scholarly journals PROMOTING SELF-HELP—HOW INTERNET USERS PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST ALGORITHMIC RISKS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiran Juliana Kappeler ◽  
Noemi Festic ◽  
Michael Latzer ◽  
Tanja Rüedy
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Use Of Self ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Internet Skills ◽  
Information Sets ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Privacy Breaches ◽  
Google Search

In today’s digitized society, internet users increasingly rely on online services that apply algorithmic selection, like for instance Google Search or the Facebook News Feed. The algorithms that are implemented in these services automatically select information sets and assign relevance to them. This entails societal risks such as privacy breaches, surveillance, manipulation, or overuse. One way for internet users to cope with these risks, is the use of self-help strategies such as deleting cookies or using an adblocker. Therefore, this article wants to answer the following question: What are the factors that promote internet users’ self-help against algorithmic risks? To do so, we analyze nationally representative survey data for three types of algorithmic risks: surveillance, manipulation, and internet overuse. The structural equation models show that being aware of algorithmic risks (H1), having had negative experiences that are related to these risks (H2) and possessing a higher level of internet skills (H3) are positively associated with the use of self-help strategies against algorithmic risks. Therefore, we conclude that awareness of algorithmic risks and internet skills should be promoted to increase internet users’ self-help. Nevertheless, self-help can only complement—but not substitute—statutory regulation to attenuate algorithmic risks.

scholarly journals Testing a Digital Inequality Model for Online Political Participation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moritz Büchi ◽  
Florian Vogler
Keyword(s):  
Political Participation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Distinct Group ◽  
Political Interest ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Digital Inequality ◽  
Internet Skills ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Online Political Participation

Increasing Internet use is changing the way individuals take part in society but research on the mobilizing effects of the Internet for political participation shows mixed results. The present study takes a digital inequality perspective and analyzes the role of political interest and Internet expertise for the social structuration of online political participation. Analyses are based on two-wave nationally representative survey data from Switzerland and use cluster analysis and structural equation modeling. A distinct group of political users emerged characterized by high education and income. Further, online politi-cal participation is predicted by political interest and Internet skills, which increasingly mediated the effects of social position. Digital information policies should therefore include the promotion of Internet skills and effective use, particularly in marginalized social groups, to avoid reinforcing traditional participatory inequalities in the digital society.

scholarly journals Conceptions of National Identity and Opposition to Bicultural Policies in New Zealand: A Comparison of Majority and Minority Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Devos ◽  
Kumar Yogeeswaran ◽  
Chris G Sibley
Keyword(s):  
National Identity ◽  
Political Institutions ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Minority Group ◽  
European Ancestry ◽  
Majority Group ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Nationally Representative

Using a nationally representative sample, the present research tested whether conceptions of national identity differentially predicted attitudes toward bicultural policies among New Zealanders of European, Māori, Asian, and Pacific descent. A series of multi-group structural equation models revealed that among members of the majority group and all minority groups, endorsement of a civic conception of national identity (i.e., respecting political institutions and laws) was related to opposition to resource policies, but such a relationship was especially strong among the majority group. By contrast, endorsement of an ethnic conception of national identity (i.e., having Māori or European ancestry) was related to support for resource and symbolic policies among minority group members, but to opposition to the same policies among the majority group. The present work documents that belonging to a majority vs. minority group moderates the relations between conceptions of national identity (civic vs. ethnic) and support or opposition to specific bicultural policies. In addition, some elements of civic conceptions of national identity may legitimize inequalities rather than reduce them.

scholarly journals Nonstandard Work Schedules, Family Dynamics, and Mother–Child Interactions During Early Childhood

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 985-1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate C. Prickett
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Work Schedules ◽  
Supportive Parenting ◽  
Nonstandard Work ◽  
Nonstandard Schedules ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Outcomes For Children ◽  
Nonstandard Work Schedules

The rising number of parents who work nonstandard schedules has led to a growing body of research concerned with what this trend means for children. The negative outcomes for children of parents who work nonstandard schedules are thought to arise from the disruptions these schedules place on family life, and thus, the types of parenting that support their children’s development, particularly when children are young. Using a nationally representative sample of two-parent families (Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth cohort, n = 3,650), this study examined whether mothers’ and their partners’ nonstandard work schedules were associated with mothers’ parenting when children were 2 and 4 years old. Structural equation models revealed that mothers’ and their partners’ nonstandard work schedules were associated with mothers’ lower scores on measures of positive and involved parenting. These associations were mediated by fathers’ lower levels of participation in cognitively supportive parenting and greater imbalance in cognitively supportive tasks conducted by mothers versus fathers.

