Gender identity and nonbinary pronoun use

This study contributes to the emerging literature on gender identity and pronoun use by exploring strategies to refer to unknown human referents. In an online survey involving mainly a university population aged 29 and below, participants were first asked to pick a potential roommate from two fictional characters with gender-ambiguous names and write short answers explaining their choice. Secondly, participants were explicitly asked what pronoun they would use to refer to an unknown human referent from a list of neopronouns in addition to singular they. The results show a strong association between participants’ self-identified gender and the gendered pronoun used. The results also show singular they is the most popular gender-inclusive pronoun for an unknown individual while pronoun avoidance strategies include repeating names and using generic nouns. Additionally, the reflexive form themself is preferred over themselves for unknown human referents, in contrast to previous research showing almost the same rate of naturalness for themselves and themself in the specific-reference context.

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AN EXPLORATION OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN TEENAGERS’ USE, CONSUMPTION AND DIGITAL PRODUCTION

NORDSCI Conference proceedings, Book 1 Volume 3 ◽

10.32008/nordsci2020/b1/v3/24 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Corina-Maricica Seserman ◽

Daniela Cojocaru

Keyword(s):

Gender Differences ◽

Social Media ◽

Data Collection ◽

Gender Identity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Peer Group ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Digital Content ◽

Media Consumption ◽

The Way

Today’s teenagers have a very close relationship with ICTs and the digital space related to them, as they have impacted the way the youth constructs their sense of self and the tools they use to perform their carefully constructed identity. One key element which influences the way one constructs their views by themselves is within the boundaries set by their biological sex and therefore through the behaviors associated with their asigned gender. Through the symbolic interactionist lense, or more specifically through Goffman's dramaturgical theory on the manner in which one presents him/herself in society, this paper looks at the manner in which teenagers use social media platforms and at the way they consume and create digital content in order to present their gender identity. The way teenagers consume and produce digital content differs and depends on how they interpret their ideals of femininity and masculinity, which are afterwards reproduced in the content they post on their social media pages. Therefore this research is an attempt to understand what are the factors teenagers take in account when consuming and producing content. What gender differences can be observed in regards to new media consumption? What difference can be observed in online activity behaviors between males and females? How do they feel about their gender identity concerning fitting in with their peer group? A mix-methodological approach was engaged in the data collection process. In the first stage of the research highschool students (n=324) from the city of Suceava (Romania) participated in taking an online survey. The initial intent was to meet with the young respondents in person, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic this was deemed impossible. For the second stage of data collection, six of the participants who took the online survey were invited to participate in a focus group designed to grasp a better understanding of the results from the previous stage. The discovered findings uncover engaging gender similarities and differences in social media consumption and the type, subject, matter and style in which they posted their content, but also in regards to the performance of the self between the online and offline space.

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The Influence of Friends on Teen Vaping: A Mixed-Methods Approach

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136784 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6784

Author(s):

Allison L. Groom ◽

Thanh-Huyen T. Vu ◽

Robyn L. Landry ◽

Anshula Kesh ◽

Joy L. Hart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Peer Influence ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Strong Association ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Demographic Variables ◽

Common Source ◽

Sources Of Information

Vaping is popular among adolescents. Previous research has explored sources of information and influence on youth vaping, including marketing, ads, family, peers, social media, and the internet. This research endeavors to expand understanding of peer influence. Our hypothesis is that friends’ influence on teen vapers’ first electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use varies by demographic variables and awareness of ENDS advertising. In August–October 2017, youth (n = 3174) aged 13–18 completed an online survey to quantify ENDS behaviors and attitudes and were invited to participate in follow-up online research in November-December 2017 to probe qualitative context around perceptions and motivations (n = 76). This analysis focused on the ENDS users, defined as having ever tried any ENDS product, from the survey (n = 1549) and the follow-up research (n = 39). Among survey respondents, friends were the most common source of vapers’ first ENDS product (60%). Most survey respondents tried their first ENDS product while “hanging out with friends” (54%). Among follow-up research participants, the theme of socializing was also prominent. ENDS advertising and marketing through social media had a strong association with friend networks; in fact, the odds of friends as source of the first vaping experience were 2 times higher for those who had seen ENDS ads on social media compared with other types of media. The influence of friends is particularly evident among non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics/Latinos, those living in urban areas, those living in high-income households, those with higher self-esteem, and those who experiment with vaping. These findings support the premise that peer influence is a primary social influencer and reinforcer for vaping. Being included in a popular activity appears to be a strong driving force.

