Digital Age Research Articles

“It Became No Man’s Land”: The Burden of Moderating Online Harassment in Newswork

ABSTRACT Online harassment against media workers has been on the rise, prompting academic and international organizations to call for comprehensive measures that could protect journalists from intimidation and threats on social media platforms. Despite these efforts, research shows little success in curbing the issue of hostility towards media professionals. With this article, we aim to explore journalists’ perceptions regarding online harassment and the responsibility that they attribute to the media organizations they work for, as well as digital platforms for allowing violence to spread online. Our study is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in two Chilean newsrooms, including interviews with media professionals responsible for moderating hate. This article discusses the experiences of reporters who have faced online threats and attacks while reporting the news. Our findings show that digital platforms have provided new opportunities for violent behavior against journalists. More remarkably, some journalists are worried that their media organizations might prefer to benefit from the increased engagement and metrics that come with such aggressive actions. Our findings shed light on the challenges journalists face in the digital age and the need for more significant protection measures.

Share If You Believe, Comment If You Doubt: The Effect of Source of Information, Trust, and Belief in Conspiracy Theories on Engagement with Facebook Posts

This study examines the effect of one of three sources of information: a politician (authority figure), a physician (expert), and an ordinary person (non-expert) who appeared in a personal story related to a controversial issue (COVID-19 vaccination) on Facebook, on the willingness to engage with it. Using a between-subjects experiment (N = 848) conducted among Israeli adults (18 and older), we found a higher likelihood of sharing the story in interpersonal conversations than in other types of communications, regardless of the source that appeared in the story. However, respondents with high levels of institutional trust preferred sharing a politician’s story, while conspiracy believers tended to comment on an ordinary person’s story. The findings of the different patterns of communication behavior among conspiracy believers and people with high trust in political institutes contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the spread of misinformation in the digital age and during times of crisis.

The Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Age

Purpose: This study sought to explore the evolution of intellectual property rights in the digital age. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the evolution of intellectual property rights in the digital age. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the digital age has significantly transformed the landscape of intellectual property rights, necessitating adaptations to traditional IP frameworks to address new challenges such as digital content piracy and unauthorized distribution. It was found that while digital technologies, like blockchain and NFTs, offer potential solutions for enhanced IP protection, existing laws often fell short of addressing the complexities introduced by these advancements. The study highlighted the need for harmonized international standards and ongoing adaptation to effectively manage and protect intellectual property in the rapidly evolving digital environment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Technological Determinism, Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) Theory and the Theory of Legal Realism may be used to anchor future studies on the evolution of intellectual property. The study recommended several strategies to address the evolving challenges in intellectual property rights due to digital advancements. It suggested the adoption of technologies like blockchain for better IP management and the need for improved international cooperation to address cross-border enforcement issues. Additionally, it advised policymakers to harmonize IP standards globally and support innovations in IP protection technologies. The study also emphasized the importance of education to enhance awareness of digital IP rights and recommended legal reforms to update existing laws to better suit the digital age.

Antitrust Laws and the Future of Market Competition

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to investigate antitrust laws and the future of market competition. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to antitrust laws and the future of market competition. Preliminary empirical review revealed that while existing antitrust frameworks had been instrumental in promoting competition and preventing monopolistic practices, they faced significant challenges in the digital age. The rapid evolution of technology and the rise of digital platforms had created new competitive dynamics that traditional antitrust laws struggled to address. The dominance of a few tech giants led to market concentration, reducing the scope for competition and innovation. The study highlighted the inadequacies of current antitrust enforcement in dealing with digital platforms, data control, and network effects. Additionally, it emphasized the need for international cooperation and a balanced approach to antitrust enforcement that considered both competition and innovation to ensure that the benefits of the digital economy were widely shared. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Structure-Conduct-Performance (SCP) Paradigm, Contestable Market Theory and Innovation and Monopolistic Competition Theory may be used to anchor future studies on antitrust laws and the future of market competition. The study recommended updating theoretical frameworks to include factors like data control and network effects, and adopting more flexible and adaptive approaches in antitrust enforcement. It advocated for the creation of specialized regulatory units focused on digital markets, equipped with the necessary resources and expertise. The study also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in antitrust enforcement to address cross-border anti-competitive practices effectively. Furthermore, it suggested continuous dialogue with industry stakeholders to develop more informed policies and emphasized the role of consumer education in promoting competitive markets. These recommendations aimed to enhance antitrust laws and ensure robust market competition in the digital age.

