scholarly journals Maintenance or Change? Examining the Reinforcing Spiral Between Social Media News Use and Populist Attitudes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandy Schumann ◽  
Fabian Thomas ◽  
Franziska Ehrke ◽  
Tisa Bertlich ◽  
Julia Christina Dupont
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Longitudinal Survey ◽  
Selection Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Extreme Position ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude Polarization ◽  
News Source ◽  
Over Time ◽  
News Use

Citizens around the world increasingly express support for populism. Here, we apply the reinforcing spirals model to examine whether, and how, social media news use shapes populist attitudes over time. Specifically, we assess if using social media as a news source serves to maintain existing populist attitudes or facilitates a shift in attitudes to a more extreme position. A cross-sectional survey (N1 = 195) highlighted a positive correlation between social media news use and populist attitudes. A four-wave longitudinal survey (N2 = 386) further showed that this relationship reflects media and selection effects. Over a period of three months, more frequent social media news use predicted stronger populist attitudes at subsequent measuring points. In addition, higher levels of populist attitudes were related to more frequent social media news consumption in the following waves. However, the frequency of social media news use did not change over time and populist attitudes did not become stronger during the study period. Taken together, the findings indicate that social media news use contributed to the maintenance of populist attitudes at a stable level. There is no evidence to suggest social media news use predicted more extreme populist attitudes. We discuss these results with respect to the (potentially continued) rise of populism; we also critically reflect on the phenomenon of attitude polarization online.

How Do Adolescents Get Their E-Cigarettes and Other Electronic Vaping Devices?

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica K. Pepper ◽  
Ellen M. Coats ◽  
James M. Nonnemaker ◽  
Brett R. Loomis
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Social Experience ◽  
Completion Rate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Situations ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Over Time

Purpose: More adolescents “vape” (use e-cigarettes and similar devices) than smoke, but little is known about how underage users obtain vaping devices. This knowledge could inform efforts to prevent youth access. Design: Original cross-sectional survey with social media recruitment. Settings: Online. Participants: A total of 1729 adolescents (2809 qualified on screener; completion rate 61.6%) aged 15 to 17 years who vaped in the past 30 days. Measures: Adolescents’ vaping attitudes, ownership of vaping devices, how they obtain devices, and frequency of borrowing others’ devices. Analysis: Logistic regression. Results: Most adolescents (78.2%) owned a vaping device. The most common sources were purchasing from a store or online (31.1%), buying from another person (16.3%), or giving someone money to purchase for them (15.0%). The majority (72.8%) had used someone else’s vaping device in the past 30 days. Adolescents who vaped more often, did not own a vaping device, vaped in social situations, and had previously been refused purchase were more likely to frequently borrow others’ devices. Conclusions: Despite high rates of ownership, many adolescents borrowed devices, suggesting that borrowing is part of users’ social experience, not just a means of acquisition. Although better enforcement of age restrictions could lessen purchasing, future research is needed to understand why adolescents borrow and how their acquisition sources shift over time. That information could be harnessed for targeted, borrowing-related antivaping campaigns.

Association between Social Media Use for Health Purpose and Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Yun Lee ◽  
Yan Luo ◽  
Cho Rong Won ◽  
Jiyoung Lee ◽  
Jeongwon Baik
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health Purpose

BACKGROUND The use of social media or social networking sites (SNS) is increasing across all age groups, and one of the primary motives of using SNS is to seek health-related information. Although previous research examining the effect of SNS use on depression exist, studies regarding the effect of SNS use for health purpose on depression is limited. OBJECTIVE Our study aims to explore the relationship between SNS use for health purpose and depression across the four age groups (18-34 years old, 35-49 years old, 50-64 years old, and above 65 years old). METHODS A sample of 6,789 adults aged 18 and older was extracted from a 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Univariate and bivariate analyses to examine the association between each variable and four age groups were conducted. Multiple linear regression analyses to predict depression level among participants with use of SNS for health purpose were conducted. RESULTS SNS use for health purpose and depression were positively associated for three age groups but not for those 65 years or older (=0.13, P<0.05; =0.08, P<0.05; =0.09, P<0.05). Income and self-reported health status indicated an inverse relationship for all age groups. The relationship with marital status differed based on age group with 18 and 34 years old showing an inverse relationship (=-0.13, P<0.01) while 65 years or older showing a positive relationship (=0.06, P<0.05). Gender was positively associated among those in the 35-49 years old (=0.09, P<0.05) and 65 years or older (=0.07, P<0.05). Being Non-Hispanic White was positively associated with depression among 50-64 years old (=0.07, P<0.001) and 65 years or older (=0.08, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Age-tailored education on determining accurate and reliable information shared via SNS is needed to reduce depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Survey of young people in one region of the UK on accessing COVID-19 information (SOCIAL)

