scholarly journals Perceptions and Sentiments About Electronic Cigarettes on Social Media Platforms: Systematic Review (Preprint)

Author(s):  
Misol Kwon ◽  
Eunhee Park

BACKGROUND Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been widely promoted on the internet, and subsequently, social media has been used as an important informative platform by e-cigarette users. Beliefs and knowledge expressed on social media platforms have largely influenced e-cigarette uptake, the decision to switch from conventional smoking to e-cigarette smoking, and positive and negative connotations associated with e-cigarettes. Despite this, there is a gap in our knowledge of people’s perceptions and sentiments on e-cigarettes as depicted on social media platforms. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) provide an overview of studies examining the perceptions and sentiments associated with e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online discussion forums, (2) explore people’s perceptions of e-cigarette therein, and (3) examine the methodological limitations and gaps of the included studies. METHODS Searches in major electronic databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Communication and Mass Media Complete, were conducted using the following search terms: “electronic cigarette,” “electronic vaporizer,” “electronic nicotine,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems” combined with “internet,” “social media,” and “internet use.” The studies were selected if they examined participants’ perceptions and sentiments of e-cigarettes on online forums or social media platforms during the 2007-2017 period. RESULTS A total of 21 articles were included. A total of 20 different social media platforms and online discussion forums were identified. A real-time snapshot and characteristics of sentiments, personal experience, and perceptions toward e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online forums were identified. Common topics regarding e-cigarettes included positive and negative health effects, testimony by current users, potential risks, benefits, regulations associated with e-cigarettes, and attitude toward them as smoking cessation aids. CONCLUSIONS Although perceptions among social media users were mixed, there were more positive sentiments expressed than negative ones. This study particularly adds to our understanding of current trends in the popularity of and attitude toward e-cigarettes among social media users. In addition, this study identified conflicting perceptions about e-cigarettes among social media users. This suggests that accurate and up-to-date information on the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes needs to be disseminated to current and potential e-cigarette users via social media platforms, which can serve as important educational channels. Future research can explore the efficacy of social media–based interventions that deliver appropriate information (eg, general facts, benefits, and risks) about e-cigarettes. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42019121611; https://tinyurl.com/yfr27uxs

10.2196/13673 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e13673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misol Kwon ◽  
Eunhee Park

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been widely promoted on the internet, and subsequently, social media has been used as an important informative platform by e-cigarette users. Beliefs and knowledge expressed on social media platforms have largely influenced e-cigarette uptake, the decision to switch from conventional smoking to e-cigarette smoking, and positive and negative connotations associated with e-cigarettes. Despite this, there is a gap in our knowledge of people’s perceptions and sentiments on e-cigarettes as depicted on social media platforms. Objective This study aimed to (1) provide an overview of studies examining the perceptions and sentiments associated with e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online discussion forums, (2) explore people’s perceptions of e-cigarette therein, and (3) examine the methodological limitations and gaps of the included studies. Methods Searches in major electronic databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Communication and Mass Media Complete, were conducted using the following search terms: “electronic cigarette,” “electronic vaporizer,” “electronic nicotine,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems” combined with “internet,” “social media,” and “internet use.” The studies were selected if they examined participants’ perceptions and sentiments of e-cigarettes on online forums or social media platforms during the 2007-2017 period. Results A total of 21 articles were included. A total of 20 different social media platforms and online discussion forums were identified. A real-time snapshot and characteristics of sentiments, personal experience, and perceptions toward e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online forums were identified. Common topics regarding e-cigarettes included positive and negative health effects, testimony by current users, potential risks, benefits, regulations associated with e-cigarettes, and attitude toward them as smoking cessation aids. Conclusions Although perceptions among social media users were mixed, there were more positive sentiments expressed than negative ones. This study particularly adds to our understanding of current trends in the popularity of and attitude toward e-cigarettes among social media users. In addition, this study identified conflicting perceptions about e-cigarettes among social media users. This suggests that accurate and up-to-date information on the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes needs to be disseminated to current and potential e-cigarette users via social media platforms, which can serve as important educational channels. Future research can explore the efficacy of social media–based interventions that deliver appropriate information (eg, general facts, benefits, and risks) about e-cigarettes. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42019121611; https://tinyurl.com/yfr27uxs


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-54
Author(s):  
Niki Puspitasari ◽  
Helmi Muhammad ◽  
Adita Nafisa

