Social Network Characteristics Research Articles

Development and usability testing of a cognitive-behavioral therapy-guided self-help mobile app and social media group for the post-acute treatment of anorexia nervosa

ObjectiveAnorexia nervosa (AN) is often treated in the acute setting, but relapse after treatment is common. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is useful in the post-acute period, but access to trained providers is limited. Social support is also critical during this period. This study utilized a user-centered design approach to develop and evaluate the usability of a CBT-based mobile app and social networking component for post-acute AN support. MethodParticipants (N = 19) were recently discharged from acute treatment for AN. Usability testing of the intervention was conducted over three cycles; assessments included the System Usability Scale (SUS), the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use Questionnaire (USE), the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), a social media questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview. ResultsInterview feedback detailed aspects of the app that participants enjoyed and those needing improvement. Feedback converged on three themes: Logistical App Feedback, boosting recovery, and Real-World App/Social Media Use. USE and MARS scores were above average and SUS scores were “good” to “excellent” across cycles. ConclusionThis study provides evidence of feasibility and acceptability of an app and social networking feature for post-acute care of AN. The intervention has potential for offering scalable support for individuals with AN in the high-risk period following discharge from acute care.

Social network analysis and educational change: unravelling the role of innovative teaching staff in a higher education environment

ABSTRACT As the higher education landscape has shifted and calls for change and improvements have grown louder, researchers have turned to empirical investigations of what makes change possible in higher education. Recent studies on the impact of informal interactions for promoting change have given impetus to social network analysis as an approach to studying higher education change. However, the relationship between teachers’ social network characteristics and their disposition to adopt changes remains largely unknown. In this study, we describe the characteristics of teaching networks and explain the network characteristics of the most innovative teaching staff. By capturing whole teaching and research networks within a STEM discipline department at a Norwegian university, we show that teachers tend to speak to the same colleagues about both research and teaching, and that teaching communities are constrained by departmental sub-units (i.e. research groups). Furthermore, by combining the network data with a survey on diffusion of innovation, we find that the most innovative teachers (1) are central in the network, having the largest personal networks, (2) have a substantial reach to the rest of the network, and (3) are highly interconnected. This paper contributes to the understanding of change theories in higher education and discusses how these results can inform the practice of change agents and educational developers. In addition to confirming the presence of a research-teaching nexus, we discuss why leveraging the networks of the most innovative teaching staff would be a promising strategy for facilitating change in higher education.

Social network characteristics impact the recognition of degraded speech by adult cochlear implant users

Social networks influence the quantity and quality of linguistic input experienced in everyday listening environments. In normal-hearing listeners, the variable linguistic input provided by larger and more diverse social networks has been shown to support speech processing. However, for adult cochlear implant (CI) users, limitations in the perception of linguistic and talker details may limit input variability benefits. The current study examined the effects of social network size and diversity on the recognition of spectrotemporally degraded speech by adult CI users. Twenty-six postlingually deafened adult CI users completed a detailed questionnaire about their regular communication partners. Social network size was calculated as the number of regular communication partners, and social network diversity was calculated as the degree of age, education, and accent heterogeneity among communication partners. Social network metrics were compared to vowel, word, and sentence recognition accuracy scores, also controlling for basic auditory ability. Results showed that social network age diversity was moderately to strongly correlated with word and sentence recognition accuracy. Social network size and other diversity metrics were not related to word or sentence recognition accuracy. These findings suggest that more diverse input from different age groups facilitates spoken word recognition in adult CI users.

