Social Media Engagement Research Articles

The effect of social media engagement on telemedicine adoption: an empirical study

Purpose This study aims to assess the collective impact of social media engagement and anxiety due to COVID-19 on telemedicine adoption intentions with other constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) concerning anxiety linked to COVID-19 and the influence of privacy concerns on TAM constructs. These constructs encompass the perception of ease of use, perceived usefulness, one’s attitude toward telemedicine and the intention to utilize telemedicine. Design/methodology/approach A total of 178 comprehensive responses were gathered over a six-month period from residents in Mumbai, India, to examine the proposed model. The data was analyzed using software tools, including SPSS version 23 and IBM AMOS 21, to compute factor loadings, assess model fit, estimate path relationships and conduct hypothesis testing. Findings Privacy concerns with telemedicine usage had a significant negative impact on behavioral engagement (B = −0.20, SE = 0.08, p < 0.05) and positively impacted affective engagement (B = 0.25, SE = 0.06, p < 0.01). Similarly, anxiety due to COVID-19 had a negative impact on the perceived usefulness of telemedicine (B = −0.10, SE = 0.03, p < 0.05). Research limitations/implications This research addresses a void in the existing literature by merging the TAM and the Social Media engagement theory. This study reaffirms the impact of past and relevant experiences, privacy concerns and COVID-19-induced anxiety on various components of TAM, thus expanding and enriching the TAM model. Practical implications Healthcare administrators should implement strategies to alleviate privacy-related apprehensions associated with telemedicine platforms. Additionally, they should promote existing users to create and disseminate positive content to mitigate COVID-19-induced anxiety and foster meaningful engagement, thereby enhancing the willingness to adopt telemedicine. Social implications Providers and promoters of telemedicine platforms and services may lean toward employing digital marketing campaigns that rely on emotional persuasion, including tapping into the fear factor to boost subscription and service sales. Such practices raise ethical questions, underscoring the need for well-defined advertising standards to govern the marketing of these products. Originality/value This article is among the relatively rare studies that document the favorable influence of emotional engagement on the intention to utilize telemedicine, underscoring the significant role of emotions in shaping telemedicine adoption Intentions.

The visual effects of emoji in social media travel sharing on user engagement

Emojis in social media travel sharing are an effective tool for enhancing emotional expression or promoting semantic interpretation. However, the visual appeal of emojis as small icons remains uncertain. This study shows that using facial emojis in desirability travel sharing enhances tourists' visual attention and social media engagement. In contrast, using non-facial emojis in feasibility travel sharing leads to more effective visual attention and social media engagement. These relationships are mediated by imagery fluency and influenced differently depending on the emoji's position within a sentence (mid-sentence vs. end of sentence). Our research contributes to the study of emojis' visual appeal by providing a theoretical explanation of how and why the interaction effects of emoji visual types and travel sharing content occur. This study also offers practical implications for how tourists, travel marketers, and social media platforms can use emojis appropriately to increase engagement.

Reflections From the Annals of Surgical Oncology Social Media Committee: The Impact of Promoting Surgical Science Online.

The Annals of Surgical Oncology (ASO) launched a Social Media Committee in 2022 to strategically promote surgical science, boost journal impact, and raise awareness of cutting-edge research. This study investigated the impact of the ASO Social Media Committee on journal visibility, publication engagement, and article-level metrics. Manuscripts accepted by ASO and promoted on Twitter/X between 21 September 2020 and 20 September 2023 were evaluated for differences in article and social media metrics. Pearson correlations evaluated the relationship between normalized article downloads and normalized likes, retweets/reposts, and quote tweets/quotes. Group comparisons of social media engagement by article type were performed. In the 18 months before the formation of the ASO Social Media Committee, 1023 manuscripts were published, and 1023 were published in the 18 months afterward. The median Altmetric scores for articles published before (3.0; IQR, 0-7.0) and afterward (2.0; IQR, 0-7.0) were similar (p = 0.480). In contrast, the normalized median number of downloads per article was significantly greater after the Social Media Committee was formed (0.85 downloads per article [IQR, 0.55-1.48] vs 1.37 [IQR, 0.93-2.51]; p < 0.001). Positive correlations were noted for normalized downloads with likes (r = 0.14; p < 0.001), retweets/reposts (r = 0.08; p < 0.001), and quote tweets/quotes (r = 0.16; p < 0.001). No difference in social media engagement by article type was observed. More downloads were noted for ASO articles posted by the Social Media Committee after normalization. An organized effort to promote surgical science likely improves article exposure. Future efforts should seek to expand article promotion to additional social media and networking platforms with a more international, multi-lingual approach.