scholarly journals Going online on behalf of someone else: Characteristics of Internet users who act as proxy users

2020 ◽  
pp. 146144482092805
Author(s):  
Bianca C Reisdorf ◽  
Andraž Petrovčič ◽  
Darja Grošelj
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Representative Survey ◽  
The Past ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Internet Skills ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Nationally Representative

An important contribution of digital inequalities research has been the discussion of nuances in ways that people (dis)engage with information and communication technologies (ICTs). One such practice is proxy Internet use (PIU): indirect Internet access by asking others to do things online for them or on their behalf. Whereas there is a good amount of research on those who are on the receiving end of PIU, users-by-proxy, little is known about “proxy users” who provide PIU. Analyses of nationally representative survey data from Slovenia ( N = 1047) collected in 2018 show that 51% of Internet users reported to have acted as proxy users in the past 12 months. Multivariate analyses unveil that those Internet users who report a wider array of personal, economic, social Internet uses as well as those with higher levels of operational Internet skills are more likely to act as proxy users.

scholarly journals How Long and What For? Tracking a Nationally Representative Sample to Quantify Internet Use

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noemi Festic ◽  
Moritz Büchi ◽  
Michael Latzer
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Online News ◽  
Internet Usage ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Online Newspaper ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Google Search

Testing communication theories requires a valid empirical basis, yet especially for usage time measures, retrospective self-reports have shown to be biased. This study draws on a unique data set of 923 Swiss internet users who had their internet use tracked for at least 30 days on mobile and desktop devices and took part in a survey covering internet usage as well as person-level background variables. The analysis focuses on active usage time overall and on the major services Google Search, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and the online newspaper 20 Minuten. The results showed that overall internet usage time was lower for older and higher-educated users based on both the tracking and survey data, and the reported usage time was consistently higher than the tracked usage time. The tracking data further revealed that internet users in all social groups spent the majority of their time online on a mobile device. The number of users of the major services varied mainly between age groups. These differences were less pronounced when it came to the time users spent engaging with these services. Over the course of a day, the major services varied in their frequency of use: for example, messaging peaked before noon and in the late afternoon, whereas online news use was comparably constant at a lower level.

scholarly journals Motivation to Learn and Multilingualism across the Adult Life Stages in the U.S

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 952-953
Author(s):  
Shalini Sahoo ◽  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Roberto Millar ◽  
Phyllis Cummins
Keyword(s):  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Motivation To Learn ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Lifelong learning or continuing education over the life course has become necessary to navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape. Motivation to learn (MtL) is essential for facilitating lifelong learning. In the U.S., most of the educational opportunities are available in English. Moreover, little is known about associations between being multilingual and MtL across the life stages. This study analyzed nationally representative data from the 2012/2014/2017 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) restricted use file (RUF). Using a previously established latent MtL construct, structural equation models were estimated by four age groups --- 25-34 (n = 2,310); 35-44 (n = 1,610); 45-54 (n = 1,670); and 55 and older (n = 2,620). Results showed that being multilingual was associated with greater MtL among younger age groups, including age 25-34 (b = 0.20, p = 0.01) and 35-44 (b = 0.28, p < 0.001), after adjusting for the demographic, socioeconomic and health characteristics of individuals. Multilingualism was not associated with MtL among older age groups, including 45-54 (b = 0.06, p = 0.50) and 55 and older (b = 0.13, p = 0.19). Findings suggest that education policies that target younger multilingual adults are likely to be effective while enhancing MtL of monolingual (i.e., English-speaking only) adults seems to be a necessary first step. Yet, a similar approach may not be effective for older adults, arguably due to more diverse life circumstances, educational needs, and learning style preferences. More detailed interpretations of empirical results and theoretical explanations are needed.

scholarly journals Testing a Digital Inequality Model for Online Political Participation

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 237802311773390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moritz Büchi ◽  
Florian Vogler
Keyword(s):  
Political Participation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Distinct Group ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Digital Inequality ◽  
Internet Skills ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Online Political Participation