Perceived social support and characteristics of social networks of families with children with special healthcare needs following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) require more support than the average of their peers. Support systems for CSHCN were particularly affected by pandemic control measures. Perceived social support is a resource for health and wellbeing for CSHCN and their families. Associations of social support, mental health and socioeconomic status (SES) have been described. This study aims to (1) assess perceived social support in families with and without CSHCN; (2) describe structure and types of social networks of families with and without CSHCN; and (3) explore associations between perceived social support, disease complexity, child and caregiver mental health, and SES. This is the third of a sequential series of cross-sectional online surveys conducted among caregivers of children ≤ 18 years in Germany since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, administered between 1st December 2022 and 10 March 2023. The Brief Social Support Scale (BS6) assessed perceived social support. Child and parental mental health were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and WHO-5 Wellbeing index. The CSHCN-Screener identified CSHCN. Descriptive statistics and linear regression modeling assessed associations between perceived social support, parent-reported child mental health problems, disease complexity, caregiver mental wellbeing and SES. The final sample included 381 participants, among them 76.6% (n = 292) CSHCN. 46.2% (n = 176) of caregivers reported moderate, i.e., at least occasional social support. Social support was largely provided by informal social networks consisting of partners, relatives and neighbors/friends. Linear regression modeling revealed associations of lower perceived social support with higher disease complexity of the child, lower caregiver mental wellbeing, lower SES and increasing caregiver age. The results of this study describe inequalities in perceived social support according to disease complexity of the child, caregiver mental health and socioeconomic status. They highlight the importance of social support and support networks as a resource for wellbeing of caregivers and CSHCN. Moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery strategies should focus on low-threshold interventions based in the community to improve social support for families with CSHCN and actively involve caregivers in identifying needs and co-creating new approaches.

The moderating role of social capital for late‐career management intervention effects on older employees' work engagement

AbstractDespite increasing interest in supporting older workers' motivation, retention, and well‐being at work, knowledge about how social networks at work may affect the efficacy of training interventions among older employees is scarce. These social ties are an important source of resources for older workers' careers. This study examined the characteristics of older workers' personal social networks as boundary conditions for the effects of late‐career management intervention on work engagement. Data were used from an earlier randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which senior employees (mean age of 58 years) participated in a peer group‐based training intervention and were asked to complete follow‐up surveys at baseline, post‐intervention, and after 6 months (Vuori et al., 2019, Journal of Vocational Behavior, 115: 103327). The results showed that older workers' social ties at higher organizational levels (upper reachability) and the number of social ties at work moderated the effect of the intervention on work engagement. Specifically, the intervention aimed at enhancing employees' personal resources improved work engagement for senior employees with few or no social ties at work with whom they could discuss important matters, and for those with social ties at higher organizational levels. However, the relationship quality between older workers and their leaders showed no moderation effect. This study encourages human resources professionals to consider the social network characteristics and peer learning of older workers when providing training to enhance their work engagement.

Vulnerability or Resiliency? A Two-Wave Panel Analysis of Social Network Factors Associated with Glycemic Levels among Mexican Immigrants in the Bronx, NYC, Before and During COVID-19.

Latinos have high rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) yet are characterized as having health-promoting social networks. The impacts of COVID-19 on personal networks were complex, especially in urban areas with high proportion of immigrants such as the Bronx in NYC. Our objective was to test the extent to which network characteristics increase vulnerability or resiliency for glycemic control based on data gathered from Mexican-origin Bronx dwellers. We used two-wave panel study analyzing self-reported personal social networks (n=30participants; 600network members) and HbA1c levels via dried blood spots in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2021, a time after initial lockdowns and when the pandemic was still ravaging the community of study. Regression models adjusted for individual-level variables including sociodemographic and health indicators (i.e., physical health including COVID-19 and mental health). We found that an increase in the proportion of network members with diabetes predicted an increase in participant's HbA1c levels from 2019 to 2021 (β=0.044, p < 0.05). Also, a greater proportion of network members consuming "an American diet" in 2019 predicted a decrease in participant's HbA1c levels (β=-0.028, p < 0.01), while a greater proportion of network members that encouraged participants' health in 2019 predicted an increase in participant's HbA1c levels (β=0.033, p < 0.05). Our study sheds light on specific social network characteristics relevant to individual diabetes outcomes, including potential longitudinal mechanistic effects that played out at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.

