The company you keep: Social network characteristics and political participation disparity among adolescents and young adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 146144482110654
Author(s):  
Saifuddin Ahmed ◽  
Teresa Gil-Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Political Participation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Online Media ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Network Heterogeneity ◽  
Network Characteristics

The role of social network characteristics in further dissipating political participation among adolescents and young adults or mobilizing them into participatory action is debatable. This study analyzes survey data from 10 Southeast European democracies to examine the influence of informational use of online media (Internet and social media) and social network characteristics on political interest–based participatory gaps among adolescents and young adults. The findings support the reinforcement thesis that politically interested individuals exploit the benefits of online media use, thereby exacerbating participation gaps between low- and high-interest groups. These gaps are further amplified in more heterogeneous networks for both adolescents and young adults. In contrast, politically interested adolescents are more likely to politically disengage within more extensive social networks and, hence, resemble politically detached young adults. Overall, the findings support the reinforcement thesis across age groups where greater network heterogeneity amplifies participatory gaps for both adolescents and young adults, but network size plays a conditional role for adolescents.

Network characteristics matter in politics on Facebook: evidence from a US national survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanqin Lu ◽  
Jae Kook Lee ◽  
Eunyi Kim
Keyword(s):  
Political Participation ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Heterogeneity ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Online Panel ◽  
Facebook Use ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeFacebook has been identified as a primary source of political information by a majority (63 percent) of its users. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Facebook use and political participation, and investigate the mediating effects of the characteristics of one’s Facebook network (i.e. network size, proportion of strong ties, and discussion network heterogeneity).Design/methodology/approachThis study relies on a representative survey of American adults (n=1,032) conducted during the 2012 primary election campaigns from May 3 to May 10. The sample was randomly selected from a representative online panel maintained by a professional research organization. Given this study’s focus on the influence of Facebook use and network characteristics, an online panel is suitable for testing the hypotheses.FindingsThe results show positive associations between Facebook use and both off- and online political participation. Further, the positive association between Facebook use and political participation is mediated by discussion network heterogeneity and the proportion of strong ties in one’s Facebook network, but not the network size.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on the roles played by network characteristics of Facebook. The composition of a user’s Facebook network is closely related with what kind of information she encounters and how likely she is to participate in politics. Hence, network characteristics (e.g. Facebook discussion network heterogeneity) arise as important for gaining a nuanced understanding of the relationship between general use of the medium and its political outcomes.

scholarly journals Relationships between medical students’ co-regulatory network characteristics and self-regulated learning: a social network study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derk Bransen ◽  
Marjan J. B. Govaerts ◽  
Dominique M. A. Sluijsmans ◽  
Jeroen Donkers ◽  
Piet G. C. Van den Bossche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Regulatory Network ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Regulated Learning

Abstract Introduction Recent conceptualizations of self-regulated learning acknowledge the importance of co-regulation, i.e., students’ interactions with others in their networks to support self-regulation. Using a social network approach, the aim of this study is to explore relationships between characteristics of medical students’ co-regulatory networks, perceived learning opportunities, and self-regulated learning. Methods The authors surveyed 403 undergraduate medical students during their clinical clerkships (response rate 65.5%). Using multiple regression analysis, structural equation modelling techniques, and analysis of variance, the authors explored relationships between co-regulatory network characteristics (network size, network diversity, and interaction frequency), students’ perceptions of learning opportunities in the workplace setting, and self-reported self-regulated learning. Results Across all clerkships, data showed positive relationships between tie strength and self-regulated learning (β = 0.095, p < 0.05) and between network size and tie strength (β = 0.530, p < 0.001), and a negative relationship between network diversity and tie strength (β = −0.474, p < 0.001). Students’ perceptions of learning opportunities showed positive relationships with both self-regulated learning (β = 0.295, p < 0.001) and co-regulatory network size (β = 0.134, p < 0.01). Characteristics of clerkship contexts influenced both co-regulatory network characteristics (size and tie strength) and relationships between network characteristics, self-regulated learning, and students’ perceptions of learning opportunities. Discussion The present study reinforces the importance of co-regulatory networks for medical students’ self-regulated learning during clinical clerkships. Findings imply that supporting development of strong networks aimed at frequent co-regulatory interactions may enhance medical students’ self-regulated learning in challenging clinical learning environments. Social network approaches offer promising ways of further understanding and conceptualising self- and co-regulated learning in clinical workplaces.

scholarly journals Social Networks and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 237802312098525
Author(s):  
Balazs Kovacs ◽  
Nicholas Caplan ◽  
Samuel Grob ◽  
Marissa King
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Network Data ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Social Network Data ◽  
Social Network Size

