Authentic Connections Research Articles

Beyond Swipes and Scores: Investigating Practices, Challenges and User-Centered Values in Online Dating Algorithms

The reliability of online dating algorithms has sparked considerable debate, particularly regarding skepticism about their excessive emphasis on evaluating and getting evaluated, which often overshadows the quest for authentic romantic connections. To understand the multifaceted influence of dating algorithms on end-users and explore avenues for algorithmic features considering the dynamics of human relationships, we conducted a mixed-methods study comprising in-depth interviews (N = 22) and a metaphoric co-design workshop (N = 12) with active users of online dating platforms. Interviews revealed that users perceive and respond to algorithmic evaluations with varied perceptions and behaviors, often expressing concerns about the emotional burden of constant self-presentation and the pursuit of quantitative assessments over genuine connections. In the design workshop, users envisioned desired algorithmic features to overcome investigated challenges, such as prioritizing personal values, tailored matchmaking, and support for personal growth in relationships. This research contributes to unraveling the complex dynamics of human-algorithm interaction in the context of online dating. By aligning algorithmic functions more closely with user desires and relationship goals, this study paves the way for more meaningful and authentic connections in the digital dating landscape.

Paradisiacal Travelers' Experiences Shaping Sustainable Tourism Development (SGD) in Sicogon Island

Objective: This study explores the captivating encounters that shape travelers’ perceptions of Sicogon Island's enchanting allure, providing insights for sustainable tourism development (SGD). Theoretical Framework: This research is grounded in phenomenology, aiming to understand the essence of travelers' lived experiences on Sicogon Island. It draws on literature emphasizing the significance of subjective experiences, the interplay of natural and cultural elements in shaping destination appeal, and the growing trend of experiential tourism. Method: A qualitative approach was adopted, employing in-depth interviews and participant observations with 15 travelers who had diverse experiences on the island. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo software, facilitating thematic analysis and identification of patterns. Results and Discussion: Five key themes emerged, revealing captivating encounters related to nature's serenity, cultural immersion, adventure, simplicity, and transformative connections. These encounters were shaped by the island's natural beauty, cultural richness, opportunities for exploration, unhurried pace of life, and genuine human interactions. Research Implications: This study offers valuable insights for sustainable tourism development on Sicogon Island. It underscores the need to preserve the island's natural environment, promote cultural heritage, develop eco-tourism and adventure activities, foster slow travel experiences, and facilitate authentic connections between visitors and the local community. Originality/Value: In exploring the captivating encounters that contribute to Sicogon Island's allure, this study can provide a unique perspective on the island's tourism potential. The findings can inform the development of sustainable tourism strategies that enhance the visitor experience while preserving the island's natural and cultural treasures.

Ghosting on Tinder: Examining Disconnectivity in Online Dating

This study examines the phenomenon of ghosting on the mobile dating app Tinder among Slovenia’s dating app users. Ghosting is defined as the unexpected unilateral termination of communication in interpersonal relationships exerted through digital platforms. Drawing upon data from the walkthrough of the mobile dating app Tinder and 26 semi-structured interviews with users living in Ljubljana (Slovenia), ghosting is conceptualized as an undesirable but normalized disconnection strategy on Tinder. We argue that choosing ghosting as a communication strategy emerges predominantly from two different contexts. Firstly, from the need to protect oneself from harassment and vulnerability, and secondly, as a reaction to the information overload in an environment that demands perpetual activity, availability, and interaction. Therefore, it manifests as a disconnection strategy on an interaction level or as a consequence of disconnecting from the platform itself. According to users, the desire to disconnect from others and exit the app is as high and ambiguous as the desire to connect and experience an ego boost or the excitement of interactions. Ghosting on Tinder, therefore, emerges as a response to general hyperconnectivity to navigate the increasing information overload and to a feeling of loss of the possibilities for safe and authentic connections in digital spaces.

Leading with Trust: Strategies for Cultivating Authentic Connections that Last

Abstract: This article discusses research-backed strategies for leaders to authentically generate and maintain organizational trust. It explores how trust is defined as the willingness to ascribe good intentions to others and have confidence in their words and actions. Studies show trust in leadership positively correlates with important work outcomes like job satisfaction, commitment, and performance. The article outlines approaches leaders can take to build trust, including demonstrating competence through expertise and reliability, communicating openly and honestly while sharing both positive and negative information, displaying care and concern for employees, distributing appropriate authority and decision-making, and rewarding risk-taking and accepting failures. When leaders employ these trust-building behaviors consistently, it empowers employees to contribute at higher levels. In turn, organizations benefit from increased motivation, innovation and resilience among intrinsically aligned teams.

