Internet Social Networking Sites Research Articles

Peer-to-peer interactions in the sharing economy: Exploring the role of reciprocity within a Chinese social network

Peer-to-peer interactions play an important role in the sharing economy and more specifically within Internet social networking sites (SNSs). However, little is known about the nature of these interactions and the role of reciprocity in the peer-to-peer exchanges facilitated by SNSs. We use the context of the Chinese Weibo SNS to explore this issue. Our research develops a conceptual model and hypotheses to examine the effects of reputation and emotion on reciprocal behaviours in the Chinese Weibo SNS. We conduct a study to test the influence of reputation on reciprocity and emotion in these peer-to-peer interactions. Our study shows that bridging behaviours, which create social status across heterogeneous groups, generate increased reciprocation as a direct effect. A second indicator of reputation, bonding behaviours that promote social resources within homogenous groups, do not have significant direct effects on intention to reciprocate. Both bridging and bonding behaviors create direct effects on evoked emotions, and emotions in turn have significant effects on the intention to reciprocate. We found that evoked emotions are an important mediator between bridging and bonding actions by one party in the sharing economy and the resulting intention to reciprocate by another party. Our findings contribute to developing a theoretical understanding of the role of reciprocity in peer-to-peer interactions in the sharing economy and more specifically in virtual environments. We show the functioning and appeal in the Chinese Weibo SNS depend heavily on reciprocal user behaviors including the exchange of emotional support, information and knowledge. Our findings show peer-to-peer interaction in SNSs create emotional responses, and these emotions mediate reciprocation. Actions by users with stronger reputations and higher status have stronger effects, which is consistent with the importance of social standing in China for fostering reciprocity in non-virtual business interactions. This suggests that offline habits are being emulated on the Internet.

Masquerading Sanity: Crimes, Violence & Victimization on the Internet

The world of cybercrime has transformed significantly over the past ten or twenty years. Early concerns focused on the vulnerability of the financial industry, including the crimes of identity theft and hacking. However, in recent years, cybercrime has evolved to include crimes of harassment, child pornography, rape, “cyberterrorism” and even murder. This work examines an emerging form of violent crime involving the internet: Social Media Victim Targeting Networks (SVTN). The anonymity and limited available law enforcement on social media sites leaves predators with a large pool of vulnerable victims provide predators a new way to display and strengthen their criminological tendencies. The authors will discuss some of the expansion of victim targeting networks to popular Internet social networking sites using case examples that help develop concepts to better understand, prevent, and investigate the behavior. Based upon this, recommendations for future research related to this very serious and challenging behavior are noted.

A Comparison of Online and Offline Social Participation Impacts on Generalized Trust

Generalized trust, which arguably follows from civic participation, brings positive consequences with regard to the individual and social goal attainment. Since sociability, especially when it comes to the young people, is increasingly exercised on the Internet, the main goal of this research paper was to set side by side the impacts of online (SNS) and offline social participation on the generalized trust. Research questions are explored by means of a field survey conducted on a sample of research participants aged between 18 and 35 years. The results indicate that the membership in civic organizations is associated with higher levels of social trust, whereas the participation in Internet social networking sites (SNSs) does not show this association. The results also revealed that civic activity on SNSs is not independently associated with generalized trust. These results are interpreted by evoking structural and motivational characteristics of online and offline social networks. In addition to the main research questions elaboration, socio-demographic predictors of generalized trust are also discussed.

Social activity and structural centrality in online social networks

It has become well known that the knowledge about key network members is essential for doing business successfully through online social networking sites. As of now, most studies targeted at identifying key members have used network structural centrality measures. Little emphasis has been placed on member activities to identify key members in a network; even though gathering and utilizing such data is relatively easier than estimation of structural centrality positions. Using a structural equation model on an Internet social networking site data, this study finds that the personal activity status of key members is highly correlated with their structural centrality measures. Managerial implications, limitations, and further research issues are also addressed.

