Digital Communication Platforms Research Articles

Innovations in Global Health: Leveraging Technology for Disease Surveillance and Pandemic Preparedness

The emergence of infectious diseases and global pandemics necessitates continuous advancements in health surveillance and preparedness strategies. This article explores the innovations in global health that leverage technology to enhance disease surveillance and improve pandemic preparedness. The study investigates the role of various technological solutions, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, mobile applications, and digital communication platforms, in strengthening global health systems. The article reviews recent case studies and initiatives where technology has been successfully employed for disease surveillance, early detection of outbreaks, and rapid response to emerging health threats. It examines how digital tools facilitate real-time data collection, analysis, and dissemination, enabling more effective monitoring of infectious diseases globally. Additionally, the article discusses the integration of wearable devices, telemedicine, and other remote health technologies in enhancing the resilience of health systems during pandemics. Furthermore, the challenges and ethical considerations associated with the implementation of technological innovations in global health are critically assessed. Privacy concerns, data security, and the need for global collaboration are addressed to ensure the responsible and ethical use of technology in disease surveillance. The article concludes by highlighting the potential of technology to revolutionize global health practices, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, international organizations, and the private sector. As the world faces ongoing and emerging health threats, the adoption of innovative technological solutions becomes paramount for building robust disease surveillance systems and improving overall pandemic preparedness on a global scale.

Research on the Cultivation Path of Digital Literacy of PE Teachers under the Background of Education Digital Transformation

With the continuous advancement of digital transformation, digital technology has penetrated into various fields of the education system. Digital literacy, as a key force to adapt to this transformation, is gradually attracting the attention of educators. This article uses literature review and logical analysis methods to study the path of cultivating digital literacy of physical education teachers in the context of educational digital transformation. Based on the theoretical framework of digital literacy for teachers both domestically and internationally, the digital literacy of physical education teachers is summarized into four dimensions: Digital awareness, Digital teaching, Digital communication and collaboration, and Digital evaluation. This paper explores the connotation and value of digital literacy for physical education teachers in the context of educational digital transformation, and proposes to create a digital technology environment for teaching and cultivate digital awareness for physical education teachers; Optimize the digital literacy training mechanism and enhance the digital application ability of physical education teachers; building a digital communication platform for physical education teachers to facilitate digital communication and collaboration; building a digital literacy evaluation system and cultivating a path for precise digital evaluation.

Knitting Ladies Online

Knitting Ladies Online

The Use of Textism and Students’ Spelling Ability

Textism, or SMS language, is the abbreviated and informal language often used on digital communication platforms. While textism had gained popularity and efficiency in modern communication, its impact on language skills, particularly spelling abilities among students, had become a subject of interest for researchers. This study explored the relationship between textism and the spelling ability of Junior High School students during the School Year 2022-2023. The study used a descriptive-correlational research design involving 238 students selected through a stratified random sampling method. The data was collected using a Modified-Textism Questionnaire and a Researcher-made Spelling Ability Test. Mean, Standard Deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were the statistical tools used in the study. Results showed high textism usage regarding shortenings, contractions, clippings, acronyms and initialisms, letter and number homophones, non-conventional spellings, and onomatopoeic spellings. The students’ spelling ability was good, reflecting their mastery of word formation rules and conventions. The study found a significant relationship between contractions, homophones, clippings, and spelling ability, but no correlation was observed for shortenings, acronyms, non-conventional spellings, and onomatopoeic spellings. The study further revealed that heavy reliance on textisms could decrease spelling ability over time. Future studies may investigate additional linguistic aspects of textism, such as syntactic structures or grammar usage, to comprehensively understand its impact on students’ spelling ability.