Increasing Internet use is changing the way individuals take part in society. However, a general mobilizing effect of the Internet on political participation has been difficult to demonstrate. This study takes a digital inequality perspective and analyzes the role of Internet expertise for the social structuration of online political participation. Analyses rely on two nationally representative surveys in Switzerland and use cluster analysis and structural equation modeling. A distinct group of political online participants emerged characterized by high education and income. Further, online political participation is predicted by political interest and Internet skills, which increasingly mediated the effects of social position. Digital information policies should therefore consider Internet skills and effective use, particularly in marginalized social groups, to avoid reinforcing traditional participatory inequalities in the digital society.

scholarly journals Predictors of Motivation to Learn Among Middle-Aged and Older Men in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 445-445
Author(s):  
Taka Yamashita ◽  
Roberto Millar ◽  
Shalini Sahoo ◽  
Thomas Smith ◽  
Phyllis Cummins
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Older Men ◽  
The United States ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Motivation To Learn ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Postsecondary Degree

Abstract Middle-aged and older men are less likely than women to participate in adult education and training (AET) outside of their work. AET is known to provide psychological, social and economic (e.g., job-related skills) benefits throughout the life course. Research has shown that motivation to learn (MtL) is the key to promoting AET. The objective of this study is to identify MtL predictors among middle-aged and older men in the U.S. Nationally representative data (n = 1,450) of men aged 45 years and older were obtained from the 2012/2014 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). Structural equation models were constructed to examine how a latent MtL construct measured by four 5-point Likert-type itemsMtL might be predicted by participant characteristics. Results showed that having a postsecondary degree (vs. high school or less; b = 0.19, p < 0.05), higher literacy skills (0-500 points; b = 0.01, p < 0.05), at least one parent/guardian with a postsecondary degree (vs. those without; b = 0.08, p < 0.05) and better self-rated health (b = 0.14, p < 0.05) were associated with greater MtL. Additionally, Black (b = 0.22, p < 0.05) and Hispanic (b = 0.19, p < 0.05) men showed greater MtL than White men. Overall, socioeconomic status indicators and race/ethnicity were linked to MtL. Given the known challenges involved in middle-aged and older men’s participationin AET (e.g., low and short-term participation), enhancing MtL may have long-term implications. Theoretical explanations and possible policy implications are evaluated.

Measuring the Big Five in Self-Report and Other Ratings

2000 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Barbaranelli ◽  
Gian Vittorio Caprara
Keyword(s):  
Big Five ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Error Variance ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Third Person ◽  
Fit Indexes ◽  
Response Modes

Summary: The aim of the study is to assess the construct validity of two different measures of the Big Five, matching two “response modes” (phrase-questionnaire and list of adjectives) and two sources of information or raters (self-report and other ratings). Two-hundred subjects, equally divided in males and females, were administered the self-report versions of the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ) and the Big Five Observer (BFO), a list of bipolar pairs of adjectives ( Caprara, Barbaranelli, & Borgogni, 1993 , 1994 ). Every subject was rated by six acquaintances, then aggregated by means of the same instruments used for the self-report, but worded in a third-person format. The multitrait-multimethod matrix derived from these measures was then analyzed via Structural Equation Models according to the criteria proposed by Widaman (1985) , Marsh (1989) , and Bagozzi (1994) . In particular, four different models were compared. While the global fit indexes of the models were only moderate, convergent and discriminant validities were clearly supported, and method and error variance were moderate or low.

Childhood Intelligence Predicts Adult Trait Openness

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Furnham ◽  
Helen Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Background ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Data Set ◽  
National Child Development Study ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

Abstract. This study used a longitudinal data set of 5,672 adults followed for 50 years to determine the factors that influence adult trait Openness-to-Experience. In a large, nationally representative sample in the UK (the National Child Development Study), data were collected at birth, in childhood (age 11), adolescence (age 16), and adulthood (ages 33, 42, and 50) to examine the effects of family social background, childhood intelligence, school motivation during adolescence, education, and occupation on the personality trait Openness assessed at age 50 years. Structural equation modeling showed that parental social status, childhood intelligence, school motivation, education, and occupation all had modest, but direct, effects on trait Openness, among which childhood intelligence was the strongest predictor. Gender was not significantly associated with trait Openness. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed.

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