We utilize longitudinal social network data collected pre–COVID-19 in June 2019 and compare them with data collected in the midst of COVID in June 2020. We find significant decreases in network density and global network size following a period of profound social isolation. While there is an overall increase in loneliness during this era, certain social network characteristics of individuals are associated with smaller increases in loneliness. Specifically, we find that people with fewer than five “very close” relationships report increases in loneliness. We further find that face-to-face interactions, as well as the duration and frequency of interactions with very close ties, are associated with smaller increases in loneliness during the pandemic. We also report on factors that do not moderate the effect of social isolation on perceived loneliness, such as gender, age, or overall social network size.

scholarly journals Social Network Characteristics and Daily Smoking among Young Adults in Sweden

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 6517-6533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikael Rostila ◽  
Ylva Almquist ◽  
Viveca Östberg ◽  
Christofer Edling ◽  
Jens Rydgren
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Daily Smoking ◽  
Network Characteristics

scholarly journals The reliability and validity of a screening scale for online gaming disorder among Chinese adolescents and young adults

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuechan Lyu ◽  
Tianzhen Chen ◽  
Zhe Wang ◽  
Jing Lu ◽  
Chenyi Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Online Gaming ◽  
Chinese Adolescents ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Gaming Disorder ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Screening Scale

Abstract Background In recent years, there have been frequent reports of gaming disorder in China, with more focus on young people. We developed and psychometrically tested a Gaming Disorder screening scale (i.e., Gaming Disorder Screening Scale - GDSS) for Chinese adolescents and young adults, based on the existing scales and diagnostic criteria, but also considering the development status of China. Methods For testing content and criterion validity, 1747 participants competed the GDSS and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). After 15 days, 400 participants were retested with the scales for to assess test-retest reliability. Besides, 200 game players were interviewed for a diagnosis of gaming disorder. Results The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient on the GDSS was 0.93. The test-retest coefficient of 0.79. Principal components analysis identified three factors accounting for 62.4% of the variance; behavior, functioning, cognition and emotion. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit to the data (χ2 /df = 5.581; RMSEA =0.074; TLI = 0.916, CFI = 0.928). The overall model fit was significantly good in the measurement invariance tested across genders and different age groups. Based on the clinical interview, the screening cut-off point was determined to be ≥47 (sensitivity 41.4%, specificity 82.3%). Conclusions The GDSS demonstrated good reliability and validity aspects for screening online gaming disorder among Chinese adolescents and young adults.

scholarly journals Melanoma in Adolescents and Young Adults: Evaluation of the Characteristics, Treatment Strategies, and Prognostic Factors in a Monocentric Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Del Fiore ◽  
Irene Russo ◽  
Beatrice Ferrazzi ◽  
Alessandro Dal Monico ◽  
Francesco Cavallin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Tnm Classification ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Biological Behavior ◽  
Veneto Region ◽  
Common Cancer ◽  
Caucasian Patients

The “Veneto Cancer Registry” records melanoma as the most common cancer diagnosed in males and the third common cancer in females under 50 years of age in the Veneto Region (Italy). While melanoma is rare in children, it has greater incidence in adolescents and young adults (AYA), but literature offers only few studies specifically focused on AYA melanoma. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics, surgical treatment, and prognosis of a cohort of AYA melanoma in order to contribute to the investigation of this malignancy and provide better patient care. This retrospective cohort study included 2,752 Caucasian patients (702 AYA and 2,050 non-AYA patients) from the Veneto Region who were over 15 years of age at diagnosis, and who received diagnosis and/or treatment from our institutions between 1998 and 2014. Patients were divided in adolescents and youth (15-25 years), young adults (26-39 years) and adults (more than 39 years) for the analysis. We found statistically significant differences in gender, primary site, Breslow thickness, ulceration, pathologic TNM classification (pTNM) stage and tumor subtype among the age groups. Disease-specific survival and disease-free survival were also different among the age groups. Our findings suggest that the biological behavior of melanoma in young people is different to that in adults, but not such as to represent a distinct pathological entity. Additional and larger prospective studies should be performed to better evaluate potential biological and cancer-specific differences between AYAs and the adult melanoma population.

scholarly journals Germ Cell Tumors in Adolescents and Young Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 433-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Fonseca ◽  
A. Lindsay Frazier ◽  
Furqan Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Germ Cell Tumors ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Childhood Cancers ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Cancer Specialists ◽  
Research Initiatives ◽  
Common Malignancy

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare in childhood, representing only 3.5% of childhood cancers, but a common malignancy in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), accounting for 13.9% of neoplasms in adolescents between age 15 and 19 years. The overall outcomes of patients treated for GCTs are excellent. However, as seen in other cancers, outcomes for AYA patients are significantly worse. Understanding the reasons for this observation has led to different approaches to diagnosis, staging, and treatment. The Malignant Germ Cell International Consortium was created to bring together pediatric, gynecologic, and testicular cancer specialists to promote research initiatives and provide evidence-based approaches in the management of GCTs across different age groups. Collaboration between multiple subspecialties is essential to further understand the disease continuum, the underlying biologic characteristics, and the development of appropriate therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on the unique characteristics of patients with extracranial GCTs in the AYA group.