Technology-induced Strain from Team Communication Platforms: Empirical Evidence for Working from Home

Working from home (WFH) has recently become a widespread form of workplace transformation. Here, digital team communication platforms (TCP), like Microsoft Teams or Slack, have essential value for enabling WFH at a large scale. However, TCPs facilitate permanent availability and distractions, indicating stress potential for employees, particularly when WFH. Therefore, this study examines the occurrence of TCP-generated technostress and its drivers in the WFH environment. Based on the Transaction-Based Stress Theory and technostress literature, we developed a research model with perceived strain as the outcome variable, shaped by TCP technology characteristics and established stressors. To validate the proposed model, we conducted a survey with 503 participants who have worked with TCP from home. Structural equation modelling revealed a variance explained of R²=.573 for perceived strain from TCP. We confirmed the TCP technology characteristics of mobility, interruption, and usefulness to correlate with the stressors of work-home conflict, work overload, and role ambiguity. These stressors, in turn, significantly shaped the outcome variable perceived strain. Furthermore, we found the ability to mentally detach from work to have a buffering moderator effect on the impact of stressor role ambiguity. Correspondingly, we provide implications for theory and practice on how TCP could be implemented with the goal of reducing harm to employee well-being.

Cultural Aspects of Technological Grave Visits: A Sociological Assessment

Abstract
 Grave visits have been a deep-rooted religious ritual in many religions and societies throughout history. This ritual is performed with the purpose of visiting the graves of the deceased and is considered an expression of spiritual connection among people. However, with the advancement of technology and the rise of digital communication platforms, this tradition is undergoing a transformation. In today's world, particularly with the increasing popularity of social media platforms, grave visits are taking on a new dimension in the virtual realm. This study aims to examine how the social media profiles of individuals who have passed away, profiles that were used during their lifetime, are visited and interacted with by others after their demise. Furthermore, the research seeks to understand the reasons behind the visibility of the phenomenon of death, which has been pushed into the background in modern societies but is becoming more prominent in what is often termed postmodern societies. This research was conducted using the phenomenological perspective within the framework of qualitative research methods. Within the scope of the study, social media users who visit the social media profiles of deceased individuals on an internet-based social media platform, such as Instagram, and engage in commenting activities were examined. These users offer a significant perspective on how the practice of remembrance and memorialization has become digitalized and evolved. In modern societies, death is often acknowledged as a reality that is either ignored or actively suppressed. However, in postmodern societies, death and memorial rituals are becoming more visible in the digital world. Visiting social media profiles after someone's passing is considered a way to remember them and express a sense of connection. This study contributes to our understanding of how digitalization and technological advancements are impacting societal and cultural practices. It also provides valuable insights into the role of death in postmodern societies. Consequently, it highlights the need for further research into how traditional rituals, like grave visits, have evolved and changed in the digital realm.

Sklonost korištenju aplikacija za upoznavanje i razvoj međuljudskih vještina milenijalaca

The research examines the relationship between personality types and the inclination to use dating apps in the context of establishing long-term relationships. Specifically, it quantitatively tests whether there is a correlation between millennials’ preference for dating apps and their readiness for real-life interactions. The main hypothesis posits that introverted millennials exhibit a more pronounced tendency to use dating apps. To test this, an anonymous online survey was conducted using Google Forms, with Facebook as the research platform. The study aimed to gain a comprehensive psychological profile of dating app users and their dating habits. The research focused on millennials in Croatia (born between 1987 and 1994) residing in Zagreb. The independent variable was the development of millennials’ interpersonal skills, while the dependent variable was defined as the inclination to use dating apps. The primary hypothesis, asserting that introverted millennials have a heightened propensity for using dating apps, was not fully confirmed. Instead, the study reveals a stronger inclination among introverts to use dating apps and messaging as communication tools for social interactions, not necessarily for longterm relationships. Our results are in line with Social Exchange Theory. In the context of the data, individuals seem to make choices regarding digital communication platforms based on the perceived benefits, such as mitigating the emotional impact of rejection, convenience, and the enjoyment derived from these interactions. The theory also touches upon the concept of rewards and costs, where individuals seek relationships or interactions that provide more rewards than costs. In this case, the rewards may include emotional comfort, convenience, and enjoyment, while the costs might involve potential face-to-face discomfort or rejection.