Abstract TP258: Social Network Features Involved in Stroke Decision Making During Acute Stroke

Introduction: 80% of strokes occur in the company of others and 70% take place at home. However, research on prehospital delay has overlooked the social nature of stroke detection and triage. In the Time is Brain study, we aim to understand how a patient’s social network affects the decision to seek medical care during stroke symptom onset. Methods: We conducted in-depth interview in 78 patients (ages 30 to 90 years) in the longitudinal, multicenter Time is Brain study. During the interview, we mapped and examined relationships and interactions between patients and individuals involved in the decision-making process during the stroke. We enrolled during their initial stroke hospitalization at Mass General Brigham or Yale New Haven Hospital. Eligibility criteria include having an acute stroke syndrome presentation that may include diagnoses of acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Trauma-related syndromes, such as subdural hemorrhage, were excluded. Results: 82.5% (n=66) of patients were accompanied by at least one other person during symptom onset. 60% (n=48) contacted at least one other person. 82.5% (n=66) of strokes occurred in a home-setting and 17.5% (n=14) occurred at work or another public space. 36.25% (n=29) of patients identified their spouse as the first person made aware of symptoms. Men were more likely than women to be accompanied by a spouse (X 2 = 6.8211, p-value = 0.03302). Conclusions: Building on prior studies that have highlighted the important role of the social environment in stroke detection and triage, this is a high-resolution study of the social agents and behaviors driving stroke decision-making. These findings highlight the active and often lengthy communication, and unspoken observations that shape layperson decisions during stroke crises. These data are important to identify mechanisms of prehospital delay and build social network-based interventions to improve time-to-treatment.

SOCIO-PEDAGOGICAL LEVEL STRATIFICATION: PORTRAIT OF A VIRTUAL PERSONALITY

The authors tried to determine the psychological and pedagogical characteristics of the phenomenon of “virtual personality” in this article. The main purpose of this work is to show the results of the content analysis of socio- psychological reasons (anonymity and confidentiality, expression, and self-expression, research of roles and identities, social interaction and acceptance) for designing a portrait of a virtual personality in an “online community”. The quintessence of modeling the portrait of a virtual personality in the “online community” provides for the identification of a methodological concept for the analysis of socio-pedagogical stratification, applicable to establish a correlation between indicators of network communicative culture and behavioral patterns of Kazakhstani students. The quintessence of modeling the portrait of a virtual personality in the “online community” provides for the identification of a methodological concept for the analysis of socio-pedagogical stratification, applicable to establish a correlation between indicators of network communicative culture and behavioral patterns of Kazakhstani students. The results of the conducted research are presented, and the concepts are clarified: “virtual personality”, “virtual personality image”, and “virtual identity”. The algorithm of experimental research developed by us will allow: us to substantiate the deterministic features of social networks; reveal the dominant role of “online community” in the socialization of personality; to reveal its real influence on the value orientations of modern students. Keywords: online community, virtual personality image, virtual personality, virtual space, social networks, virtual self, virtual reality, virtual identity.

The effects of social networks on HIV risk behaviors among Vietnamese female sex workers: a qualitative study

IntroductionFemale sex workers (FSWs) experience heightened vulnerability to HIV and other health harms, and cross-border FSWs face additional challenges due to language issues, higher mobility, and weaker negotiation skills. Given the critical role of social network factors in HIV transmission, it is imperative to explore the social network characteristics of Vietnamese cross-border FSWs in China to enhance AIDS prevention and control.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 Vietnamese FSWs in Hekou County, Yunnan Province from May to July 2018. The samples were selected using a purposive sampling strategy and stopped when reached theoretical saturation. Data collection and analysis were conducted iteratively to identify themes within the data. Participants reported their social relationships and how these relationships affected their HIV risk behaviours. All the interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsAmong 22 Vietnamese FSWs, the median age was 23.5. Concerning social networks, interviews revealed that their social networks were composed of three components: Workplace networks (customer, boss, colleague), Hometown networks (spouse or boyfriend, family member, fellow villager), and Social institutions networks (Chinese social institutions network, Vietnamese social institutions network). None of these networks can simply support or hinder Vietnamese FSWs’ preventive high-risk HIV behaviours, and the impact is achieved through each network’s ways. Within the workplace network, the predominant influence is the ascendancy-submissiveness dynamic that exists among customers, bosses, and VFSWs. In the hometown network, familial responsibilities emerge as the principal factor impacting VFSWs. Meanwhile, within the social institution network, pivotal roles are played by the Chinese CDC and the Vietnamese government in the dissemination of HIV knowledge.ConclusionsThe social networks of Vietnamese female sex workers exert a dual impact on high-risk HIV behaviors. Interventions should be designed and tailored to address the specific contextual factors and challenges associated with social networks among cross-border FSWs in China and other similar settings.

