Digital Age Research Articles

Social Media, Celebrity, and Appearance Anxiety in Adolescent

This review paper delves into the intricate nexus between social media, celebrity culture, and the growing instances of appearance anxiety among adolescents. The rapid proliferation of social media platforms and the consequent rise in celebrity idolization has reshaped the way adolescents perceive beauty standards and their own self-worth. This dissertation seeks to synthesize extant literature on the subject, investigating how exposure to celebrity-driven content on social media platforms contributes to or exacerbates appearance anxiety among this vulnerable demographic. Results indicate a strong correlation between frequent interaction with celebrity content and heightened levels of self-consciousness and appearance anxiety among adolescents. This is particularly prevalent in scenarios where idealized and often unattainable beauty standards are perpetuated. This research has many implications: it highlights the need for interventions in digital media consumption, helps parents and educators understand the challenges of the digital age, and advocates for social media companies to take accountability and take action to lessen the harmful effects of celebrity culture. By highlighting these concerns, the study emphasizes the imperative to foster a healthier digital environment for the well-being of adolescents.

Multilingual Habitus and Language Prestige: Value Profiles of Croatian, English, German, and Italian in Croatia

In a multilingual world, languages represent various forms of capital in society and gain or lose prestige depending on how transferable they are perceived to be into social, cultural, economic, and symbolic capital. The dominance of the English language and social media content in the Information Age affects people’s language worldwide. In many countries, there is a significant trend toward diglossia, where the national language is used alongside English, leading to the marginalization of all other languages. In Croatia, an EU member state, the most popular foreign languages are English, German, and Italian. However, due to the linguistic dominance of English, foreign languages other than English have experienced a loss of status. This shift implies that people’s perceptions of the types of capital those languages represent are changing and that there is a movement from multilingualism toward diglossia. This goes against the strongly promoted idea of multilingualism in the EU, where language variety is considered a valuable form of symbolic and cultural capital. Within that framework, this study aims to examine the attitudes of multilingual speakers in Croatia toward the four languages included in the study. The goal is to determine whether they perceive a language to represent a form of social, cultural, economic, or symbolic capital. Furthermore, based on the results, it will be concluded whether multilingual language practice is affected and whether there is a clash between the desired multilingual habitus of European citizens and their perceptions of language values, which determine their language choices.

Unimart: OLX for College Students

Unimart is an innovative project designed to address the ever-growing demand among university students for an efficient and collaborative platform to exchange study materials and related academic resources. In today's digital age, students are constantly seeking ways to enhance their learning experiences and expand their educational horizons. Unimart steps in as the solution, providing a dynamic online marketplace where students can freely and securely share textbooks, lecture notes, research materials, and various academic essentials. This platform seeks to foster a sense of community among students by promoting the exchange of knowledge, making education more accessible, affordable, and sustainable. By offering a user-friendly and organized interface, Unimart empowers students to connect with peers from diverse academic backgrounds, facilitating a peer-to-peer ecosystem that fosters collaborative learning and resource sharing. As a catalyst for academic success and community building, Unimart is poised to revolutionize how university students interact with their academic surroundings. This project promises to empower students by promoting collaboration.

PDPHE: Personal Data Protection for Trans-Border Transmission Based on Homomorphic Encryption

In the digital age, data transmission has become a key component of globalization and international cooperation. However, it faces several challenges in protecting the privacy and security of data, such as the risk of information disclosure on third-party platforms. Moreover, there are few solutions for personal data protection in cross-border transmission scenarios due to the difficulty of handling sensitive information between different countries and regions. In this paper, we propose an approach, personal data protection based on homomorphic encryption (PDPHE), to creatively apply the privacy computing technology homomorphic encryption (HE) to cross-border personal data protection. Specifically, PDPHE reconstructs the classical full homomorphic encryption (FHE) algorithm, DGHV, by adding support for multi-bit encryption and security level classification to ensure consistency with current data protection regulations. Then, PDPHE applies the reconstructed algorithm to the novel cross-border data protection scenario. To evaluate PDPHE in actual cross-border data transfer scenarios, we construct a prototype model based on PDPHE and manually construct a data corpus called PDPBench. Our evaluation results on PDPBench demonstrate that PDPHE cannot only effectively solve privacy protection issues in cross-border data transmission but also promote international data exchange and cooperation, bringing significant improvements for personal data protection during cross-border data sharing.

