Digital Community Research Articles

Influence of WhatsApp Online Phishing Messages on Data Security among Undergraduates in Anambra State

Due to the widespread sharing of phishing emails on WhatsApp, university students face a high risk of data breaches. This study examines the impact of WhatsApp phishing messages on data security among students at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Anambra State. The research collected survey data from 375 students out of 17,055 based on their population and adopted Social Cognitive Theory as the theoretical framework. The findings indicate that most students are aware of these phishing messages, with scam emails and fake login pages being the most common forms. Additionally, most students believe these messages threaten their data security. The study suggests holding regular educational campaigns to address this problem. This study sheds light on the alarming risks of online phishing, revealing the vulnerabilities that university students face every day. The study aims to educate, empower, and protect students from cyber threats, fostering a safer digital campus community.

PERAN HUKUM DALAM PLATFORM E-COMMERCE DALAM ERA TRANSFORMASI DIGITAL DI DESA BATUNUNGGAL KECAMATAN CIBADAK KABUPATEN SUKABUMI

This community service aims to improve the understanding and implementation of legal aspects in e-commerce platforms in the era of digital transformation in Batununggal Village, Cibadak District, Sukabumi Regency. The program was implemented through a workshop method with a participatory approach, involving 20 MSME players. The result was 30% who have utilized the e-commerce platform and 85% admitted to have a limited understanding of the legal aspects of electronic transactions. The program also resulted in the establishment of a digital business community and a digital legal consultation center at the village level. The sustainability of the program is supported through an ongoing mentoring system and the development of an online learning module

True Crime Podcasting as Participatory Journalism: A Digital Ethnography of Collaborative Case Solving

True crime podcasts invite their listeners to crowdsource investigations online, solving cases that have fallen through the cracks of the criminal justice system. Through a cultural criminologist lens, this digital ethnography examines The Vanished podcast as a case study of how true crime listeners engage with solving cases in digital community spaces. Previous studies have dismissed true crime fans as pseudo police acting as digital vigilantes. Podcasting communities provide an important public service, working as participatory journalists to investigate the story and report the truth. Rather than depending on law enforcement permission to organize, online crime-investigation communities leverage the Internet’s function as an organizing agent for mobilization beyond the parameters of conventional social structures and formal government agencies. Findings reveal a six-step process of case collaboration between podcast producers, active listeners, and family and friends of missing persons. Other communities can apply this unique system to successfully investigate crime, suggesting implications for individuals within marginalized groups less likely to find justice through the formal legal system.

Avatars in the virtual realm: an integrated approach to enhance digital community interaction

Avatars in the virtual realm: an integrated approach to enhance digital community interaction

Efektivitas Komunitas Belajar dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Guru di Sekolah

Teacher learning communities are regarded as essential means to improve education quality through collaboration and professional development. However, implementation within formal school contexts faces challenges, such as time constraints, limited structural support, and low awareness of the benefits of learning communities. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of learning communities in enhancing teacher quality in schools and to identify factors influencing teacher participation. The research method employed is a literature review, encompassing analysis of 25 articles from various relevant academic journals. Thematic analysis highlights key topics, including effectiveness, challenges, and opportunities for the development of learning communities. Findings indicate that learning communities have a positive role in enhancing teacher competence and work motivation. However, significant obstacles remain, such as lack of support from school management and limited understanding. The study also emphasizes the potential for digital technology-based learning communities, which could increase teacher participation by providing more flexible access. This study concludes that stronger policy support and further research are needed to address implementation barriers and maximize the potential of learning communities to enhance teaching quality in schools.

Digital twin communities: an approach for secure DT data sharing

Digital twin communities: an approach for secure DT data sharing

Self-Presentation of Teachers in Social Networks

This study was undertaken to investigate the use and motivations behind teachers' engagement in social networks, while exploring their self-presentations and attitudes within these digital communities. The aim was to shed light on the relationship between real-life and digital communities by focusing on teachers as a specific demographic group. To address the research questions, namely the demographic characteristics of teachers using social networks, the reasons behind teachers' usage of social networks, the role of these platforms in shaping teachers' self-perception and professional identity, a mixed-method approach was employed. The findings of the study indicate that social networks provide an ideal platform for individuals to present themselves, and teachers exhibit distinct patterns of behavior compared to other groups. Teachers express themselves more openly and assertively when their identities are anonymous. They actively seek attention to expand their social network, yet refrain from making political posts to avoid jeopardizing their online presence. They strive to portray an idealized image of themselves and make efforts to distinguish themselves from others. Based on the study's conclusions, it is recommended to develop a digital platform that caters to the interests, needs, and inclinations of teachers.

