American Life Project Research Articles

Association of mobile health (mHealth) use with health status and COVID-19-related concerns by people with mobility impairments

Purpose Mobile health (mHealth) technology has increased dramatically in the wake of the pandemic. Less research has focused on people with mobility impairing (PMI) disabilities. This study determined the prevalence of mHealth use among PMI adults during the COVID-19 escalation and examines demographic, health and COVID-19 concerns correlates. Methods PMI adults (N = 304) completed an online survey investigating mHealth use and COVID-19 concerns related to food access in June of 2020. Smartphone and mHealth use were measured with an adapted version of the survey used in the Pew Internet & American Life project. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine associations of demographics, health status, and COVID-19 concerns with mHealth use. About two-thirds (N = 201) of the sample were mHealth users (owned a smartphone and engaged in health-promoting behaviors with the smartphone; e.g., sought online information, tracked health behaviors, used patient portals). Results Having hypertension was associated with higher mHealth use, and having higher COVID-19 concerns about food access was associated with higher mHealth use. Those who used mHealth were also more engaged with smartphone apps for communication, services, and entertainment. Only the association between educational attainment and mHealth use remained significant after adjusting for other covariates in multivariable logistic regression models. Discussion PMIs continue to need support in the use of mHealth technology to help maximize access to potentially important tools for rehabilitation and health management. There is a need to continue to investigate mHealth and its applications for people with disabilities. Implications for Rehabilitation Many people with mobility impairing disabilities may be missing opportunities for mHealth rehabilitation and healthcare. COVID-19 has widened existing gaps in access and use of mHealth technology among people with mobility impairing disabilities. Focused education is needed to help people with disabilities exploit the full range of services of their smartphones to increase access to care, social connectivity, and other important goods and services to enhance rehabilitation and health management.

Заманауи журналистиканың жаңа үрдістері

Since the creation of new media, this industry has not lost its relevance, but, on the contrary, is in demand as an object of research. The reason for this is that, along with its own functions of the media, it makes a significant contribution to the development of the world of spirituality. The new trend creates interactivity, flexibility, speed, fragmentation of the audience and convergence of many environments within it. Virtual movement through social and intellectual spaces, the emergence of cybernetic culture, and the infinity of knowledge creation and dissemination have increased. It can be a means of personal and mass communication. The subject of this article is the study of the links between online journalism and new media journalism, the influence of a dynamic environment on traditional journalism and the process of creating new signs of the profession. The phenomenon of objectivity associated with this type of journalism is discussed. New trends in modern journalism will be studied in detail using methods of comprehensive analysis, differentiation and new methods of modern journalism that control the flow of information in the era of the global era will be considered. In addition, when studying the trends of modern journalism, the focus is on business strategies, the creation of new business models, marketing and branding strategies. For example, although debates in Japan are an “internal conversation” in the media industry, there are many interesting surveys and studies on the connection between the Internet, journalism and democratic society in Western countries. For example, the Pew Research Center, a nonprofit social research organization in the United States, has been studying the impact of the Internet on journalism and society for more than 10 years. As a result, a large amount of data was collected at the Pew Internet & American Life Project research centers, and extensive discussions and research unfolded using them.

Characterization of E-sports in Colombia to 2020

During the last 15 years an era known as "the information and knowledge society" has begun (Vera, 2015). Evidence of this is the extensive development of information technologies in Colombia, which has shaped an entire eSports industry that has generated entrepreneurial opportunities and significant revenues. In other countries such as Spain, where eSports-related issues have been around for longer, the trend has been positive in economic and social terms: it is estimated that 3 out of every 4 children between 8 and 13 years old have a video game console at home, and play on average 25 minutes a day, or the equivalent of 152 hours a year (Castillo, 2007). Likewise, The Pew Internet & American Life Project estimates that 8 out of 10 American children have a video game console at home, that more than half have 2 or more, and that 66% of young people play or download games online (Lenhart, 2007). However, when comparing the above figures in Colombia, it is possible to note a technological lag that marks a distance from European and North American countries where there is a boom in eSports, where they are already considered official. This article aims to present a characterization of the eSports industry in Colombia to 2020, in order to contribute to the formalization of these sports in the country, which are currently experiencing a massive popularization from different social spheres. This research was carried out from a descriptive approach: an interview was conducted with the president of the Colombian Federation of eSports (Fedecolde), a content review of the website of that entity was made, its databases were accessed to identify proligas and proclubes that are constituted nationally by departments and municipalities. It was also useful to outline a profile of gamers from an online survey, and to establish the stakeholders that have been linked to the Federation. It can be concluded that the eSports industry in Colombia is incubating its best part: little by little it has achieved acceptance in society and young people are turning their attention to this type of initiatives that offer diverse possibilities for economic growth and different cultural practices.