The Influence of Social Media on Judicial Independence

Purpose: This study sought to analyze the influence of social media on judicial independence. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the influence of social media on judicial independence. Preliminary empirical review revealed that social media exerted considerable pressure on judicial processes, potentially compromising judges' independence due to increased scrutiny and criticism. It found that misinformation and sensationalism on social media significantly eroded public trust in the judiciary, leading to distorted perceptions of judicial fairness. Judges were often influenced, consciously or subconsciously, by social media discourse, affecting their decision-making processes. The study highlighted the need for ongoing attention and research to understand and mitigate these influences, ensuring the preservation and strengthening of judicial independence in the digital age. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Silence Theory, Media Dependency Theory and Spiral of Silence Theory may be used to anchor future studies on judicial independence. The study recommended developing comprehensive guidelines for judges' social media engagement to maintain impartiality, and emphasized the need for further research into the psychological impact of social media on judges. It advocated for judicial education and training programs focused on digital literacy and stress management, and suggested establishing institutional support systems for judges facing social media pressures. Additionally, it recommended proactive engagement of judicial institutions with the public through social media to build trust and counteract misinformation. Continuous research and monitoring of social media's impact on the judiciary were also advised to adapt and implement effective strategies proactively.

Coupling coordination analysis on digital economy-tourism development-ecological environment

Growth-oriented tourism has caused global environmental degradation. The digital economy is widely regarded as a strategic engine of sustainable tourism, creating new potential for eco-environmental improvement by increasing innovation and efficiency, optimizing tourism sustainability management, and promoting sustainable tourist behavior. To reveal the coordination associations of the digital economy, tourism development, and ecological environment (DTE) and achieve sustainability in tourist destinations, this study aims to explore the DTE coupling coordination. We used the coupling coordination model to explore the coupling coordination degree of the DTE in 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021. Using Markov and modified gravity model, the dynamic evolution and spatial correlation intensity of the coupling coordination were examined, and influencing factors were determined by applying the GTWR model. The evaluation indices of the digital economy, tourism, and environment steadily increased but with significant spatial disequilibrium. The dominant trend was shifting from a lagging digital economy to lagging tourism development. Temporally, the coupling coordination state experienced a mild imbalance transformation to a near imbalance and a large gap with excellent coordination. Spatially, the coupling coordination is characterized by decreasing steps in the eastern, central, and western regions. The coupling coordination has regional diffusion and spatial correlation phenomena. Third, economic development, opening up, and government support positively affected the coupling coordination. Industrial structure had a fluctuating impact on the coupling coordination, and urbanization and transportation accessibility had a negative effect. Our study emphasizes the importance of DTE coordination development. Policymakers should consider these dynamics when promoting sustainable tourism practices in the digital age.