Dissecting Disinformation Dynamics: Insights from a Social Media Environment

In the digital age, a period we might characterize as a time when societal, economic, and scientific shifts have redefined the trajectory of transformation, leading to the emergence of a networked society; rapid advancements in communication technologies, especially the surge in internet users, increased internet speeds, and enhanced internet and application usability on mobile devices have begun to render traditional media obsolete. This has paved the way for newer digital communication platforms endowed with interactive features. Notably, social media platforms provide users with the means to share information, emotions, thoughts, and ideas more efficiently and swiftly. With advancements in internet technologies, social media platforms have become accessible to vast audiences, resulting in a structure that can be described as a social network society. Consequently, information content and news can be rapidly disseminated and shared with the masses. However, in such communication environments, news is often relayed without verification or is deliberately misconstrued, leading to the emergence of disinformation comprised of fake news and inaccuracies. While controlling this process in a globalized world might pose challenges, the research herein proposes an artificial intelligence-based approach capable of discerning the veracity of news and swiftly verifying it. We extracted data from a platform Facebook and found patterns indicating a significant prevalence of disinformation. Of the 5,000 posts assessed, nearly one-fifth were flagged as misleading. Age, post engagement, and network size, often hypothesized as potential influencers, displayed only weak correlations with the propensity to share or engage with disinformation. The multifaceted nature of disinformation spread underscores the need for an integrated approach, combining technology and user education, to combat its proliferation on digital platforms. These findings demonstrate the pressing need and potential efficacy of AI-driven solutions in countering disinformation in today's digital communication landscape.

Family Communication Patterns In The Era Digital Technology

Communication dynamics in the family environment have a major impact on the relationships between family members and their psychosocial development. However, with the rapid progress of information and communication technology, especially in the current digital era, there have been quite striking changes in family communication patterns. Ease of access to digital devices and communication platforms can make many people feel obliged to stay connected, checking messages, email or social media constantly. Therefore, family members need to learn to manage their time wisely so that direct interactions and family activities remain a priority. This research was conducted in Bahagia Pondok Ungu Permai Village, Bekasi City. The method of qualitative descriptive research and interviews was conducted with two married couples, residents of Pondok Ungu Permai. The results of this research show that digital technology can have a positive impact on family communication, facilitating long-distance interactions, enabling quick sharing of information, and helping to monitor children.

Impact of Digital Communication in Human Resources: A Comprehensive Review

Modern businesses increasingly recognize the value of digital communication within their HR departments. This study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of how organizations utilize digital communication and its impact. The prevalence of social media in recent years has made it a ubiquitous presence across various digital platforms. Both Indian and international businesses employ digital communication platforms for purposes such as marketing their products, engaging with customers and employees, advertising job openings, and connecting with the public. One notable advantage is its significant simplification of the hiring process for HR managers. Furthermore, digital communication empowers HR departments to monitor employee activities and reinforce the company's brand. This research aims to explore digital communication's role as a medium in HR departments. It underscores the importance of the topic through a review of relevant literature, drawing upon reputable sources like Wiley, Emerald, and Sage to highlight the extensive adoption of digital platforms for internet-based communication. The study also establishes the contextual framework for the use of internet technology in digital HR communication. Notably, it identifies the need for further research due to the rapid advancements in internet technology. This research examines the function of digital communication within HR departments, potentially revealing new dynamics in the determination of formal and informal communication activities within organizations.

The Echo chamber-driven Polarization on Social Media

This article delves into the phenomenon of echo chambers and the role of social media in perpetuating polarization within online communities. As digital communication platforms continue to shape public discourse and information consumption, understanding the mechanisms behind echo chambers and their impact on societal polarization becomes paramount. The article explores the concept of echo chambers, defined as insulated online spaces where individuals are exposed primarily to like-minded perspectives, leading to the reinforcement of pre-existing beliefs and the exclusion of opposing viewpoints. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, the study examines the psychological, cognitive, and social factors that contribute to the formation and maintenance of echo chambers. Additionally, it investigates the role of algorithmic recommendation systems employed by social media platforms in amplifying polarization. Furthermore, the article analyzes the consequences of echo chambers and social media-driven polarization on public discourse, political polarization, and societal cohesion. It also highlights potential strategies and interventions to mitigate echo chamber effects and foster more diverse and inclusive online environments. The findings of this research shed light on the complex interplay between digital communication, echo chambers, and social polarization, ultimately providing insights into the challenges and opportunities for cultivating healthier online discourse in the era of social media.