ABSTRACT Nowadays social media has become an effective marketing for communicating interactively with consumers. Even social media has an important role in integrated marketing communication (IMC). This study wants to know the implementation of social media and the benefits of social media to the development of UKM TARAJUNIK (Unique Knitting Bag). Some of the most tangible benefits of using social media are 1) as personal contact with consumers, 2) as a product gallery, 3) as a promotional media, and 4) as a basis for business decision making. In addition to these benefits, several other perceived benefits are conveying responses to consumers, customer surveys, online discussion forums, data collection on consumer needs, and others. Keywords: Social Media, Marketing, SMEs


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-108
Author(s):  
Beena Vijayavalsalan

Purpose: The study has evaluated the effectiveness of online discussion forums among the students of Abu Dhabi University, UAE. Results: The results have shown strong association between positive learning experience and frequency of student participation in discussion forums. However, no statistical significance (p-value=0.306) has been observed among online forums and age of the participants for developing critical thinking skills. Moreover, a significant difference has been identified in students' participation on the effectiveness of online discussion (p-value=0.000). Conclusion: It is concluded that online discussion forums serve as an efficient and effective tool for interaction among the participants.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 413-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kati Kataja ◽  
Jukka Törrönen ◽  
Pekka Hakkarainen ◽  
Christoffer Tigerstedt

Aims: Information technology has become an essential part of drug culture, providing a platform for lay knowledge concerning drug use. Due to the co-effects of different substances, making substance “combos” requires advanced skills to enhance pleasures and manage risks. In this study, we focussed on Finnish and Swedish online discussions as a context for learning and sharing experiences of combining substances. Methods: Taking influences from positioning theory, we used qualitative methods to map what kinds of mutual interactive positions related to the expertise in polydrug use online discussants take and how these positions are negotiated and reformulated in the online setting. We reflect these results through Howard S. Becker’s theory of social learning, according to which becoming a drug user is a process that occurs in interaction with other users, as the beginners need a model and advice from experienced users in order to claim their place in the users’ community. Results: In online forums, users discuss the risks and pleasures of combining drugs – on the one hand, in relation to different situations and, on the other hand, in relation to different competence positions. This occurs by asking for advice, presenting one’s knowledge, challenging others, repositioning oneself, defending one’s position or proving one’s competence. Conclusion: Online discussion forums constitute a kind of virtual academy where knowledge of the pleasures and risks of combining substances is produced and circulated, and where experienced masters mediate their expertise to less experienced novices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Leow Wai Yee ◽  
Catherine Lee Cheng Ean

The continuous advancement in technology has transformed physical learning platforms into digital spaces in higher education. In Malaysia, instructors and students are gradually adopting the e-learning or blended-learning approach by using online discussion forums (e.g. BlackBoard) or social networking sites (e.g. Facebook groups) to engage students’ participation in courses and encourage self-directed learning. This study presents a qualitative view of students’ perception of engaging in online discussion forums in a synchronous learning environment, and their views on the positive and negative aspects of using online discussion forums for learning. Results indicate that students perceive autonomy and sense of belongingness in the online community as main factors that influence their voluntary and active participation in the online discussion forums. Technical challenges remain as a key factor in determining students’ interests to utilize online discussion forums for learning. While future research is needed to assess the sentiments of Malaysian students in online learning, this study was intended to provide Malaysian instructors and higher education institutions a preview on the sentiments of students towards online learning to better improve the aspects of technical, pedagogical methods and policies for online learning as the nation moves towards Education 4.0. 


2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ak Knudsen ◽  
Lv Lervik ◽  
Sb Harvey ◽  
Cms Løvvik ◽  
An Omenås ◽  
...  

Summary Objectives To examine the level of activity in online discussion forums for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) compared to other disorders. We hypothesized the level of activity to be higher in CFS/ME online discussion forums. Design Observational study Setting Norway, which has more than 80% household coverage in internet access, September 2009 Participants Twelve Norwegian disorder-related online discussion forums Main outcome measures Number of registered users and number of posted messages on each discussion forum Results Two forums were targeted towards individuals with CFS/ME. These forums had the highest number of registered users per estimated 1,000 cases in the population (50.5 per 1,000 and 29.7 per 1,000), followed by a site for drug dependency (5.4 per 1,000). Counting the number of posted messages per 1,000 cases gave similar indications of high online activity in the CFS/ME discussion forums. Conclusions CFS/ME online forums had more than ten times the relative activity of any other disorder or condition related forum. This high level of activity may have multiple explanations. Individuals suffering from a stigmatized condition of unknown aetiology may use the internet to look for explanations of symptoms or to seek out alternative treatments. Internet forum activity may also be reinforced by the creation of in-group identity and pre-morbid personality traits. More knowledge on the type and quality of information provided in online forums is urgently needed.