Belonging, Affirmation, Safety, and Efficacy (BASE): An Integrative Model for Shame Resilience, Social Support, and Humor in r/hemorrhoid

ABSTRACT The present study sought to understand how participants in r/hemorrhoid used three coping strategies to improve their health and wellbeing. Drawing upon Shame Resilience Theory (SRT), the typology of social support, and the classification of humor styles, a theory-driven approach to qualitative analysis resulted in the identification of the following themes: Belongingness (building authentic connections with others), Affirmation (asserting the value of own experiences), Safety (feeling able to express emotions and needs), and Efficacy (exchanging information and advice for recovery). The study presents a coping model (BASE) that can inform research on communication patterns in contexts beyond other health conditions. Practical implications are derived from users’ psychological distress and their reliance on diagnostics and treatment advice from peers, offering directions for supporting individuals with hemorrhoids.

Marketing’s crystal ball: Where we are and where we could soon be with generative artificial intelligence in marketing

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has emerged as a transformative force in contemporary marketing, offering unprecedented creativity and efficacy. From predictive analytics to real-time personalisation, consumer behaviour patterning to personalised content creation, GenAI empowers marketers to craft bespoke strategies tailored to individual needs. As deep learning and natural language processing advance, GenAI promises to revolutionise brand–consumer relationships, forging authentic connections in the digital ecosystem. This paper studies the rise of GenAI in marketing, weaving research insights and visionary foresight. The study provides practitioners with an overview of GenAI’s potential for enhancing marketing efficacy and insight into its possible applications.

GLORIOUS GIFTS

Abstract— The Glorious Gifts project aims to revolutionize the way people give and receive gifts by providing a platform that offers unique, personalized, and meaningful gift options. Our goal is to make gift-giving more thoughtful and intentional, and to create authentic connections between givers and receivers. Through our carefully curated selection of products and experiences, we strive to bring joy and happiness to both parties involved in the gift-giving process. Join us in spreading love and appreciation through the art of gift-giving with Glorious Gifts. Keywords – Unique, Personalized, Meaningful, Thoughtful, Authentic, Connection, Joy, Happiness.

Strategic Marketing Approaches for Startup Expansion: Vision, Mission, and Goals

In today's competitive business landscape, startups face the challenge of establishing themselves and expanding their market presence amidst evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. To navigate this terrain successfully, startups must develop robust marketing strategies that align with their vision, mission, and goals. A startup's vision serves as its guiding beacon, outlining its aspirations for the future. It encapsulates the company's ultimate purpose and desired impact on the market. When crafting marketing strategies, startups must ensure alignment with this vision, leveraging it to communicate a compelling narrative that resonates with target audiences. Similarly, a startup's mission defines its core values and the means through which it aims to achieve its vision. Marketing strategies should reflect these values, fostering authentic connections with customers and stakeholders. By communicating a clear and consistent message aligned with its mission, a startup can differentiate itself in the market and build trust among its audience. Goals provide the roadmap for a startup's journey towards success. Whether aiming for market expansion, revenue growth, or customer acquisition, marketing strategies must be designed to support these objectives effectively. Startups should employ data-driven approaches to assess market opportunities, identify target segments, and tailor marketing initiatives to maximize impact. In essence, effective marketing strategies for startup expansion require a holistic approach that integrates the company's vision, mission, and goals into every facet of its promotional efforts. By staying true to its foundational principles while remaining agile in response to market dynamics, a startup can position itself for sustainable growth and long-term success. Key Words: Startup, marketing strategies, expansion, vision, mission, goals, market presence, consumer preferences, technological advancements,

Influencer Marketing and Consumer Engagement: The Role of Food Experts in Shaping Attitudes Towards Organic Products

The Covid-19 pandemic has spurred a consumer trend toward embracing healthier lifestyles and diets. Leveraging primary studies centered on influencer marketing and its influence on consumer behavior, this study aims to scrutinize and evaluate the effect of Food Expert Influencers on consumers' attitudes towards organic products. Our conceptual model, utilizing the theory of social comparison, contributes to formulating hypotheses based on which specific characteristics of Food Expert Influencers are capable of influencing and impacting consumer behavior towards organic foods. On the basis of survey data collected from 306 respondents, structural equation modeling was employed to test our hypotheses and measure the proposed conceptual model. The results indicated that influencers' sexual orientation, appealing lifestyle, specialized knowledge in a particular domain, personal traits like beauty or sex appeal, and their follower count exert a considerable influence on consumer behavior, notably fostering positive attitudes towards organic products. These findings hold substantial theoretical implications, offering crucial insights for marketing strategies in the organic food products sector, as well as for corporate social responsibility. They underscore the importance of carefully selecting influencers who resonate with the target demographics and can forge authentic connections with them. Moreover, the results suggest that harnessing the credibility of Food Experts of Influence (FEIs) can influence consumer behavior and potentially bolster the sales of organic products.