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000942
Author(s):  
Oliver G P Lawton ◽  
Sarah A Lawton ◽  
Lisa Dikomitis ◽  
Joanne Protheroe ◽  
Joanne Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young People ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Gaps ◽  
The Uk

COVID-19 has significantly impacted young people’s lives yet little is known about the COVID-19 related sources of information they access. We performed a cross-sectional survey of pupils (11–16 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. 408 (23%) pupils responded to an online survey emailed to them by their school. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Social media, accessed by 68%, played a significant role in the provision of information, despite it not being considered trustworthy. 89% felt that COVID-19 had negatively affected their education. Gaps in the provision of information on COVID-19 have been identified.

scholarly journals Faculty Use of Author Identifiers and Researcher Networking Tools

2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara Y. Tran ◽  
Jennifer A. Lyon
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Research Impact ◽  
State University ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Research Networking ◽  
Faculty Surveys

This cross-sectional survey focused on faculty use and knowledge of author identifiers and researcher networking systems, and professional use of social media, at a large state university. Results from 296 completed faculty surveys representing all disciplines (9.3% response rate) show low levels of awareness and variable resource preferences. The most utilized author identifier was ORCID while ResearchGate, LinkedIn, and Google Scholar were the top profiling systems. Faculty also reported some professional use of social media platforms. The survey data will be utilized to improve library services and develop intra-institutional collaborations in scholarly communication, research networking, and research impact.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Attitudes Toward Social Media Use of Active Individuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mezna A. AlMarzooqi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Social Media Platforms

Background: Social media became an integral part of the lives of people because it encourages social relations and shares interests, activities, and real-life connections. As quarantine and lockdown orders are prolonged, many people, as well as those physically active individuals, typically responded to this stressful condition by using social media platforms.Objective: This study aimed to examine the level of physical activity of physically active individuals and their attitudes toward social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among physically active individuals in Saudi Arabia between June 2020 and July 2020. An online survey was employed among eligible participants who completed a self-administered questionnaire that covered reasons for physical activity and attitudes toward social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Of these 323 participants, 29.1% were in the age group of 18–24 years, 66.6% were women, and 67.8% were single. The proportion of participants whose metabolic equivalent of tasks-min/week from vigorous activity &lt;1,680 was 31.9%, and all of the participants follow people or pages in social media related to sports teams and fitness models. The average number of hours spent on social media per day was 2.95 ± 0.90 h. The majority of the participants showed positive attitudes toward social media used for exercise and physical activity. Of the eight variables, age, level of physical activity, and the average of hours spent on social media emerged as significant predictors of attitudes toward the use of social media (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: The present survey results indicate adverse consequences of home quarantine as reflected by a small proportion of participants who had differences in levels of vigorous activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Social media appears to be a key avenue to promote and disseminate health interventions to promote physical activity during this COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Assessment of Attitudes and Practices Related to Social Media Usage among Dental Practitioners in their Dental Practice in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad City: A Cross-sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 264-269
Author(s):  
Tanushri Dalvi ◽  
Shrivardhan Kalghatgi ◽  
Samruddhi Metha ◽  
Amol Karagir ◽  
Madhuri Sale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Information And Communication

Background: In the last few decades, information and communication technology in social media has brought tremendous changes in the whole business, educational and political system; Dentistry is not an exception. The rise of social media has transformed how health professionals interact with their patients and deliver different types of health care services. Aim: To assess the attitudes and practices related to social media usage among dental practitioners in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad city. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire survey was conducted among all dental practitioners in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad city, Maharashtra, India. The questionnaire consisted of first part with socio-demographic variables like age, gender, years of experience and area of expertise and second part to assess attitudes and practices towards social media usage. Results: Among total of 138 dental practitioners, majority (68.1%) were belonging to age of 36-44 years followed by those above 45 years of age (17.4%). Around 49.3% dental practitioners were practicing dentistry since less than 5 years. Gender wise comparison showed no significant difference between attitudes and practices for social media usage. Although significant difference was found for question 3, 6 and 11 for P < 0.05. Conclusion: There has been wide adoption of social media among dental practitioners and shows no significant difference with different genders for both attitudes and practices.