Author(s):  
Alison Farrell

Objectives: The research sought to determine if the health advice provided in online discussion forms aimed at parents of young children is accurate and in agreement with evidence found in evidence-based resources and to discover whether or not these forums are an avenue for misinformation.Methods: To determine which online forums to use, Google was searched using five common childhood ailments. Forums that appeared five or more times in the first five pages of the Google search for each question were considered. Of these forums, those that met the inclusion criteria were used. Data from a six-month time period was collected and categorized from the discussion forums to analyze the advice being provided about common childhood ailments. Evidence-based resources were used to analyze the accuracy of the advice provided.Results: Two discussion forums were chosen for analysis. Seventy-four questions from one and 131 questions from the other were health related. Data were not analyzed together. Of the health-related questions on the 2 forums, 65.5% and 51.8%, respectively, provided some type of advice. Of the advice provided, 54.1% and 47.2%, respectively, agreed with the evidence provided in evidence-based resources. A further 16.2% and 6.3% was refuted or was somewhat refuted by the evidence found in evidence-based resources.Conclusion: While roughly half of the health-related advice provided in online discussion forums aimed at parents of young children is accurate, only a small portion of the advice is incorrect; therefore, these sources are not a major concern for the spread of misinformation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Sigit Wahono

This study aims to identify, analyze, and determine the factors that influence the success of the communication strategy undertaken by PT Semen Indonesia (Persero)Tbk in the issue management of the cement plant construction in Rembang used descriptive qualitative research methods with case studies. Based on the results of the research, Semen Indonesia has made efforts to actively manage the issue by conducting media monitoring every day to monitor the development of news and information circulating in the print and online mass media. Issue monitoring is also carried out by observing public opinion on social media and various other online discussion forums. Furthermore, Semen Indonesia has compiled a communication strategy in managing the issue of cement factory construction in Rembang which is divided into several elements, including messages delivered, mapping of communication targets, communication media used, and evaluating the impacts obtained from the communication strategies that have been carried out. The communication strategy has been implemented in accordance with the planned schedule. In carrying out the management of the issue, Semen Indonesia carried out the appropriate information between the data and the available facts. To reach all broader stakeholders, Semen Indonesia uses a variety of existing communication media. The company also conducts periodic evaluations to determine the effectiveness of the communication strategy undertaken. In addition to monitoring issues based on mass media and social media, strategy adjustments are made by analyzing the development of actions and agenda settings carried out by counter parties.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-156
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alipour ◽  
Soroor Tajfar

This study investigated the use of (im)politeness and disagreement in online discussion forums among English speakers and English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. It also explored how internet forum browsers judge (im)politeness and parameters of relational work ((in)appropriateness and negatively/positively marked behaviour) in disagreement. Three hundred and sixty disagreement responses were analysed following a list of disagreement strategies. The most frequent strategy applied by English speakers was 'making scornful and humiliating statements', while EFL learners used 'showing unmitigated disagreement' and 'showing smileys' as the highest and lowest ones. Most of the strategies used by English speakers were judged as polite and appropriate, but neither negatively nor positively marked, while 13 types of EFL strategies were considered as polite, but neither appropriate and positively marked nor inappropriate and negatively marked. Further, the three parameters had positive relationships with one another. This study provides worthwhile information for improving teaching communication skills in EFL courses. Keywords: (Im)Politeness, disagreement, English as a foreign language learners, interactional and discursive approach, online forum


2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Edwards

This paper examines the proposition advanced by Sunstein (2001) and other scholars that political online forums tend to be characterized by in-group homogeneity and group polarization. The paper adopts a process view of online forums and examines discussions within a time perspective. Five discussion lines on Climategate.nl (a skeptical Dutch online forum on climate change) are investigated. The research focuses on how participants react to the participation of dissidents and on the resulting processes of inclusion and exclusion. Climategate.nl moved in the direction of an ‘echo chamber’ gradually over time. Nevertheless, the forum was never completely homogeneous. The editors played an active role in the inclusion and exclusion of dissidents. A counter-steering moderation policy is needed to keep group polarization and homogenization within certain limits.


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