Individual Interviews Research Articles

Perspectives of Czech High School Students on Cheating in Remote Education

This study explores the perspectives of Czech high school students on using digital technologies for cheating during remote education, a phenomenon encouraged by the abrupt transition to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a mixed-methods research design, this study collected data via an online questionnaire with 24 questions completed by 316 students from secondary schools and conducted individual interviews with seven teachers. In their study, the authors focus on three questions: How much do high school students know which digital technology they can use for cheating in remote online education? What are their experiences with cheating in remote online education? What are the preventive solutions recommended by students and teachers to eliminate online cheating? The research findings indicate that students perceive online cheating as justifiable, primarily due to their disengagement with the course material and lack of interest in learning under the pandemic's extraordinary circumstances. Students frequently used technical means for cheating, with mobile phones and screen-sharing during online tests being the most popular methods. Additionally, the use of internet resources to find answers was the most commonly reported form of online cheating. To address this issue, students outlined various anti-cheating strategies, categorised into three perspectives: pessimistic, practical, and critical-realistic. The pessimistic perspective indicates scepticism about the feasibility of effectively combating cheating, whereas the practical perspective offers tangible, immediate solutions. The critical-realistic view provides a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to the problem, suggesting a balance between understanding the complexities of cheating and implementing realistic measures. The study highlights educators' critical role and emphasises the importance of aligning assessment methods with students' learning needs and expectations to reduce cheating tendencies naturally. The rise of AI technologies has introduced new dimensions to the problem of online cheating, as AI tools can facilitate academic dishonesty. However, AI can help detect and prevent cheating. The authors suggest using formative assessments and creating an engaging, supportive online learning environment to deter dishonesty and promote academic integrity.

Climate-related loss and damage in contexts of agrarian change: differentiated sense of loss from extreme weather events in northeast Cambodia

The uneven burden of climate-related losses and damages and its implications for equity and social justice are receiving growing attention in science and policy. Smallholder farmers, indigenous groups, and ethnic minorities are often identified as particularly vulnerable and likely to experience a greater burden of climate-related loss and damage. However, limited attention has been paid to experiences of climate-related loss and damage in contexts of agrarian change and related struggles, especially around land. In this paper, we analyse experiences of climate-related loss amongst smallholder farmers in Ratanakiri province, northeast Cambodia. We derive an analytical framework from political economy of vulnerability and sociology of loss to explain farmers’ sense of loss from climate change and foreground intangible dimensions of climate-related loss. We use a mixed-methods approach with a hierarchical regression analysis of a household survey (n = 295), individual interviews, and focus group discussions across eleven villages. We find that a higher number of livelihood activities, greater values related to land, types of negative impacts experienced, and stronger perception of changes in extreme weather events are associated with a greater sense of loss. Meanwhile, a higher ability to repay loans and secure land tenure is associated with a lower sense of loss. Our results demonstrate how experiential, relational, and normative dimensions of climate-related loss are co-produced through processes of agrarian change such as financialization and histories of land struggles (i.e. through debt failure and fear of loss of access to land). This study contributes a deeper understanding of people’s lived experiences of loss arising from climate change impacts in agrarian contexts and their implications for climate justice.

Improving Clinical Preparedness: Community Health Nurses and Early Hypoglycemia Prediction in Type 2 Diabetes Using Hybrid Machine Learning Techniques.

The aim of the study was to analyze the data of diabetic patients regarding warning signs of hypoglycemia to predict it at an early stage using various novel machine learning (ML) algorithms. Individual interviews with diabetic patients were conducted over 6 months to acquire information regarding their experience with hypoglycemic episodes. This information included warning signs of hypoglycemia, such as incoherent speech, exhaustion, weakness, and other clinically relevant cases of low blood sugar. Researchers used supervised, unsupervised, and hybrid techniques. In supervised techniques, researchers applied regression, while in hybrid classification ML techniques were used. In a 5-fold cross-validation approach, the prediction performance of seven models was examined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). We analyzed the data of 290 diabetic patients with low blood sugar episodes. Our investigation discovered that gradient boosting and neural networks performed better in regression, with accuracies of 0.416 and 0.417, respectively. In classification models, gradient boosting, AdaBoost, and random forest performed better overall, with AUC scores of 0.821, 0.814, and 0.821, individually. Precision values were 0.779, 0.775, and 0.776 for gradient boosting, AdaBoost, and random forest, respectively. AdaBoost and Gradient Boosting models, in particular, outperformed all others in predicting the probability of clinically severe hypoglycemia. These techniques enable community health nurses to predict hypoglycemia at an early stage and provide the necessary therapies to patients to prevent complications resulting from hypoglycemia.