Electronic Farewells in the Digital Age

Electronic Farewells in the Digital Age

Digital age: The path choice of government-citizen value co-creation

This study explores the relationship between government and citizen in the digital age and proposes a specific path to realize the value co-creation of government and citizen in the digital age. Quantitative analysis of 40 policy texts on “digital government construction” of 30 provincial and municipal governments in China before November 2022 was conducted using NVivo12. The case of Minsheng Cloud revealed that provincial and municipal government departments have not paid sufficient attention to citizen participation. Furthermore, citizens' participation ability and enthusiasm are not high. The study found that in the process of strengthening the construction of digital government, “government optimisation”, “citizen participation”, “governance guarantee”, “data governance” and “government digitization” are the key elements. We discuss the feasibility, necessity and coupling of the value co-creation theory to establish the benign interaction between government and citizens and realize co-creation. We find that the “DART” model can be co-created based on value, and that the continuous Improving the four aspects of “dialogue”, “access”, “transparency” and “risk assessment” will undoubtedly help realize the value co-creation of government and citizens in the digital era, and form a governance pattern of co-construction and sharing. It is therefore of great significance to promote the government's digital construction and digital governance capability to accelerate the construction of digital China and promote the modernisation of the national governance system and governance capability.

Cybersecurity in Big Data Era: From Securing Big Data to Data-Driven Security

In the age of information, the proverb "knowledge is power" has been shown to be true. admission to, which ultimately leads to knowledge acquisition. The relevance of the ability to glean knowledge from vast amounts of facts has increased. To describe the process of distributing, storing, and gathering enormous amounts of data for future analysis, researchers coined the term "big data analytics" (BDA). Data is generated at an alarming rate. The Internet of Things (IoT), the net's explosive expansion, and other technological advancements are the main forces behind this long-term growth. Since the information generated reflects the environment in which it is formed, the use of information gleaned from systems to understand the inner workings of those systems. The goal of protecting assets has been developed into a crucial component of cybersecurity. Additionally, big data now has the status of a high-value target due to the growing value of data. Current cybersecurity research in relation to big data has been reported here to explore big data security and its potential use as a cybersecurity tool. This gives trends, open research projects, and challenges along with a summary of current studies in the form of tables. In addition to current advancements and unanswered questions in this area of active research, this research work also provides readers a more thorough understanding of safety in the big data era.

The Dark Side of Recommendation Algorithms in Chinese Mass Short Video Apps: Effect of Perceived Over-Recommendation on Users’ Cognitive Dissonance and Discontinuance Intention

In the digital age, human-algorithm interaction has become ubiquitous. The popularity of short-form video apps has led to greater access to and experience with algorithmic recommender systems, but it has also exposed their potential problems and dark sides. However, there is still limited knowledge about the dark side of over-recommendation from the perspective of user perception, especially regarding the negative impact on users’ psychology and behavior. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study constructed a theoretical model to investigate how information environment factors influence users’ cognitive dissonance and discontinuance intention under the antecedent dimension of perceived over-recommendation. The model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling on 322 valid questionnaires from users of Chinse mass short video apps (eg, Douyin). The results showed that when users perceived over-recommendation, information narrowing, information redundancy, perceived overload, and privacy invasion significantly increased their cognitive dissonance, ultimately leading to discontinuance intention. Notably, cognitive dissonance fully mediated the relationship between the information environment and discontinuance intention, and self-efficacy did not play a significant moderating role. Additionally, the local path effects varied significantly across groups with different characteristics. To maintain the sustainability of short video platforms, it is crucial to explore moderate recommendation mechanisms. User-centered functionality improvements and differentiated behavioral interventions can help mitigate negative psychology and discontinuance intention among users.

A new possibilistic-based clustering method for probability density functions and its application to detecting abnormal elements

Cluster analysis can also detect abnormalities besides building a basis for identifying elements into clusters. Detecting abnormalities is a highly developed feature in the field of unsupervised learning. However, existing studies have mainly focused on discrete data, not probability density functions. This paper enables a possibilistic approach to solving the clustering for probability density functions dealing with abnormal elements. First, the data are extracted using the density function. Then, they are passed through the proposed algorithm to produce a possibilistic partition. Finally, a decision rule is established to recognize which function is abnormal. We compare the proposed algorithm with baseline algorithms in clustering PDFs, such as k-means, FCF, and Self-Updated Clustering. The results of three numerical examples applied to the image are typical for this new method. Furthermore, The proposed algorithm reaches accuracy at 100% over simulated benchmark data and outperforms baseline methods. Additionally, two last examples apply to image data reaching G-mean up from 96 to 100% (Sensitivity: 92–100% and Specificity: 100%). The proposed method can be researched and used to understand the internal structures of big data in the digital age through the probability density functions.

