scholarly journals Adolescents’ Exposure to Online Risks: Gender Disparities and Vulnerabilities Related to Online Behaviors

Author(s):  
Elena Savoia ◽  
Nigel Walsh Harriman ◽  
Max Su ◽  
Tyler Cote ◽  
Neil Shortland

In the last decade, readily available electronic devices have created unprecedented opportunities for teens to access a wide variety of information and media – both positive and negative – on the internet. Despite the increasing number of initiatives taking place worldwide intended to assess and mitigate the online risks encountered by children and adolescents, there is still a need for a better understanding of how adolescents use the internet and what consequences they may face. We conducted a cross sectional online survey of a convenience sample of 733 8th and 9th grade students in Utah. The survey contained eight questions regarding students’ exposure to three types of online risk scenarios: content risk, contact risk, and commercial risk. Independent variables included students’ online behaviors, use of social media and private messaging apps, and adult supervision of online activities. Logistic and negative binomial regression models indicated that female gender, social media use, and chatting with strangers were associated with exposure to multiple unsafe online scenarios. Our results provide critical information to practitioners involved in the development of educational initiatives by building a profile of potentially risky online behaviors and allow them to tailor their initiatives to meet the needs of more vulnerable populations.

Author(s):  
Elena Savoia ◽  
Nigel Walsh Harriman ◽  
Max Su ◽  
Tyler Cote ◽  
Neil Shortland

In the last decade, readily available electronic devices have created unprecedented opportunities for teens to access a wide variety of information and media–both positive and negative–on the internet. Despite the increasing number of initiatives taking place worldwide intended to assess and mitigate the online risks encountered by children and adolescents, there is still a need for a better understanding of how adolescents use the internet and their susceptibility to exposure to risks in the online space. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of a convenience sample of 733 8th and 9th grade students in Utah. The survey contained eight questions regarding students’ exposure to three types of online risk scenarios: content risk, contact risk, and criminal risk. Independent variables included students’ online behaviors, use of social media and private messaging apps, and adult supervision of online activities. Logistic and negative binomial regression models indicated that gender, social media use, and chatting with strangers were associated with exposure to multiple risky online scenarios. Our results provide critical information to educators involved in the development of initiatives focusing on the reduction of youth online risk by identifying correlates of risky online events, allowing them to tailor their initiatives to meet the needs of potentially vulnerable populations.


Author(s):  
Mohammed Matar Alotaibi ◽  
Abdul Bari Mohd

Introduction: Social media and acceptance of the information related to health is becoming acceptable to an extent for the public. The use of social media is rapidly growing and it is being used both by healthcare professionals and patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of social networking applications for experience and behaviour towards health information among diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross sectional study, conducted in spring of 2020 (April to May). The distribution of the survey questionnaire was done online through various social media platforms with a convenience sample of people with diabetes (n=569), Eligibility criteria were aged 18 and above, Saudis with diagnosis of diabetes and willing to give consent were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were less than 18 years old and non-Saudis and non-diabetic. Results: Analysis of online survey data indicated that WhatsApp (89.1%) was the most commonly used social network followed by Snapchat (66.3%), Instagram (40.6%), Twitter (35%), Telegram (19.5%), Tiktok (12.5%) and Facebook (10%). About 25 (4.4%) participants strongly agreed that health information from social media impact life positively. More than half 290(51%) participants agreed to apply information only from the trusted websites. Near about half 275(48.3%) disagreed that social media could invent treatment for diabetes more than believing in health institution and medicinal industries. Nearly one-fourth 141(24.8%) of participants agreed that all health information from social media is right. Almost 264 (46.4%) said that they sometimes face health information in social media. Nearly 265(46.6%) patients mentioned that they never applied themselves any information claiming treating diabetes. Conclusion: This study shows the effect of social media on diabetic patients and various responses of diabetic patients in regard of their beliefs and experience towards health information from social media. Most of the respondents agreed that they apply information obtained from social network and the same could lead to some deleterious effects on health.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Yanfang Wu

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The debate about boundaries in journalism amid the rise of citizen journalism, the crisis of business models in the news industry and the use of social media in the news-gathering and dissemination process, has become a central focus in the media industry and academia. There is no doubt that the digital transition is a trend. Based on the Carlson's (2015) boundaries of journalism theory and Shoemaker and Vos' (2009) levels of analysis in the gatekeeping theory, administering a cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire, national online survey (N=1063), conducting a Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis, the study seeks to find out the relationships between socialization and perceptions of digital impact on journalism, journalists and news organizations. The findings showed news organizations' social media culture affects journalists' use of social media. Twitter interactivity mediates journalists' social media internalization and their attitude toward social media. However, this mediating effects does not apply to Facebook and other social media interactivity. The distinguishing line between reporters and editors is blurring in news organizations. Older journalists (age>40) are picking up social media as additional journalistic tools and developing a positive attitude toward them. However, there still may be a long way to go before old journalists become experts in social media.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Almawashee ◽  
Qaswer Yousif ◽  
Karrar Ali Idan