Co-created improvement goals and strategies for implementing SBIRT and MAUDin primary care settings in a facilitator-supported, tailored implementation study.

Evidence-based approaches to screening and treatment for unhealthy alcohol use have the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality but are currently underutilized in primary care settings. To support implementation of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) and medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder (MAUD) by identifying goals co-developed by clinics and practice facilitators in a flexible implementation study. In a pragmatic implementation study, we used practice facilitation to support the implementation of SBIRT and MAUD in 48 clinical practices across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Our study used a tailored approach, in which facilitators and clinics co-identified implementation goals based on clinic needs. We used clinic contact logs, individual interviews, group periodic reflections with practice facilitators, and exit interviews with clinic staff to inform qualitative analysis. With support from practice facilitators, clinics identified goals spanning SBIRT, MAUD, reporting, targeted patient outreach, and quality improvement capacity. Goals addressed both the technical (e.g. data tracking) and social (e.g. staff training) aspects of SBIRT and MAUD. A decision tree summarizes emergent findings into a tool to support future implementation of SBIRT in primary care settings. A facilitator-supported, tailored approach to SBIRT implementation enabled clinics to identify a variety of goals to improve SBIRT and MAUD implementation. These identified priorities, along with a decision tree describing the hierarchical structure of these goals, could support future implementation efforts.

Incorporating client perspectives: moving towards digital outcome measurement in pediatric speech-language pathology

ABSTRACT Caregivers’ needs and preferences regarding outcome measurement in pediatric speech-language pathology are not well-understood, but are critical to the development and implementation of meaningful clinical tools. This project engaged caregivers of preschoolers with speech, language and communication needs to understand their views on the potential for, and their preferences surrounding a digital version of one participation-focused outcome measure called the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS-34). Fifteen caregivers of preschoolers who were receiving services in a large health system participated in one of four 30–60-minute virtual focus groups or one of three individual interviews. Caregivers shared their perceptions of whether and how a digital FOCUS-34 may improve their service experience, and their preferred features and formats to make it useful. An inductive content analysis was used to identify relevant categories that described caregivers’ perspectives. Data were sorted into two categories: (1) caregivers believe a digital solution would improve their service experience, and (2) caregivers want a user-friendly digital FOCUS-34 to measure and give feedback on intervention outcomes. Multiple sub-categories were also identified, which further described caregivers’ views on how a digital measure would improve the feasibility of outcome measurement, family engagement in services, and transparent communication with providers. Sub-categories also outlined caregivers’ preferences for the features and functions of a digital measure and their suggested considerations for developers of the digital tool. Results provide new insight into caregivers’ perspectives on digital outcome measurement and will inform efforts to improve the utility of the FOCUS-34 for families.

Developing a compassionate university: Insights from a longitudinal process evaluation

Compassionate communities are gaining momentum as a new public health approach emphasizing community support during times of serious illness, death, and bereavement. However, evidence on their development, particularly in higher education, is limited. This study investigates the development of a Compassionate University, examining the underlying processes and contextual factors shaping its development. A longitudinal process evaluation was conducted, using field notes right-now surveys, individual interviews, focus groups, and strategic learning debriefs. Factors that facilitated the development process included leadership support, the establishment of the Compassionate Schools Learning Network, and alignment with existing university programs. Barriers were the lack of guiding examples, the fragmented university environment, resource constraints, and limited prioritization. Cognitive and social processes that supported the work involved recognizing the value of Compassionate University and adapting implementation strategies based on empirical feedback. However, challenges such as building coherence, engaging stakeholders, and assessing the work hampered the development process.