User engagement in digital curation: A systematic review and synthesis

This review article synthesizes current research findings to propose effective strategies for measuring and enhancing user engagement in digital curation. This review article synthesizes current research findings to propose effective strategies for measuring and enhancing user engagement in digital curation. By establishing comprehensive frameworks and methodologies, researchers and practitioners can gain deeper insights into user behaviors, preferences, and interactions with curated content. This understanding will improve digital curation practices, ensuring curated resources meet user expectations and needs. The review identifies best practices, offers actionable recommendations, and highlights the critical need for robust user engagement strategies. Through systematic analysis of existing literature, it empowers the digital curation community to develop more effective strategies for managing and curating digital resources, ultimately enhancing user experience and engagement across diverse digital platforms.

Leveraging professional learning communities in linking digital professional development and instructional integration: evidence from 16,072 STEM teachers

BackgroundIntegration of digital tools and resources in STEM instruction has garnered significant attention due to its high potential. Digital professional development is identified as a pivotal factor for equipping teachers with necessary digital skills to effectively orchestrate digital resources. Notably, the role of professional learning communities is considered critical. However, the intricate relationships among digital professional development, professional learning communities, and digital instructional integration among STEM teachers remain underexplored. Utilizing partial least-squares–structural equation models (PLS–SEM), the present study examined links in digital professional development, professional learning communities, and digital instructional integration among STEM teachers (N = 16,072) who participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022.ResultsFindings from the PLS–SEM analysis indicate that digital professional development exhibits a direct positive relationship with professional learning communities and digital instructional integration. Relatedly, professional learning communities is positively correlated with digital instructional integration. In terms of indirect effect, findings show that professional learning communities play a significant positive mediating role in linking digital professional development and digital instructional integration.ConclusionsThis study reports new evidence on the influence of digital professional development on digital instructional integration through professional learning communities among 16,072 STEM teachers and concludes that, when STEM teachers regularly immerse themselves in professional learning communities, they are more likely to benefit from their digital professional development by integrating digital technologies in classroom instruction. Policymakers and educational leaders should consider promoting digital professional development and professional learning communities among STEM teachers, along with efforts to encourage digital instructional integration.

Designing persuasive communication models for vaccine acceptance in isolated communities: A mass communication approach

This study introduces the Persuasive Communication Model as a novel approach to address vaccine hesitancy in isolated U.S. communities, where infectious diseases such as measles and influenza continue to pose significant public health threats. By integrating mass communication theories like the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), with AI-driven message personalization, the model effectively tailors health communication strategies to the cultural, cognitive, and socio-economic contexts of vaccine-hesitant populations. In a randomized controlled trial, the model increased vaccination uptake by over 20% compared to traditional methods, while also enhancing trust in healthcare systems. The model’s adaptive communication, utilizing both digital platforms and community leaders, was instrumental in overcoming barriers related to geographic isolation, religious beliefs, and cultural resistance. These findings are particularly relevant for enhancing national public health security and reducing the economic burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. The study highlights the model's superiority over static communication frameworks, offering scalable applications for broader public health interventions.

The contribution of public libraries in strengthening digital citizenship in Egyptian society – an exploratory study

Purpose This study aims to assess the involvement of Egyptian public libraries in supporting digital citizenship and propose a vision to leverage their role in promoting digital citizenship culture, aligning with Egypt Vision 2030 for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was used to sample 21 public library managers in Egypt. The study adopted a descriptive-analytic approach, measuring library readiness infrastructure, strategic planning for digital citizenship support and participation ratings on nine dimensions of digital citizenship as defined by the Ribble model. Findings Results indicated a moderate level of participation overall (average score of 1.72), with high levels in dimensions like digital access and digital literacy but much lower levels in others, particularly digital law and digital health and safety. Library readiness was found to have a positive effect on the level of digital citizenship promotion. Research limitations/implications The small sample size may limit generalizability. Future research should explore best practices for digital citizenship programming in libraries and strategies for overcoming implementation barriers. Practical implications The study underscores the need for Egyptian public libraries to enhance their readiness and participation in promoting digital citizenship. This requires investment in digital resources, staff training, community outreach and collaboration with educational institutions and community partners. Originality/value This study provides insights into the role of public libraries in promoting digital citizenship in the context of a developing country’s national vision. It offers a framework for libraries worldwide to assess and enhance their digital citizenship initiatives.