Abstract Background:  Social media are tools that supports electronic conversation. suggested , social media are “a group of internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, that allow the creation and exchange of User Generated Content. Aim of the study: Is to identify the pattern of usage of social media among a sample of Iraqi medical students including the devices used, the time consumed, and   the purpose of usage. Materials &Methods: The study, which is a retrospective cross-sectional, was conducted among medical students at college of Medicine\Baghdad University at 2019 as an online survey for duration of 3 months Data was entered and analyzed using spss version 24.Informed consent was obtained from the participants and the study was approved by the research committee in the college. Results The mean age of the participants in this study was 20.8 with sd 1.78. Results had shown no significant association between the usefulness of social media for educational values and type of social media, device used, and the time spent on these media. Results had shown that those who use social media more frequently were not significantly worried about the potential of social media abuse. Conclusions A study exploring more objectively the relationship between students’ use of social media with their academic achievements and what sort of social media interventions associated with better learning are probably needed. Such knowledge may be useful to guide medical educators to better utilize social media in their instructional strategies.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Akuoko ◽  
Cyril Alando

Abstract This study examined knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of COVID-19 among Ghanaians. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using Google forms to recruit 503 participants over six weeks. We performed descriptive statistical analysis, and presented results in tables/charts. From the results, 66.4% of respondents depended on social media for COVID-19 related information, and 59.8% mostly heard/read about preventive measures in all COVID-19 information heard/read. Knowledge was adequate, but with noticeable gaps. Attitude was generally positive, with 84.1% willing to accept reintegration of treated COVID-19 patients. Perceptions were healthy, with only 3.8% perceiving insusceptibility. We conclude that these findings contribute significantly to the literature on COVID-19 in Ghana. We recommend the continuous use of social media by the Government of Ghana and relevant stakeholders for COVID-19 communications, and further research in the general population for evidence based COVID-19 prevention interventions in Ghana.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debora Jeske ◽  
Kenneth S. Shultz

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to pursue several goals: first, what is the relationship between perceived respect for privacy and potential job pursuit of student applicants in a hypothetical application scenario which includes social media screening as part of the selection process? Second, if the job involves vulnerable others, what are the implications for privacy perceptions? And third, to what extent does the use of social media for non-work purposes relate to perceived respect for privacy?Design/methodology/approachUsing a cross-sectional sampling approach, data were collected from 388 student participants in two different data collection rounds via an online survey.FindingsPerceived respect for privacy was positively correlated, and information privacy concern was negatively correlated, with job pursuit intention. However, perceived respect for privacy differed across the different jobs. Specifically, respect for privacy was higher when the employer screened social media for jobs involving explicit work with children. Social media use and content effects also emerged. Those who either observed others online or interacted with others online to socialize reported lower respect for privacy. Participants with more sensitive content online and content they would be unwilling to share also reported lower scores for privacy.Research limitations/implicationsThe results were based on cross-sectional data, correlational analyses and hypothetical job scenarios due to ethical considerations and causal restrictions in what may be bi-directional effects.Originality/valueThe current study adds to the limited research on the negative effects of social media screening by employers on applicant reactions and the role of job-specifics on how applicant may react to screening.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-108
Author(s):  
Terry Eddy ◽  
B. Colin Cork ◽  
Katie Lebel ◽  
Erin Howie Hickey