What's being recommended to patients on social media? A cross-sectional analysis of acne treatments on YouTube

What's being recommended to patients on social media? A cross-sectional analysis of acne treatments on YouTube

Mobile Health (mHealth) Use or Non-Use by Residents of West Virginia.

To compare mobile health (mHealth) usage by residents of West Virginia with national estimates. Pew Research Center data from its Internet and American Life Project were accessed for secondary data analysis. These data, available to the public, are a probability sample of Internet use in the United States, differences in use based on selected variables (eg, education, household income), and how usage affects the lives of Americans. Using SAS software, diagnostics were performed on the data, revealing that the variables of interest were prepared and represented without any need for information. Data were used as is, with categorical and continuous characteristics and stipulations being provided in accompanying documents from the Pew Research Center. The national sample consisted of 509 men and 557 women with an average age of 51.02 years (standard deviation 17.04). The 30 West Virginia residents included 19 women and 11 men (mean for age 48.10, standard deviation 15.30). When controlling for socioeconomic and demographics factors, the odds of a West Virginia resident using an mHealth device were 82% less than the rest of the country, a statistically significant association. Women in West Virginia were 52% more likely to access mHealth information than men, and an increase in age corresponded with increased mHealth usage. The lack of mHealth use by residents in West Virginia represents an opportunity for clinicians and scientists. The high rates of preventable diseases in the region could be more effectively managed with greater use of these technologies.

The “Buzz” About Tinnitus: A Social Media Study

The “Buzz” About Tinnitus: A Social Media Study

Race, ethnicity and the strength of Facebook ties

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the role of race and ethnicity in the self-reported strength of the social ties of young adolescents on Facebook. Based on the social diversification hypothesis, which argues that in multicultural societies, race and ethnicity are key factors that shape the nature of associations, we examine whether there are ethnic and racial differences in the size and strength of the ties of adolescent Facebook users and the role of the strength of these ties in several positive outcomes. Using data from the U.S. Teens’ Social Media and Privacy Survey conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life project among 802 teens ages 12–17, we found no differences in the total number of ties that adolescents from different ethnic and racial groups reported. However, African Americans reported significantly higher number of weak ties, while White Americans had a significantly higher number of strong ties. The results are consistent with the social diversification hypothesis. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Smartphone Internet access and use: Extending the digital divide and usage gap

This study uses survey data from the Pew Internet and American Life Project to advance digital divide research by exploring how smartphone dependence—in which one’s only means of accessing the Internet is via a smartphone—and smartphone use differ between key demographic groups in the United States. Results show differences in smartphone dependence and use based on race, age, income, and education. Minority group members, younger, lower income, and less educated users are more likely to be smartphone-dependent. Additionally, minorities and younger individuals use smartphones for more social activity, while White, younger, and higher income individuals use smartphones for more news/information activity. Findings support the usage gap hypothesis and suggest smartphones may act as both a bridge and a barrier for disadvantaged groups to overcome the digital divide.

Citizen Attitudes about Open Government and Government 2.0

The analysis on the secondary data from the Pew Internet and American Life Project's national survey (Government Online) found what influences American citizens' attitude about Open Government and Government 2.0, which can be identified as a new goal and tool, respectively, of e-government. This study employs a path analysis based on standardized structural equation estimation, which decomposes the causal relationships among multiple variables into standardized direct and indirect effects. The analysis suggests some noteworthy findings. Heavy users of e-government services and those with trust in government are likely to have positive attitudes toward the new phase of e-government, Open Government and Government 2.0. Socio-demographic conditions have indirect effects on citizen attitudes through the mediating effect of e-government use.