Toward a multilevel framework of multicommunicating: Insights from a systematic review

With the rise of smartphones, social media, and various digital communication platforms, multicommunicating (MC) has become prevalent, where individuals simultaneously engage in multiple communication tasks using information and communication technologies. However, the existing research on MC is fragmented and lacks a comprehensive understanding of its implications for and consequences on individuals and groups in various work, personal, and social contexts. This study proposes a multilevel framework to address these gaps and provides insights into the dynamics of MC at different levels: individual communicators, dyadic relationships, group dynamics, and the broader communication network. Through a systematic review of MC studies published in the last two decades, we identified trends in publication characteristics and research contexts. Existing research was conducted in educational, business, and social settings. Most studies focused on individual-level mechanisms and impacts, with findings indicating that MC negatively affects task performance, learning satisfaction, and psychological engagement. Additionally, our review examined the influence of MC on dyadic outcomes, such as social evaluation and communication partner satisfaction. Based on the review, we identified gaps and proposed future research directions to enhance our understanding of MC. By adopting a multilevel perspective, this study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of MC, encompassing individual-level processes, social dynamics, and even a few emerging network effects.

CYBERPRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL HUMOR IN WHATSAPP STICKERS

With the growth of digital environment, social interaction between people, particularly university students, is also affected. Communication has become multimodal, meaning people not only send textual messages but also visuals such as videos, memes, stickers, or emojis. These multimodal communication forms are facilitated by digital communication platforms such as WhatsApp and Line. The use of stickers, specifically in WhatsApp, could suggest certain implicatures which are covered in humorous way. The present research aims to describe how the text and the image of WhatsApp stickers create humorous intention and to find out the implicit functions of digital humour of WhatsApp stickers in daily interaction. The data for this study were collected from university students’ communications in their WA, in which 20 students were requested to submit 5 samples of stickers used in actual interactions. As a result, 100 stickers were gathered as the data. The collected data were analysed qualitatively using the theories of digital humour and cyberpragmatic approach. Cyberpragmatic is basically the use of pragmatic concepts in analysing digital data. The results show that WhatsApp stickers were used by the students to convey the feeling of sadness, anger, tiredness, concern, and eagerness, which were represented by the text and image of the stickers. For example, when a student complains about the number of assignments, he sent a sticker showing an ads for headache, where the brand name was changed into “Oh tugas” (oh assignment). The interrelatedness between the text and the image in this sticker can convey the pragmatic implicature in humorous way. Thus, the findings of this study implied that stickers could become an effective way to communicate the intended message of the speakers. Stickers can also be an alternative way of communicating in digital environments beside using other forms of multimodal communication forms such as texts, GIF, meme, and emoji.

Coherent visual design through attribute-specific feedback: a hybrid approach to intelligent design agents

ABSTRACT The scope of visual design is expanding to promote products and services across digital communication platforms, but support for coherent design with style guides seems limited. Based on the literature on style, coherence and design support tools with different levels of intelligence, we describe coherence in visual design and propose to integrate preset style guidelines and constraints into feedback interactions to support achieving visual coherence. After formative research with expert designers, we prototype a pseudo-AI design support tool to simulate attribute-specific feedback and conduct user research to probe how participants engage with feedback provided by a human wizard acting as an intelligent agent. We analyze patterns of feedback and types of reactions observed in participants’ design processes and outcomes. We then discuss the implications of attribute-specific feedback to describe visual coherence as a meta-property of design, and intelligent agents that guide situational judgements about visual coherence through feedback interactions.

The Role of Digital Transformation in Enhancing Communication: A Case Study of OR Tambo District Municipality in South Africa

This investigation delves into the digital communication strategies of the OR Tambo District Municipality in South Africa, a region characterised by its rural nature and high poverty levels. The research endeavours to comprehend the character of the municipality's digital communication strategies, evaluate their efficacy, and propose evidence-based recommendations for enhancement. The study is predicated on the necessity for local governments to align their communication strategies with technological advancements, whilst taking into account the socio-economic realities of their constituents. The research employs a comprehensive examination of the current digital communication tools, platforms, and techniques utilised by the municipality, and assesses their effectiveness based on their reach, accessibility, and impact. The study identifies areas of strength and weakness in the current communication strategies and proposes recommendations for enhancing digital communication within the municipality. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive and effective digital communication strategies in local governments, particularly in rural areas. The research contributes to the burgeoning body of literature on digital communication in local governments and provides a roadmap for other rural municipalities seeking to leverage digital technologies to improve their communication strategies. The study concludes that the OR Tambo District Municipality, akin to other rural municipalities, can enhance communication, improve service delivery, and foster greater engagement with residents by effectively leveraging digital technologies.