Research on sport sponsors’ use of social media has begun to emerge, but, to date, limited research has examined how sponsors are using social media as an activation platform to engage with followers. Thus, the purpose of this research was to examine differences in follower engagement with regard to sponsored Twitter posts from North American professional sport organizations, based upon the focus, scope, and activation type of the sponsored messages. This manuscript consists of two related studies—Study 1 employed a deductive content analysis, followed by negative binomial regression modeling, to examine differences in engagement between message structures defined by focus and scope. Study 2 featured an inductive content analysis to investigate differences in engagement between different types of activations. The findings suggest that, in general, more passive (or less overt) forms of sponsor integration in social media messages drive more engagement among followers.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e042464
Author(s):  
Nethmi Kearns ◽  
Nick Shortt ◽  
Ciléin Kearns ◽  
Allie Eathorne ◽  
Mark Holliday ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo characterise the self-isolating household units (bubbles) during the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown in New Zealand.Design, setting and participantsIn this cross-sectional study, an online survey was distributed to a convenience sample via Facebook advertising and the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand’s social media platforms and mailing list. Respondents were able to share a link to the survey via their own social media platforms and by email. Results were collected over 6 days during Alert Level 4 from respondents living in New Zealand, aged 16 years and over.Main outcomes measuresThe primary outcome was the mean size of a self-isolating household unit or bubble. Secondary outcomes included the mean number of households in each bubble, the proportion of bubbles containing essential workers and/or vulnerable people, and the mean number of times the home was left each week.Results14 876 surveys were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) bubble size was 3.58 (4.63) people, with mean (SD) number of households 1.26 (0.77). The proportion of bubbles containing one or more essential workers, or one or more vulnerable persons was 45.3% and 42.1%, respectively. The mean number of times individual bubble members left their home in the previous week was 12.9 (12.4). Bubbles that contained at least one vulnerable individual had fewer outings over the previous week compared with bubbles that did not contain a vulnerable person. The bubble sizes were similar by respondent ethnicity.ConclusionIn this New Zealand convenience sample, bubble sizes were small, mostly limited to one household, and a high proportion contained essential workers and/or vulnerable people. Understanding these characteristics from a country which achieved a low COVID-19 infection rate may help inform public health interventions during this and future pandemics.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrique Ribeiro ◽  
Suzanne Fonseca Amaro ◽  
Cláudia Seabra ◽  
José Luís Abrantes

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine factors that affect the likelihood to create travel content online. Research has shown that there are far more people consuming social media than generating it. However, online travel marketers need to pay attention to travelers that share their experiences online, as they have the potential to drive sales. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted to collect data for this study, by sending e-mail invitations to colleagues, students, personal contacts and other email contacts composed of Portuguese Internet users. A total of 244 complete responses were considered valid to test the hypotheses through partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings – The results reveal that travelers’ level of involvement with tourism products, innovativeness and use of social media directly influences writing reviews about travel experiences online. Research limitations/implications – First, the data used in this study were based on a convenience sample containing only the Portuguese population. Therefore, generalization of the results should be made with caution. The replication of this study in other countries would be desirable. Second, the study used a quantitative approach to examine the effect of personal characteristics on travel content creation. A research using also a qualitative approach could shed new light on the understanding of the research hypotheses. Practical implications – This study provides useful insights for travel social media websites and travel-related organizations, as they can adapt their marketing strategies to the type of travelers that are more likely to write about the travel services that they offer online. Originality/value – From a theoretical perspective, there are few studies that focus on the personal characteristics of travelers that create content online. The intention of this study is to help close this gap, providing useful insights with respect to this matter.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojie Huang ◽  
Maohe Yu ◽  
Gengfeng Fu ◽  
Guanghua Lan ◽  
Linghua Li ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND HIV infection is a significant independent risk factor for both severe COVID-19 presentation at hospital admission and in-hospital mortality. Available information has suggested that people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) could benefit from COVID-19 vaccination. However, there is a dearth of evidence on willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination among PLWHA. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination among a national sample of PLWHA in China. METHODS This cross-sectional online survey investigated factors associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination among PLWHA aged 18 to 65 years living in eight conveniently selected Chinese metropolitan cities between January and February 2021. Eight community-based organizations (CBOs) providing services to PLWHA facilitated the recruitment. Eligible PLWHA completed an online survey developed using a widely used encrypted web-based survey platform in China. We fitted a single logistic regression model to obtain adjusted odds ratios (aORs), which involved one of the independent variables of interest and all significant background variables. Path analysis was also used in the data analysis. RESULTS Out of 10,845 PLWHA approached by the CBOs, 2740 completed the survey, and 170 had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This analysis was performed among 2570 participants who had never received COVID-19 vaccination. Over half of the participants reported willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination (1470/2570, 57.2%). Perceptions related to COVID-19 vaccination were significantly associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, including positive attitudes (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09-1.12; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), negative attitudes (aOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.97; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), perceived support from significant others (perceived subjective norm; aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.46-1.61; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and perceived behavioral control (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11-1.14; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). At the interpersonal level, receiving advice supportive of COVID-19 vaccination from doctors (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.65-2.40; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), CBO staff (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.51-2.36; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), friends and/or family members (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.93-5.35; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and PLWHA peers (aOR 2.38, 95% CI 1.85-3.08; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) was associated with higher willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The overall opinion supporting COVID-19 vaccination for PLWHA on the internet or social media was also positively associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.31-1.94; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Path analysis indicated that interpersonal-level variables were indirectly associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination through perceptions (β=.43, 95% CI .37-.51; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS As compared to PLWHA in other countries and the general population in most parts of the world, PLWHA in China reported a relatively low willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The internet and social media as well as interpersonal communications may be major sources of influence on PLWHA’s perceptions and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination.


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