Media Consumption Research Articles

The Politics of Representation: Arundhati Roy’s Re-framing of Media Narratives in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

In the current global scenario, media discourse has incontestably become one of the most powerful means of constructing the narratives which influence public response to the events occurring in the modern world. When the issue of media power is examined within the overarching paradigm of international media representation of events occurring in countries with a long-standing history of colonization, it becomes clear that earlier Orientalist attitudes are still potent in representing certain populations as inferior to and of lesser value than their Western counterparts. This essay will examine Arundahati Roy’s portrayal of media discourse in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017) in the light of Edward Said’s ideas of Orientalism and Judith Butler’s notions of the frames of recognition used in media discourse to show that certain lives are considered more valuable and grievable than others. This essay will also demonstrate how media representation can be placed within the framework of global capitalism with images and stories being circulated according to market demands of global media consumption. Maintaining that Roy’s attitude to media narratives in her novel is ambivalent and complex, this essay will argue that her representation of these media narratives within the larger frame of the novel is a subversive act that makes transparent the assumptions underlying media discourse and power. Spectrum, Volume 18, June 2023: 10-21

Attitudes towards autistic characters in mainstream series and connections with viewers’ own characteristics: an exploratory study

Purpose This exploratory study aims to investigate viewers’ attitudes towards series with autistic characters. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the depiction of autistic characters or characters displaying autistic symptoms in mainstream series. While research calls for a more realistic portrayal of these characters, little is known about viewers’ attitudes towards the portrayal of autistic characters. Design/methodology/approach Using an online questionnaire, the authors collected data from 348 young adults regarding their media consumption habits related to 15 different series featuring autistic characters. Additionally, the authors used an emotion recognition task (ERT). Findings The results show that participants expressed a stronger preference for series depicting characters with savant abilities compared to more “realistic” portrayals of autism. However, participants with lower scores in the ERT tended to watch series without savantism significantly more often. The findings revealed no significant differences based on sex in terms of viewership or preference for these series. These results suggest that biased or stigmatising portrayals may in part be influenced by viewers’ inclination towards savant characters. This study sheds light on viewers’ perceptions of television series featuring autistic characters, revealing potential preferences and the influence of certain character traits. Research limitations/implications Because of the exploratory nature of this study, further research is needed to enhance our understanding of the impact of media portrayals on attitudes towards autism. Originality/value The results suggest that biased or stigmatising portrayals may in part be influenced by viewers’ inclination towards savant characters. This study sheds light on viewers’ perceptions of television series featuring autistic characters, revealing potential preferences and the influence of certain character traits.

Role of Cultural Graphics Strategies in Shaping Urban Identity: A Quantitative Study of User Perception in Qinzhou City

The paper attempts to investigate the role that street art, murals, and other signage play in forming and defining urban identity through research on Qinzhou City, Guangxi, China. The study employs a quantitative approach and structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS), which examines the interaction among cultural identity, social identity, media consumption, personal values, and beliefs and how these interact to affect cultural perception. Results of the study indicate that both cultural identity and social identity have significant influences on cultural perception, with media consumption and personal values and beliefs acting as critical mediators. Cultural Identity fosters the connection of personal beliefs strongly, whereas Social Identity tends to drive media consumption behaviors that affect cultural understanding. The study provides theoretical and practical implications for urban planners, policymakers, and media strategists in exploiting cultural graphics to improve urban cultural environments. Despite its limitations in geographical scope, the study provides useful insights into the intersection of cultural and social dynamics and offers a model for urban cultural policy and development strategies.

Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Fake News: A Comparative Study of Instagram Users in Greece and Portugal

As our society increasingly relies on digital platforms for information, the spread of fake news has become a pressing concern. This study investigates the ability of Greek and Portuguese Instagram users to identify fake news, highlighting the influence of cultural differences. The responses of 220 Instagram users were collected through questionnaires in Greece and Portugal. The data analysis investigates characteristics of Instagram posts, social endorsement, and platform usage duration. The results reveal distinct user behaviors: Greeks exhibit a unique inclination towards social connections, displaying an increased trust in friends’ content and investing more time on Instagram, reflecting the importance of personal connections in their media consumption. They also give less importance to a certain post’s characteristics, such as content opposing personal beliefs, emotional language, and poor grammar, spelling, or formatting when identifying fake news, compared to the Portuguese, suggesting a weaker emphasis on content quality in their evaluations. These findings show that cultural differences affect how people behave on Instagram. Hence, content creators, platforms, and policymakers need specific plans to make online spaces more informative. Strategies should focus on enhancing awareness of key indicators of fake news, such as linguistic quality and post structure, while addressing the role of personal and social networks in the spread of misinformation.

