scholarly journals An Investigation on the Use by Academic Researchers of Knowledge from Scientific Social Networking Sites

Author(s):  
Vincenzo Corvello ◽  
Mariacristina Chimenti ◽  
Carlo Giglio ◽  
Saverino Verteramo

Scientific social networking sites like Researchgate or Academia.edu have become part of the work practice of academic researchers. These digital platforms have been designed precisely to encourage the exchange of knowledge between scholars and to help the expansion of collaborative networks among them. Even if studies on this topic have multiplied in recent years, there is a dearth of research on the actual impact of these platforms on scientific production. The goal of this study is to investigate the relation between the attitude of researchers towards scientific social networks and the use of knowledge in their scientific work. Data from users of the scientific social networking site Researchgate were collected. A total of 143 valid responses were received and structural equation modeling was applied for data analysis. Findings of this study confirmed that researchers use knowledge obtained from scientific social networking sites both incorporating it within their research products and to acquire new competences. In particular approaching the platform as a scientific community with a shared language and a shared vision was found to have a positive impact on knowledge use. To the best knowledge of the authors this is the first study investigating the actual use of knowledge from scientific social networking sites by academic researchers. Results help to understand the impact of these platforms on the work practice of a strategic sector like scientific research.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (22) ◽  
pp. 9732
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Corvello ◽  
Maria Cristina Chimenti ◽  
Carlo Giglio ◽  
Saverino Verteramo

Scientific social networking sites like ResearchGate or Academia.edu have become part of the work practice of academic researchers. These digital platforms have been designed precisely to encourage the exchange of knowledge between scholars and to help the expansion of collaborative networks among them. Even if studies on this topic have multiplied in recent years, there is a dearth of research on the actual impact of these platforms on scientific production. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between the attitude of researchers towards scientific social networks and the use of knowledge in their scientific work. Data from users of the scientific social networking site ResearchGate were collected. A total of 143 valid responses were received and structural equation modeling was applied for data analysis. Findings of this study confirmed that researchers use knowledge obtained from scientific social networking sites both incorporating it within their research products and to acquire new competences. In particular approaching the platform as a scientific community with a shared language and a shared vision was found to have a positive impact on knowledge use. To the best knowledge of the authors this is the first study investigating the actual use of knowledge from scientific social networking sites by academic researchers. Results help us to understand the impact of these platforms on the work practice of a strategic sector like scientific research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 1131-1159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix N. Koranteng ◽  
Isaac Wiafe ◽  
Eric Kuada

This article investigates how students’ online social networking relationships affect knowledge sharing and how the intensity of knowledge sharing enhances students’ engagement. It adopts the social capital theory as the basis for investigation, and the partial least square structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized model. Responses from 586 students in higher education were analyzed. The findings provided empirical evidence which contradicts the argument that students perceive social networking sites as an effective tool for learning. Also, contrary to previous studies which posit that knowledge sharing impacts engagement, it was observed that there is no relationship between the two. However, as social networking sites differ in terms of member behavior norms, it is envisaged that if a similar study is conducted and limited to a specific academically inclined social networking site such as Academia.edu, ResearchGate, Mendeley, and so on, different findings may be observed.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanusree Chakraborty ◽  
Anup Kumar ◽  
Parijat Upadhyay ◽  
Yogesh K. Dwivedi

PurposeSocial distancing is an important strategy to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is imperative to understand the behavioral impact of social distancing on individuals. This research studied social distancing from a cognitive appraisal of voluntary social distancing compliance (CAVSD) point of view and a non-medical perspective, specifically the psychological impact (PI) of social distancing on the usage intensity of social networking sites (SNS) during the COVID-19 outbreak in India.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted on 477 SNS users as a full sample and groups based on age, sex and work status. The model was empirically investigated using structural equation modeling.FindingsCAVSD was negatively associated with PI although it was not a significant predictor, while CAVSD and PI were significant predictors of SNS usage intensity; moreover, SNS usage intensity differed between groups of people.Practical implicationsThese findings are significant for organizations, corporations and educational institutions in both the public and private sectors. There is a need to identify subsections of individuals in need of social support and relief from isolation and loneliness. Individuals are relying on social media to handle social distancing and the pandemic, and this shows up in an increase in social networking activity.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by positing social networking as a basic virtual need for socialization, and social media platform assists in that. Cognitive appraisal is an important determinant of individual response.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 5781
Author(s):  
Jaeyoung Park ◽  
Beomsoo Kim ◽  
Sunhee Park

With the increase in upward social comparison occurring on social networking sites (SNSs) globally, SNS researchers have examined the impact of upward social comparison. However, they focused mainly on psychological outcomes (e.g., well-being). To extend the existing studies, this study investigates the behavioral consequences of upward social comparison through the underlying mechanisms of emotions. Drawing on Smith’s typology of social comparison-based emotions, we developed a conceptual model that integrates upward social comparison on Instagram, upward comparison emotions (upward contrastive emotions and upward assimilative emotions), and the behavioral responses (SNS discontinuance, posting of comments). A structural equation modeling analysis revealed that upward social comparison in Instagram usage provoked upward contrastive emotions including anger, depression, and envy, which, in turn, induced Instagram discontinuance and the posting of malicious comments on Instagram. Additionally, upward assimilative emotions including admiration, optimism, and inspiration triggered the posting of favorable comments on Instagram. This study enhances our understanding of SNS social comparison by revealing how upward social comparison on Instagram is related to behavioral consequences.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 1612-1630
Author(s):  
Salvador Bueno ◽  
M. Dolores Gallego

This study is focused on communications that come from consumer-to-consumer (C2C) ecommerce relationships. This topic is directly associated with the electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) phenomenon. eWOM is related to the set of positive or negative opinions made by potential, actual, or former customers about a seller. The present study proposes a structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) research model to analyze consumers’ opinions impact on attitude toward purchasing. This model is based on the Information Adoption Model (IAM) in combination with an ecommerce satisfaction perspective, comprising five constructs: (1) service quality, (2) ecommerce satisfaction, (3) argument quality, (4) source credibility and (5) purchase intention. The model was tested by applying the Smart Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS) software for which 116 effective data from customers of the Taobao C2C platform were used. The findings reveal that all of the defined relationships were supported, confirming the positive impact of all the proposed constructs on the purchase intention. In this respect, the findings suggest that C2C platforms should strengthen the analyzed connections to grow the business and to promote transactions. Finally, implications and limitations related to the explanatory capacity and the sample are identified.