Public Administration "Changing Paradigms of Public Administration in Facing the Global Health Crisis: Lessons from the Pandemic"

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the paradigm of public administration in dealing with the global health crisis by emphasizing the importance of multilateralism and cross-border cooperation. The government now plays the role of a facilitator that integrates health and political policies to respond more effectively. The study identifies countries with swift and transparent leadership, such as Vietnam, that are better able to respond to the pandemic, while also exposing global inequalities in low-income countries that need international support. Public administration has a crucial role in designing effective policies, providing resources, and implementing measures such as social distancing, with transparent communication to build public trust. The digitization of public services and evidence-based collaboration between governments and scientists have become important pillars in responding to people's needs. This study uses a descriptive-qualitative approach with case studies and comparative analysis of policies in various countries. The results show that adaptation and innovation in public administration, including increasing digital literacy and community participation, are critical to building health system resilience to future crises. This research is expected to contribute to public administration theory and relevant policy recommendations to face similar challenges in the future.

3.X.2. Integrating trust as a key component of pandemic preparedness and resilience

Abstract Trust is a key component of pandemic preparedness, which impacts the success of response measures during the public health emergency. Trust is built during preparedness, however the drivers and dimensions of trust are complex and context-specific. What is required is a collaborative, inclusive approach that provides a platform for communities to express their questions and concerns. The proposed workshop will begin with a presentation from a global expert on trust in the content of epidemics and pandemics and the current knowledge about how trust can be built during preparedness. This will be followed by interactive group-work, designed to encourage collaborative discussions and decision-making. Finally, introducing the WHO Hive digital platform that provides a safe space for public health communities to share information and ask questions. Attendees will then reconvene in plenary to discuss these approaches and interventions that can be implemented to build and maintain trust prior to and during an epidemic or pandemic. This workshop has the following objectives: 1. To demonstrate how trust is an important determinant of successful pandemic response; 2. To enable attendees to explore how the implementation of public health and social measures, infodemic management and digital community partnerships and engagement can build trust during pandemic preparedness for both online and offline communities; 3. To provide opportunity for attendees to workshop how the different features of the Hive digital space can enhance trust building, and to develop actionable strategies for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience. The workshop will deliver these objectives through an interactive simulation activity. Attendees will be placed into small groups to work through a scenario, having to decide on the actions that need to be taken, considering budget constraints, other health priorities, and the current local context. The teams will co-create actionable strategies for building and maintaining trust. While there is not a one size fits all approach to trust building, this workshop will aim to increase understanding of the drivers and determinants of trust to encourage participants to consider how they can be applied in their local context. It will be interactive and hands-on requiring active participation from participants. Key messages • Trust as a construct is an important component of pandemic preparedness and readiness that impacts on response. • A multidimensional approach to building and sustaining trust needs to considered across a range of drivers and determinants, where actionable strategies are vital.

Exploring the Relationship between Individual Information Technology Ethics and Netizenship Behaviors

In the digital age, information technology (IT) ethics plays a critical role in shaping netizenship behavior within online communities. This concept paper examines the relationship between individual IT ethics and netizenship behavior and emphasizes how ethical principles guide responsible and constructive participation in digital spaces. Based on theoretical frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Digital Citizenship, the article examines the influence of ethical IT practices on positive netizenship, including factors such as digital literacy, hierarchical influence and cultural or religious values. The review shows that people with strong IT ethics are more likely to engage in responsible online behavior, promoting healthier digital environments. By identifying gaps in the existing literature, the paper proposes a conceptual model to guide future empirical research on how ethical IT use influences digital citizenship. The findings highlight the importance of promoting IT ethics and digital literacy to improve online interactions and contribute to more engaged, respectful and responsible digital communities.

Genealogy in social media: navigating time and space

ABSTRACT Driven by the increasing use of social media by people seeking to reconstruct family histories and preserve historical, cultural, and societal legacy, genealogy-based online communities are experiencing a surge in popularity. This study explores how trauma-affected communities use online communities to reconstruct their identities and histories, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of these groups in the digital age. Based on the theory of Knowledge Co-Creation, this paper presents a novel conceptual framework designed to categorize the content in such communities. This framework is composed of two axes. The first axis, ‘Time,’ reflects the evolving character of participants’ involvement, starting with an exploration of immediate family history and gradually expanding to encompass a broader interest in ancestral and communal history of the past. The second axis, ‘Space,’ explores the interplay between online interactions and offline activities. To demonstrate the applicability of this framework, the paper focuses on the case study of the WhatsApp community dedicated to collaborative research of the descendants of annihilated Jewish communities of the Upper Silesia region of southwestern Poland.This research contributes to the literature on digital genealogy and online communities by offering a structured approach to analyzing the dynamics of trauma-affected populations engaging in collaborative genealogical research.

