Digital Engagement Research Articles

No one-size-fits-all: Multi-actor perspectives on public participation and digital participatory platforms.

This paper explores the perspectives of different urban actors regarding public participation in the context of the increasing incorporation of digital technologies and urban platforms. The study is based on three workshops with local governance actors, six semi-structured interviews with academics in the fields of public participation and digital technologies and a citizen survey with 260 respondents. The results provide multi-perspective insights into the challenges of participatory processes and are synthesized into three contributions: (i) guidelines for effective public participation, including factors that encourage or discourage citizen engagement; (ii) guidelines for designing participatory platforms, highlighting specific features that promote digital engagement (i.e. social media, gamification and user-friendly interfaces), and (iii) a typology of digital participation platforms to connect the diverse needs of actor groups with the various possibilities provided by new technologies. The guidelines provide concrete recommendations to support both urban practitioners and interface designers in designing participatory strategies and platforms, respectively. Recognizing that there is no-one-size-fits-all platform, the typology provides a framework for the assessment and further development of digital platforms for public participation.This article is part of the theme issue 'Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance'.

"Exploring Social Media Usage Trends Among Adolescents in a Public Senior Secondary School in Abuja, Nigeria"

This study investigates social media usage trends and prevalence among 260 adolescents in a public senior secondary school in Abuja, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was employed, with students aged 13 to 18 years. Data collected revealed that a significant majority of respondents, 63.1% possess a smartphone and indicated a high level of access to social media platforms. Their engagement with social media daily is primarily for social interaction, social comparison, entertainment, and academic support. Furthermore, the findings highlight patterns of usage that vary by gender, with female students displaying a higher, 60% tendency for interaction through visual content platforms, while male students favored gaming and sports-related content. The study also identifies potential concerns regarding the implications of excessive social media use, including mental health issues, cyberbullying, and academic distraction. These results underscore the need for targeted educational programs and parental guidance to promote safe and responsible social media engagement. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of adolescents' social media behaviors and offers recommendations for fostering a balanced approach to digital engagement in educational settings.

Digital divide and digital engagement in small business owners: an examination of survey data

ABSTRACT This paper examines the digital divide among Small Business Owners (SBO). Most of the existing literature has focused on the digital divide among individuals and communities with little attention given to SBOs. This paper uses the Resources and Appropriation (RA) theory to explore the digital divide in SBOs. Data is analyzed from a survey of residents in the seventh-largest city in the US. The analysis indicates that many characteristics of the digital divide persist when comparing SBOs. However, when controlling for factors such as digital engagement, business characteristics, and expected revenue, demographic variables like race, ethnicity, education, gender, age, and household income did not significantly affect the level of digital engagement or expected revenue of SBOs. The findings support RA theory by demonstrating that access and the reasons for using the Internet play a crucial role among SBOs. The results emphasize the need to create opportunities for minority-owned small businesses to thrive in the digital age.

Современные перспективные тренды профессиональной подготовки сотрудников уголовно-исполнительной системы в условиях цифровизации образования

The article examines the current promising trends in the professional training of employees of the penitentiary system. The conducted express review of modern aspects of professional training of employees of the penal enforcement system allows us to identify the following trends: the use of distance learning technologies, along with traditional training, and a competent combined version of their use and "necessary castling" in the textbook of academic disciplines; regular interactive interaction of subjects of the educational process through an electronic information and educational environment; the use of multimedia technologies as additional learning tools in modern education; additional classes with students on digital hygiene in interaction with various information systems and software products; the use of electronic textbooks, audio-visual aids and interactive courses as alternatives to traditional textbooks, teaching aids in printed form; the use of webinars as an effective form of interactive classes with students; the possibility of developing cognitive processes (attention, memory, thinking, etc.) in students through the use of intelligence simulators - on the example of professional training of psychologists of law enforcement agencies; personalized training. The relevance and discussion of relatively new concepts in modern education, psychology and pedagogy, which are designated as "digital engagement" and "digital professionalism", is noted. Today, the digital transformation of scientific and educational activities sets guidelines for the key areas of development of modern Russian education, taking into account the values for both students (students, cadets, employees of the penal correction system) and the state as a whole.