"No sufro, estoy bien/I am not suffering, so I am doing OK": A mixed method exploration of individual and network-level factors and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among Mexican American adults in New York City.

The prevalence of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is 2-3 times greater among Mexican Americans than non-Latino whites, and Mexican Americans are more likely to develop T2DM at younger ages and experience higher rates of complications. Social networks might play a crucial role in both T2DM etiology and management through social support, access to resources, social engagement, and health behavioral norms. To quantitatively identify the social network features associated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a community sample of Mexican immigrants residing in New York City, and to explore the extent to which these quantitative findings converge with qualitative narratives of their lived experiences. This study used a convergent mixed methods design. To collect personal network data, we used EgoWeb, and obtained 1,400 personal network ties from 81 participants. HbA1c readings were collected using dried blood spots and categorized according to the laboratory criteria of the American Diabetes Association. Additional survey data were collected using Qualtrics software. To investigate the significance of the network-level factors after accounting for the socioeconomic and demographic individual-level factors that the literature indicates to be associated with T2DM, we used a multiple regression model on quantitative data sources. For the qualitative portion of the study, we selected a subset of individuals who participated in the quantitative portion, which represented 500 personal network ties from 25 participants. We conducted in-depth interviews guided by the visualization of these ties to explore who was helpful or difficult in managing their health and health behaviors. Individual-level indicators associated with lower HbA1c scores were body mass index (β = -0.07, p<0.05), and healthy eating index scores (β = -0.03, p<0.02). The network-level predictor associated with higher HbA1c levels was the percentage of diabetic alters in the network (β = 0.08, p <0.001, with a 25% increase in the percentages associated 2.0 change in HbA1c levels. The qualitative data highlighted that most of the diabetes-related information diffused through the social networks of our participants was related to dietary practices, such as reducing sugar and red meat consumption, eating out less, and reducing portion sizes. Notably, even among those with elevated levels and diabetes-related health complications, HbA1c was not considered a part of the lay descriptions of good health since they were not "suffering." Participants regarded doctors as the ultimate authority in diabetes care, even if they had supportive members in their personal networks. Our study provides quantitative evidence for the significant role of diabetic network members in the etiology and management of T2DM among Mexican Americans. Our qualitative findings suggest important ley terms for T2DM management and the importance of physicians, which could be included in in future social networks studies seeking to diffuse diabetes-related health information for T2DM prevention and management efforts in this population.

Associations of Adolescent School Social Networks, Gender Norms, and Adolescent-to-Young Adult Changes in Male Gender Expression With Young Adult Substance Use

PurposeMale gender expression (MGE), which is shaped by sociocultural pressures around masculinity, has been previously associated with health. This study examines associations of adolescent social network variables and school gender norms with MGE changes from adolescence to young adulthood, and associations of these changes with young adult substance use. MethodsAnalyzing data from Waves I (1994–95, adolescents, aged 12–18) and IV (2008–09, young adults, 24–32) of a nationally representative longitudinal cohort study, male participants' MGE was assessed in each wave using a validated, empirically derived measure. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations of adolescent-to-young adult MGE changes between waves with adolescent social network characteristics and school gender norms. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between adolescent-to-young adult MGE changes and young adult substance uses (cigarette, marijuana, heavy alcohol, and recreational drug use, and prescription drug misuse). ResultsAmong 4,776 male participants, adolescent-to-young adult MGE changes were significantly associated with school gender norms such that adolescents whose MGE markedly departed from their schools' average exhibited greater MGE changes in the direction of their schools' average (β = −0.83, p < .01) relative to those who were more similar to school means. Adolescent-to-young adult increases in MGE were significantly associated with greater odds of all young adult substance use behaviors except prescription drug misuse. DiscussionAdolescents' MGE relative to other males at their school was associated with MGE changes toward school norms, with implications for young adult substance use. Adolescent gender norms may be an underexplored strategy for interventions to reduce substance misuse.