Digital Transformation in Community Radio: Extending the Reach of Social Inclusion Efforts at Mathare FM, Nairobi, Kenya

This study explores the potential of Mathare FM, a community radio station in Nairobi’s Mathare slum, to enhance social inclusion through digital transformation. The main objectives were to assess how digital platforms can expand Mathare FM’s role in promoting social inclusion and to explore the perceptions of listeners and staff regarding the integration of these tools. Purposive sampling method was employed to select participants who could provide relevant insights regarding the station's social inclusion impact for Mathare residents. Grounded in Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory, this research analyses the benefits of incorporating social media, mobile applications, and online streaming into the station’s operations. Data collected from the questionnaires were analysed using SPSS to perform descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. A descriptive research approach was used, combining questionnaires and interviews with a sample size of 400 members. Findings indicate that Mathare FM plays a significant role in promoting social inclusion, with 53% of respondents reporting high satisfaction with the station's community engagement efforts. Notably, 76% of respondents believe that digital platforms would facilitate greater engagement for marginalized groups, and 73% expressed a willingness to integrate these tools with traditional broadcasting. The study recommends developing a comprehensive digital strategy, enhancing social media engagement, and leveraging mobile applications to increase accessibility and interaction within the community.

Analisis Peran Media Sosial Dalam Meningkatkan Branding Wisata Jolotundo Glamping And Edu Park Nganjuk

This research aims to analyze the role of social media in enhancing the branding of Jolotundo Glamping and Edupark Nganjuk. The main challenges in improving tourism branding include competition with other destinations, the growth of global connectivity, information technology, and competition among destinations. These factors require effective marketing strategies. Additionally, changes in consumer trends and technology can affect the effectiveness of social media strategies. Social media has significant power in reaching a broad audience and influencing public perception of a destination. In the context of tourism, social media plays a crucial role in increasing widespread popularity and building a positive image of this destination. The data collection techniques used in this research include observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis is conducted using qualitative descriptive methods. The research findings show that social media can enhance the branding of Jolotundo Glamping and Edupark through the planning of forming a special social media team, selecting social media platforms, and engaging third parties. The implementation involves having a dedicated social media team, choosing Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and collaborating with third parties such as Niken Salindri and Woko Chanel. The impact of social media includes an increase in the number of tourists, a rise in social media engagement, and an increase in the diversity of visitor origins.

"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.

Organic food consumption at casual and fine dining restaurants in the Uk: Restaurant managers’ perspectives

This research explores the phenomenon of organic food consumption in UK restaurants from restaurant managers’ perspectives. The research collected primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from restaurant managers and secondary data was collected from restaurant websites, menus and social media platforms. Twelve semi-structured interviews were carried out with restaurant managers in London. Thematic analysis and content analysis were adopted to analyze the qualitative data. Findings: From the viewpoints of restaurant managers, there is a growing organic dining trend and rising consumer demand for organic. The trend towards organic food consumption in UK restaurants is influenced by a number of substantial factors. Consumer health concerns and prices were identified as significant factors influencing diners’ behavior towards organic food in restaurants. Media coverage of the benefits of organic food, including taste and quality, are key influencing factors. Restaurant operations including social media engagement, and availability of organic and labelling practices are important determinants. These factors were all identified as significant in terms of understanding diners’ organic consumption behavior in restaurants. Being one of the first attempts to explore the factors influencing organic consumption behavior in restaurants in the UK from the perspective of restaurant managers

The Influence of Social Media Marketing and Customer Experience on Consumer Purchase Intentions

In this study the impact of social media marketing and customer experience was investigated on consumer purchase intentions, using Mixue Ice Cream &amp; Tea as a case study. Data were collected through an online survey of 501 Nanjing, China respondents who had purchased products from Mixue Ice Cream &amp; Tea. Structural equation modeling was used for hypothesis testing. The findings revealed that social media marketing and customer experience significantly and positively influenced purchase intentions, with trust and brand awareness as key mediators. The results underscore the importance of innovative social media strategies and high-quality customer experiences in fostering trust and enhancing brand awareness. Practical implications include recommendations for enhancing social media engagement, customer service, and transparent business practices. Future research should expand geographically, incorporate additional variables, and explore emerging technologies. This study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive model of consumer behavior and actionable insights for the ready-to-drink tea industry.