A Study on Comparative Analysis Regarding Gen-Z’s Perception Over Domino’s Pizza and Pizza Hut in Ahmedabad City

This study investigates Generation Z's perceptions of Domino’s and Pizza Hut in Ahmedabad, focusing on factors such as food quality, pricing, and brand reputation. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research tests eight hypotheses related to the influence of age on these perceptions. The findings reveal that age does not significantly impact how Generation Z evaluates these brands, leading to the rejection of all null hypotheses. This suggests a shared perspective among this demographic, indicating that factors beyond age—such as overall experience and brand engagement—are crucial in shaping their preferences. The study highlights the need for targeted marketing strategies that resonate with Generation Z's values, particularly in terms of health, sustainability, and digital engagement. Furthermore, enhancing customer experiences and effectively communicating brand value are essential for building loyalty. The findings also emphasize the importance of corporate social responsibility initiatives in improving brand reputation among socially conscious consumers. The study concludes by offering recommendations for future research, including broader demographic analyses and qualitative approaches to gain deeper insights into consumer motivations.

The recent history and near future of digital health in the field of behavioral medicine: an update on progress from 2019 to 2024.

The field of behavioral medicine has a long and successful history of leveraging digital health tools to promote health behavior change. Our 2019 summary of the history and future of digital health in behavioral medicine (Arigo in J Behav Med 8: 67-83, 2019) was one of the most highly cited articles in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine from 2010 to 2020; here, we provide an update on the opportunities and challenges we identified in 2019. We address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral medicine research and practice and highlight some of the digital health advances it prompted. We also describe emerging challenges and opportunities in the evolving ecosystem of digital health in the field of behavioral medicine, including the emergence of new evidence, research methods, and tools to promote health and health behaviors. Specifically, we offer updates on advanced research methods, the science of digital engagement, dissemination and implementation science, and artificial intelligence technologies, including examples of uses in healthcare and behavioral medicine. We also provide recommendations for next steps in these areas with attention to ethics, training, and accessibility considerations. The field of behavioral medicine has made meaningful advances since 2019 and continues to evolve with impressive pace and innovation.

Digital Device Usage and Childhood Cognitive Development: Exploring Effects on Cognitive Abilities

The increasing ubiquity of digital devices in childhood had outpaced the understanding of their effects on cognitive development, creating a significant research gap regarding their long-term impact. Objective: The present narrative overview explored the complex relationship between digital device usage and cognitive development in childhood. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, to critically assess cognitive domains such as attention, memory, executive functions, problem-solving skills, and social cognition. Incorporating over 157 peer-reviewed studies published between 2001 and 2024, we used strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure scientific rigor. Results: The review integrated empirical findings with established theoretical frameworks, particularly from cognitive development and media psychology, to highlight both the advantages and risks of early, frequent exposure to technology. The potential for digital devices to enhance cognitive skills, such as multitasking and information processing, was weighed against risks such as cognitive overload, diminished attention spans, and impaired social skills. We also examined psychological and behavioral outcomes, including identity formation, emotional regulation, and maladaptive behaviors associated with excessive screen time. Additionally, we identified strategies to mitigate negative effects, emphasizing structured digital engagement and parental involvement to support healthy cognitive and psychological growth. Our findings provided actionable recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers, promoting optimal digital practices that enhanced cognitive development while safeguarding against potential harms. Conclusions: The review offered essential insights for stakeholders in child development, education, and policy-making, highlighting the need for balanced integration of digital tools in childhood learning environments.

Digital Black placemaking: supporting Black women’s engagement in higher education

Through an analysis of in-depth interviews, this project examines how Black women attending historically White institutions experienced their campus digitally and how they created and maintained Black places online. Using Black placemaking and Black feminist theory, this project explores how digital Black placemaking operates in a higher education setting. Additionally, this project examines ways Black women college students created and cultivated digital counter-space with one another though their involvement in digital engagement. This study has implications for Black women’s experiences in digital spaces within the context of higher education. Further, we discuss implications for higher education leaders and administrators working to support Black women college students in an increasingly digital context.