Social support and digital inequality: Does Internet use magnify or mitigate traditional inequities in support availability?

ABSTRACTThis study tested competing predictions about the implications of Internet use for traditional inequities in social support availability. Using survey data collected as part of the Pew Internet and American Life Project, inequities in social support availability stemming from demographic and network-related factors were examined among non-users, Internet users, and Internet users who also participated in a social network site (SNS). The results offered evidence consistent with the social compensation perspective. Traditional inequities in support availability related to age, race, and total network size persisted among respondents who did not use the Internet, but were less evident or absent among Internet users and/or Internet users who participated in an SNS. Using the Internet to connect with others appeared to be an important mechanism through which inequality in support availability was mitigated.

The Role of Public Relations in Social Capital

Public relations research has traditionally focused on how public relations efforts make organizations more effective. Recently, scholars have argued for the broader role of public relations in society. That is, how can public relations be used to improve society rather than simply making organizations more effective? Existing studies have emphasized the relationship between internal public relations and organizational social capital. Lack of scholarly attention has been paid to how public relations efforts affect citizens’ social capital in general. To fill the gap in this area, this study examines how different types of public relations efforts contribute to citizens’ social capital. Specifically, this study uses data from the 2010 Pew Internet and American Life Project ‘Social Side of the Internet’ survey to examine the influence of public relations efforts by various organizations in individuals’ social capital. Overall, the analyses suggest that organizations’ face-to-face meetings with their members enhance interpersonal trust and civic engagement, and that organizations’ strategic use of social media boosts civic engagement, whereas strategic communication via email, blogs, and websites decreases civic engagement. This study provides empirical evidence and practical implications for the important role of strategic social media use and interpersonal communication in enhancing social capital.

Examining predictors of online news use: perceived bias in traditional media and preference for partisan news

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine, in the context of online news use, the predictive values of two factors: perceived bias in traditional media and preference for partisan news. Design/methodology/approach This study used data collected as part of the Pew Internet and American Life Project between December 28, 2009, and January 19, 2010. The data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. Findings The findings provide evidence of the values of two potentially significant predictors of online news use: a perception of bias in traditional media and preference for partisan news. In addition, higher levels of political partisanship were shown to intensify the positive effect of perceived bias in traditional media on online news use in new media outlets, reinforcing the impact of preference for partisan news on participatory online news use. Research limitations/implications Depending on individual decisions, the internet can either help to empower deliberative democracy (where diverse and different voices coexist) or lead to an extremely polarized society. Originality/value With the explosive growth of the internet as a news source, media scholars have explored the factors that encourage people to rely on the internet for news and information. Nevertheless, certain attributes of online news consumption originating from individual attitudes about and perceptions of the media environment remain underspecified. This research helps advance an understanding of the types of people who seek news online and how they use various sources.

Tracking Myself: Assessing the Contribution of Mobile Technologies for Self-Trackers of Weight, Diet, or Exercise

For individuals trying to lose or maintain weight, self-tracking their weight, diet, or exercise is important. In the past, different tracking modes have been examined, like paper and pencil, memory, or personal digital assistants. But the recent advancement and adoption of mobile technologies could also result in easier and simpler self-tracking. However, little is known about self-trackers, their tracking modes, and the absolute or relative contribution of each tracking mode at the population level. This study fills this gap by (a) comparing self-trackers’ characteristics across tracking modes and against nontrackers and (b) testing the relationship between mobile self-tracking and tracking outcomes using a representative sample of data from the Pew Internet and American Life Project from 2012. Controls in the model include demographics, technology use, and health indicators. Results suggest that mobile self-trackers are younger and more educated and that mobile self-tracking is a positive contributor and the best tracking mode.

#BringBackOurGirls: digital communities supporting real-world change and influencing mainstream media agendas

#BringBackOurGirls shows the potential that cyber-communities have for setting the agenda for mainstream media sources around issues that are life-changing for women and girls around the world. The article examines the ways that social media communities sustained the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls, bridging online and offline communities to form a united movement. The analysis is contextualized within the online community-organizing framework of Twitter Topic Networks, as theorized in a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center Internet and American Life Project. This essay studies the evolution of #BringBackOurGirls to analyze the ways that online communities can educate, organize, and mobilize publics.