Social connection in long-term care homes: a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators

BackgroundSocial connection is a basic human need and is essential to quality of life. It is associated with better mental and physical health outcomes for long-term care (LTC) home residents and is a key aspect of quality of care and person-centred care. There are considerations for LTC homes that may present obstacles to and opportunities for social connection. It is therefore important to understand what restricts or enables good social connection in LTC homes, to guide better quality care and future interventions in this population. This qualitative study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to social connection for LTC residents.MethodsWe used thematic analysis to describe themes derived from individual and group qualitative interviews from 67 participants (18 residents, 17 staff members and clinicians, 32 family members and friends) recruited from LTC homes in the United Kingdom and Canada.ResultsThemes were grouped into four categories: (1) becoming familiar with life in the LTC home to support social connection; (2) physical and virtual access beyond the LTC home as strategies to maintain contact; (3) getting to know residents to deepen relationships; (4) person-centred approaches to build social connection. ‘Becoming familiar with life in the LTC home to support social connection’ described the benefits of counteracting the institutionalized feel of LTC homes, enabling LTC residents to spend time in meaningful ways, and increasing freedom of mobility around the home. ‘Physical and virtual access beyond the LTC home as strategies to maintain contact’ related to the benefits of outings, providing support with technology, and involving family and friends in LTC home life. ‘Getting to know residents to deepen relationships’ related to the benefits of using routine care and interactions as opportunities for social contact, using family and friend knowledge as a resource, and fostering resident relationships. ‘Person-centred approaches to build social connection’ included considering physical, mental, cognitive, and sensory impairments, accounting for adjustment and sociability, using communal spaces well, and prioritizing psychosocial needs.ConclusionsThis study identifies barriers and facilitators to social connection for LTC residents which can be addressed in care policies, staff selection and training, and can inform policies and interventions to build and maintain social connection in LTC homes.Clinical trial numberclinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05315960.

"They Have to Make an Effort Too": What Decliners Can Teach Us About HIV Cure/Remission-Related Clinical Trials? Results from a French Qualitative Study.

Only one study to date has focused on people living with HIV (PLWH) who refused to participate in a HIV cure/remission-related clinical trial (HCCT)-"decliners" hereafter-that included analytical treatment interruption (ATI). Exploring why these persons refuse may provide valuable information to ensure more ethical recruitment and support in HCCTs within the bigger picture of improving HIV cure research. The qualitative component of the AMEP-EHVA-T02/ANRS-95052 study, called AMEP-Decliners, documented the experiences of French PLWH who refused to participate in EHVA-T02/ANRS-VRI07, a phase II randomized, placebo-controlled HCCT with ATI. AMEP-Decliners comprised semi-structured individual interviews with six decliners in two HIV care sites in France between September 2022 and March 2023. The interviews documented their expectations regarding HCCTs, reasons for refusal, and perceived factors that might have led them to participate. Audio files were transcribed, and an inductive thematic analysis was performed. Surprisingly, the main reason for refusal was not ATI but the trial monitoring. Besides the frequency of appointments, respondents emphasized the incompatibility with their active life. One underlying reason for refusal was that participating would have meant "break[ing] the carefree attitude about the disease," reflecting the substantial psychological burden associated with participation. Finally, respondents perceived that the trial's clinical team did not sufficiently recognize their "normal life" and the level of commitment required to participate, leading them to call for greater involvement by the team: "they have to make an effort too." Results from decliners' discourses highlighted that two levels of commitment to participation must be considered when developing HCCTs: psychological burden and logistical constraints. We suggest allowing home examinations and flexible appointment times, prioritizing face-to-face invitations in order to address the psychological burden associated with HCCT participation, and explaining the reasons for monitoring constraints when they cannot be alleviated. Further studies are necessary to confirm our results.

Treatment-seeking behaviours of patients with tungiasis in endemic areas of Homa Bay County, Kenya: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundTungiasis, an ectoparasitic disease caused by sand fleas, causes suffering to millions of people in the tropics. Although the Kenyan National Policy Guidelines list tungiasis treatments as including disinfectants, flea repellents, and botanical oil, the insufficient knowledge and financial constraints of affected communities have led to neglect and inappropriate self-treatment. Current reports show insignificant progress on educational activities at the community level. Therefore, we investigated community residents’ treatment-seeking behaviour concerning tungiasis, using an endemic area of Kenya as the research setting.MethodsA cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from the participants—410 adults who had experienced tungiasis—using a questionnaire, while qualitative data were collected from 20 older adults to 10 medical staffs using semi-structured individual interviews. The study was conducted in two sub-counties of Homa Bay County, Kenya.ResultsFactors significantly correlated with using non-guideline-listed treatments for tungiasis were ‘not knowing the causse of tungiasis’, ‘not seeking treatment from healthcare facilities and traditional healers’, and ‘wait and see to prevent infection in non-affected members’. The interviews with the older adults revealed 19 self-treatment options for tungiasis, and 40% of the participants opted for self-removal using sharp objects. Only two of these treatments were listed in the guidelines. The most frequently mentioned reason for using a self-treatment option was ‘Someone else’s idea’. The most frequently mentioned reason for choosing the best self-treatment option was ‘Effectiveness’. Interviews with medical staff revealed 11 treatment options; only five of these treatments are listed in the guidelines. The most frequently mentioned reason for selecting/using the treatment was ‘Supply situation’.ConclusionsResidents’ socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, and access to appropriate treatment, as well as knowledge of medical staff were significant factors that influenced the residents’ tungiasis treatment-seeking behaviours. This study provides feasibility and baseline data to establish an effective, safe, and sustainable treatment for tungiasis.

