis of the US-based Health Information National Trends Survey 6 dataset (N = 900) and examined the underlying mechanisms through which patient-provider communication (PPC) and health-related social media use were related to cancer survivors' meaning in life. The results showed that both PPC and health-related social media use were positively associated with meaning in life. In addition, PPC was negatively associated with perceived social isolation, which in turn reduced meaning in life. Health-related social media use was positively related to perceived social isolation, which subsequently lowered meaning in life. Furthermore, health self-efficacy weakened the indirect pathway linking PPC and health-related social media use to meaning in life via perceived social isolation. The findings highlighted the constructive role of PPC and the dualistic role of health-related social media use in cancer survivors' meaning in life, as well as the risk-buffering role of health self-efficacy. We also discussed the important theoretical and practical implications of the findings. • Communication is important to enhance cancer survivors' meaning in life. • Patient-centered communication reduced perceived social isolation. • Health-related social media use increased perceived social isolation. • Perceived social isolation lowered meaning in life. • Health self-efficacy weakened the negative effect of perceived social isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the relationship between self-objectification and selfie-related behaviors has been extensively investigated, limited attention has been given to understanding how women's self-objectification impacts their attitudes toward peer selfies from the observer's perspective. This issue was addressed across four studies (N = 801). Specifically, Studies 1a and 1b (correlational research) revealed a positive association between women's self-objectification and hostile attitudes toward peer selfies. In Studies 2 and 3 (experimental research), a causal relationship was established, such that women with higher levels of state self-objectification were more inclined to attach negative tags to other women's selfies. Notably, perceived attention-seeking motivation plays a mediating role in the process (Studies 1b, 2, and 3). Furthermore, these effects occurred not only in response to selfies taken by highly attractive women but also in response to targets who are moderately attractive or average-looking (Study 3). These findings bridge a significant gap in the field of self-objectification and social interaction on social media. • Limited attention has been given to studying how women's self-objectification impacts their attitudes toward peer selfies. • We found a positive association between women's self-objectification and hostile attitudes toward peer selfies. • We found that self-objectification led women to attach negative tags to other women's selfies. • Perceived attention-seeking motivation in other women could account for the effect mentioned above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a self-effects perspective, this research investigates how people's perceptions of their memories are influenced by sharing those memories on social media. Referencing the bidirectional message effects model and identity shift theory, relevant psychological factors and social media affordances were identified and tested across two studies. Results from Study 1 showed that the self-relevance of an experience and people's engagement during the experience predicted greater perceived memory vividness and/or recalled enjoyment of the experience. Across both studies, mediation models elucidated the importance of "public commitment" in self-effects: Publicly sharing a message engendered greater presumed close audience knowledge, which led to greater commitment, and resulted in greater perceived memory vividness. However, publicly sharing a message did not directly engender greater commitment. Thus, people are not committed due to the public nature of a statement they made, but rather, are committed to a specific subgroup within the public: their close ties. • People who publicly shared an experience on social media perceived that their close ties know about their experience. • This perception (of knowledge by close ties) prompted them to have greater commitment to their self-presentations. • People are not committed due to the public nature/accessibility of a statement they made. • Rather, people are committed to a specific subgroup within the public: their close friends and family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social virtual reality (SVR) attempts to allow for connections akin to face-to-face communication (Ftf). Yet, it is unclear whether the technology successfully mimics Ftf or more closely resembles other mediated communication channels. This study empirically compares SVR and other communication channels in terms of perceived social affordances, privacy, and trust through a between-subjects online survey (n = 743). Findings indicate that SVR and Ftf are similar regarding some perceived affordances (e.g., personalization) but differ with respect to others (e.g., anonymity, presence). Additionally, SVR is perceived as significantly distinct from one or multiple mediated channels for almost every measured social affordance. While SVR is seen as offering relatively greater levels of affordances that benefit interpersonal interaction, privacy concerns and a lack of trust in other users were found to often characterize the current user experience. This study provides theoretical insights for affordance research and practical implications for SVR designers. • SVR uniquely affords aspects of both Ftf and mediated communication. • Patterns of perceived social affordances reflect SVR's relative level of synchronicity compared to other channels. • Communication benefits of SVR may relate to enhanced expression through anonymity. • Optimizing SVR