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Homoprejudiced violence among Chinese men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional analysis in Guangzhou, China

10.21203/rs.2.19394/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dan Wu ◽

Eileen Yang ◽

Wenting Huang ◽

Weiming Tang ◽

Huifang Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Orientation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Strong Association ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Marriage Education ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cyber Aggression ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background Homoprejudiced violence, defined as physical, verbal, psychological and cyber aggression against others because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, is an important public health issue. Most homoprejudiced violence research has been conducted in high-income countries. This study aimed to examine the experience and perpetration of homoprejudiced violence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou, China. Methods MSM in a large Chinese city, Guangzhou, completed an online survey instrument that was distributed through community-based organizations. Descriptive analysis was conducted to describe the sample characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, residence, occupation, heterosexual marriage, education and income, were carried out to explore associated factors. Results A total of 777 responses were analyzed and most (64.9%) were under the age of 30. Three-hundred-ninety-nine (51.4%) reported experiencing homoprejudiced violence, while 205 (25.9%) reported initiating homoprejudiced violence against others. Compared to respondents who self-identified as gay, respondents who were heterosexual were 0.6 times (AOR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9) as likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence, whereas those who were unsure about their sexual orientation were 2.6 times (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.2-5.5) more likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence before. Furthermore, a strong association (AOR=2,4. 95% CI: 1.6-3.5) was identified between experiencing homoprejudiced violence and initiating violence. MSM who had disclosed their sexual orientation to people other than their partners were more likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence (AOR=1.8, 95% CI:1.3-2.5). Conclusions These findings suggest the importance of research and the implementation of interventions focused on preventing and mitigating the effects of homoprejudiced violence affecting MSM in China.

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Cosplay Culture: The Development of Interactive and Living Art through Play

10.32920/ryerson.14662530 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ashley Lotecki

Keyword(s):

North American ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Mixed Methodology ◽

Fictional Characters

“Cosplay” (from kosupure, which combines the Japanese words for “costume” –コス– and “play” – プレ), is a term used to describe costume fandom, where individuals are costumed as fictional characters. The aim of this research was to develop a deeper understanding of North American cosplayers. Mixed methodology was used to collect and analyze demographic, behavioural, and creative data. In stage one, information was collected from 529 cosplayers in an online survey. In stage two, on-site ethnography was used to observe and gather data. In stage three, seven cosplayers participated in self-directed recording of their creation processes. This study has developed original demographic data on North American cosplayers. It has also explored the creative, emotional, social, and behavioural processes in which cosplayers participate while interpreting and constructing their characters, including the negotiation between fiction and reality, and the place of temporary identity.

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Longer, More Active Commute, but Still not Very Active: Five-Year Physical Activity and Travel Behavior Change in a University Population

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16132420 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (13) ◽

pp. 2420

Author(s):