scholarly journals Change in disparities of dietary quality score (FSAm-NPS) in adolescents and young adults between 2004 and 2014 in Belgium

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucille Desbouys ◽  
Manon Rouche ◽  
Karin De Ridder ◽  
Katia Castetbon
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Regional Disparities ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Weighted Mean ◽  
Regional Characteristics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Index Of Inequality

AbstractIntroductionThe transition from adolescence toward adulthood is a critical period regarding changes in dietary behaviours. Moreover at these ages, socio-economic and regional disparities in food group consumption are observed. The aim of our study was to determine how the nutritional quality of diet, measured by the modified Nutrient Profiling System of the British Food Standards Agency (FSAm-NPS), evolved between 2004 and 2014, according to socio-economic and regional characteristics of adolescents and young adults living in Belgium.Material and methodsTwo non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls were carried out in two nationally-representative samples of 15-to-39-year-old respondents included in the Belgian Food Consumption Surveys in 2004 (n = 1,186) and 2014 (n = 952). Weighting factor (according to age, gender, day of recall, season and province) and sample design were considered. The weighted mean individual FSAm-NPS was computed from all foods and beverages consumed and converted into a scale from 0 (less favourable diet) to 100 (more favourable diet). Slope (SII) and Relative (RII) Index of Inequality were compared between 2004 and 2014 in three age groups (15–18 y, 19–25 y and 26–39 y), adjusting for gender, energy intake, and other socio-economic and regional characteristics.ResultsIn the three age groups, the weighted mean FSAm-NPS significantly increased between 2004 and 2014 (2004: 55.2 (SEM: 0.2) vs. 2014: 57.3 (0.5), p < 0.001 in 15–18-year-olds; 54.9 (0.6) vs. 58.0 (0.4), p < 0.001 in 19–25-year-olds; 56.9 (0.3) vs 58.3 (0.3), p < 0.01 in 26–39-year-olds). While a significant FSAm-NPS gradient was observed according to household education among 15–18- and 26–39-year-olds in 2004 (adjusted SII: 2.56 (95% CI: 1.08–4.04) and 2.73 (0.34–5.12), respectively; RII: 1.05 (1.02–1.08) and 1.05 (1.01–1.09)), no significant difference was found in 2014. Conversely, no significant score disparity was observed according to household type in 2004, but disparities appeared in 2014: index of inequality were significant among subjects aged 19–25 y (SII: 3.89 (0.62–7.17); RII: 1.07 (1.01–1.13)) and 26–39 y (SII: 2.74 (0.31–5.17); RII: 1.05 (1.01–1.09)), the FSAm-NPS being more favourable for those living in two-parent families. The FSAm-NPS was generally higher for subjects living in Flanders than those in Wallonia (significant SII and RII only among 26–39-year-olds), the magnitude of regional disparities remaining stable over time.DiscussionOverall FSAm-NPS improved during this 10-year period, but differentially according to family structure and household education. However, statistical power was weakened by the limited sample size. Additional investigations of changes in food group consumption disparities will complement our interpretations.

SOCIAL NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS AND NETWORK SATISFACTION OF PEOPLE WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (01n02) ◽  
pp. 65-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
SANIA S. W. YAU ◽  
BONNIE Y. L. LEUNG ◽  
SAMUEL S. M. LEUNG
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Psychiatric Disabilities ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Physical Proximity ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Network Building ◽  
Link Service

Objectives: To understand the social network characteristics and network satisfaction of people with psychiatric disabilities living in the community in Hong Kong. Method: A modified scale was administered to 251 service users attending 5 Community Mental Health Link (LINK) Services measuring the above variables. Findings: The study suggested that people with psychiatric disabilities living in the community have a small social network. Moreover, network satisfaction is related to network size and physical proximity. The results are discussed in terms of their consistency with overseas findings and the implications for social work practice in network building for people with psychiatric disabilities. Conclusion: The results provided an initial understanding of social network characteristics and network satisfaction of service users receiving LINK service, with particular reference to network size and physical proximity. 目的：探討本地精神病康復者的社交網絡特質及他們對社交網絡的滿意程度。方法： 共251名來自5個「精神健康連網」的服務使用者填寫一份問卷，量度他們的社交網絡特質及對社交網絡的滿意程度。結果： 在社區生活的精神病康復者的社交網絡較小，而他們對社交網絡的滿意程度與其網絡的大小及地域的距離有明顯的關係。研究結果與海外的研究結果一致，爲社會工作實務上提供初步的討論。結論： 研究結果爲探討精神病康復者社交網絡的特質及他們對社交網絡的滿意程度提供初步的了解，更爲研究網絡的大小及地域的距離提供參考。.

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