for communication may require addressing pronounced privacy fears and resistance to trusting strangers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to examine the bi-directional relationships between pre-sleep electronic media use and sleep, and to assess the relative predictive strength of different types of electronic media use in the evening on subsequent sleep. Eighty-eight young adults (20.57 ± 0.99, 27 males) completed an online intake survey and received notifications to complete daily diaries for seven consecutive days. Results of dynamic structural equation models (DSEM) revealed that the total screen time, sleep onset time, sleep latency, sleep duration, and sleep quality showed significant positive autoregressive parameters. In contrast, the results revealed no statistically significant cross-lagged associations between the total screen time in the evening and sleep outcomes. Inspection of the predictive strength of various types of screen activities at the within-person level revealed that increased active social media use is linked to delayed sleep onset, while internet browsing is associated with shorter sleep latency. At the between-person level, screen time of T.V. watching, video streaming, social media use, and shopping correlated with delayed sleep onset. Shopping was also connected to longer sleep latency. Additionally, more time spent on T.V., video streaming, non-work internet browsing, and shopping was linked to reduced total sleep duration. These findings indicated a screen activity-dependent association between pre-sleep screen time and subsequent sleep. More objective assessments of electronic media use (e.g., app recording screen time) and sleep (e.g., actigraphy) and longitudinal monitoring over a relatively long period (i.e., several weeks or months) are warred to further elucidate (cross-lagged) relationships between electronic media use and sleep. • DSEM shows significant autoregression in screen time and sleep variables. • No cross-lagged link between evening screen time and sleep outcomes was found. • Active social media use predicts delayed sleep onset within person. • TV watching, social media, and shopping delay sleep onset between person. • TV watching, non-work internet, and shopping reduce sleep duration between person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a broader context of increasing incidences of sexting-related backlashes resulting in victims' depression and, at times, suicide in Nigeria, this study examines the prevalence, trends, and mental health implications of sexting among 700 Nigerian social media users. With the help of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Sexting Behaviors and Motives Questionnaire, we found that 58% of respondents engaged in sexting, a high percentage given the cultural conservatism of Nigeria. In addition, more than 41% admitted forwarding or having another forward sexted images or messages without the victims' consent, increasing the risk of cyberbullying and subsequent mental health problems. In our study, we found a strong positive relationship between sexting and depression; the effects of sexting on depression differed for men and women: Men sexters exhibited higher depression levels than women. Our analysis, which employed descriptive, regression, and Structural Equation Model (SEM) methodologies, suggests that despite regional cultural disparities, sexting behaviors are surprisingly uniform across Nigeria. This study underscores the urgent need for informed strategies addressing digital privacy, security, and mental well-being in the context of sexting in Nigeria. • The study finds that 58% of Nigerian social media users engage in sexting. • Over 41% admit to forwarding sexts non-consensually, highlighting privacy concerns. • There is a correlation between sexting behaviors and symptoms of depression. • The study shows notable gender differences in sexting and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K-pop idols meticulously manage their public image on social media by blending aspects of professional and personal self-presentation, occasionally incorporating paid advertisements. This research aims to investigate these strategies on idols' personal Instagram accounts and their impacts on fans. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1, a content analysis of the ten most recent Instagram posts from 26 K-pop idols revealed a combination of both self-presentation types with a slightly higher prevalence of personal one. One-fourth of the posts contained paid advertisements, and they were more prevalent in professional self-presentation. Posts featuring personal self-presentation garnered significantly more likes and comments, and so did posts without paid advertisements. Study 2, an online experiment with 240 Korean Instagram users, compared professional and personal self-presentation with and without paid advertisement. The results showed that paid advertisement significantly influenced perceptions of the idol, diminishing perceived authenticity, professionalism, and para-social relationship. In contrast, professional self-presentation heightened only perceived professionalism compared to personal self-presentation. Engagement intentions did not significantly differ between self-presentation types but were lowered by paid advertisement indirectly through reduced perceived para-social relationship. This research highlights the complex dynamics of online self-presentation, fan engagement, and the potential drawbacks of commercialization in K-pop. • Revealed K-pop idols' dual self-presentation and integration of paid advertisements. • Investigated the influence of post types on fan engagement with idols' posts. • Found higher fan engagement with personal self-presentation posts. • Found lower fan engagement with posts featuring paid advertisements. • Paid advertisements reduced engagement intentions by lowering perceived parasocial relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mothers play an important role in setting the overall media culture within the home. Research suggests that children model parental behavior in many ways, including in media use habits. The current study explores profiles or patterns of maternal media use and associations between these patterns and parenting behaviors surrounding media use and parent and child problematic media use two years later. In our sample of 268 mothers of young children in a large Mountain West city, latent profile analysis was utilized, and four distinct profiles of media users were identified. Results suggest that mothers in a low media use profile set limits around their child's media use and report low levels of both technoference and parent problematic media use. Conversely, mothers in a higher social use profile exhibit high levels of parent and child problematic media use compared to other profiles. We encourage mothers to be mindful users of media, remembering that their media use behaviors can impact the overall media use climate in the home. • There are profiles of maternal media users: low use, higher social use, moderate video game use, and high video game use. • Mothers in the low use profile experience less technoference and have the lowest levels of problematic media use. • Mothers play an important role in setting the overall media culture within a home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the proliferation of social media, researchers have begun exploring novel forms of literacy. One emerging concept is life aesthetic literacy (LAL), or the capacity to interpret and assign meaning to artistic and creative content perceptively. This study explores the impact of LAL on social media platforms. To do so, it draws on probability-proportional-to-size sampling in the Taiwan Communication Survey to investigate 1,776 social media–savvy adults and adopts structural equation modeling, path analysis, latent class analysis, and multi-group analysis to validate the proposed models. The findings show that increased exposure to and involvement with artistic material on social media platforms positively influence LAL. Furthermore, enhanced LAL extends to improved perceived self-expansion and self-concept clarity. These findings provide empirical evidence that social media use has a multifaceted impact on contemporary literacy and self-perception. The findings provide practical guidelines for platforms to cultivate LAL through tailored content and engagement strategies. • Social media enhances Life Aesthetic Literacy (LAL), aiding in self-concept clarity. • LAL positively impacts perceived self-expansion through artistic engagement. • Different media usage patterns may influence the development of LAL. • Empirical evidence supports the multifaceted impact of social media on LAL. • The study provides actionable insights for tailored content strategies on platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper introduces a novel approach to studying social media habits through predictive modeling of sequential smartphone user behaviors. While much of the literature on media and technology habits has relied on self-report questionnaires and simple behavioral frequency measures, we examine an important yet understudied aspect of media and technology habits: their embeddedness in repetitive behavioral sequences. Leveraging Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and transformer neural networks, we show that (i) social media use is predictable at the within and between-person level and that (ii) there are robust individual differences in the predictability of social media use. We examine the performance of several modeling approaches, including (i) global models trained on the pooled data from all participants, (ii) idiographic person-specific models, and (iii) global models fine-tuned on person-specific data. Neither person-specific modeling nor fine-tuning on person-specific data substantially outperformed the global models, indicating that the global models were able to represent a variety of idiosyncratic behavioral patterns. Additionally, our analyses reveal that individual differences in the predictability of social media use were not substantially related to differences in the frequency of smartphone use in general or the frequency of social media use, indicating that our approach captures an aspect of habits that is distinct from behavioral frequency. Implications for habit modeling and theoretical development are discussed. • The study introduces a novel conceptualization of social media habits based on the predictability of app use behaviors. • LSTM and transformer neural networks can predict momentary social media use from app log sequences. • There are pronounced individual differences in the person-level predictability of social media use. • Predictability was only weakly associated with behavioral frequency, indicating that it captures a distinct aspect of habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The image-centric nature of Instagram has contributed to the rise of a prominent social media trend known as "fitspiration." Previous research has shown that exposure to fitspiration content on Instagram can have detrimental effects on body image and mental health, particularly among young heterosexual women. Although sexual minority individuals may similarly be subjected to the objectifying gaze, there is a dearth of research regarding how they perceive and respond to fitspiration content. This study investigates the effects of consuming fitspiration content on Instagram on self-objectification and depression symptoms among sexual minority individuals and explores how gender and sexual orientation interact to shape their body image experiences. A total of 551 sexual minority individuals participated in the study. The results showed that viewing fitspiration content, but not the general use of Instagram, was positively associated with body surveillance