Enhancing intercultural communication competence

This study explores the relationship between intercultural contact (IC) and intercultural communication competence (ICC) among Chinese international students at Lancaster University, UK. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes the frequency and nature of IC and self-assessed ICC levels.Findings reveal a predominance of indirect IC, such as media consumption and cultural events, over direct interactions with native English speakers. Self-assessment of ICC indicates strong attitudes towards cultural diversity but identifies areas for improvement in domestic cultural knowledge and cognitive skills.Statistical analysis demonstrates a significant positive correlation between IC and ICC, with direct IC positively impacting communication skills and indirect IC contributing to cultural knowledge and positive attitudes.These findings emphasize the importance of both direct and indirect IC in developing ICC. Educational institutions should focus on facilitating diverse IC opportunities to enhance students’ language proficiency, cultural adaptation, and overall well-being.

When K-drama fiction becomes reality: the French perspective

ABSTRACT In recent years, the popularity of Korean dramas has been increasing, influencing viewers’ perceptions of Korea. They have become a key influence on travellers, shaping their expectations and deepening their understanding of Korean culture which impacts their tourist experience. While watching K-drama, tourists become familiar with the destination and the similarities they find reduce the barriers between fiction and reality. This qualitative study investigates the role of K-drama exposure in shaping tourists’ familiarity with Korea as a tourist destination and its impact on their overall travel experience. Through in-depth interviews with French participants who have travelled to Korea after regularly watching K-dramas, this research explores how destination familiarity acquired through media consumption impacts the tourist experience. The findings indicate that K-dramas constitute an entertaining e-learning platform offering viewers knowledge about Korean landscapes, culture, and lifestyle. Participants describe how exposure to this Korean content creates a sense of familiarity with the destination and how this pre-existing familiarity contributes to a more immersive and meaningful travel experience. Despite the limits of not being as generalisable as a quantitative study, this qualitative study provides a better understanding of how K-dramas as e-learning support will influence tourists’ experiences of the destination.

Pengaruh Kualitas Sistem, Kualitas Informasi, Kualitas Layanan Netflix Terhadap Kepuasan Pengguna di Instagram @Netflixid

This research is motivated by the development of information and communication technology, particularly media consumption in the entertainment industry. The Video on Demand (VOD) application Netflix is a pioneering service that is favored by the Indonesian community. In providing its services, Netflix must maintain high quality to compete and sustain its business. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of system quality, information quality, and Netflix service quality on users on Instagram @NetflixID. This study utilizes the Delone Mclean (2016) Information System Success Model. A quantitative approach is employed, with purposive sampling for data collection. Data was gathered through questionnaires, and data analysis was conducted using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 4.0 program. The results of this research indicate that there is a positive and significant effect of system quality on user satisfaction, with an effect size of 30.1%, a t-statistic of 2.674, and a p-value of 0.004. There is a positive and non-significant effect of information quality on user satisfaction, with an effect size of 23.5%, a t-statistic of 1.926, and a p-value of 0.055. There is a positive and significant effect of service quality on user satisfaction, with an effect size of 34.1%, a t-statistic of 3.214, and a p-value of 0.002. There is a combined effect of system quality, information quality, and service quality on user satisfaction at 61.4%.

The Impact of Social Media on Disordered Eating: Insights from Israel.