Suniya Luthar (1958-2023).

Co-founder Emerita of Authentic Connections, Founder of Authentic Connections Groups, and Professor Emerita at Columbia University's Teachers College, Suniya Luthar passed away on February 16, 2023. Suniya was born on December 9, 1958, in New Delhi, India, where she studied for BA (1978) and MA (1980) degrees and served as a lecturer on child development (1981-1984), all at Lady Irwin College. After decades of studying youth across the economic spectrum, Suniya concluded that ultimately children's ability to be resilient is most linked to their mother's well-being and that became the final focus of her empirical and community work. Suniya initiated several projects to support mothers. They include a relational group therapy for low-income mothers with histories of addiction and serious mental illness and the Authentic Connections Groups program, an evidence-based supportive community intervention that has been successfully used in hospitals, schools, and university settings. Suniya used to say that, even as a young child, she was sensitive to the psychological pain of others and decided at the age of 15 to help children in distress. She certainly accomplished that goal. As testaments to her vast scholarly contributions to the well-being of children and their families, Suniya received numerous awards and honors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Addressing Students’ Beliefs to Enhance Family-Professional Collaboration in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Preparation

Preservice educators’ attitudes and beliefs towards families can have a profound impact on family-centered practices (FCPs) and family-professional partnerships (FPPs); unfortunately, negative beliefs about families can surface during preservice early childhood preparation and can be a challenge for faculty in higher education to address. This article shares promising instructional practices (e.g., projects, assignments, teaching methods) that have been shown to reshape preservice educators’ existing beliefs about families. In addition, these instructional practices aim to cultivate positive perspectives in preservice educators by aligning with the recent joint policy statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S Department of Education on inclusive early learning programs (2023) regarding engaging families as full partners. The purposes of this article are to: (a) briefly summarize the literature on relational FCPs and FPPs, (b) describe the connection between beliefs about families and their contribution to strengthen or hinder relational FCPs and FPPs, and (c) present instructional practices that faculty can use to support preservice EI/ECSE students’ constructive beliefs about families. Examples of instructional practices are organized and presented as: in class activities with families (e.g., guest speakers); in class activities without families (e.g., role playing); and out of class activities with families (e.g., attending an Individualized Education Program [IEP] meeting). By integrating these instructional practices, faculty can equip preservice educators with necessary skills and attitudes to build authentic connections with families, which can lead to improved outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.

12 Tips for Centering Patient Voices through "Lived Experience Panels" in Preclinical Undergraduate Medical Education.

Background: Integrating patient narratives into medical education enhances understanding of person-centered care, empathy, and the human experience of illness. This paper explores the implementation of lived experience panels (LEPs) in preclinical medical education. Aims & Description: Twelve strategies for effective LEP integration are presented, emphasizing thoughtful curation of panelists, timing considerations, vulnerability cultivation, and empowerment of marginalized voices. The paper outlines leveraging virtual platforms, skillful facilitation, student and patient preparation, post-session support, and debriefing mechanisms. Experiences from the University of Texas Branch at Galveston are showcased. Conclusion: The incorporation of LEPs into medical education holds immense potential for benefiting both learners and patients. Ensuring intentional and sensitive inclusion of these panels is paramount for the development of impactful curricula. By incorporating patient voices into medical education, we can nurture empathy, reinforce person-centered care principles, and cultivate authentic connections among learners, ultimately facilitating a transformative shift in the dynamics of the physician-patient relationship.