Communication totalitarianism in Japan: ‘Decontextualisation’ and ‘Recontextualisation’ and the digital communication environment

ABSTRACT In Japan, young people are becoming increasingly apathetic about politics, while at the same time they are experiencing a rightward leaning and a growing sympathy for totalitarianism and authoritarianism. To understand this contradiction, we need to look at the digital communication environment in which they engage in political discourse. One of the most representative opinion leaders in this regard is Hiroyuki Nishimura. In recent years, Hiroyuki has become widely known as the ‘King of Refutation’ and is immensely popular among the young generation. He is very active in political and social issues, arguing in a logical and neutral manner. However, despite his enlightened mode of argumentation, his arguments have been perceived as accommodative to totalitarian and authoritarian perceptions. This paper argues that at the heart of this mode of refutation is a process of ‘decontextualisation’ and ‘recontextualisation’ which has resulted in reducing the complexity of the issue, making it comprehensible to the majority while oppressing minorities. And this mode of refutation and the processes of ‘decontextualisation’ and ‘recontextualisation’ are at the centre of the various digital communication platforms that he operates and that have become hubs of political communication around the world: 2channel, 4chan, Nico Nico Douga and YouTube clips. In this sense, the totalitarianism and rightward leaning of the young generation is not due to a specific ideology but is strongly conditioned by the communication environment. ‘Communication totalitarianism’ can be used to describe the totalitarianism and right-wing tendencies taking place in Japan.

Exploring Cyber Harassment among Youth Who Use Social Media

This is an anthropological research which studies cyber harassment on social media among the young people of University of Dhaka. Cyber harassment is an umbrella term and consists several harassing behaviors. There is no concrete definition of it. In general, it is defined as intentional and repeated behavior that is directed to someone through the digital platforms in order to disturb, harm or scare them. Social media is a digital communication platform which is used most by almost all age group around the world. In our country, young people are the main user of social media platforms. So, this study is very relevant in the context of our country to understand cyber harassment. Anthropological methods and its core theoretical tenets which encourage in-depth study of any issue have provided a good framework to this research. This study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods including ten in-depth interviews and a questionnaire based online survey with fifty informants. The present study observes young user’s perception regarding cyber harassment, the nature of cyber harassment from user’s personal experience in social media. Several factors like technical skills, knowledge regarding social media, gender, capital, social network etc. play a great role in shaping their perception. This study also illuminates young people’s understanding of cyber harassment, reasons behind their mild or severe dichotomy of harassment and activities that are considered as cyber harassment by them. This study also explores the nature and extent of cyber harassment from young people’s personal experience on social media. It also observes user’s awareness on personal security through the safety measures they follow to stay safe and the strategies they take after facing cyber harassment on social media. The whole study has been analyzed using Arjun Appadurai’s Technoscapes theory, Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of capital and symbolic violence. This study concludes with a summary of the whole research, some additional opinion of the participants about this research and the role of anthropologists to work in this issue.

Towards Advanced Digital Learning: The Effectiveness of Employing Digital Technology in Education in Jerusalem Schools