and body shame. The association between fitspiration content consumption and depression symptoms was mediated by body surveillance and body shame. The study shed light on the influence of gender and sexual orientation, revealing significant mediation effects among gay men, plurisexual men, and plurisexual women; however, these findings were not observed among lesbian women. Given the substantial burden associated with fitspiration use, social media developers, content creators, and clinicians have a vital role to play in cultivating a body-positive online environment and protecting sexual minority individuals from internalizing objectifying content on social media. • Viewing fitspiration content, but not the general use of Instagram, was related to self-objectification and depression. • Consuming fitspiration content on Instagram was positively associated with body surveillance and body shame. • Fitspiration content has differential effects on individuals of different genders and sexual orientations. • The negative effects of fitspiration content were only found among gay men as well as plurisexual men and women. • The study has implications for social media literacy education, content creation, and mental health practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although online review helpfulness has been extensively discussed, examining it at the platform level can still yield new insights. Drawing on ELM and information ecosystem theories, this study identifies heterogeneity in review features and their impact on helpfulness across platforms through a multimethod analysis of 82,130 reviews on JD and TikTok. Econometric analysis revealed that reviews on mature platforms contain richer objective content, more diverse language styles, and stronger semantic associations. In terms of content, objective content diversity positively affects helpfulness on emerging platforms, while it has the opposite effect on mature platforms. Negative sentiment significantly affects helpfulness only on mature platforms, and positive sentiment has no significant effect on either platform. In terms of language style, the analysis indicated that language style diversity positively impacts the helpfulness of emerging platforms. However, four specific styles (figurative, comparative, interrogative and exaggerative) negatively affect helpfulness on emerging platforms, with only comparative style having a significant negative effect on mature platforms. In terms of semantic association, the results show a more substantial positive impact on emerging platforms. Machine learning-based performance analysis corroborates the core findings of the econometric analysis. This study provides novel findings to the existing literature and provides managerial implications for different platforms. • The differences in distribution and influence of the proposed variables on helpfulness across platforms are explored. • XGBoost and Shap interaction values assess the predictive performance of the proposed variables. • This study advances the research perspective from single-platform to inter-platform based on platform heterogeneity. • The incorporation of diversified language styles and semantic association enrich the central cues within ELM theory. • We offer a novel theoretical framework that integrates micro-level ELM and macro-level information ecology theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The privacy paradox describes a scenario in which individuals express privacy concerns but still share private data online. We explore how the paradox can be understood following the introduction of the European Union's landmark GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) legislation. Through qualitative interviews with online platform users, we find that individuals are concerned about personal data but remain constrained in their privacy self-management. In this context of limited perceived control, users' privacy attitudes are guided by anticipated value from using the platform and the convenience of privacy protection measures. Our study also highlights the role of peer influence on users' privacy choices, specifically through micro- and macro-network effects. We identify that (1) users move to privacy-protecting platforms to align with their social network, or because of information disseminated within their networks; and (2) users remain on platforms offering minimal privacy protection despite privacy concerns due to presence of their entire peer network. These findings provide a unified view on Privacy Paradox post-GDPR, bringing together a more comprehensive range of influences on individual-level privacy dynamics. Our research underscores the need for policymakers to streamline and standardize data protection measures lest the intentions of GDPR be undermined. We also highlight the need to go beyond a reliance on privacy self-management by better regulating the architecture of data management and enforcing principles of privacy by design and default. • Self-management of privacy does not lead to enactment of user privacy rights. • Convenience and perceived value shape user privacy attitudes. • GDPR increases privacy awareness, yet users perceive limited control over their data. • Network effects play an important role in shaping users' privacy behaviors. • Privacy cynicism helps users cope with privacy compromises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grounded in literature on attribution theory, framing, and information sharing, this study addresses the process and behavioral consequences of celebrity advocacy for climate change mitigation on social media. An experimental design (N = 693) examined how parasocial relationship (PSR) with celebrities was related to information virality of celebrity climate change messages on social media, as well as whether perceived motivations of celebrities' climate advocacy functioned as a mediator. The motivations examined were labeled affective (i.e., motivated by genuine environmental concern) and calculative (i.e., the ulterior motive of image promotion). In addition, the study explored how level of fear in message framing impacted information virality of celebrity climate messages. Social media users with higher PSR attributed higher levels of affective motivations for celebrities' advocacy, and stronger affective motivations were subsequently related to a greater likelihood of retweeting and replying to celebrities' climate messages. Affective motivation attribution was a significant mediator in the relationship between PSR and message virality. Those with higher PSR attributed lower levels of calculative motivations for celebrity advocacy. However, perceived levels of calculative motivations were not related to likelihood of retweeting and replying behaviors. In addition, high fear messages were more effective than low fear messages in promoting the likelihood of retweeting and replying. These findings suggest that celebrity climate change tweets were more effective when the celebrities had a stronger bond with audiences and were seen as affective in their motivations, and when a higher level of fear was used to frame environmental topics. • Parasocial relationship with celebrities positively predicted both retweeting and replying behaviors. • Parasocial relationship with celebrities attributed higher levels of affective motivations for celebrities' advocacy. • Higher levels of perceived affective motivation were related to greater likelihood of retweeting and replying behaviors. • Affective motivation mediates the relationship between parasocial relationship and retweeting and replying behaviors. • High fear frames led to more information sharing behaviors and reactions to climate messages than low fear frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing scholarly interest in phubbing has helped researchers accrue knowledge regarding its psychological outcomes; however, how phubbing affects person perceptions and interpersonal behaviors in general interpersonal contexts, which is critical to a thorough knowledge of the implications of phubbing, remains inadequately researched. To bridge the gaps, we investigated whether and how phubbing affects dehumanization and the downstream consequence of this effect. Four studies (one preregistered), using authentic behavioral data (69,399 posts) from social media (Study 1), correlational design (Study 2), and experimental methods (Studies 3–4), concurred in supporting the fact that phubbing increases dehumanization. Furthermore, subjectivity uncertainty mediated the effect of phubbing on dehumanization (Studies 2–4), while the alternative mediating role of metadehumanization was ruled out (Studies 2–3). In addition, dehumanization elicited by phubbing further increased aggressive behaviors (Study 4). Our research provides new insights into the consequences of phubbing and the factors contributing to dehumanization. It reminds people to note the possible severe consequences of phubbing, an unwitting act, in interpersonal interactions. • Phubbing increased dehumanization. • Subjectivity uncertainty mediated the effect of phubbing on dehumanization. • Dehumanization induced by phubbing further increases aggressive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have forwarded a self-fulfilling prophecy explanation for how algorithmic beliefs may shape affective and relational outcomes of online dating (Hu & Rui, 2023; Sharabi, 2021). The current work examined this self-fulfilling prophecy explanation by investigating relevant online dating correlates of algorithmic beliefs. Secondary analyses were conducted on data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 6034) with model comparison procedures. Collectively, results showed that, among currently single relationship-seeking online daters, algorithmic beliefs were negatively related to online dating disappointment; However, findings for online dating excitement were mixed. Additionally, among past online daters, algorithmic beliefs were positively related to being in a relationship with someone they met in online dating. Consistencies and differences between the current findings and previous findings were discussed to offer theoretical and practical implications. • Among currently single, relationship-seeking users, algorithmic beliefs were negatively related to disappointment. • Among currently single, relationship-seeking users, algorithmic beliefs were not consistently related to excitement. • Among past users, algorithmic beliefs were positively related to being in an online dating-initiated relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-stigma campaigns increasingly leverage personal narratives of celebrities or public figures through social media, yet little is known about what makes social media an effective storytelling tool. This study empirically tests their mental health stories in different media formats using a multiple message design. Through a pilot study, four celebrities were selected: Kristen Bell, Mariah Carey, Dwayne Johnson, and Kevin Love, who have disclosed their mental health struggles. An online between-subjects experiment was conducted with 389 participants who were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (social media vs. online article vs. no-message control). Results showed that participants who read the stories in a social media format felt a greater social presence, as if they were engaging in a real conversation with the celebrity, compared to those who read the same stories in an online article format. This, in turn, facilitated a stronger sense of transportation into the story, ultimately leading to persuasive outcomes such as positive attitudes toward help-seeking and increased intentions to seek both professional and informal help. Further analyses revealed that the effects of social presence and transportation on attitudes toward help-seeking were more pronounced