Investigating User Experience of VR Art Exhibitions: The Impact of Immersion, Satisfaction, and Expectation Confirmation

As an innovative form in the digital age, VR art exhibitions have attracted increasing attention. This study aims to explore the key factors that influence visitors’ continuance intention to VR art exhibitions using the expectation confirmation model and experience economy theory and to explore ways to enhance visitor immersion in virtual environments. We conducted a quantitative study of 235 art professionals and enthusiasts, conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), to examine the complex relationship between confirmation (CON), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Aesthetic Experiences (AE), Escapist Experiences (EE), Satisfaction (SAT), and Continuance Intention (CI). The results show that confirmation plays a key role in shaping PU, AE, and EE, which in turn positively affect visitors’ SAT. Among these factors, AE positively impacts PU, but EE have no impact. A comprehensive theoretical model was then constructed based on the findings. This research provides empirical support for designing and improving VR art exhibitions. It also sheds light on the application of expectation confirmation theory and experience economy theory in the art field to improve user experience and provides theoretical guidance for the sustainable development of virtual digital art environment.

OSINT (OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE) Exploring the Power of Open Source Intelligence in Modern Decision-Making

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has emerged as a powerful tool in the information age, offering valuable insights to individuals, organizations, and governments. This paper explores the significance of OSINT in contemporary decision-making processes, highlighting its role in providing timely, relevant, and actionable information from publicly available sources. The first section elucidates the concept of OSINT, delineating its scope, sources, and methodologies. OSINT encompasses a wide array of publicly accessible information, including social media posts, news articles, government reports, and academic publications. Leveraging advanced data mining, web scraping, and analytical techniques, OSINT practitioners sift through this vast trove of data to extract pertinent insights. The subsequent section delves into the multifaceted applications of OSINT across various domains. In the realm of national security, OSINT aids in threat assessment, geopolitical analysis, and monitoring of adversarial activities. Law enforcement agencies utilize OSINT for criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, and identifying emerging trends. Moreover, businesses employ OSINT for competitive intelligence, market research, and brand monitoring, gaining a competitive edge in dynamic markets. The paper also examines the ethical and privacy implications inherent in OSINT practices. While OSINT offers unprecedented access to information, it raises concerns regarding privacy infringement, misinformation propagation, and algorithmic biases. Safeguarding individual privacy rights and ensuring data accuracy are imperative considerations in the ethical utilization of OSINT. Furthermore, the paper discusses the evolving landscape of OSINT technologies and methodologies. Advancements in artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning have revolutionized OSINT capabilities, enabling automated data collection, sentiment analysis, and predictive modeling. However, these technological advancements also pose challenges in terms of information overload, data veracity, and algorithmic transparency.

Civic Literacy in the information age: a survey of vocational high school student in Sidoarjo, Indonesia

Civic Literacy in the information age: a survey of vocational high school student in Sidoarjo, Indonesia

Personalizing Students’ Digital Action Plans through Critical-Heutagogy Model for the Development of Critical Conscientization in Critical Reading

The advent of the digital age is unpredictably changing education and educational practices. With the wider availability of print and online materials, the language educator of the twenty-first century must expect her/his pupils to be more critical readers if they are to develop their critical consciousness in language acquisition. Consequently, the purpose of the study was to analyse the elements that impede students' capacity to increase their critical consciousness through critical reading, as well as the ways in which digital technology may alleviate the situation. In order to comprehend the reading practices of students, critical pedagogy and self-determined theory were applied. Utilizing a design-based research, design principles emerged that increased student engagement with texts, peers, and technology. As a result, a framework for enhancing students' proficiency and critical awareness in language teaching was developed.