Nutritional Education Needs and Preferences of Sports Volunteers: Access, Expectations, and Forms of Support.

The aim of this study was to analyze the needs and preferences of sports volunteers regarding nutritional education, with particular emphasis on the availability of educational materials and expectations towards event organizers. The methodology was grounded in a qualitative approach, employing detailed individual interviews (IDIs) with seventeen volunteers (n = 17) who were actively involved in various sporting events, including races, triathlons, and athletic competitions at local, national, and international levels. This sample size was justified as it was sufficient to achieve data saturation, meaning no new significant themes emerged after these interviews. The results indicate that most participants feel a lack of access to reliable information about nutrition, with 70% (n = 12) indicating a need for educational materials, which limits their ability to make informed dietary decisions. Volunteers expect event organizers to provide educational materials and prefer a variety of practical forms of education, such as interactive workshops and accessible online resources. While the volunteers expressed a desire for improved nutritional education, further investigation is needed to establish a direct link between this education and potential enhancements in their performance and well-being. For this reason, greater attention should be paid to the nutritional education of volunteers, which is a key element of their preparation to work in high-stress and physically intense conditions.

Coach perspectives on coach-athlete relationships and characteristics of Generation Z academy level rugby union players from South Africa.

The coach-athlete relationship is not merely a by-product of the coaching process but serves as its foundation. Coaches today must align their approaches with the characteristics (character, strengths, and growth areas) of a new generation of athletes, commonly referred to as Generation Z (Gen Z). Born between 1995 and 2012, Gen Z's grew up in a digital age, which shaped their character and behaviour. The purpose of the study was to explore coach-athlete relationships, the characteristics of Gen Z athletes that influence this relationship, and the process of building healthy coach-athlete relationships, from the perspectives of coaches. The study used a qualitative methodology to elicit the perspectives of 11 male rugby union coaches (M ± SD age: 42.09 ± 7.56 years; with 12.83 ± 3.48 years of coaching experience), through semi-structured individual online interviews. We developed the interview script from Jowett's Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q). The interviews were analysed using Merriam and Tisdell's six-step process. The analysis yielded six super themes (and 17 themes). 1. Coach perspectives on coaching Gen Z players (developmental facilitators and debilitators, Covid-19's effect on development). 2. Closeness between coaches and athletes [loving and caring, getting closer, trusting, (not) respecting some players]. 3. Commitment (personally and towards the team, sacrifices). 4. Complementarity (goal setting, collectively working towards common goals). 5. Co-orientation (communicating, reciprocal relationship views). 6. Developing the coach-athlete relationship (approaches thereto, practical steps). Various facets of the coach-athlete relationship are interlinked and shaped by the characteristics and behaviours of this generation of athletes. Practical recommendations are offered on how to cultivate the coach-athlete relationship on emotional, cognitive, and behavioural levels.

Learning by Doing: The Potential for Experiential Education in Health Promotion

Background: Rural populations face significant health disparities (e.g., high rates of chronic diseases) and unique accessibility barriers (e.g., limited healthcare facilities). Training higher education students to serve as facilitators for chronic disease prevention programs may address rural health promotion needs. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot, exploratory study was to create an experiential learning opportunity for students and examine their experiences. Methodology/Approach: Project leaders completed a Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach training and, based on their experiences, created training program goals, content, and schedule. Undergraduate students in health-related programs or courses were recruited to participate. Four students completed a 4-week experiential training program and, at the end of the program, participated in an individual qualitative interview for researchers to understand their experiences. Findings/Conclusions: Data were analyzed through a qualitative-descriptive approach. The main theme, experiential learning, branched into two subthemes: (a) professional development and (b) program implementation and future program directions. Students’ experiential learning influenced their personal and programmatic views of prevention training. Implications: The benefits of experiential learning in prevention will enhance students’ education and future employment experiences. Future studies should improve upon training delivery and examine the acceptability of this method of delivery in the rural population.