Willingness to use and distribute HIV self-testing kits among people who inject drugs in the San Diego–Tijuana border region

BackgroundHIV self-testing (HIVST) could increase HIV testing access among people who inject drugs (PWID), and secondary distribution (i.e., peer-delivery) of HIVST kits in PWID social networks could further expand coverage. We assessed willingness to use and distribute HIVST kits among PWID in the San Diego–Tijuana border region.MethodsFrom 2020 to 2021, HIV-negative PWID in San Diego, USA, and Tijuana, Mexico, completed surveys and provided data on individual (N = 539) and social network (N = 366) characteristics. We used modified Poisson regression to examine the effects of individual and social network characteristics on willingness to use and distribute HIVST kits.ResultsMost participants were willing to use (81%) and distribute (81%) HIVST kits. At the individual level, prior HIV testing was positively associated with willingness to use (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.40) and distribute (aPR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.12–1.43) HIVST kits, while perceiving oneself to be at higher HIV risk than others was negatively associated with willingness to use HIVST kits (aPR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.74–0.93). At the network level, willingness to distribute HIVST kits was positively associated with network size (aPR = 1.04 per member, 95% CI 1.01–1.08) and greater proportions of one’s network encouraging them to use drugs (aPR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.44) and having a history of homelessness (aPR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.31–1.74) or detention/arrest (aPR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.36–1.82), and negatively associated with a greater proportion of one’s network including “very close” persons (aPR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.69–0.94).ConclusionsWe found high potential for HIVST kits and their secondary distribution to increase HIV testing among PWID who face the greatest barriers to facility-based testing.

AI Chatbot Adoption in Academia: Task Fit, Usefulness and Collegial Ties

Aim/Purpose: This mixed-methods study aims to examine factors influencing academicians’ intentions to continue using AI-based chatbots by integrating the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model and social network characteristics. Background: AI-powered chatbots are gaining popularity across industries, including academia. However, empirical research on academicians’ adoption behavior is limited. This study proposes an integrated model incorporating TTF factors and social network characteristics like density, homophily, and connectedness to understand academics’ continuance intentions. Methodology: A qualitative study involving 31 interviews of academics from India examined attitudes and the potential role of social network characteristics like density, homophily, and connectedness in adoption. Results showed positive sentiment towards chatbots and themes on how peer groups accelerate diffusion. In the second phase, a survey of 448 faculty members from prominent Indian universities was conducted to test the proposed research model. Contribution: The study proposes and validates an integrated model of TTF and social network factors that influence academics’ continued usage intentions toward AI chatbots. It highlights the nuanced role of peer networks in shaping adoption. Findings: Task and technology characteristics positively affected academics’ intentions to continue AI chatbot usage. Among network factors, density showed the strongest effect on TTF and perceived usefulness, while homophily and connectedness had partial effects. The study provides insights into designing appropriate AI tools for the academic context. Recommendations for Practitioners: AI chatbot designers should focus on aligning features to academics’ task needs and preferences. Compatibility with academic work culture is critical. Given peer network influences, training and demonstrations to user groups can enhance adoption. Platforms should have capabilities for collaborative use. Targeted messaging customized to disciplines can resonate better with academic subgroups. Multidisciplinary influencers should be engaged. Concerns like plagiarism risks, privacy, and job impacts should be transparently addressed. Recommendation for Researchers: More studies are needed across academic subfields to understand nuanced requirements and barriers. Further studies are recommended to investigate differences across disciplines and demographics, relative effects of specific network factors like size, proximity, and frequency of interaction, the role of academic leadership and institutional policies in enabling chatbot adoption, and how AI training biases impact usefulness perceptions and ethical issues. Impact on Society: Increased productivity in academia through the appropriate and ethical use of AI can enhance quality, access, and equity in education. AI can assist in mundane tasks, freeing academics’ time for higher-order objectives like critical thinking development. Responsible AI design and policies considering socio-cultural aspects will benefit sustainable growth. With careful implementation, it can make positive impacts on student engagement, learning support, and research efficiency. Future Research: Conduct longitudinal studies to examine the long-term impacts of AI chatbot usage in academia. Track usage behaviors over time as familiarity develops. Investigate differences across academic disciplines and roles. Requirements may vary for humanities versus STEM faculty or undergraduate versus graduate students. Assess user trust in AI and how it evolves with repeated usage, and examine trust-building strategies. Develop frameworks to assess pedagogical effectiveness and ethical risks of conversational agents in academic contexts.