Social media platforms have become integral to daily life and increasingly disseminate health, nutrition, and food information. While these platforms can offer evidence-based nutrition education and meal planning guidance, a significant portion of content promotes unrealistic beauty standards and unhealthy weight-loss practices, potentially contributing to disordered eating behaviors. The increasing prevalence of disordered eating, characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and attitudes, has become a global public health concern. This study examines whether social media consumption correlates with disordered eating symptoms in Israeli college students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among college students at Ashkelon Academic College in Israel. The questionnaire assessed demographics, social media usage (platforms used, frequency, and content followed), body satisfaction, and disordered eating symptoms, measured via the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). The study sample comprised 580 students (73% were female and 27% were male) with a mean age of 27.87 years. Participants predominantly used multiple social media platforms, with a majority following food-, eating-, and health-related content. Despite having a normal BMI, a substantial number of participants reported body dissatisfaction. The results indicated a positive correlation between social media use and disordered eating symptoms. Individuals who frequently engaged with food-related content on social media exhibited higher levels of disordered eating. Moreover, body satisfaction emerged as a significant mediator in the relationship between social media use and disordered eating symptoms. The findings of this study support the growing body of evidence linking social media use to disordered eating behaviors among young adults. Developing targeted interventions that promote media literacy and foster body positivity is essential. Additionally, future research should explore the long-term effects of social media on eating behaviors and the effectiveness of different prevention strategies.

Under the Microscope: Media and Mobile Phone Use among Children and Young People in Portugal

Media consumption is heavily influenced by mobile phones and the Internet, especially among younger audiences. Although many studies have demonstrated this, it is essential to continually examine how children's and young people’s relationships with media evolve and affect their lives amid rapid changes in the media ecosystem. Based on an online questionnaire conducted in 26 schools with 1,131 students aged 11 to 19 across Portugal, this study aims to closely examine media usage, particularly mobile phones. By analyzing variables such as school year (corresponding with age) and gender, the research explores mobile phone usage in relation to other media and examines how participants classify themselves as mobile phone users. Findings reveal that children and youth are highly engaged with media, with the mobile phone as the most important device in their lives. The Internet and social networks also rank among the top three most significant media. Time spent on mobile phones increases with school year, correlating with age, and girls use their mobile phones more than boys. More respondents identify as "intensive" or "dependent" users than "moderate" ones. Interestingly, 6th graders (the youngest group) are the most likely to describe themselves as "dependent users." The level of dependency on mobile phones is highlighted by the fact that more than half of the sample would choose their mobile phone as the one object to bring on a long journey.

Hyperspectral Mineralogical Characterization for Geometallurgy

The integration of hyperspectral characterization into the mining industry represents a transformative shift in how mineralogical and geometallurgical data are utilized for exploration, processing, and operational optimization. This review highlights the advancements in hyperspectral imaging technologies and their applications, including mineral identification, core logging, ore sorting, and geometallurgical modeling. Technologies such as HyLogger, Corescan, and SisuRock have proven instrumental in capturing spectral data across VNIR, SWIR, and TIR ranges, enabling detailed mineralogical mapping and enhanced process control. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of hyperspectral techniques in predicting key variables such as grinding media consumption, tailings rheology, and ore classification, with notable contributions from advanced spectral databases like TSG and HIDSaG. Despite challenges, including data variability and integration into workflows, the combination of hyperspectral imaging with machine learning offers significant opportunities to improve decision-making and sustainability in mining operations. This review underscores the importance of hyperspectral characterization as a critical tool in addressing the complex demands of modern mining.

Examining the relationship between language development, executive function, and screen time: A systematic review.

This systematic review study examines the relationship between language development, executive function, and screen time in early childhood. The early childhood period is a crucial phase for the development of the brain, during which fundamental language and executive function skills undergo rapid evolution. This review synthesizes findings from 14 peer-reviewed studies that focused on language development, executive function, and screen time together to provide a comprehensive understanding of their relationship. The findings of current study were categorized under four themes: screen content and adherence to guidelines, parent-child interaction and the family context, passive and active screen time, and attention issues. The findings suggest that interactive and educational screen content may positively influence language development and executive functions when aligned with recommended screen time guidelines. In contrast, excessive passive screen time, such as watching television, has been associated with negative impacts on cognitive and social skills, particularly affecting attention, memory, and emotional regulation. The prevalence of attention problems is found to be higher in individuals who engage in high levels of screen time. This highlights the necessity for balanced consumption of screen media. The review emphasizes the pivotal role of parent-child interaction, where high-quality engagement and verbal scaffolding during screen time can mitigate adverse effects. Furthermore, socioeconomic and cultural factors also play a significant role. Higher socioeconomic status (SES) families are better able to manage screen time and leverage educational content to support development. These findings have the potential to inform the actions of parents, educators, and policymakers. Adherence to recommended screen time guidelines can mitigate the potential negative impact on executive functions and language skills. Furthermore, the importance of limiting passive screen time and ensuring a balance between screen use and real-world interactions and play opportunities is also highlighted.