English A cross cultural investigation on Smart Home Technology:

Some individuals may feel threatened by the digital age and suffer from technophobia, whereas technophilic individuals embrace new technologies. Relying on a study of 243 participants aged 18-65, this study explored the roles of technophobia, technophilia, trust in technology, and digital competence, and how they interact within the SHT paradigm. Technophobia positively correlated with age and negatively with ownership and most digital skills. Males outscored females in overall competence, especially in creative digital skills and technophilia. Spanish participants scored higher than English participants on operational digital skills, creative digital skills, and technophilia-dependency. A hierarchical regression model with technophobia as the dependent variable showed that operational, navigational, and mobile digital skills contributed negatively to technophobia. Technophilia-enthusiasm negatively predicted technophobia, whereas technophilia-reputation did so positively. Culture and gender were not significant predictors of technophobia in this context. There is a need to provide digital skills for all sections of society to increase self-efficacy and counterbalance any feelings of anxiety and technophobia that may manifest in individuals who feel left behind in the modern digital world. The onus is for SHT manufacturers to design products that require basic digital skills and are custom-made for different populations cohorts within society.

Exploring remote supervision in higher education: Lecturers’ experiences

ABSTRACT As remote learning continues to play a significant role in higher education, the practice of remote supervision has become a critical component of academic and research activities. This research explores lecturers’ experiences in remote supervision, shedding light on challenges and strategies to ensure effective guidance and support. A qualitative approach was adopted using a semi-structured interview guide data collection from randomly selected lecturers and analysed thematically. The study generated three themes to address the research questions. Findings revealed the multifaceted nature of remote supervision, highlighting both the advantages of flexibility and the hurdles posed by technology, communication barriers, and time management. To navigate these challenges, lecturers have developed innovative strategies, including leveraging digital tools, enhancing communication, and prioritising self-discipline. The outcomes of this research provided valuable insights for colleges seeking to strengthen remote supervision experience, thereby improving the quality of higher education in this digital age.

Technologies in Teaching and Learning at Fine Art Studios

Creativity is the essence of the arts, and it is the place where students interact to apply knowledge and create artworks and innovative designs in fine art studios. Arts and technology are to create creativity. Hence, the research demonstrates that the strategies and results of using technology have had a significant impact on the fields of art, design, and education. The experience can be inspiring and magical for students when art and technology combine to create complementary elements. The research follows a descriptive-analytical approach in analyzing the elements of creating a richer educational environment using technology in fine arts studios. Besides, the research sets out methodologies and rules for technology that can transform the spaces of the artistic studio in the digital age into stimulating environments. Therefore, this leads to transforming the learning environment into a creative environment full of excitement and curiosity to motivate students and increase academic achievement. In conclusion, the research concluded that artistic creativity comes from generating, visualizing, organizing, and developing ideas and artistic works to design artistic studio spaces that enhance technology to develop students’ creative skills.

Analyzing the effects of digital transformation on handling human resources management

In the contemporary business landscape, digitization has become imperative for competitiveness. Despite the perspective of employees regarding the accessibility of electronic human resource management (e-HRM), their ability to adapt to the digital age still causes many problems. This study explores employee understanding of digital transformation within the HR department of an IT company and identifies priority processes for automation. The research addresses the ambiguities in the literature, focusing on the rapid technological advances of Industry 4.0. Through semi-structured interviews, we reveal new perspectives directly from HR employees. The results indicate the need for strategic approaches to ensure efficient processes and traceability. Recommendations include integrating an integrated strategy of digital solutions. Anticipating future needs alongside present needs is crucial for sustainable digitization strategies, improving competitiveness in the digital age.