Ensino remoto emergencial e saúde mental: desafios enfrentados por docentes universitários durante a Pandemia de Covid-19

This article aimed to investigate the impacts of emergency remote teaching on the mental health of university teachers in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. An exploratory research was carried out through individual interviews guided by a script. Based on Bardin's content analysis, we sought to investigate the impacts of emergency remote teaching on mental health related to teaching practice, work and social context. In the discussions, we found that the following impacts were generated: the feeling of not being able to teach, difficulties in technological adaptation and little interaction with students, work overload, social isolation. And as consequences of these impacts, symptoms such as insecurity, fear, abandonment, lack of passion for work, demotivation, fear of the unknown, feeling of isolation, frustration and anguish, stress, feeling of anger, panic attack, depression, contamination of leisure time through the loss of the distinction between working hours and leisure time, decrease in physical activity, increase in alcohol consumption and also increase in family conflicts. The findings are in line with other studies and contribute to the discussion of the importance of considering psychosocial impacts in the processes of implementing new forms of teaching.

Designing a Human-centred Learning Analytics Dashboard In-use

Despite growing interest in applying human-centred design methods to create learning analytics (LA) systems, most efforts have concentrated on initial design phases, with limited exploration of how LA tools and practices can co-evolve during the actual learning and teaching activities. This paper examines how a human-centred LA dashboard can be further refined and adapted by teachers while actively using it in a real-world scenario (i.e., design-in-use), beyond its intended design (i.e., design-for-use). We use instrumental genesis as a theoretical lens to analyze the temporary and permanent instrumentalization of design features and individual and collective instrumentation of the LA dashboard. The analysis of semi-structured individual interviews with five nursing teachers who used an LA dashboard to guide team reflections with 224 students (56 teams) revealed technical and pedagogical changes that occurred in both the system’s features (instrumentalization) and teaching practices (instrumentation). We found that teachers adopted the LA dashboard beyond initially intended ways by (i) providing emotional support with the analytics, (ii) reducing details in AI-powered data visualizations for easier comprehension, (iii) creating data narratives to address data limitations, and (iv) collectively developing new practices to use the LA dashboard for co-teaching. Therefore, teachers’ design-in-use of the LA dashboard highlights the ongoing need for design improvements to address challenges posed by dynamic data and complex algorithms underlying AI and analytics interfaces.

Experience Using Multi-Technology for Fall Risk Assessments Among Low-Income Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment.

To explore the experiences of low-income community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in using multi-technology. We conducted individual interviews with 14 low-income community-dwelling older adults with MCI aged ≥60 years who participated in a technology-based fall risk assessment study. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Two researchers worked together using thematic analysis. Five themes were generated: Satisfaction With Technology, Benefits of Using Technology, Challenges of Using Technology, Facilitators of Using Technology, and Recommendations for Other Older Adults. All participants acknowledged obtaining information about fall risk, physical activities, and balance performance. Older adults with MCI were able to follow instructions by completing fall risk assessments. They found technology enjoyable and beneficial considering the tracking capacity and feedback obtained from the technology used. These were vital objective data that encouraged fall prevention efforts. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, xx(x), xx-xx.].

Tolerance, interdose withdrawal symptoms, and craving predict prescription opioid-use disorder severity in chronic pain patients: A three-wave prospective study

The DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for Prescription Opioid-Use Disorder (POUD) have undergone significant changes when using opioids medically supervised. However, there is a lack of research supporting these changes. This prospective study aimed to analyze the influence of tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and craving on the severity of POUD in chronic pain population on long-term opioid therapy. Initial individual interviews and follow-ups at 6 and 12 months were conducted on 62 patients to assess tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, craving, and POUD severity. Information on sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables was also collected. Unadjusted and covariate-adjusted multinomial repeated measures mixed models were run. Results showed that, compared to not having POUD, tolerance was the sole variable that significantly predicted mild disorder, while interdose withdrawal symptoms, craving, depressive symptoms, and younger age predicted moderate-severe POUD. The effect of time was also significant in predicting moderate-severe POUD, increasing rates at 6- and 12-month follow-ups compared to initial assessment. These findings highlight that maintaining opioid therapy over time is associated with an increased likelihood of having a more severe disorder. Furthermore, although tolerance and withdrawal symptoms have been removed from POUD diagnosis, their assessment and early management remain critical even during supervised opioid treatment for chronic pain.