Influence marketing in social media

This article aims to comprehensively explo­re the evolving landscape of influence mar­keting, specifically focusing on its impact on brand perception and consumer engagement. Delving into influencer characteristics, the evolution of marketing strategies, and successful campaigns, the study seeks to illuminate the multifaceted dynamics that contribute to the effectiveness of influence marketing in the digital era. The analysis reveals that influence mar­keting serves as a cornerstone for building authentic connections in an era marked by digital saturation. Insights into emerging trends, such as the rise of nano-influencers and purpose-driven collaborations, underscore the pivotal role influencers play in shaping brand narratives. Innovations like virtual reality integ­ration further highlight the dynamic nature of influence marketing. The emphasis on long-form storytelling, sustainability, and genuine enga­gement reinforces the enduring importance of influencers as cultural mediators and trusted conduits between brands and consumers. The scientific novelty lies in a nuanced exploration of influence marketing, transcending traditional promotional strategies. The study delves into the psychological impact of influencer endorse­ments, the effectiveness of specific content formats, and ethical considerations surrounding virtual influencers. By addressing these dime­nsions, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of influence marketing dyna­mics, providing valuable insights for resear­chers and industry professionals alike. The prac­tical value of this research is two-fold. Firstly, it offers marketers actionable insights into navigating challenges, adapting to emer­ging trends, and refining influencer strategies. Secondly, the exploration of ethical considerations and the impact of technologies in influence marketing equips industry profess­sionals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, fostering responsible and effective influencer campaigns. This article encourages continuous inquiry, ensu­ring that influence marketing remains not only a dynamic force in the digital landscape but also an ethically grounded and impactful strategy for building brand connections

Perception and Acceptability of Rice Cake Vendors on Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro

The allure of a destination often lies in the unique and authentic connections with local communities. In line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11, which advocates for sustainable cities and communities, community-based tourism (CBT) has emerged as a promising approach. Recognizing the potential of CBT, this study delves into the perceptions and acceptance of this concept among community members and rice cake vendors in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Rice cake, bibingka in Filipino language, holds deeper significance for these vendors. It embodies their cultural heritage passed down through generations. By embracing CBT, they can transform their passion into a sustainable livelihood, not only for themselves but for their entire community and the whole tourism industry of the province. Adopting a quantitative approach, this study employs a CBT framework with a supplementing focus on community capital. Through mapping and observation of the research locale, community capital includes built, human, and political. The findings also reveal a positive correlation between the community’s perception and acceptance of CBT. This encouraging outcome signifies that the community has met the first consideration of embracing CBT-they have their eyes wide open. It is therefore recommended that consistent and inclusive programs from various stakeholders be in place to enhance the existing knowledge of the CBT concept towards strong community organization building. Future researchers may assess tourists’ experiences and satisfaction with the current offering of rice cake as a CBT product for planners’ and policymakers’ prospect program implementation.

Key Concepts in Advertising: Authenticity

Abstract: Drawing from his 2023 book The Authenticity Industries: Keeping It "Real" in Media, Culture, and Politics (Stanford University Press), Michael Serazio meets with fellow scholars Jefferson Pooley and Edward Timke to dissect and historicize the concept of authenticity across American culture. They explore three key dimensions of authenticity: personal genuineness, the impact of capitalism, and the quest for uniqueness. The dialogue further ventures into authenticity's role in media, branding, and the evolving discourse on "selling out," suggesting a gradual shift towards acceptance of commercial motives among younger people. They propose critiquing authenticity's potential in consumer culture and political branding and call for reflections on what constitutes authentic connections in an increasingly digital world. The conversation sheds light on the complexities and significance of authenticity in contemporary society, especially as various industries use it to sell and persuade.

REAL‐TIME LEADERSHIP IN THREE DIMENSIONS: LESSONS FROM COACHING AND 1000 CEOs

AbstractThe author is a longtime leadership consultant and coach, as well as an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, and a visiting professor at Henley Business School. She describes a four‐part “MOVE” framework, from her book co‐authored with David Noble, Real–Time Leadership: M: Mindfully Alert. O: Generate Options. V: Validate Your Vantage Point. E: Engage and Effect Change. She also writes about a “survey conducted by Egon Zehnder, a global management consulting and executive search firm of 1,000 CEOs with a combined annual revenue of nearly four trillion dollars.” In writing about the three dimensions of real‐time leadership, she states: “The first dimension is what external challenges and goals you must meet”… the second dimension is “the nature of your internal requirements, your inner resources, personal growth, and aspirations.”…the third dimension… “is to know how to develop peak relationship skills to create authentic connections and unlock the potential of your teams.” In the survey, “knowing how to connect was identified as the greatest challenge leaders face. We asked the 1,000 CEOs what feedback they most often received; what was their Achilles Heel? The greatest challenge by far was in their relationships.”