A Future in the Past

Australia's History educators frequently face challenges regarding the value of post-school qualifications in history. Comments from Australian Government ministers have intensified claims that history degrees lack broad skills valued by employers. This study addresses the dearth of research examining the alignment between learning outcomes from history degrees and occupational skills. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on learning outcomes from 27 history degrees offered by Australian universities. These outcomes were mapped against the Australian Government's Skills Classification Core Competencies and Occupation Listings, employing a rigorous curriculum mapping methodology. The results identified 126 occupations that align with the skills and competencies developed through history degrees. This research not only challenges misconceptions about the employability of history graduates but also provides empirical evidence of the broad applicability of historical skills across various sectors. The findings reveal a significant concentration of history graduates in managerial and professional roles, indicating the high value placed on critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills developed by studying history. However, the study also highlights areas for improvement, particularly in digital engagement and numeracy skills. The research demonstrates that history degrees cultivate a range of transferable skills highly sought after in the modern job market, including advanced communication, critical analysis, research proficiency, and adaptability. These skills position history graduates to excel in diverse fields such as public policy, journalism, law, business, and education. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in curriculum design to enhance graduate employability. This research contributes valuable insights for curriculum development and career guidance in history education, demonstrating that history degrees lead to diverse and meaningful employment outcomes. It also provides a robust evidence base for advocating the value of historical studies in an increasingly skills-focused higher education landscape.

Clinical Effects of Asynchronous Provider-Guided Practice Sessions During Blended Care Therapy for Anxiety and Depression: Pragmatic Retrospective Cohort Study.

Blended care therapy models are intended to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of evidence-based psychotherapy by combining synchronous and asynchronous components of care. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical effects of synchronous video therapy sessions and asynchronous guided practice session elements on anxiety and depression in a blended care therapy program, with a novel focus on asynchronous provider feedback messages. Participants were adults (N=33,492) with clinical symptoms of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale [GAD-7] score of ≥8) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale [PHQ-9] score of ≥10) at intake. Symptom trajectories were evaluated via individual growth curve models. Time-varying covariates evaluated effects of synchronous video session attendance and the presence or absence of each asynchronous guided practice session element occurring within 7 days and 8-14 days prior to each clinical outcome assessment. Guided practice session elements included client digital lesson completion, client digital exercise completion, and feedback messages sent by providers. Approximately 86.6% (29,012/33,492) of clients met criteria for clinical improvement by end of care (median 6, IQR 4-8 synchronous sessions). Synchronous video session attendance and client digital lesson completion in the past 7 days and in the past 8-14 days were each uniquely and significantly associated with lower GAD-7 scores (video session effects: bsession7=-0.82, bsession8-14=-0.58, P values<.001; digital lesson effects: blesson7=-0.18, blesson8-14=-0.26, P values <.001) and PHQ-9 scores (video session effects: bsession7=-0.89, bsession8-14=-0.67, P values <.001; digital lesson effects: blesson7=-0.12, blesson8-14=-0.30, P values <.001). Client digital exercise completion in the past 8-14 days was significantly associated with lower GAD-7 scores (bexercise8-14=-0.10; P<.001) but exercise completion in the 7 days prior to clinical outcome assessment was not (bexercise7=0.00; P=.89). Exercise completion in the past 7 days was significantly associated with lower PHQ-9 scores (bexercise7=-0.16; P<.001) but exercise completion in the past 8-14 days was not (bexercise8-14=-0.05; P=.09). Provider feedback messaging in the past 7 days and in the past 8-14 days was significantly associated with lower GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores, respectively (GAD-7: bfeedback7=-0.12, P<.001; bfeedback8-14=-0.07, P=.004; PHQ-9: bfeedback7=-0.15, P<.001; bfeedback8-14=-0.08, P=.01). Provider feedback between synchronous therapy sessions provided significant benefit for symptom reduction, beyond the effects of client digital engagement and synchronous video sessions. When guided practice sessions are well integrated into care, blended care therapy provides meaningful improvements upon the traditional, synchronous session-only therapy model. Provider guidance and feedback for clients between synchronous sessions support more efficient and effective mental health care overall.