Salmon's five-stage model and E-Portfolios: a pathway to intercultural communication skills in virtual learning during COVID-19

The article presents the research results of a transnational virtual exchange (VE) project, the Intercultural Digital Community Buiding conducted with EFL Algerian and multidisciplinary Turkish students that started a few days before the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to investigate how Intercultural Digital Community Building enhances participants' intercultural communication skills based on Salmon's five-stage e-tivities for an e-moderating and project-based training course aligned with the experiential approach. Additionally, it assesses the effectiveness of e-portfolios as reflective tools to document and facilitate the development of these skills. The research opted for a qualitative-dominated mixed methods approach, involving 26 students (n=15 Algerian and n=11 Turkish) over three months during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings revealed significant improvements in the participants' intercultural communication skills, attributed to Salmon's e-tivities-paced online learning and the reflective nature of the course. E-portfolios' results proved effective for participants and researchers to track progress and reflect on learning experiences, suggesting that incorporating structured experiential learning and reflective practices into virtual exchange programs can substantially enhance intercultural communication skills. Future research should explore such virtual exchanges' long-term impacts and scalability across diverse educational contexts and academic fields.

A digital health-supported and community pharmacy-based lifestyle intervention program for adults with pre-diabetes: a study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

IntroductionPre-diabetes indicates an elevated risk of developing type-2 diabetes and presents a window for preventive actions. The Pre-diabetes Intervention, Management and Evaluation (PRIME) programme is a community pharmacy-based pre-diabetes management...

Tendencies and characteristics of public fitness behavior in the digital era: an Internet ethnography study based on the K Community in China.

The deep integration of media technologies into fitness activities in the era of digital intelligence has created a new and evolving landscape for public fitness. This transformation significantly impacts the practices and experiences of fitness. This study employs Internet ethnography as a qualitative research methodology, focusing on the daily activities of participants in a digital fitness community known as the K-community. Through immersive observation and analysis, the research seeks to uncover the evolving patterns and characteristics of fitness practices in China during the digital era. As media technology and network culture advance, participants in digital fitness increasingly display fragmented, digitized, entertaining, ritualized, and highly socialized behaviors. These traits reflect the community's desire for varied and complex exercise experiences within the context of modern technology. The evolution of fitness behavior not only reflects the operational principles of contemporary media technologies but also encapsulates the essence of popular culture in the digital age. This study enhances our comprehension of fitness practices in digital environments and their wider cultural ramifications.

Digital natives, digital activists in non-digital environments: How the youth in Zambia use mundane technology to circumvent government surveillance and censorship

This study investigates the technological strategies the youth in Sub-Saharan Africa employ to circumvent government surveillance and censorship. Centered on the 2020 Zambian youth protests and informed by interviews with 37 participants, we explore the youth's innovative use of mundane skills to build digital communities, evade government surveillance, and leverage algorithms. The findings indicate that despite limited online access and government restrictions, the Zambian youth creatively employed their local skills to build social networks, disseminate information, and mobilize for social change. However, two contrasting narratives emerge: one celebrating the innovation and resilience of these young people, with the other raising concerns about the broader implications of their actions. Notably, some youth transitioned from influential activists to government insiders, a shift that may have diluted their capacity to champion social justice. The study emphasizes the need to scrutinize the balance between technological cooperation and potential discord, urging a more profound exploration of technology's role in shaping the trajectory of democracy, especially in settings akin to sub-Saharan Africa. We argue for further research into the role of digital influencers in electoral processes and democratic systems.

Research Status and Evolutionary Trends of Digitally Empowered Community Emergency Management: Knowledge Graph Analysis Based on CiteSpace

(1) Background: With the acceleration of globalization, various risks are intertwined and coupled, and community emergency management is facing greater pressure than before. The continuous development of digital technology has made it possible to empower community emergency management with digital technology. Therefore, it is urgent to have a clear understanding of the research status and future development direction of digital empowering community emergency management. (2) Methods: This study is based on the Web of Science database and utilizes the CiteSpace knowledge graph visualization method to analyze the research progress of community digital emergency management. (3) Results: The results indicate that from 2000 to 2024, the amount of research on community digital emergency management has been on the rise, involving multiple disciplines, but there has not been a close and mature cooperation network between different countries, institutions, and authors. The research topic has shifted from early single-emergency management to integration with emerging science and technology, with a greater emphasis on the role of communities. Big data, machine learning, technological innovation, digital healthcare, and community resilience are important research directions for the future. (4) Conclusions: In the future, we should strengthen cooperation in this field, overcome issues such as the digital divide and digital security, and promote further development of community digital emergency management.