'The MRI-scan says it is completely normal': Reassurance attempts in clinical encounters among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

In clinical guidelines for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, reassurance is a key element. The purpose of reassuring patients is to change their views on their illness and, thereby, their actions. However, when symptoms persist without pathological findings, reassurance can be difficult to achieve. Drawing on observations of nineteen naturally occurring hospital consultations with chronic musculoskeletal pain patients, followed by individual interviews with both patients and clinicians, we study how they interact in relation to reassurance. Our main aim is to explore the ways in which clinicians explicitly attempt to provide reassurance, and how patients receive these attempts, before reflecting on facilitating and hindering factors for successful reassurance in relation to the sociocultural context in which their interaction takes place. Through a thematic analysis, four dominating elements of explicit reassurance were identified: (1) education through visualisation, (2) validation through technological findings, (3) validation through physical examination and (4) normalising pain. To gain a deeper understanding of the reassurance process, we then narratively explored dialogical extracts containing these elements. The analysis shows a potential lack of congruence between what patients experience, and the biomedical knowledge clinicians rely on. Despite employing a combination of affective and cognitive modes of reassurance, clinicians tend to build their final conclusions not on patients experiences but on biomedical knowledge, which is knowledge that holds epistemic primacy for themselves. In that sense, their efforts to reassure the patients might also be a way in which they seek to reassure themselves.

‘Rutting stags’ and ‘sly foxes’: Gender positioning boys and girls through social, emotional and behavioural work on the school playground

AbstractIn recent years, there has been an increased focus on the development of children's social, emotional and behavioural skills in schools, via a swathe of classroom‐based schemes and more general, relational and emotional approaches to pedagogy. With a now established but growing evidence base focusing upon the outcomes of such social, emotional and behavioural work for schools and children, calls have been made for research that makes a gender critical analysis of such work. This article is grounded in a conceptual framework that positions gender as socially constructed and performative and draws on qualitative data gathered in a series of focus group and individual interviews with primary school practitioners. The findings demonstrate how gender binary beliefs influence perceptions of the behaviours displayed by boys and girls in play‐based situations as well as the social, emotional and behavioural work carried out by staff in response. The implications of these findings, in terms of the positioning of, and responses to the social, emotional and behavioural difficulties presented by boys and girls on the schoolyard are discussed and suggestions for future practice are made.

Understanding the dynamics of unfollowing behaviour on TikTok: implications for interactive marketing

ABSTRACT With the rise of social media, the role of social media influencers has witnessed significant interest among the academic community. The existing body of knowledge has highlighted individual’s motivations to follow influencers on these platforms. However, it is worth noting that individuals may easily decide to unfollow. Hence, to sustain their followers and remain competitive for brands, influencers should understand what leads internet users to unfollow them. Surprisingly, this particular perspective has been omitted in previous studies. To fulfil this gap, our research explores individuals’ reasons to unfollow influencers on TikTok. To do so, a qualitative approach through individual interviews was conducted among Tunisian TikTok users. Our findings shed light on three distinct categories of reasons: content related reasons, Tiktokers related reasons and ethical issues reasons. Theoretical and managerial contributions are discussed.

The Amazigh language in Melilla (Spain): an approach to its uses and meanings

ABSTRACT The Amazigh language in the city of Melilla (Spain) is recognised as a regional and minority language, but it is not recognised as a co-official language, nor does it have the status of an official language. The unequal relationship between the official language, Spanish, and the Amazigh language has not only linguistic but also social implications, which have been little studied in this particular territory. Against this backdrop, we propose to investigate the situation of the Amazigh language in this context. For this purpose, an exploratory sociolinguistic study has been carried out, which approaches the uses, attitudes and opinions of the Melilla population – speakers and non-speakers – of the language in relation to the role it plays in the life of the city, its contribution to individual and collective cultural identity, as well as the role of political decisions on these dynamics. To this end, a mixed methodology was applied, including a questionnaire, as a pilot application, focus groups and semi-structured group and individual interviews. Among the conclusions, it is clear that there is a differential valuation of languages, which leads to inequalities. In response, the study recommends strong institutional support.