scholarly journals Identifying At-Risk Youth

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-29
Author(s):  
Femke Geusens ◽  
Cabral A. Bigman-Galimore ◽  
Kathleen Beullens
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Drinking Behavior ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background & purpose. Research indicates a positive relationship between sharing alcohol references on social media and drinking behavior. The current study extends that line of research by assessing the interaction of risk-related personality traits with alcohol-related social media use, to examine if social media can be used to identify individuals at risk for heavy drinking behavior. Methods & results. The results of a cross-sectional survey among a sample of 638 emerging adults (age 18-25) find that the positive association between sharing alcohol references on social media and drinking intention was strongest for individuals with low levels of sensation seeking and sensitivity to peer pressure, and high levels of self-control, and non-significant for those on the other end of these personality traits. Conclusions. These findings indicate that the relationship between sharing alcohol references and drinking intentions is not uniform for all individuals, and that risk-related individual differences should be considered in future research and interventions.

scholarly journals Methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews: a protocol for a living methodological survey

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assem M. Khamis ◽  
Lara A. Kahale ◽  
Hector Pardo-Hernandez ◽  
Holger J. Schünemann ◽  
Elie A. Akl
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Systematic Review Methodology ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
Over Time

Background: The living systematic review (LSR) is an emerging approach for improved evidence synthesis that uses continual updating to include relevant new evidence as soon as it is published. The objectives of this study are to: 1) assess the methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews using a living study approach; and 2) describe the life cycle of living systematic reviews, i.e., describe the changes over time to their methods and findings. Methods: For objective 1, we will begin by conducting a cross-sectional survey and then update its findings every 6 months by including newly published LSRs. For objective 2, we will conduct a prospective longitudinal follow-up of the cohort of included LSRs. To identify LSRs, we will continually search the following electronic databases: Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. We will also contact groups conducting LSRs to identify eligible studies that we might have missed. We will follow the standard systematic review methodology for study selection and data abstraction. For each LSR update, we will abstract information on the following: 1) general characteristics, 2) systematic review methodology, 3) living approach methodology, 4) results, and 5) editorial and publication processes. We will update the findings of both the surveys and the longitudinal follow-up of included LSRs every 6 months. In addition, we will identify articles addressing LSR methods to be included in an ‘LSR methods repository’. Conclusion: The proposed living methodological survey will allow us to monitor how the methods of conduct, and reporting as well as the findings of LSRs change over time. Ultimately this should help with ensuring the quality and transparency of LSRs.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria- The Initial Experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 27-37
Author(s):  
E. K. Mgbe ◽  
C. G. Mgbe ◽  
S. N. Ezeofor ◽  
J. F. Etiki
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World ◽  
Enugu State ◽  
Health Organization

Background: The world is experiencing a global corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic. As of 9th June 2020, over 7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and more than 400,000 deaths had been reported in more than 30 countries of the world according to World Health Organization. Aim: We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and vulnerability perception of Enugu state residents during the coronavirus outbreak in order to facilitate better health care outcomes. Methodology: A prospective Web-based cross-sectional survey was designed for this study which was conducted in March 2020 among Enugu state residents. The obtained data were coded, validated, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS software, version 24. Descriptive analysis was applied to calculate the frequencies and proportions and Chi-Square Test was also used. A preliminary phase was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire before its use.  Results: The study showed that significant number (99.6%) of the respondents had heard about Covid-19 and the most stated source of knowledge was social media (57.6%), followed by Newspaper and television shows (50.2%) while the least was from General Practitioner (GP) (8.9%). There was over 75% agreement with, and practice, of all known covid precautionary measures and less than 35% responses for wrong claims and practices about covid -19. Conclusion: The overall knowledge, attitude, and perception are high in Enugu state population although few still has background combined superstitious believes. Social media and internet are the highest used facility for acquisition of knowledge and information in Enugu, Nigeria.

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