Influencing VSN users’ purchase intentions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the characteristics of virtual social networks (VSNs) and to determine their salient attributes, including those that influence flow experience, trust and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) behaviors affecting users’ purchase intentions, and to provide important strategic implications contributing to the Internet marketing literature. Design/methodology/approach – Using a self-administered questionnaire, the data (n = 167) are collected from two Iranian Internet social networking sites, namely, facenama.com and cloob.com . Using LISREL 8.5, hypothesized relationships are examined through structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Findings – According to the results of the study, despite all assumptions and studies to the contrary, eWOM behaviors in VSNs are derived from neither users’ flow experience nor their trust in VSNs, but they are mostly caused by VSNs’ attributes, from which four are investigated in this study, namely, communication and social relationships, entertainment, information disclosure and ease of use. Nevertheless, according to the results, VSN attributes also influence trust and flow experience, trust in a VSN environment influences users’ flow experience and eWOM in VSNs has significant impact on users’ purchase intentions. The findings also revealed that the level of education of a user affects how much he trusts the VSN environment. Practical implications – The author examined flow experience, trust, eWOM behavior, purchase intentions and the VSNs’ attributes to verify their relationships, providing a better understanding of an effective indirect marketing in VSNs. The results also have important implications for researchers. Originality/value – While flow experience, trust, word-of-mouth (WOM) behaviors and purchase intentions have been separately studied in Web sites, e-shopping malls and blogs, little research has sought to identify the existence of these elements within VSNs, their correlations with one another and how they are affected by VSNs’ attributes.

Closing the Gap for Young Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders, Utilising Today’S Technology and Moving Forward Together

Australia is talking about 'Closing the Gap'.This gap relates to differences in qualitative and quantitative criteria, comparing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with non-indigenous people. We link internet access with prevention of trauma for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Queensland Australia. Some areas around the world are lagging behind with information technology (IT) development, so it appears do some of the rural and remote areas in Queensland Australia. We look at the gap in internet access and how potentially good IT access may have a beneficial effect on how trauma is perpetuated trans-generationally. Human society is seeing unprecedented acceleration in the development of faster and wider ranging options for communication. We show that lack of IT access is potentially a barrier to accessing self-motivated education and changing perceptions as to what may be acceptable parenting. We draw parallels with powerful internet-assisted groupings of individuals that triggered change. Some of these initiatives have been successful, some appear popular and widely acceptable,others not. Immediate communication was quintessential for individuals coming together. Self-motivated addressing of the cycle of abuse via internet social networking sites in Australia's remotest areas is unlikely without good IT access. Of course there are many other factors contributing to the prevalence of child abuse in remote parts of Australia. Although we are hopeful, it remains to be seen what effect the internet will have on moving forward together when even the remotest parts are well connected.

Understanding Differences in Sexting Behaviors Across Gender, Relationship Status, and Sexual Identity, and the Role of Expectancies in Sexting

Sexting, or the exchange of sexually explicit material via Internet social-networking site or mobile phone, is an increasingly prevalent behavior. The study sought to (1) identify expectancies regarding sexting behaviors, (2) examine how demographics (i.e., gender, sexual identity, relationship status) might be differentially related to sexting expectancies and behaviors, and (3) examine whether these concurrent relationships are consistent with a theoretical causal model in which sexting expectancies influence sexting behaviors. The sample consisted of 278 undergraduate students (mean age=21.0 years, SD=4.56; 53.8% female; 76.3% caucasian). Factor analyses supported the validity and reliability of the Sextpectancies Measure (α=0.85-0.93 across subscales) and indicated two expectancy domains each for both sending and receiving sexts: positive expectancies (sexual-related and affect-related) and negative expectancies. Males reported stronger positive expectancies (F=4.64, p=0.03) while females reported stronger negative expectancies (F=6.11, p=0.01) about receiving sexts. There were also differences across relationship status regarding negative expectancies (F=2.25, p=0.05 for sending; F=4.24, p=0.002 for receiving). There were also significant effects of positive (F=45.98, p<0.001 for sending, F=22.42, p<0.001 for receiving) and negative expectancies (F=36.65, p=0.02 sending, F=14.41, p<0.001 receiving) on sexting behaviors (η(2) from 0.04-0.13). College students reported both positive and negative sextpectancies, although sextpectancies and sexting varied significantly across gender, race, sexual identity, and relationship status. Concurrent relationships were consistent with the causal model of sextpectancies influencing sexting behaviors, and this study serves as the first test of this model, which could inform future prevention strategies to mitigate sexting risks.