“She” power: role transition and self-empowerment of women in rural tourism

It is widely believed that participation in tourism empowers women, particularly by providing direct employment and income generation. However, this perspective frequently overlooks women’s agency and self-actualization. This study examines the Tingsong Cultural Community (TCC) in northeast China, integrating self-empowerment with role theory to focus on female participation in tourism. Utilizing multiple data collection strategies, both primary and secondary data were gathered between July 2019 and December 2022. Through inductive thematic analysis, the research unpacks the role transitions of Chinese rural women within tourism practices and the dynamics of self-empowerment. The findings reveal that: (1) role transition is a dynamic process involving exploration, identification, and obligation, marked by an enhanced sense of self-empowerment; (2) self-empowerment arises from awareness and interaction, benefiting from economic, cultural, and subjective dimensions; and (3) external support is essential for empowerment, ideally starting with vulnerable individuals to allow self-empowerment to develop organically. This study refines the concepts of role theory and self-empowerment while establishing the relationship between rural women’s role transitions and self-empowerment, contributing to existing knowledge. The practical implications related to external investment, endogenous development, and digital engagement are insightful for the sustainability of similar destinations.

Unveiling the Cultural and Entrepreneurial Potential of Música Popular Brasileira

Música popular Brasileira (MPB) is a genre of Brazilian music that emerged in the mid-1960s. It is characterized by its eclectic mix of samba, bossa nova, tropicalia, rock, pop, electronic, and samba-pop incorporating elements from African, European, and indigenous Brazilian music traditions. MPB is known for its rich lyrical content, which often addresses social, political, and cultural themes, and its innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary musical styles. This paper explores the allure and entrepreneurial prospects of MPB in the global music sphere. Through qualitative analysis of insights from industry experts Beatriz Malnic, Bruno Miranda, and Derris Lee, it delves into MPB's distinctive elements, its global influence, and strategies for enhancing its commercial success. Despite barriers, MPB's diversity, rhythmic appeal, and genre fusion captivate audiences globally. The paper advocates for collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, language-inclusive promotion, and digital engagement to expand MPB's reach. Embracing MPB's cultural legacy and entrepreneurial ethos can deepen connections with audiences and enrich the global music landscape with Brazil's musical treasures.

Sales Channel Strategies of FMCG: A Comprehensive Analysis in Rural Maharashtra

The document focuses on Colgate-Palmolive's sales strategy, specifically in rural Maharashtra, as part of a Sales and Channel Management project. It examines the brand's market position, competitive landscape, and sales initiatives. Colgate-Palmolive maintains a dominant role in oral care and focuses on tailored approaches to different markets, such as affordability strategies for rural areas and digital engagement for urban consumers. The analysis includes a competitor review, highlighting how the company positions itself against Hindustan Unilever, Procter &amp; Gamble, Dabur, and Patanjali. Key objectives are outlined, focusing on both quantitative goals, such as expanding market share and distribution, and qualitative objectives like building brand loyalty and launching new products. Sales initiatives include eco-friendly packaging, community outreach, customer loyalty programs, and the use of digital platforms to engage consumers. Additionally, the document suggests trade initiatives and retailer network improvements, recommending digital tools and gamified approaches to enhance performance. The integration of a Channel Information System (CIS) and various models of retail distribution, including the role of C&amp;F agents, distributors, and general trade, are also discussed. The report concludes with insights on expanding Colgate's market reach and optimizing its distribution strategy. Key Words: Sales Strategy, Rural Marketing, Brand Loyalty, Digital Engagement

Comprehensive Analysis of Football Player Market Valuation: Integrating Performance Metrics and Marketability Factors