among those with greater parasocial intimacy with the celebrity. The findings provide empirical support for the effectiveness of using social media as a storytelling channel for anti-stigma campaigns. • Social media emerges as a powerful storytelling channel for personal narratives regarding mental health. • Public figures sharing their mental health stories on social media can reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behavior. • Mental health stories in a social media format enhance the public figure's social presence and engage the audience more effectively. • Emotional connection to the public figure amplifies the narrative's persuasive influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problematic media use (PMU) tends to be related to significant social, emotional, and behavioral problems throughout life. Little research, however, has examined the development of PMU during early childhood, where media habits begin to form. The current longitudinal study examines the growth of PMU across early childhood (between 2.5 and 5.5 years of age) with a focus on predictors and outcomes (social, emotional, and parenting) of the intercept and slope of PMU over time. Participants (N = 269 children and their parents; 4.9% Asian American, 8.2% Black, 21% Hispanic or Latino, 63% White, 7% Mixed or Other race) completed questionnaires assessing PMU, media parenting, parental warmth and connection, and child social and emotional problems. Results indicated slight overall increases in PMU from ages 2.5 to 5.5. Emotional reactivity, aggression, and overall TV time predicted initial levels of PMU. Additionally, initial levels of PMU were related to social and emotional problems four years later. An increasing trajectory of PMU was associated with later aggression in childhood, even when controlling for initial levels of aggression. Implications for parents and prevention efforts aimed at reducing PMU are discussed. • Problematic Media Use (PMU) exists in children as young as two years old and increases across early childhood. • Emotional reactivity, aggression, and overall TV time at age 2 predicted initial levels of PMU. • Early PMU was related to social and emotional problems 4 years later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine variables affecting follower attraction and determine the optimal model for its prediction. We identify 12 variables from the persuasion attempt perspective in the persuasion knowledge model and accordingly perform two progressive studies (study 1: knowledge driven, with coarse-grained variables, with unimodal models, without data fusion; study 2: knowledge-and-data driven, with fine-grained features, with multimodal models, with data fusion). In study 1, we compute 12 variables in accordance with hypotheses from nonfused trimodal data (verbal, vocal, and visual). XGBoost and Shapley additive explanations are used to evaluate the importance of these 12 variables, and economic models are adopted to test their statistical significance. In study 2, we reduce the data granularity of the 12 coarse-grained variables by generating 323 fine-grained features. We then process trimodal data fusion to consider intra- and intermodal interactions. Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models are applied to learn a mapping from the input sequences of trimodality to output values of follower increment. The results demonstrate that early fusion LSTM with fused trimodal features has a 66.3% prediction accuracy, outperforming LSTM with unimodal features and late fusion LSTM with nonfused trimodal features. To our knowledge, these results are among the first to unfold follower attraction strategies with unstructured video data, and this is the first study to provide knowledge-and-data-driven multimodal machine learning models for predicting follower attraction at different granularity levels. • The vocal variables are the most important in affecting follower attraction, followed by the visual and verbal variables. • Seven variables like positive sentiment, have a significant positive impact on follower attraction. • Five variables like repetition width are negatively related to follower attraction. • EF-LSTM performs the best prediction accuracy compared with other LSTM models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fueled by the growing presence of information and communication technologies, digital hate (DH) perpetration poses significant threats. Although a substantial body of research addresses DH perpetration, existing literature lacks conceptual clarity as numerous, somewhat vaguely distinguishable phenomena are being investigated in parallel. This scoping review organizes extant findings concerning personal, social, and environmental factors related to these various phenomena by grouping them into six categories based on two key factors: DH type (holistic or specific) and DH target (generic, romantic/sexual, or miscellaneous groups). Our analyses of N = 512 primary studies reveal an overrepresentation of holistic DH directed at generic targets. Personal factors are frequently examined, while social and especially environmental factors are typically only secondary outcomes. The literature lacks in-depth explorations of links to offline hate, perpetrators' motivational backgrounds, and the role of prior victimization, especially concerning specific DH. We recommend future research to address these crucial research gaps more thoroughly and emphasize the need for a conceptual disentanglement of the field. • There is an urgent need for consistent definitions of digital hate concepts. • Personal factors are frequently examined in research on digital hate perpetrators. • Social and environmental factors are typically only secondary outcomes. • The role of prior victimization and motivational backgrounds need to be explored. • Research on digital hate perpetration lacks methodological variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]