Limited Awareness and Low Immediate Uptake of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis among Men Who Have Sex with Men Using an Internet Social Networking Site.

BackgroundIn 2010, the iPrEx trial demonstrated that oral antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduced the risk of HIV acquisition among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM). The impact of iPrEx on PrEP knowledge and actual use among at-risk MSM is unknown. Online surveys were conducted to assess PrEP awareness, interest and experience among at-risk MSM before and after iPrEx, and to determine demographic and behavioral factors associated with these measures.Methods and FindingsCross-sectional, national, internet-based surveys were administered to U.S. based members of the most popular American MSM social networking site 2 months before (n = 398) and 1 month after (n = 4 558) publication of iPrEx results. Comparisons were made between these samples with regards to PrEP knowledge, interest, and experience. Data were collected on demographics, sexual risk, and experience with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PrEP awareness, interest, and experience post-iPrEx. Most participants were white, educated, and indicated high-risk sexual behaviors. Awareness of PrEP was limited pre- and post-iPrEx (13% vs. 19%), whereas interest levels after being provided with a description of PrEP remained high (76% vs. 79%). PrEP use remained uncommon (0.7% vs. 0.9%). PrEP use was associated with PEP awareness (OR 7.46; CI 1.52–36.6) and PEP experience (OR 34.2; CI 13.3–88.4). PrEP interest was associated with older age (OR 1.01; CI 1.00–1.02), unprotected anal intercourse with ≥1 male partner in the prior 3 months (OR 1.40; CI 1.10–1.77), and perceiving oneself at increased risk for HIV acquisition (OR 1.20; CI 1.13–1.27).ConclusionsAmong MSM engaged in online networking, awareness of PrEP was limited 1 month after the iPrEx data were released. Utilization was low, although some MSM who reported high-risk behaviors were interested in using PrEP. Studies are needed to understand barriers to PrEP utilization by at-risk MSM.

Computer-Aided educational intervention in teenagers through internet social networking

Educational institutions have the great challenge and the commitment not only to teach mathematics, science and language. They also must contribute to forming the new citizens. These new citizens should be critical and creative social actors that participate in the construction of better ways of coexistence. In this paper we propose educational strategies based on the use of Internet social networking sites as Facebook®, Twitter® and MySpace®. These strategies must enhance the social development of the students, taking into account their peers’ subculture.

Internet social networking sites and the future of dermatology journals: Promises and perils

To the Editor: As society increasingly connects through social networking sites, unique interactions occur between healthcare professionals and the public that raise new issues regarding privacy, liability, communication, and marketing.1 This study focused on the role of dermatologists and dermatology journals on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Determining Influential Users in Internet Social Networks

The success of Internet social networking sites depends on the number and activity levels of their user members. Although users typically have numerous connections to other site members (i.e., “friends”), only a fraction of those so-called friends may actually influence a member's site usage. Because the influence of potentially hundreds of friends needs to be evaluated for each user, inferring precisely who is influential—and, therefore, of managerial interest for advertising targeting and retention efforts—is difficult. The authors develop an approach to determine which users have significant effects on the activities of others using the longitudinal records of members' log-in activity. They propose a nonstandard form of Bayesian shrinkage implemented in a Poisson regression. Instead of shrinking across panelists, strength is pooled across variables within the model for each user. The approach identifies the specific users who most influence others' activity and does so considerably better than simpler alternatives. For the social networking site data, the authors find that, on average, approximately one-fifth of a user's friends actually influence his or her activity level on the site.