Lina Engelen ◽

Erika Bohn-Goldbaum ◽

Melanie Crane ◽

Martin Mackey ◽

Chris Rissel

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Travel Behavior ◽

Online Survey ◽

Population Level ◽

Active Travel ◽

Physical Activity Monitoring ◽

University Population ◽

The University ◽

Active Commute ◽

Insight Into

Active travel can support the achievement of recommended levels of physical activity. Monitoring travel behavior of university students and staff provides a useful insight into patterns of regional travel and population level changes in physical activity. This study sought to evaluate current travel and physical activity behaviors in a university population and to determine whether these changed over time. An online survey of travel behavior and physical activity was conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia. The survey was actively promoted for three weeks prior to the release of the survey among staff and students, which asked about travel behavior on a specific day in September 2017. The survey questions were the same as those used in a similar online survey conducted across the University in 2012. In total, 4359 People completed the survey, representing 10.8% of staff and 4.1% of students. Approximately two thirds of survey respondents were students, in both the 2012 and 2017 surveys. Compared with 2012, there was an increase in active travel to the University in 2017 from increased walking and train travel. Compared to 2012, in 2017 there was an increase in average minutes walked by about nine minutes, and less time spent sitting. Trip lengths increased, with 68% of trips taking longer than 30 min in 2017. The amount of time spent in low–moderate levels physical activity increased between 2012 and 2017, potentially related to active travel behavior. Citywide changes towards a system-wide transport fare structure was the biggest change in the transport environment between the two surveys and may have contributed to increased train travel.

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How Gender Identity and Treatment Progress Impact Decision-Making, Psychotherapy and Aftercare Desires of Trans Persons

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm8050749 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 749

Author(s):

Toby K. Mayer ◽

Andreas Koehler ◽

Jana Eyssel ◽

Timo O. Nieder

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Gender Identity ◽

Online Community ◽

Online Survey ◽

Clinical Sample ◽

Treatment Preferences ◽

Individual Treatment ◽

Treatment Progress ◽

Treatment Experience ◽

The Impact

The gender identity of trans individuals influences their treatment preferences, and this in turn seems to affect their individual treatment progress. However, there has been no research which—next to the impact of gender identity on treatment desires—has also investigated the influence of treatment progress using a measure which assumes various possible transition pathways of trans persons.Therefore, an online community survey of trans people was conducted in Germany in 2015. Data were collected via an online survey from a non-clinical sample of n = 415 trans individuals (over half assigned female at birth), aged 16–76 (Mean (M) = 38.12). Almost one fifth of participants embraced non-binary or genderqueer (NBGQ) identities. Participants progressed 60.77% (standard deviation (SD) = 35.21) through treatment at point of data collection, as measured by the individual treatment progress score (ITPS). All participants, especially participants assigned male at birth, differed significantly in desire to participate in decision-making processes based on transition progress; individuals without treatment experience had less desire to decide treatment plans. NBGQ participants assigned male at birth in early stages of transition had significantly more desire for psychotherapy during transition than participants of the same identity in later transition stages. All participants, especially binary participants, significantly differed in desire for aftercare based on transition progress; individuals without treatment experience indicated more desire for aftercare. Results indicate health professionals should expect changing treatment desires in trans individuals at various stages of transition, particularly at treatment start, and based on gender identity.

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Cosplay Culture: The Development of Interactive and Living Art through Play

10.32920/ryerson.14662530.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ashley Lotecki

Keyword(s):

North American ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Mixed Methodology ◽

Fictional Characters

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Prevalence of Skin Reactions and Self-Reported Allergies in 5 Countries with Their Social Impact Measured through Quality of Life Impairment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094501 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4501

Author(s):

Samir Salah ◽

Charles Taieb ◽

Anne’ Laure Demessant ◽

Marek Haftek

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Online Survey ◽

Social Impact ◽

Adult Population ◽

Strong Association ◽

Skin Barrier ◽

Skin Reactions ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Background: The prevalence of allergies increases worldwide. Allergies may increase the risk of skin reactions. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of allergies and skin reactions in the adult population, the strength of their relationship, and their impact on the quality of life. Methods: An online survey was conducted in a representative population of 11,067 adults from China, USA, Brazil, Russia, and France. Results: Overall, 35.6% of respondents reported having allergies, they were predominantly fair-skinned women, and younger than responders reporting no allergy. Among patients reporting allergies, 68.6% declared that their allergy makes their skin reacts. A strong association between allergy and major skin reactions was observed, which were associated with skin discomforts such as itching, burning, and pain. Skin discomforts were associated with an increased risk of quality of life alteration. Conclusions: Quantifying the prevalence and the association of allergies with skin reactions and discomfort sensations is critical to evaluating the impact on quality of life. Since skin barrier alteration is hypothesized as a risk factor and a route of sensitization for allergy development, the daily use of topical treatments, such as moisturizers, could help prevent allergic skin reactions, discomfort and impaired quality of life in individuals with an altered skin barrier.