Gen-Z Entrepreneurial Intentions: Exploring the Impact of Risk, Achievement Needs, and Social Media Engagement

This research explores the relationship between risk-taking propensity, need for achievement, social media engagement, attitudes toward entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial intention among Gen-Z entrepreneurs in Banyumas Purwokerto. Gen-Z, known for their digital fluency and innovative outlook, presents unique insights into entrepreneurial intention, making them a compelling focus for this study. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach, selected for its ability to handle complex models with mediating effects, the study surveyed 150 participants. Findings reveal that risk-taking propensity, need for achievement, and social media engagement significantly and positively influence entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, attitudes toward entrepreneurship mediate these effects, highlighting the role of mindset in translating individual characteristics into entrepreneurial ambitions. Practical implications suggest that educators, policymakers, and business mentors can enhance entrepreneurial intention by fostering supportive environments that nurture these traits and positively shape attitudes toward entrepreneurship among Gen-Z.

The Impact of Social Media Use among Chinese College Students: A Literature Review of Academic Performance, Emotional Health, and Sleep Quality.

Social networks have become integral to daily life, with billions of users worldwide. While social media offers networking and information-gathering benefits, its impact on psychological well-being raises various concerns. This study investigates the correlation between social media engagement and adverse health outcomes among young adults. Specifically, it examines the effects on depression, anxiety, and sleep irregularities. The research utilizes a quantitative design. The sample comes from a university in Hebei Province, China. Through calculation, 400 representatives are needed to represent the sample size. The study will also explore potential moderating factors such as age, gender, racial status, and socioeconomic status. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify patterns and correlations. Anticipated results include identifying social media usage patterns linked to adverse health outcomes and how demographic factors influence these effects. The findings aim to address research gaps and inform policies to mitigate social media's adverse impact on mental health.

Impact of integrated marketing communication strategies on choice of higher education institutions

In today’s fiercely competitive realm of higher education, Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) have emerged as a crucial approach for institutions to effectively connect with prospective students. This study examines the influence of IMC strategies on students’ choices of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Bangalore, India. Using a descriptive research design, data were gathered via a structured questionnaire from a sample of 384 students. The findings reveal notable disparities in perceptions of IMC based on gender, academic discipline preference, and institution type. Interestingly, age does not yield significant differences in IMC perceptions. A positive correlation (0.632) between IMC perceptions and choice of HEIs underscores the importance of customized strategies in attracting and engaging students. IMC strategies such as digital marketing, social media engagement, content marketing, alumni engagement, and student ambassadors significantly influence the choice of HEIs with the variance of 0.315, 0.523, 0.394, 0.619, and 0.298, respectively. Further, IMC strategies such as digital marketing, social media engagement, alumni engagement, partnership with influencers, and student ambassadors significantly influence the selection of disciplines with the variance of 0.298, 0.642, 0.497, 0.421, and 0.234, respectively. In essence, this study emphasizes the pivotal role of effective IMC strategies in higher education choice decision-making and provides actionable insights for institutions seeking to refine their marketing approaches.

Evaluating Impact of Experiential Marketing Activities on Repurchase Intention: Testing Mediating and Moderating Model on Apparel Industry.

This examination is giving critical data to the backers of Pakistan's private universities in understanding clients' necessities more significantly to add to the improvement of their business. The data is collected through surveys. The pieces of information have been inspected through expansive outlines, using a structure and factors that are simply uniquely crafted to the fascinating necessities of Pakistan. In the consistent review, gathers created utilizing existing hypotheses, produce speculations, embrace structures for data plan and perform tests to show the proposed hypothesis. The clothing business is the essential unit of assessment all through the assessment of these elements. Our assessment is quantitative and besides embraces an objective strategy. The model size 250 and the assigned people is from clothing industry of Pakistan. Firstly, we utilize descriptive statistics to scrutinize the respondents' characteristics and outcomes. Additionally, we centre around the appraisal of the assessment model's results. Finally, we examine the insightful significance and hypothesis testing of the model. This total technique engages us to secure significant encounters into the data, which can be used to seek after informed decisions and drive accomplishment. Additionally, while the current study used a survey method, qualitative data such as customers' opinions and the nature of products could be added through open-ended questions to provide more in-depth insights. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into the relationship between issue identification and social media engagement, perceived corporate identification, and loyalty towards a company. Future research can build upon these findings to explore additional factors and expand the scope of the study. This specific research framework is never been used earlier in Pakistan’s Apparel industry. The originality and significance is to use Positive E-Wom as moderator in Pakistani market.