EFFECT OF HEARING INTERVENTION ON LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION IN THE ACHIEVE STUDY

Abstract Social health interventions in older adults typically have small effect and limited large-scale implementation. Treating hearing loss is a potential intervention, but efficacy is unknown. This study presents baseline associations between hearing loss, loneliness, and social isolation as well as the 3-year effect of a hearing intervention on social health. The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders Study (ACHIEVE) randomized controlled trial (n=977) tests the effect of hearing intervention (provision of hearing aids/related technologies, counseling/education) vs. successful aging health education control intervention on loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) and social network characteristics (Cohen Social Network Index) (pre-specified exploratory outcomes) among older adults with untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss was quantified by better ear, speech-frequency pure tone average (PTA). Speech-in-noise recognition and hearing-related quality of life were also measured. Baseline associations between hearing loss and social health outcomes are assessed by robust Poisson regression adjusted for demographic and health characteristics. Three-year hearing intervention effects are assessed by generalized linear mixed effects models. Participants were 70-84 years, 54% female, and 87% White. At baseline, better speech-in-noise recognition was associated with greater social network characteristics (e.g., larger social network size [IRR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.07]). Worse hearing-related quality of life was associated with higher prevalence of loneliness (PR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.20) and smaller social network size (IRR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.00). Hearing intervention effect results will be available prior to the conference (data collection ends early 2023). Hearing treatment could be an effective social health intervention with greater scalability.

THE IMPACT OF CHANGES IN COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING ON SOCIAL ISOLATION

Abstract This study examines if transitioning from normal to impaired cognitive functioning is associated with changes in social isolation among community-dwelling older adults without cognitive impairment at baseline. This study uses nine waves (2011-2019) of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). The sample (N=8,245) was representative of Medicare beneficiary at baseline. Social isolation was measured using a seven-item index that captures a range of social activities and network characteristics. Cognitive status was assessed through self-report of having Alzheimer’s disease, the Dementia Screening Interview (AD8), and cognitive testing. Based on pre-determined criteria, participants were grouped as either cognitively intact or impaired. Fixed effect linear modeling with robust standard errors was used to examine the impact of transitioning from intact to impaired cognitive functioning on social isolation. At baseline 5,575 Participants were cognitively intact. At each successive wave, between 12% and 16% of the sample was cognitively impaired. After controlling for time-varying covariates, transitioning from intact to cognitive impairment was associated with a statistically significant increase in social isolation (β=.18, SE=.03, p &amp;lt;.001). Gender and educational attainment did not impact this association. These findings underscore the need for policies and interventions to increase social connection among older adults, particularly during early stages of cognitive impairment.

The Role of Social Networks on Depression and Anxiety Among a Sample of Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults

PurposeMental health inequalities continue to persist among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. However, few studies have examined the association of social networks and depression and anxiety among urban emerging AI/AN adults. MethodsThis study analyzes the association of social network characteristics with depression and anxiety among a sample of urban AI/AN emerging adults. A second set of regression models tested the same associations but controlling for respondent sexual and gender minority (SGM) status. Data were from a sample of 150 AI/AN emerging adults residing in urban areas from 20 different states (86% female; mean age 21.8; 48.0% SGM) who participated in a randomized controlled trial analyzing the effects of culturally grounded interventions on alcohol and other drug use and cultural connectedness. ResultsParticipants with a higher proportion of network members who were around the same age reported significantly less anxiety. Those who had a higher proportion of network members who they sometimes/often argue/fight with were more likely to report greater depression and anxiety. Participants with higher proportions of social network members who have ever lived on a reservation/Rancheria/tribal land/tribal village reported significantly less depression. However, participants with higher proportions of social network members who lived 50 miles away or more reported significantly more depression. Controlling for SGM status, results were largely similar. DiscussionResults highlight the role of social connections on the mental well-being of urban AI/AN emerging adults.