Consulting Online Healthcare Information

Home caregivers provide multidimensional support to family and friends who are aged, disabled, and unable to care for self. Often experiencing the negative effects of caregiver stress, they face potential physical and emotional strain, changes in health requiring emergency treatment, and financial burden. Today, families are turning to mobile technology to lessen their burden and to cope with the stress of caring for members through activities including healthcare information searches. The purpose of this study is to explore how the Internet is helping caretakers to make decisions on the selection of doctors and treatment options. Multivariate regression analysis and individual level data from the Pew Internet and American Life Project is used. The authors' findings suggest that while caregivers are using the Internet for making decisions on family health needs, they are not as likely to use it to protect their own health.

The Effects of Internet Use and Internet Efficacy on Offline and Online Engagement

While existing research has explored the relationship between Internet use and civic engagement, this study is among the first to examine the effects of general Internet use, social network site use, and Internet efficacy on online and offline civic participation using the 2010 Pew Internet and American Life Project ‘Social Side of the Internet’ survey (N = 2,303). Results show that general Internet use and social network site use enhance web and wireless participation. However, neither increases offline participation. Individual Internet efficacy enhances both online and offline participation, but group Internet efficacy decreases offline participation. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings of this study for engagement are discussed.

Exploring Web 2.0 political engagement: Is new technology reducing the biases of political participation?

This article explores the relationship between political participation taking place on online social networking websites, defined as “cyber participation,” and turnout in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election and the 2010 U.S. Midterm Election. The paper presents two studies, the first using data from the 2008 Pew Internet & American Life Project survey and the second using data from the 2010 Pew Internet & American Life Project. Each study is conducted in two parts. The first part identifies who is utilizing social networking websites as political participation tools. The second then examines the association between these forms of cyber participation and turnout in order to demonstrate that cyber participation has a positive effect on turnout. Findings suggest, 1) younger individuals are more likely to utilize cyber participation, 2) traditional predictors of participation are not correlated with cyber participation, and 3) people who engage in cyber participation are more likely to turnout to vote.

The Internet Imaginary: Between Technology and Technique

The Internet Imaginary: Between Technology and Technique

News Engagement Versus News Consumption

Does internet use promote participation in online civic action beyond what would be expected based on certain user attributes? To tackle the question, this study analyzed data from an online news survey conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project in 2010. Findings show that frequent internet use stimulates online news users’ civic engagement beyond their predisposition to news consumption. On the contrary, online news use also functions as a way of fulfilling a civic obligation. Furthermore, the result shows the different roles that user motivations for news consumption play in shaping divergent styles of online news use. Digital network technology empowers the predisposed to engage in civic conversations, along with online news consumption, while expanding the opportunity for diverse users to become civically informed.

Older People with Access to Hand-Held Devices: Who Are They?

Multiple comorbid conditions among older patients require frequent physician office and emergency room visits, at times leading to hospitalization. In recent years, mobile health (m-health) systems utilizing hand-held devices (e.g., smartphones) have been developed, which could be used for health-related interventions. This study investigates sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who have or have not accessed Internet via hand-held devices. Adults older than 65 years of age who participated in the Health Tracking survey of the Pew Internet and American Life Project in 2012 were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed for prevalence of Internet access via hand-held devices and differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Different online health information seeking behavior is also reported. In the weighted sample size of 3,116 responses, 472 (15.1%) had access to Internet via hand-held devices. Those with such an access were younger and had higher income and education and better overall quality of life and quality of life at the time of answering the survey. They were more likely to be female and married or living as married. Those with diabetes or significant change in physical condition in the prior year were less likely to have such an access. In the multivariate analysis, older or diabetic individuals had lower probability of such access. Higher likelihood of access was associated with higher income and education, being married, female gender, better quality of life, higher number of comorbid illnesses, and emergency room visit or hospital admission in the last 12 months. Investigators should pay attention to sociodemographic and clinical disparities of older adults to develop feasible m-health interventions.