2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110234
Author(s):  
Jingyu Geng ◽  
Yuhui Wang ◽  
Hongxia Wang ◽  
Pengcheng Wang ◽  
Li Lei

Although some studies have explored the psychological and behavioral outcomes of social comparison orientation (SCO), few have explored the associations of SCO with cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. The current study aimed to investigate the associations of SCO with cyberbullying perpetration and victimization, and considered envy on social networking sites (SNS) as a mediator and body satisfaction as a moderator in these relations. To test our expectations, 941 adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years ( M = 13.15, SD = 1.18) completed multiple questionnaires, namely the Social Comparison Orientation Scale, the Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory, an envy scale revised for the SNS context, and the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale. Correlation analysis revealed that cyberbullying perpetration and cyberbullying victimization were significantly and positively correlated with SCO and envy on SNS, and significantly and negatively correlated with body satisfaction. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that envy on SNS played a mediating role in the associations of SCO with cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. The results of SEM and simple slope test analysis indicated that body satisfaction weakened the direct association of SCO with envy on SNS and further weakened the indirect associations of SCO with cyberbullying perpetration and victimization via envy on SNS. Specifically, individuals with high levels of SCO were more likely to feel envious on SNS, and further tended to bully others and be bullied online when they were dissatisfied with their bodies. In other words, positive body satisfaction protected individuals with high levels of SCO from cyberbullying perpetration and victimization by decreasing their feelings of envy on SNS.


Groupwork ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquin Castillo de Mesa ◽  
Antonio López Peláez ◽  
Paula Méndez Domínguez

Isolation is a clear indicator of social exclusion. To tackle it, we wondered if it would be possible to improve digital skills and strengthen bonds through online groups on a social networking site. This paper presents the results of an experimental study carried out in Malaga (Spain) with unemployed users of social care services. From the perspective of social work practice with groups, this study aims at strengthening bonds and mutual help through improving digital skills. This was carried out using a Facebook group as a shared space for community empowerment. To know the impact of these interactions, netnography and social network analysis were conveyed, as well as algorithms to identify communities and assess cohesion. Results showed that Facebook groups may be effective tools to promote active learning and mutual support and which can be used effectively by social workers.


Information ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 324
Author(s):  
Haijian Wang ◽  
Jianyi Ding ◽  
Umair Akram ◽  
Xialei Yue ◽  
Yitao Chen

The COVID-19 pandemic and the continuous advancement of live e-commerce technology pushed the swift growth of live e-commerce in China. Based on the S–O–R theoretical framework, this study investigates the impact of live broadcast characteristics on consumers’ social presence and flow experience, along with their impact on the consumers’ consumption intention in live e-commerce scenarios through questionnaires. Using structural equation modeling, data processing and involvement were introduced as regulating variables. Host charm, interaction, and trust in the host exerted a significant positive impact on social presence. In addition, host charm and trust in host significantly affected flow experience, and social presence significantly affected flow experience. Both social presence and flow experience significantly affected consumption intention, while involvement affected all paths to some extent. Overall, this study illustrates the significance of host in live e-commerce, and consumers with low involvement should be the focus of attention in live e-commerce.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9228
Author(s):  
Chyi-Rong Chiou ◽  
Wei-Hsun Chan ◽  
Jiunn-Cheng Lin ◽  
Meng-Shan Wu

Urban trees could provide a variety of ecosystem services. However, they require conservation to sustain a healthy and consistent provision of services. This study applies an extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB) to understand residents’ pay intention for conserving urban trees. In order to explore the impact of the public perception of urban trees, two constructs such as perceived usefulness and perceived tree benefits have been added to the TPB model. This study conducted a questionnaire survey on Taipei city residents and received 364 valid responses. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis of the model. The results show that residents’ perceived usefulness and perceived tree benefits of urban trees have a significantly positive impact on public attitude toward protecting urban trees. Individuals’ intention to pay towards conservation of urban trees is, on the other hand, affected by subjective norm, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and perceived usefulness. Thus, with education and promotion of tree usefulness and benefits of ecosystem services, it is helpful to improve residents’ attitudes regarding the protection of urban trees and increase their intention to pay for urban tree conservation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Posigha Bassil Ebiwolate ◽  
Ojohwoh Rose

This study investigates the perception and use of social networking sites among undergraduate students in Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The main purpose of the study is ascertained the popularly used SNS, the purpose of using the SNSs, the perception of students towards SNSs and identity the impact of the use of SNSs by the undergraduate students. The study adopted descriptive research. The population of the study is 300 registered undergraduate students of Niger Delta University Library. Questionnaire was used to collected data. The result shows that Facebook, Google and WhatsApp are the popularly used social networking sites. Social relation, academic learning activities, sharing of information, etc. are the purpose of using social networking sites. The findings also revealed positive perception towards the use of social networking sites and, positive impact of using social networking sites. Arising from the findings some recommendations were made.


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