Do you Want to Be my “friend”? MONETARY VALUE OF WORD-OF-MOUTH MARKETING IN ONLINE COMMUNITIES

Abstract How large and lasting are the effects of word-of-mouth (WOM) referrals versus paid marketing? What is the $ / € worth of a WOM-referral to an Internet social networking site? This study finds that word-of-mouth referrals have substantially longer carryover effects than traditional marketing actions. The long-run elasticity of WOM on site signups is 0.53; about 20 times higher than that of marketing events, and 30 times that of media appearances. Based on revenue from advertising impressions served to a new member of the site, the monetary value of a WOM referral is about $0.75 per year. By sending out 10 referrals, each network member thus brings in $7.50 to the firm; which represents the maximum reward the firm could consider to incentivize word-of-mouth referrals. Managers can use this approach and findings to benchmark metrics for both WOM and traditional marketing, to test changes in online WOM referral content, and to decide on the appropriate size of financial incentives to stimulate WOM.

Requests for Safer Sex Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use the Internet to Initiate Sexual Relationships: Implications for Healthcare Providers

ABSTRACT The number of men who have sex with men (MSM) who are using the Internet to initiate sexual relationships is increasing. Research suggests these men might have a higher likelihood of participation in high-risk sexual activities that might place them at greater risk for transmission of sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV. Although a few research studies have assessed higher risk behaviors among this population, studies have not typically focused on safer sex practices. This article presents findings from an original research study designed to assess both high-risk and safer-sex requests among MSM within a sample from Florida (n = 483) who use a popular Internet social networking site to initiate sexual relationships. Although the findings indicated a majority of MSM did not specifically request safe sex only within their profiles, its prevalence was higher in men with a reported negative HIV serostatus. This suggests some HIV-negative MSM are possibly participating in sexually-protectiv...

Effects of Word-of-Mouth versus Traditional Marketing: Findings from an Internet Social Networking Site

The authors study the effect of word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing on member growth at an Internet social networking site and compare it with traditional marketing vehicles. Because social network sites record the electronic invitations from existing members, outbound WOM can be precisely tracked. Along with traditional marketing, WOM can then be linked to the number of new members subsequently joining the site (sign-ups). Because of the endogeneity among WOM, new sign-ups, and traditional marketing activity, the authors employ a vector autoregressive (VAR) modeling approach. Estimates from the VAR model show that WOM referrals have substantially longer carryover effects than traditional marketing actions and produce substantially higher response elasticities. Based on revenue from advertising impressions served to a new member, the monetary value of a WOM referral can be calculated; this yields an upper-bound estimate for the financial incentives the firm might offer to stimulate WOM.

Determining Influential Users in Internet Social Networks

The success of Internet social networking sites depends on the number and activity levels of their user members. While users typically have numerous connections to other site members (i.e., “friends”), only a fraction of those “friends” may actually influence a member’s site usage. Since the influence of potentially hundreds of friends needs to be evaluated for each user, inferring precisely who is influential - and therefore of managerial interest for advertising targeting and retention efforts - is difficult. We develop an approach to determine which users have significant effects on the activities of others using the longitudinal records of members’ login activity. We propose a non-standard form of Bayesian shrinkage implemented in a Poisson regression. Instead of shrinking across panelists, strength is pooled across variables within the model for each user. The approach identifies the specific users who most influence others’ activity and does so considerably better than simpler alternatives. For the social networking site data, we find that, on average, about one-fifth of a user's friends actually influence his/her activity level on the site.

Effects of Word-of-Mouth versus Traditional Marketing: Findings from an Internet Social Networking Site

The authors study the effect of word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing on member growth at an Internet social networking site and compare it with traditional marketing vehicles. Because social network sites record the electronic invitations sent out by existing members, outbound WOM may be precisely tracked. WOM, along with traditional marketing, can then be linked to the number of new members subsequently joining the site (signups). Due to the endogeneity among WOM, new signups, and traditional marketing activity, the authors employ a Vector Autoregression (VAR) modeling approach. Estimates from the VAR model show that word-ofmouth referrals have substantially longer carryover effects than traditional marketing actions. The long-run elasticity of signups with respect to WOM is estimated to be 0.53 (substantially larger than the average advertising elasticities reported in the literature) and the WOM elasticity is about 20 times higher than the elasticity for marketing events, and 30 times that of media appearances. Based on revenue from advertising impressions served to a new member, the monetary value of a WOM referral can be calculated; this yields an upper bound estimate for the financial incentives the firm might offer to stimulate word-of-mouth.