Effective capacity analysis of configurable intelligent surface-assisted NOMA communications systems

This paper investigates the integration of configurable intelligent surfaces (CIS) into relay radio networks, focusing on communication system enhancement. Towards this end, we propose CIS-assisted non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) communication systems to improve direct connections between a base station and two destination nodes. Our primary objective is to assess the net-work’s overall capacity, considering critical factors like signal-to-noise ratio, the number and placement of CIS components, quality of service exponent, and power distribution coefficients. Analytical equations developed in this research closely align with simulation results, validating our theoretical analysis. This study underscores the growing significance of CISs in modern communication systems, introducing adaptability and optimization to wireless networks. By exploring CIS-assisted NOMA communication systems, we contribute to dis-cussions about the evolving landscape of wireless communication technologies, poised to revolutionize information transmission and reception in the digital age.

Self-Disclosure in Online Social Networks: An Empirical Study of Location-Based Check-Ins and Impression Management

Leveraging online networks like Twitter and Foursquare, our study explores the dynamics of self-disclosure and impression management through location sharing. Grounded in social and hyperpersonal information processing theories, we investigate how peer influence, geographical proximity, and exposure to promotional content impact self-disclosure behaviors. Through an integrated dataset, we determine that friends’ check-ins and their physical proximities significantly sway individual self-disclosure. Particularly, in the presence of health-conscious peers, users tend to avoid check-ins that create a negative health impression. Furthermore, exposure to health-related promotional content significantly influences these behaviors. Our findings provide crucial perspectives on impression management in the digital age.

Teaching Literature in the Digital Age: Some Theoretical Reflections

Teaching Literature in the Digital Age: Some Theoretical Reflections

Internal Strategic Resource Market and Diversification in the Digital Age

Internal Strategic Resource Market and Diversification in the Digital Age

Prospective relationship between Electronic Health Literacy and Health-promoting Lifestyle among Chinese Older Adults: A Three-wave Longitudinal Study

BackgroundImproving older people’s health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) may slow the progression of health conditions and improve quality of life. Electronic health (eHealth) literacy is increasingly important for individuals managing health in the digital age. Previous cross-sectional studies have shown a positive association between eHealth literacy and HPL among older adults. However, no longitudinal studies have examined the association over time, their temporal relationship, and the potential underlying mechanisms. ObjectivesTo examine the longitudinal association and temporal relationship between eHealth literacy and HPL among older adults, and to explore their underlying mechanism based on the Integrated Model of eHealth Use (iMeHU). MethodsThis longitudinal study was conducted among older adults in Jiangxi Province, China, from February to November 2022. Data were collected at baseline (T1) and 3-month (T2) and 6-month follow-up (T3), using online self-reported questionnaires. Older people’s eHealth literacy and HPL were measured using the Digital Health Literacy Instrument and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II. Statistical analyses included Linear mixed model (LMM), cross-lagged panel model (CLPM), longitudinal mediation analysis, and multi-group analysis. Results611 participants were included at T1; 464 (75.9%) completed the follow-ups at T2 and T3. The LMM results suggested that older individuals with higher eHealth literacy levels showed better HPL over time (adjusted β = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.27∼0.35, p<.001), after adjusting for covariates. CLPMs supported that eHealth literacy could predict older people’s improved HPL subsequently, but not the reverse. Attitude towards eHealth mediated the relationship from eHealth literacy to improved HPL, with a mediated proportion of 17.2%. In addition, the prospective relationships were stronger and only significant in older patients. ConclusionsFrom a longitudinal perspective, this study highlighted the important roles of eHealth literacy and attitude towards eHealth in improving older people’s HPL, especially for the patients. The findings provide robust evidence and practical implications to develop targeted interventions.