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Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Job Activity, Dietary Behaviours and Physical Activity Habits of University Population of Naples, Federico II-Italy

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041502 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1502

Author(s):

Mariarita Brancaccio ◽

Cristina Mennitti ◽

Alessandro Gentile ◽

Luca Correale ◽

Cosme Franklim Buzzachera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Male Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work From Home ◽

Dietary Behaviours ◽

New Variant ◽

University Population ◽

The University

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause mild to moderate illness. The new variant COVID-19 has started to spread rapidly since December 2019, posing a new threat to global health. To counter the spread of the virus, the Italian government forced the population to close all activities starting from 9 March 2020 to 4 May 2020. In this scenario, we conducted a cross-sectional study on a heterogeneous sample (average age of 28 ± 12 years, 62.6% females) of the University of Naples Federico II (Italy). The aim of the study was to describe the lifestyle change in the university population during quarantine for the COVID 19 pandemic. Participants compiled an online survey consisting of 3 sections: socio-demographic data, dietary behaviours, physical activity habits and psychological aspects. The different results by gender are: 90.8% of females continued to work from home (81.9% were students); 34.8% increased their physical activity; and, only 0.8% prefer ready meals. Whereas, the same percentage of men continued to work from home (90%), but only 72.1% were students (p < 0.001 vs. females), only 23.9% increased physical activity (p < 0.001) and 1.7% favous ready meals. Our data shows that the male population was more affected by isolation and quarantine reporting more unfavourable behavioural changes.

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The alternatives to being silent: exploring opinion expression avoidance strategies for discussing politics on Facebook

Internet Research ◽

10.1108/intr-06-2018-0284 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

pp. 1709-1729

Author(s):

Tai-Yee Wu ◽

Xiaowen Xu ◽

David Atkin

Keyword(s):

Perceived Control ◽

Online Survey ◽

Common Ground ◽

Negative Influence ◽

Integrative Approach ◽

Perceived Behavioral Control ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Avoidance Strategies ◽

Opinion Expression

PurposeThis study integrates the spiral of silence (SoS) theory and theory of planned behavior (TPB) by examining Facebook users' opinion expression avoidance, the reactions to dissenting views without revealing one's true opinion, in the context of political discussions. The present integrative approach provides a more comprehensive framework that expands our understanding of online opinion expression and withdrawal.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional online survey was employed, which rendered 348 valid responses from US college students (61.5% female; average age 19.11) recruited from a northeastern university.FindingsThe results categorized two sets of opinion avoidance strategies from six Facebook features. The intention to adopt “proactive avoidance strategies” (filtering out unwanted information) is positively related to descriptive norms and perceived self-efficacy, but negatively related to fear of isolation and perceived control of the urge to debate. Regarding the intention to employ “reactive avoidance strategies” (less obtrusive articulations), fear of isolation and attitudes toward opinion expression avoidance are positive determinants, whereas perceived control of the urge to debate again exerts a negative influence.Originality/valueThis study examines the growing variety of features that users adopt to avoid expressing their true opinion in reacting to dissenting views, updating our understanding of opinion circumvention in social media environment. As one of the few theoretically driven empirical investigations of SoS theory and TPB, the findings not only elucidate the significance of perceived behavioral control as the common ground in association with user adoption intention but also identify distinct qualities of the two sets of strategies that affect the likelihood of adoption. That is, proactive avoidance is more susceptible to normative influences, while reactive avoidance reflects user attitude and belief. This theoretical integration also helps identify diverse levels of intentions to strategically avoid opinion expression influenced by fear of isolation.

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