This qualitative descriptive research study aims to identify the effectiveness of digital learning technologies in Jerusalem schools, from the perspective of school principals and teachers. The study employs open interviews as its data collection method, and content analysis to analyze the responses of participants.The participants in the study comprise five school principals and ten teachers, all of whom have experience and knowledge in digital learning and seek to apply its concepts in their schools. They were selected based on their administrative efficiency, and their experience in applying e-learning with their students.The study's research questions focus on the most important digital learning technologies employed in Jerusalem schools, the effectiveness of these technologies, and the challenges associated with their implementation.The study findings reveal that Jerusalem schools use various digital learning technologies, including hardware, software, communication platforms, educational and interactive materials, gamification software, and technological projects. However, the availability and readiness of these technologies vary across schools, depending on the school supervisor's support and resources. The effectiveness of digital learning technologies in Jerusalem schools is reflected in the high academic achievement of students, the acquisition of educational values through digital learning techniques, and an increase in enthusiasm and motivation for learning, while taking into account individual differences.The study also highlights some challenges associated with the implementation of digital learning technologies in Jerusalem schools, including issues with student's parents, the readiness and capacity of educational staff, and the digital infrastructure of schools.The study concludes by offering recommendations for future research and practice, including strengthening training programs and workshops to develop students and teachers to meet their future needs, increasing awareness among parents, and continuous work to improve the digital infrastructure of schools affiliated with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, in order to keep pace with the accelerated and continuous technological digital acceleration.

Social Media as a Mechanism for Developing and Reproducing Migration Strategies (Using the Example of Digital Platform Profiles of Russian-Speaking Migrants in Korea)

This article analyzes texts written by users of Russian-language digital communication platforms on the topic of emigration to the Republic of Korea. The purpose of the study was to determine what meanings are attributed to the Republic in these texts, and how these images can affect the migration strategies of Russian-speaking migrants. The texts were sourced from relevant communities inside the largest social networks by the number of Russian-speaking users. The research method of choice was discourse analysis. Korea was regarded as an intersectional symbol that combines “migrant” texts into a single discourse. Its significance was determined by means of the authors of the messages constructing associations between the host country and certain situations and actions. It was established that pendulum migrants working in the country illegally, educational migrants, intermediaries, and communities of fans of Korean popular culture are most actively involved in shaping the image of Korea within the considered social media platforms. The messages posted by those users who focus on the shadow segment of the labor market portray Korea as a country that deals with visitors employed in this segment in as lenient a manner as possible. During the visa-free period, you can earn more here than in six months back home, without knowing the language and without having any skills, after which you can go home and return to Korea again once the money you earned has run out. This group describes the following strategy: you enter the country as a tourist for 60 days, and find a job on “samushil” or through an intermediary. Then return to Russia temporarily, or stay in Korea illegally, or use such mechanisms as political asylum and marriage of convenience. Educational migrants describe Korea as a developed, safe and wealthy country, with optimal conditions for permanent residency. Many describe the following strategy: get into the country on a student visa, receive an education, find a job in areas somehow related to servicing Russian-speaking migration flows. Some count on legalization through marriage to a member of the host community. Groups dedicated to Korean popular culture associate the Republic with a male idol, overconsumption, scenery and drama characters. Their users might describe either of the strategies mentioned above. A group of intermediaries reproduces the images conveyed by the texts produced by illegal migrants and k-pop communities, idealizing Korea and omitting the numerous difficulties and risks associated with staying there. Intermediaries essentially provide customers with the opportunity to become a part of this image by selling them paths of migration to and integration in Korea, which are often utilized by pendulum and educational migrants. According to G. Klein’s model of decision-making in a situation of uncertainty, it can be assumed that “migrant” social media containing these images contribute to the dissemination and reproduction of appropriate migration strategies, influencing the direction and content of migration flows between Korea and the CIS countries.

The Implementation of Telegram in Reading Class to Improve Students’ Skimming and Scanning Skills

Skimming and scanning are important reading strategies that allow individuals to quickly gather information from written materials. With the advance of digital communication platforms, like Telegram improving students' scanning and skimming skills has become increasingly relevant. While the utilization of technological resources in reading and teaching English has been examined in different settings, there is a need to investigate the potential of Telegram as a specific tool for enhancing skimming and scanning abilities. This research uses both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The respondents in the research are 40 English major learners. The protocols to gather the data were questionnaires and interviews. The study suggests that utilizing Telegram can help students to improve their motivation and engagement, which can further enhance the learning process. Exploring the future implications of employing Telegram requires more investigation, especially for skimming as well as scanning development, as well as its incorporation across different age groups and academic contexts. Nonetheless, the results of the research offer insightful information into the integration of digital communication platforms as effective tools for improving reading strategies, paving the way for innovative approaches to enhance literacy skills in the digital era.