The rising entropy of English in the attention economy

We present evidence that the word entropy of American English has been rising steadily since around 1900. We also find differences in word entropy between media categories, with short-form media such as news and magazines having higher entropy than long-form media, and social media feeds having higher entropy still. To explain these results we develop an ecological model of the attention economy that combines ideas from Zipf’s law and information foraging. In this model, media consumers maximize information utility rate taking into account the costs of information search, while media producers adapt to technologies that reduce search costs, driving them to generate higher entropy content in increasingly shorter formats.

Supply Chain System Optimization Model for Logistics Enterprises in the Internet of Things Era Based on Improved ECC Algorithm

In this article, a new method to optimize the supply chain system (SCS) of logistics companies in the era of Internet of Things (IoT) using an improved elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) algorithm was put forward.The focus of this research was to address the challenges faced by logistics organizations in adapting to the complexity of modern supply chains and meeting the growing demands of customers. The research aimed to improve the efficiency, security and reliability of supply chain management systems by utilizing advances in ECC algorithms.By conducting comprehensive performance tests of the proposed system, including interface testing, joggle testing, and system response time analysis, the study demonstrated the superiority of the system over traditional systems. The research findings indicated that the system based on the improved ECC algorithm outperformed traditional systems in terms of interface effectiveness, usability, and system response time. The improved ECC algorithm enhanced the security of the encryption process, making it more resistant to unauthorized access, and improved the system’s overall data processing load capacity. Additionally, the system demonstrated superior performance in managing logistics data and information, facilitating better decision-making and efficiency in logistics operations. Overall, this research contributes to the advancement of supply chain management in the IoT era by providing a practical and efficient solution for logistics enterprises to optimize their supply chain systems. The innovative application of the improved ECC algorithm offers a secure, reliable, and efficient approach to managing logistics operations, addressing the challenges posed by the complexities of modern supply chains.

Book Review: Anna Gjika, When Rape Goes Viral: Youth and Sexual Assault in the Digital Age.

In "When Rape Goes Viral: Youth and Sexual Assault in the Digital Age" Anna Gjika delves into the complex interplay between digital technology and the criminal justice system's handling of sexual violence, particularly among adolescents. The digital age has transformed many aspects of society, including how sexual violence is perpetrated, recorded, and prosecuted. This transformation raises critical questions about the adequacy of existing legal frameworks and the need for systemic reform to address the nuances of digital abuse effectively. Gjika’s work is pivotal as it uncovers the dual roles of digital platforms—both as tools for empowerment and instruments of victimization. The author uses a range of case studies to illustrate how digital media can both aid in bringing justice to victims and exacerbate their victimization through cyberbullying and unconsented sharing of intimate images. This scholarly analysis seeks to unpack the contributions of Gjika's work to the field of criminal justice, specifically in the context of digital harm, the inadequacies of existing legal frameworks, and the influence of gender dynamics, race, and circumstances surrounding sexual assault incidents.

Self-learning in the digital age: insights from high SES primary school students in Türkiye and Azerbaijan

ABSTRACT This study examines the self-learning sources and practices of 10–11-year-old primary school students from high socioeconomic backgrounds in Türkiye and Azerbaijan. Through semi-structured interviews with students and parents (n = 26), the research explores self-learning diversification and strategies in the digital age. Findings reveal that self-learning experiences do not differ significantly between the two countries. Both digital and physical resources are integral to students’ learning efforts. While there is a shift from print materials towards the internet, family and peers maintain their traditional significance, providing crucial support for students’ self-learning processes. Emotions play a key role in navigating the self-learning journey, where challenges such as managing the abundance of online information and avoiding inappropriate content persist. Family dynamics exhibit a spectrum of support, including both direct interaction and digital engagement. The research highlights the crucial roles of self-regulation, digital resources, and familial and peer support in fostering learning achievement among these students.