Social Media Linked to Early Adolescent Suicidal Thoughts via Cyberbullying and Internalizing Symptoms

AbstractEarly adolescents are increasingly engaged in visually rich social media platforms, which may lead to the involvement in visual cybervictimization, i.e., the unsolicited sharing of personal visuals, resulting in negative mental-health outcomes. The present study examined the association between social media use and suicidal ideation among early adolescents, with a focus on the mediating roles of visual cybervictimization and internalizing symptoms. The sample consisted of 1140 middle-school students from Northwestern Italy with a mean age of 12.35 years (SD = 0.97), 53.3% female, 45.1% male, and1.6% non-binary. We explored a serial mediation model, hypothesizing that increased social media engagement might lead to heightened suicidal ideation through elevated experiences of visual cybervictimization and subsequent rise in internalizing symptoms. Results indicated significant associations exist between increased social media use and both direct involvement in and bystander experiences of visual cybervictimization. Participating in visual cyberbullying events, both as victim and bystander, was significantly associated with higher levels of internalizing symptoms, in turn linked to greater suicidal ideation. These findings emphasize the critical need for digital literacy and interventions targeting visual aspects of cyberbullying to mitigate its detrimental effects on youth mental health.

Cultural and Behavioral Insights into European Social Media Users: Platform Preferences and Personality Types

The study examines European social media personalities based on age, gender, platform preference, and country of origin. The research sample, which consists of respondents from 19 European countries (Albania, Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the UK) reflects the general population ratio and predominantly includes middle-aged individuals ensuring representative findings. Almost two-thirds of respondents engage with social media daily, highlighting its pervasive role in European life. Analysis of platform preferences reveals that Facebook and Instagram are the most popular, while TikTok and Snapchat are less favored, particularly among older demographics. The study shows that gender differences are significant, with females favoring Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, while males prefer LinkedIn and Twitter. This delineation underscores the varying social media consumption habits between genders. The study identifies three primary social media personalities: Lurkers, who passively consume content; Ultras, who exhibit obsessive usage; and Deniers, who balance regular use without dependency. Additional personalities include Ranters, Informers, and Peacocks, each representing unique motivations and engagement styles. This diversity in user behaviors highlights the multifaceted nature of social media engagement in Europe. A country-specific analysis reveals cultural and regional differences in social media use, with distinct preferences and behaviors emerging across Europe. For instance, Germans exhibit unique tendencies with a notable presence among Approval Seekers, Changelings, and Ghosts. Such variations underscore the importance of considering cultural contexts in social media strategies. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders, including marketers, policymakers, and platform developers. By understanding these diverse usage patterns, more effective campaigns can be designed, privacy and digital literacy issues can be addressed, and user experiences can be enhanced. This study underscores the integral role of social media in European life and provides a foundation for future research and strategy development.

RELIGIOUS MODERATION, EXPERT, SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT NEWBIE? RELIGIOUS EXTENSION OFFICERS IN SOCIAL MEDIA

About sixty-seven thousand religious extension officers (Penyuluh Agama), representing six religions in the state service, are on the frontline of the massive campaign of religious moderation organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. They are the sole body with religious competence dealing with the increasing religious conservatism, radicalism, and extremism. The study observes the digital performance and agency of Penyuluh in social media. It describes the complexity of their position within the challenge of religious extremism, the execution of a religious moderation campaign, and social media engagement. Data collection utilizes mixed methods, while the analysis employs netnographic and descriptive-inductive methods. The findings demonstrate the digital divide context, the tendency of Penyuluh to reproduce the structure, hence limiting their agency, limited digital mastery and digital literacy of many of Penyuluh, fragmented institutional information system, and the vulnerability of instant messenger engagement that is prone to epistemic bubble and echo chamber effects.

Public Trust, Judicial Independence and Social Media Engagement of Latin American High Courts

Public Trust, Judicial Independence and Social Media Engagement of Latin American High Courts

Investigating how Cultural Contexts Shape Social Media Experiences and their Emotional Consequence

This study investigates the impact of cultural contexts on social media experiences and their emotional consequences. With over 4.8 billion global users, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping communication and interpersonal relationships. However, cultural factors such as individualism vs. collectivism, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance significantly influence how users engage with these platforms. Utilizing a quantitative approach, this research explores the relationships between cultural dimensions, social media engagement patterns, and emotional outcomes across diverse cultural groups. Data was collected from approximately 1,000 participants, equally divided between Western and Eastern cultural contexts, using standardized questionnaires assessing cultural orientation, social media usage, and emotional responses. The analysis revealed that individualism positively correlates with social media engagement (r = 0.450, p &lt; 0.01), while collectivism negatively affects engagement frequency (r = -0.320, p &lt; 0.05). High power distance (r = -0.290, p &lt; 0.05) and uncertainty avoidance (r = -0.350, p &lt; 0.01) negatively impacted user interactions, highlighting cultural constraints on online behavior. Furthermore, the study found that social media engagement mediates the relationship between cultural factors and emotional outcomes, with significant differences in emotional responses observed between Western (M = 4.80) and Eastern (M = 3.20) cultures. The findings emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in mental health interventions and social media platform design, advocating for tailored strategies that account for the unique needs and experiences of users from different cultural backgrounds. This research contributes to the growing body of literature at the intersection of culture, technology, and psychology, offering insights valuable for both academic and practical applications in enhancing user well-being in the digital age.