The Influence of Short Videos on College Students Purchasing Behavior

Short video has gradually developed into one of the practical expression ways of information content communication in the mobile Internetvarious social media and e-commerce use opportunities from this trend. College students are the most active and mainstream group in Short video. The fragmented communication mode, exciting content, and business behavior of short videos have been integrated into the group of college students, influencing them all the time, including but not limited to purchasing behavior. In this paper, college students are selected to build a mechanism model of the influence of word-of-mouth characteristics of social e-commerce networks on college students purchase intention, and the model is tested through empirical research. The results showed that when brand marketing is enhanced, brand interaction, experience perception, interest, and perception are enhanced. The more frequently consumers interact with the brand, the more frequently they connect and communicate with it, and their purchasing behavior will be enhanced.

The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand Awareness and Purchase Intention: Case Study of Vietnam's domestic fashion brands

The study aimed to examine the impact of social media marketing on brand awareness and purchase intention for Vietnamese domestic fashion brands. Quantitative research was conducted on 302 Vietnamese people of Generation Z. The questionnaire designed on Google forms was sent to research samples who were willing to participate. Research results determined the role and benefits of social media marketing in 2 aspects: (1) information about the brand of social media marketing on social networks and (2) brand engagement on social networks. Social media marketing has a positive impact on brand awareness and purchase intention of Vietnamese domestic fashion brands. In particular, brand information when communicating on social networks has a direct and positive impact on brand awareness and purchase intention. Brand engagement on social networks has a positive direct impact on brand awareness and a positive indirect impact on purchase intention through brand awareness. The research results show that Vietnamese domestic fashion brands do quite well in social media marketing, and are highly appreciated by the online community of generation Z in Vietnam. In the future, in order to improve brand awareness and purchase intention, Vietnamese domestic fashion brands need to pay attention to the brand information properties of social media marketing programs and need to invest more in brand engagement characteristics of social networks.&#x0D; Keywords: social media marketing, brand awareness, purchase intention

Recommender systems for teachers: The relation between social ties and the effectiveness of socially-based features

Open Educational Resources (OER) repositories provide teachers with a wide range of learning resources (LRs), enabling them to design various learning sequences. However, search & select in large OER repositories can be a daunting task for teachers. Incorporating peer recommendations, as is common in online marketplaces, is becoming a popular solution that seeks to exploit the wisdom of the crowd for this task. However, teachers are often reluctant to take a contributory role and provide social recommendations. In addition, little is known about the actual value of social recommendations as a search aid. In this research, we implemented a “light-weight” socially-based recommender system (RS) within a large OER repository that includes social network features. We examined two aspects of the socially-based recommendation mechanisms. First, their utility as search aids that assist teachers in searching and selecting suitable LRs, and second, their impact on teachers' incentives to share recommendations that can assist fellow teachers. To study these two aspects, we examined two science teacher communities using this repository. The results demonstrated the incentivising power of social rewards, and the value of social recommendations as means for search & select. However, we also observed a heterogeneous effect of social features on teachers' behaviour. To explore the factors that may explain these differences, we employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative, quantitative, and Social Network Analysis methods. Triangulation of the findings underline the relation between the strength of the social ties within the teachers’ community and the effectiveness of socially-based features.

The Influence of Social Network Characteristics in Shaping Consumers Behavior and Market Outcome

Social networks are crucial in shaping consumers behavior and influencing market outcomes. These networks connect individuals and groups, facilitating the exchange of values, ideas, and information. Consumers within these networks are influenced by their social ties and interactions, leading to changes in attitudes, perceptions, and purchasing decisions. The structure and characteristics of these networks can impact the overall market dynamics, affecting product adoption, brand awareness, and overall market performance. Thus, understanding the influence of social networks on consumers behavior and market outcomes is essential for businesses to develop effective marketing strategies and succeed in a highly connected world. This paper will utilize data from social and economic networks to analyze and identify key network attributes that are influential from various perspectives, drawing resources from an extensive real-world database and supporting theories. This study aims to provide practical implications for marketers and businesses who seek to optimize their strategies in building market success, also for researchers, academics, and other interested parties that can benefit from the results by learning how to apply network analysis in their studies.