scholarly journals Communicative progress in system theory: a theoretical problem becomes empirical observable in new media communication

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (49) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maren Luebcke
Keyword(s):  
System Theory ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
New Media ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Problem ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Group Success

During the last years, an increasing interest in online forums has been observed within different functional areas of society such as in the economic system or in politics. Here one is able to detect communicative processes which are lively, vibrant, and equipped with remarkable durability, on the one hand; yet, on the other hand, flame wars and shut-downs also occur. The question is what explains these differences in group success? This article provides a framework based on elements of Luhmanns's system theory to analyse online discussion groups. A research matrix is presented with four levels of observation and four levels of analysis. The value of this matrix is demonstrated with a systematic literature review. Here the most frequently cited articles analyzing online discussion forums are empirically reinterpreted. It is concluded that current research fails to (1) analyze online discourse under multiple aspects, (2) challenge temporal analysis, (3) integrate a thread-based analysis, and (4) focus on the relational aspects (e.g., actor or topic networks). Based on this literature review, a catalog of presumptions on how communication proceeds in online forums is presented.

“Any surrogate mothers?” A Debate on surrogacy in internet discussion forums

Human Affairs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ondřej Doskočil
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Ordinary People ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Surrogate Mother ◽  
Surrogate Mothers ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Online Discussion Forum ◽  
Internet Discussion

AbstractSurrogacy has long been discussed in reproductive medicine. In the Czech Republic, surrogacy is not legally regulated. Because of this legal vacuum, there are no official procedures or organizations that openly deal with surrogacy. Potential surrogate mothers and applicants do not have many options for obtaining or sharing information. The only source is the Internet. Online forums are a popular tool for gaining information and contacts regarding surrogacy. The goal of this research was to use qualitative research methods to survey the most searched and discussed topics on Czech online discussion forum websites. We used discussions that we found on www.emimino.cz between 2009 and 2019. This article analyses the comments of the Internet forum discussants/participants, their involvement, knowledge of surrogacy, the information sought and their opinions. In particular, the participants discussed where to find a surrogate mother or how to become one. This article attempts to outline the discussions ordinary people have about surrogacy outside official expert forums.

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

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misol Kwon ◽  
Eunhee Park
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
People’S Perceptions

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

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

10.2196/13673 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e13673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misol Kwon ◽  
Eunhee Park
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
People’S Perceptions

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

scholarly journals Students' Impressions on the Effectiveness of Online Discussion Forums

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-108
Author(s):  
Beena Vijayavalsalan
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
P Value ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Significant Difference

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.

scholarly journals Naujoji žiniasklaida ir nauji redagavimo iššūkiai: Norvegijos pamokos

2008 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 66-77
Author(s):  
Terje S. Skjerdal
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Media Law ◽  
Editorial Responsibility ◽  
Media Regulation ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Baltic Countries

Šiame straipsnyje nušviečiama vis dažniau Norvegijoje diskutuojama naujosios žiniasklaidos kuriamų iššūkių redakcinei atsakomybei tema. Internetinių diskusijų forumai sukėlė ypač daug ginčų ir neaiškumų dėl redakcijos vaidmens. Tyrimas atskleidė, jog Norvegijos Spaudos nusiskundimų komisijos gaunamų skundų dėl internetinio turinio skaičius auga, dauguma jų pasitvirtina. Redakcijos skirtingai vertina vartotojo kuriamo turinio redagavimą Norvegijoje. Straipsnyje taip pat pristatoma skaitmeninės žiniasklaidos reglamentavimo sistema Šiaurės ir Baltijos šalyse. Dažniausiai taikomas tradicinis reglamentavimas, kurio nepakanka naujosios žiniasklaidos redakcinei atsakomybei apibrėžti. Vyraujančiame diskurse apie redakcijos kontrolės pobūdį skaitmeninėje žiniasklaidoje galima išskirti du priešingus požiūrius: “atsakingos redakcijos” diskursą ir “dalyvaujančios naujosios žiniasklaidos” diskursą. Pagaliau, žvelgiant į redakcijos skaitmeniniame amžiuje perspektyvas, galima būtų išskirti tris galimus scenarijus: silpnėjantį, stiprėjantį bei kintantį redaktoriaus vaidmenį.New media and new editorial challenges: Lessons from NorwayTerje S. Skjerdal SummaryThis article discusses some of the challenges that the new media create for editorial responsibility in light of recent discussion in Norway. Online discussion forums in particular have caused much dispute and ambiguity as regards editorial involvement. The study shows that the Norwegian Press Complaints Commission has received an increasing number of complaints regarding online content, and that the complaints usually result in an adjudication. It is shown that Norwegian editors have diverse attitudes towards the question of pre-moderation or post-moderation of user-generated content. The study further contains an overview and discussion of media regulation in the Nordic-Baltic countries in relation to the digital media. The regulations are generally traditional in their focus and are insufficient to clarify questions of editorial responsibility of the new media. In terms of the dispute over editorial control in the digital media, two contradicting discourses are identified: the ‘responsible editorship’ discourse and the ‘participatory new media’ discourse. Lastly, three scenarios are drawn as regards the prospects of editorship in the digital media age: a weakened, a strengthened and a redefined role of the editor.Key words: Editorial responsibility, online discussion, code of ethics, media law, Norway, Nordic-Baltic countries

scholarly journals A virtual academy of polydrug use: Masters, novices and the art of combinations

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 413-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kati Kataja ◽  
Jukka Törrönen ◽  
Pekka Hakkarainen ◽  
Christoffer Tigerstedt
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
Positioning Theory ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Polydrug Use ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Drug Culture ◽  
Online Setting ◽  
The One

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.

scholarly journals Comparison of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy with other disorders: an observational study

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ak Knudsen ◽  
Lv Lervik ◽  
Sb Harvey ◽  
Cms Løvvik ◽  
An Omenås ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Level Of Activity

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.

scholarly journals Accuracy of online discussion forums on common childhood ailments

2018 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Google Search

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.

scholarly journals Investigating (Im)politeness in online forums between English speakers and English as a foreign language learners

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-156
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alipour ◽  
Soroor Tajfar
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Relational Work ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Online Discussion Forums

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

scholarly journals (How) do participants in online discussion forums create ‘echo chambers’?

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Time Perspective ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Group Polarization ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Process View ◽  
Group Homogeneity ◽  
Echo Chamber

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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