Ensuring sustainable impact of the national report on climate change and health in Germany 2023

Abstract Issue/problem The Robert Koch Institute recently coordinated a status report on climate change and health for Germany, detailing the current and future impact of climate change on health through 14 chapters. Description of the problem A central aim was to ensure the report’s long-term impact and public health value. Essential areas of focus have therefore been stakeholder-specific communication and establishing a network of experts for continued scientific exchange. Results The publication of the report as peer-reviewed articles has served to reach the scientific community. Another target group are public health practitioners and decision makers at subnational levels, who can contribute towards climate change mitigation and adaptation measures relevant to health, as recommended in the report. This latter group was reached through various methods and formats of science communication, including conferences aimed at the public health sector, through target-group oriented podcasts, social media engagement and digital town hall discussions. Following publication, the experts involved in writing, reviewing and using the report were invited to establish a network in order to support long-term scientific exchange and collaborations and in turn ensure the report’s sustainable impact and value. Lessons Through follow-up evaluations, the reception of the report and the further communication needs of this target group were analysed. A major lesson was to include the insights of public health practitioners more systematically and at an earlier stage in any future reports. As for the establishment of a network, a survey amongst the authors and other experts showed what this group considers the goals of this network: creating synergies and connections with existing initiatives and providing a platform for further exchange, especially amongst researchers addressing similar questions, such as the efficacy of mitigation and adaptation measures, from different angles. Key messages • Local public health practitioners are important stakeholders for climate change and health for ensuring public health impact. • The expertise in the network will support continued scientific exchange on climate change and health and thus ensure the national report’s sustainability.

Beyond the like button: how european public health institutions use social media in 2024?

Abstract Background In 2024, 62% of world’s population actively use social media (SM), with people aged 16 to 64 spending an average of 2 hours and 23 minutes daily across 6,7 SM platforms - most people use Facebook but spend more time on TikTok. While these platforms are essential for disseminating public health information, this study aims to explore their use by public health institutions in European countries. Methods We analysed the SM engagement of 32 health institutions recognized by ECDC across 29 European countries. Data collected focused on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube, including SM presence on official websites, number of followers, and posts from January to March 2024. Additional data included followers per 100.000 residents, with population statistics from Worldometer and SM usage from DataReportal. Results Most institutions (30) are active on SM, particularly on Facebook (28), X (23), Instagram (22), YouTube (22), and LinkedIn (21). Spain and Slovenia’s institutions are active on all analysed platforms, while only four institutions are on TikTok. The most used platforms were Facebook and X, with averages of 59,7 and 58,1 publications, respectively. There are disparities in engagement across platforms, with Facebook having the highest average followers (177.241) and TikTok the lowest (1.961) among all platforms. Notably, the most followed platform within ten institutions did not match country’s most popular platform, indicating a misalignment in SM platforms’ strategy. There was an average of 2.756 followers per 100.000 residents among analysed countries. Conclusions Public health institutions in Europe are actively using SM platforms to disseminate health information, mainly Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Despite high engagement on Facebook and X, there is a need for strategic alignment with audience’s preferences, particularly in underutilized platforms like TikTok, to optimize the effectiveness of public health communication. Key messages • The majority of European public health institutions actively use social media, with Facebook leading; however, newer platforms like TikTok are underutilized. • There is a need for public health institutions to realign their social media strategies to better match the platforms preferred by their audiences to maximize the effectiveness of their communication.

Navigating the social media landscape: unraveling the intricacies of safety perceptions

The emergence of social media has greatly enriched the channels and sources of information through which individuals interact. However, there remains a lack of empirical research on its actual impact on personal safety. This study employed both Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and network analysis to explored the mechanisms by which social media engagement affects safety perceptions. Additionally, it examined gender differences from both micro-level perspectives (including general trust and perceived social support) and macro-level viewpoints (including personal belief in a just world). The findings revealed that perceived social support, general trust, and personal belief in a just world played a fully mediating role. A multi-group analysis indicated that males were more susceptibility to the influence of social media engagement, with their general trust exhibiting negligible impact on perceived safety. Consequently, this study argues that attention should be given not only how social media affects personal beliefs and safety perceptions, but also its impact on behavioral outcomes.