In the fast-paced world of professional football, valuing players involves numerous factors. This paper explores the determinants of football players' market values using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data from sources like Opta Sports, Transfermarkt, and the CIES Football Observatory, along with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with industry experts, were analyzed. The quantitative analysis found that goals scored and social media followers significantly predict player market value, with a strong social media presence amplifying the impact of goals. Non-linear relationships revealed diminishing returns on market value as social media followers increase. Qualitative insights highlighted the importance of media presence, cultural impact, and digital engagement in shaping player valuations. Players frequently featured in media, seen as cultural icons, or active on digital platforms tend to have higher market values. A comparison with historical data showed a growing emphasis on marketability and digital presence. The study concludes that integrating quantitative performance metrics with qualitative marketability factors is crucial for accurate player valuation. This holistic approach offers valuable insights for clubs, agents, and policymakers, enhancing decision-making in player transfers and contract negotiations. The research contributes to sports management and economics by providing a comprehensive framework for managing player assets in professional football.

Contextualizing linguistic acculturation and alcohol use among Hispanic college students in the social digital environment.

Linguistic acculturation is a predictor of alcohol use among Hispanic college students, but existing linguistic acculturation measures do not capture language use in the social digital context (e.g., social media). Guided by erosion theory and past empirical findings, this study operationalized two dimensions of social digital linguistic acculturation (SDLA) and examined the interactive effects of SDLA with immigration generation-a demographic proxy for acculturation-in relation to alcohol use intentions and behaviors. Online questionnaires were completed by 246 Hispanic college students in central Texas between the ages of 18 and 29 (Mage = 21.0, SD = 2.4; 82.1% female) who reported current alcohol use. Measures included two dimensions of SDLA (SDLA-English and SDLA-Spanish) with items developed for this study and supported by exploratory factor analysis, immigration generation as a demographic proxy for acculturation, and three alcohol outcomes (intentions to use alcohol, alcohol consumption, and binge drinking). We specified three regression models in which immigration generation moderated the pathways between SDLA-English and SDLA-Spanish and each alcohol outcome. Contrary to hypotheses, lower rather than higher SDLA-English was related to greater intentions to use alcohol, greater alcohol consumption, and more frequent binge drinking when immigration generation was higher rather than lower. More aligned with expectations, lower SDLA-Spanish was related to more frequent binge drinking when immigration generation was higher. The link between SDLA and alcohol engagement is nuanced. This study's findings may be partially explained by acculturative stress in the context of social digital engagement, warranting further exploration. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

StaffsVerse: Building a Metaverse Campus Utilising the Unreal Editor for Fortnite

In pursuit of redefining the conventional campus introductory experience, this paper presents the development and implementation of the StaffsVerse project - a virtual campus immersion tool. Designed as a Metaverse representation, the StaffsVerse project intends to transform the physical campus of Staffordshire University into an interactive digital environment. Its purpose extends to serving as a versatile tool for remote education delivery, virtual campus tours, public science outreach, and facilitating a seamless transition for students into the university community. Through immersive digital engagement, the StaffsVerse project seeks to bridge the gap between remote learners and the campus environment while facilitating a smooth integration into academic and social aspects of university life. In contrast to previous implementations of virtual campuses, the StaffsVerse project is unique in leveraging the capabilities of Unreal Editor in Fortnite (UEFN). This approach enables the development of highly detailed, interactive, and engaging environments within the expansive Fortnite ecosystem. The project's primary objective is to harness the infrastructure and extensive user base of one of the world's most widely played multi-platform games, thereby ensuring a low barrier to access. Therefore, this paper will explore how the UEFN system's adaptability can effectively create an accurate virtual replica of the physical Staffordshire University campus. The key contribution of this paper includes an overview of the design and developmental journey of the StaffsVerse project. The evolution of the project will be outlined by discussing the two pivotal iterations of the game-based implementation and explaining the decision-making process that led to the resulting version. The examination extends to the unique features of the UEFN build, addressing the inherent challenges and opportunities specific to the platform. Furthermore, specific game-based decisions are discussed, such as replicating essential campus locations, integrating interactive features, and incorporating elements unique to the virtual environment. The paper will discuss the specific educational opportunities UEFN offers, including the potential for enhancing student engagement through gamified campus experiences, insights into creating a Metaverse university campus, and contributions to the growing discourse on the intersection of game-based virtual environments in learning.