Social Influence Strategies: Unveiling the Dynamics of Influencer Marketing in Modern Communication

The study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of influencer marketing by examining the tactics used by influencers to foster authentic connections with their audience and, as a result, influence consumer choices. The study provides a detailed analysis of the strategies used by influencers, such as content curating and strategic brand partnerships, to effectively incorporate marketing into their content. The research primarily examines the merging of authentic identity and persuasive impact in influencer marketing. In contrast to traditional advertising, influencer marketing flourishes by leveraging the perceived genuineness of influencers and the relatability of their content. The study aims to clarify how influencers effectively manage the delicate equilibrium between authentic self-expression and intentional business promotion. It aims to elucidate the strategies they use to develop trust and connection with their audience, thereby amplifying their persuasive impact. The report also examines influencer marketing in great detail, predicting its future development in the field of marketing communication. The study seeks to provide significant insights into the evolving dynamics of consumer-brand relationships in a social media and influencer-driven age by examining the intricate connections among influencers, corporations, and consumers. This research enhances our comprehensive comprehension of influencer marketing’s impact on the direction of contemporary marketing communication by unravelling its intricacies and predicting future trends.

The constraints of stereotypical beauty standards on women

The allure of idealized body images portrayed in social short videos serves as a poignant reflection of the media's relentless scrutiny of individual appearance and body standards, further exacerbating the pervasive anxieties surrounding personal physicality. Within the pervasive wave of consumerism, bodies become imbued with symbolic consumerist attributes, prompting individuals to meticulously craft their own image in pursuit of societal validation. This pursuit, however, fosters a troubling homogenization of aesthetic ideals, where conformity to prevailing trends often results in physical harm and a distortion of core values. Simultaneously, this relentless pursuit of an idealized image erodes the sense of authentic connection with others, creating a pervasive sense of isolation within individuals. Those ensnared within the confines of new media algorithms find themselves ensnared within an echo chamber, where diverse perspectives and authentic connections are increasingly scarce commodities. To rectify this troubling trend, the media must cultivate a more diverse and inclusive expression environment, one that fosters self-awareness and celebrates individual authenticity. By championing diverse representations and promoting genuine connection over superficial validation, the media can help safeguard the presence of others and resist the pervasive erosion of societal values by consumerist agendas masquerading as entertainment.

Decoding Digital Persuasion: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Social Media Influencers' Impact on Consumer Purchase Intentions in the Beauty Industry

This study investigates the complex dynamics of beauty influencer marketing and its impact on consumer purchase intentions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we integrate Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to examine the relationships between perceived influencer credibility, content quality, parasocial interaction, perceived authenticity, brand trust, and attitude towards the product. Data collected from 412 consumers were analyzed using SmartPLS4. The results reveal significant direct and indirect effects of influencer characteristics and content factors on purchase intentions, mediated by brand trust and attitude towards the product. Notably, product-influencer fit emerges as a significant moderator, enhancing the impact of influencer credibility on purchase intentions. The fsQCA results complement these findings by identifying multiple configurations leading to high purchase intentions, highlighting the equifinality in influencer marketing effectiveness. This research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive model of influencer marketing effectiveness, demonstrating the interplay between various factors, and revealing multiple pathways to success. The findings offer valuable insights for marketers in developing effective influencer marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of influencer selection, content quality, and fostering authentic connections with audiences.

Mental health and psychiatry: Distinctions, links, and ethical/bioethical perspectives

Introduction. Mental health and psychiatry have been terms of intense and complex use for almost a century, and they may have reached a critical level of ambiguous and imprecise synonymy that makes their definition and validation difficult. Objective. To examine these concepts in depth, establishing precise distinctions, ontological connections, and instrumental scope reinforced by well-defined ideas in ethics and bioethics. Method. Narrative review of pertinent literature, consultation with diverse scientific, medical, historical, philosophical, and literary sources, with appropriate analysis of ethical and bioethical practices. Results. A broad, comprehensive definition is elaborated of mental health as a field with sociocultural, political, and demographic implications, and of psychiatry as a medical specialty. In addition to making clear distinctions and describing the specific impact of both fields on diverse populations, various levels of conceptual linkages, sociopolitical action, and ethical content are highlighted, as well as in processes of administration, education, and research. Discussion and conclusion. There are factors that reinforce or weaken the scope of mental health and psychiatry, including their ethical and bioethical dimensions. Their effectiveness requires a reaffirmation of objectives and the reinforcement of individual and institutional initiatives, as well as the search for authentic connections and a social projection that is objective, comprehensive, and just.