Optimization of Digital Inheritance Pathway of Folk Art in Information Age

Optimization of Digital Inheritance Pathway of Folk Art in Information Age

Technological Innovation in Chinese Digital Drama: A Case Study on the Posthuman Transformation of the Performing Subject – Digital Mei Lanfang Analysis

In the global artistic arena, digital performance, a fusion of art and technology is increasingly garnering attention. Accompanied by rapid technological advancements, Chinese performing arts are in a state of continual boundary expansion and exploration of new possibilities. This art form is undergoing a profound and revolutionary transformation with the infiltration and advancement of digital technology. This article, titled "Technological Innovation and Chinese Digital Drama: The Post-Human Transformation of the Performing Subject," delves into how digital technology is innovating traditional Chinese drama by transforming the performing. Centering around the Digital Mei Lanfang project as a pivotal case study, the research demonstrates how digital technology is redefining the subject of drama performance, thereby further redefining the scope and essence of theatrical performance. Employing qualitative research methods, literature reviews, and case study analysis, the article assesses the impact and value of the shift from Natural Human to Posthuman entities as performing subjects in Chinese theatrical arts, driven by digital technology. The research underscores the significance of post-human entities in protecting and disseminating cultural heritage in the digital era. This article aims to expand the boundaries of dramatic artistic expression through the study of posthumans becoming dramatic performing subjects and to provide theoretical foundations and practical references for the future development of dramatic arts. Consequently, this fosters the further development of Chinese dramatic arts in the digital age without losing their original characteristics.

The Influence of E-Assessment on Students’ Cognitive Engagement in Higher Education

The electronic assessment, or e-assessment, is one of the most important topics to address, especially considering the transformations that higher education is undergoing in the digital age. In this study, we examine the effect of e-assessment on students’ cognitive engagement. By employing a quantitative approach, we conducted a survey using questionnaires to gather data from 41 students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Hassan II University in Casablanca and 105 students’ teachers from the El Jadida regional center for education and training. The main aim of this study is to demonstrate the influence of e-assessment on students’ cognitive engagement. The participants were divided into two groups: the first group included 41 students from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, with 20 students participating in the traditional paper-based assessment and 21 students undergoing e-assessment through the Kahoot platform. The second group comprises 105 trainee teacher students from the regional center for education and training professions in El Jadida, with 65 students undergoing paper assessment and 40 students undergoing e-assessments. Our questionnaire assessed the impact of e-assessment on participants’ cognitive engagement. The Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.959 for the first group and 0.982 for the second group. According to the results of the study, e-assessment influences cognitive engagement. However, students subjected to traditional paper-based evaluations show less commitment and involvement in courses.

Understanding the impact of persistence and propagation on the Age of Information of broadcast traffic in 5G NR-V2X sidelink communications

The current Cellular V2X (C-V2X) standard for direct communication between vehicles is based on the so called Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) algorithm. It is based on the multiple access structure of 5G New Radio (NR) and exploits sensing and persistence to realize a randomized multiple access. We consider the application of SPS to support periodic broadcast traffic where no acknowledgments are provided. Persistence is a key feature, which consists of a node using the same resource for its transmissions for multiple frames. The specific resource used is randomly selected from among those that are perceived to be idle, and reselected anew after a randomized number of frames. We define a model to gain insight into the interplay between persistence and key performance metrics for the type of traffic considered, namely probability of successful delivery and Age of Information (AoI). A core version of the model is validated against simulations and used to show that there exists an optimal level that minimizes AoI. The model is then extended to account for a distance-dependent propagation model, allowing further insight into the effects of the interplay between sender–receiver distance and persistence. Finally, an even more detailed model is investigated, using ns-3-based simulations. This further analysis confirms the qualitative behaviors revealed by the analytical model and provides more insight into the complex interactions of system parameters and channel characteristics. The obtained results help to identify the limits of SPS, opening the way to system-principled parameter optimization and design of more powerful variants of the multiple access scheme.

Mengembangkan Kerjasama Tim dalam Pengelolaan Pendidikan Islam di Era Digital

Teamwork in the management of Islamic education in the digital era is the focus in this research. This study aims to analyze effective methods and strategies in developing teamwork in Islamic educational institutions. A qualitative approach was used by conducting in-depth interviews and observations of Islamic education management teams in several institutions. Data analysis is carried out in depth using qualitative data analysis consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that cooperation skills training, multidisciplinary team building, use of collaborative platforms, community engagement, and regular evaluations were key factors in improving teamwork. These findings make an important contribution to practical understanding in the management of Islamic education in the digital age, as well as provide practical recommendations for educational institutions to improve teamwork and quality of education.