Stakeholders and impact (engagement) in EU digital communication strategies during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign

The European Union has navigated numerous complex and multifaceted crises in recent years, including Brexit, refugee challenges, and economic turmoil. The COVID-19 pandemic has added a global-scale event with significant implications, elevating public health protection as a central priority for the EU. This study aims to examine the personalization (stakeholders involved), impact, and digital engagement resulting from diverse communication strategies on Twitter during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign by key EU institutions. Employing a primarily quantitative approach, the research conducts a content analysis that categorizes both quantitative and qualitative elements to explore various variables and engagement indicators in the official accounts of the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council. The findings suggest that, while the vaccination campaign saw a substantial volume of posts from these profiles, they fell short in engaging, mobilizing, and attracting audiences on Twitter, highlighting enduring challenges in EU message management and dissemination, as identified in previous studies.

"I've Got a Lot of Other Things I Do": The Nuances of Digital Engagement among Older People.

As Western society becomes increasingly digitally dependent and many older adults actively engage in the online world, understanding the experiences of those who largely do not use digital technology in their daily lives is crucial. Individual interviews were conducted (pre-pandemic) with 23 older adults who, based on self-identification, did not regularly use digital technology, exploring how their experiences as limited digital technology users may have impacted their daily lives. An iterative collaborative qualitative analysis demonstrated three main themes: internet concerns, frustrations with digital technology, and conflicting motivators to use digital technology. Findings suggest that addressing digital concerns and providing effective digital skill learning opportunities may encourage some older adults to become more digitally engaged. However, as people, including older adults, can be uninterested in using these technologies, organizations and institutions should work to offer ways to support people of all ages who are not engaged online.

“It's Enriched My Life.” Agency in the Digital World: Stories of Empowerment and Well‐Being

ABSTRACTDigital inclusion interventions are designed to address challenges related to digital technology access and use. The complex relationships between digital technologies and people's general well‐being are important when considering the development of digital services, practices, policies, and interventions. This research explores the impact of digital inclusion on individual agency and provides evidence of how agency emerges from the use of digital technologies to contribute to well‐being. We present a framework of Digital Inclusion for Well‐being drawing on evidence from interviews with participants of three digital inclusion interventions in Aotearoa New Zealand. While recognizing that digital inclusion is a continuum and that some of our research participants were more digitally engaged that others, we propose a preliminary framework of digital inclusion connecting our participants' digital engagement with outcomes impacting their agency, and thus their well‐being.

A meta-analysis of self-regulation and digital recreation from birth to adolescence

There is good reason to implicate self-regulation in our digital recreation duration, choices, and behaviours. However, the direction, degree, and diversity of their association is unclear. To offer more robust and nuanced evidence to this issue of acute public concern, the current study presents a comprehensive meta-analysis of the associations between self-regulation and digital recreation from birth to adolescence – consolidating 183 studies reporting 232 associations from 234,476 children and adolescents. Across these studies, digital recreation clustered into investigations of screen time, features of problematic digital engagement, exposure to violent content, communicating with strangers online, sexting, and media multitasking. Although a pattern of negative bivariate associations was observed between self-regulation and aspects of digital recreation, the strength of association for screen time was weak (r = −.04 for computer use to r = −.15 for social media use). Once control variables were considered, relationships with exposure to violent digital content were rendered similarly trivial, suggesting other variables likely account for these correlations. This reduces our confidence in these associations. In contrast, lower self-regulation was more highly associated with problematic engagement (r = −.28 for problematic gaming to r = −.41 for problematic mobile phone use), communicating with strangers online (r = −.18), and sexting (r = −.20). This pattern of results points to a relationship that is variable by type of digital activity, which in our meta-analyses ranged from null to strong and negative. Where a relationship exists, it may be bi-directional given associations remained for longitudinal studies that positioned either self-regulation or digital recreation as predictor. Most moderators of these associations were non-significant, although the negative association of self-regulation with time spent gaming was increasingly strong with increasing participant age. This study instigates a disentangling of the nature of the relationship between self-regulation and digital choices and behaviours across the early stages of life.