Cybersecurity’s Role in Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development: Bridging Technology and Sustainability Goals

This study investigates the pivotal role of cybersecurity in bolstering environmental protection and sustainable development, a critical yet underexplored nexus in contemporary research. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the research scrutinizes peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and industry reports from 2015 to 2023, sourced from databases such as IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The methodology is anchored in a rigorous search strategy, leveraging keywords related to cybersecurity, sustainability, and communication technologies, and adheres to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and quality of the literature reviewed. Key findings highlight cybersecurity as an indispensable enabler of sustainable development initiatives, safeguarding the technological infrastructure essential for environmental conservation efforts. The study identifies evolving cyber threats as a significant challenge, necessitating adaptive security measures that anticipate and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, it underscores the opportunities presented by advanced cybersecurity technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, in enhancing the security and efficiency of sustainable practices. Strategic recommendations emphasize the need for comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, stakeholder collaboration, cybersecurity education, and alignment with regulatory standards to fortify the resilience of sustainability initiatives against cyber threats. The study concludes that integrating robust cybersecurity measures is paramount in the pursuit of sustainable development goals, calling for ongoing vigilance, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to navigate the complex landscape of digital threats and opportunities. This research contributes valuable insights into the critical intersection of cybersecurity and sustainability, offering a foundation for future studies and strategic initiatives aimed at securing sustainable development in the digital age. Keywords: Cybersecurity, Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection, Advanced Security Technologies.

Gen Z’s Language Identity and Contemporary Philosophies in the Digital Era

This phenomenological study delved into the lived experiences of Filipino Generation Z (Gen Z) regarding their language identity in the digital age. The study tries to understand how Filipino Gen Z navigates and develops their linguistic identity in the context of modern ideas and the usage of the Filipino language, given the increasing influence of global media and the rapid growth of communication technologies. Using in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected participants, the themes provide vital insights into how Filipino Gen Z negotiates their cultural and linguistic identity as global interconnection and technological innovations change communication landscapes. Themes included the influence of social media on language preferences, the role of education in shaping linguistic identity, the impact of global media, and participants’ reflections on the intersection between contemporary philosophies and their linguistic choices. The findings help better comprehend the complex interplay between emerging communication paradigms, contemporary philosophical influences, and the preservation of language legacy in the dynamic setting of the digital era.

Exploring the effects of audience and strategies used by beauty vloggers on behavioural intention towards endorsed brands

Influencer marketing has become a potent and dynamic force in the digital age, changing the face of marketing in a variety of sectors. Even though social media influencers are still important in corporate communication strategies, there are still unresolved issues concerning what exactly makes an influencer powerful and how that influence impacts the behaviour of their followers. This research investigates the role of interactional elements used by beauty vloggers on the purchase intentions of consumers. In addition to the influence of beauty vloggers, there are inherent aspects that impact consumer purchasing behaviour. The present study also examines the impact of audience characteristics in forming consumer attitudes towards beauty vloggers that result in shaping favourable consumer behaviour. The study was carried out on individuals aged 16 to 45 years, who use social platforms regularly. Data obtained from 367 respondents from North India was analysed using structural equation modelling with the SmartPLS software. The outcome of the study demonstrates that interactional elements used by beauty vloggers impact the behaviour of consumers. The results also showed that perceived influence serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between interactional elements and consumers’ purchase intention. Moreover, findings indicate that when consumers hold favourable attitudes towards beauty vloggers, the impact of self-concept and personality congruence enhancement on consumer behaviour is amplified, showcasing the mediating role of consumer attitude. The study’s findings offer insights that can assist industrial marketers and cosmetic company practitioners in strategically selecting influencers to boost sales.