BRAIN ROT: OVERCONSUMPTION OF ONLINE CONTENT (AN ESSAY ON THE PUBLICNESS SOCIAL MEDIA)

The term "brain rot" first appeared in 1854. But it has evolved to define a modern concern about how it will shape our digital lives. Anxiety and despair about the expected negative effects because of overconsumption of online content are of increasing interest both in academia and among policymakers to investigate the causes and consequences of this behavior. Based on the public goods feature of information and speech, I think that social media also has a public good feature. Because the starting point of social media is talking and sharing information. Brain rot, which emerges as a negative externality because of excessive consumption of social media (which I call dirty consumption), is the tragedy of the commons. It should be the subject of public solutions on a global scale and should be seen as a global public good. Keywords: Brain Rot, Social Media, Global Public Goods, Digitalization JEL Codes: H41, H87, D83, D85

Coping with Negative News: Emotional Experience of Doomscrolling

The majority of news encountered in media spaces tends to be negative. At the same time, the flow of information in the modern world is increasing, and series of successive crises prompting heightened attention to such content. There is such a phenomenon as doomscrolling. This study explores how doomscrollers describe their emotional experience of consuming news and strategies for managing negative emotions. Drawing upon empirical data from 47 interviews with doomscrollers conducted between late 2022 and early 2023. Informants associate negative news consumption with emotions such as anxiety (egotropic and sociotropic), helplessness/powerlessness (low external political efficacy and inability to control one's own life), apathy, and anger. Emotional experiences are often described using medicalized and psychotherapeutic vocabulary. Doomscrollers refer to their emotions as a form of illness, manifesting in the use of specialized terms, references to attempts at regulation with the help of healthcare professionals, and emphasis on the physical health consequences of news consumption. The coping strategies for dealing with these emotions are diverse. Informants may attempt to change their media consumption style by limiting their attention to negative news. At the same time, doomscrollers who maintain a high level of news consumption engage in active discussion and collective emotional experiences and may shift their attention to other daily activities. However, the practices of doomscrollers and the meanings they ascribe to their experiences are highly variable and diverse.

The Effect of Social Media Consumption on Emotion and Executive Functioning in College Students: an fNIRS Study in Natural Environment.

As of 2023, 69% of adults and 81% of teens in the U.S. use social media. This study explores the immediate effects of social media consumption on executive functioning (EF) and emotion in college students, using a wearable fNIRS system to monitor brain activity in a naturalistic setting. Twenty participants were assessed pre- and post-social media use through EF tasks and emotion questionnaires. Results revealed 55% of participants were classified as addicted, with an average Instagram usage of 5 hours per week. Following social media exposure, significant impairments were observed in tasks like n-back and Go/No-Go, alongside altered brain activity. Specifically, increased medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity indicated heightened cognitive effort and performance monitoring, while decreased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) activity were associated with impaired working memory and response inhibition. Inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) activity reductions correlated with difficulties in inhibiting motor responses to No-Go stimuli. Emotional changes were minimal, except for reduced happiness in the control group. These findings highlight the negative impact of social media on EF, emphasizing the need for interventions promoting healthier digital habits.

Development of Media Consumption of Hungarians in Slovakia in the Light of Empirical Data

Abstract Research on the media consumption of national minorities contributes to identifying whether the media have an impact on the formation of national identity. The language and symbols used by the media are a strong factor influencing this identity. In the presented study, we focused on the analysis and comparison of empirical data resulting from several sociological researches carried out by the authors of this study on the Hungarian minority in Slovakia. The research was mainly focused on media consumption, the type of media that the Hungarian minority prefers to follow, because we assume that the chosen medium and its language contribute to the formation of identity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the development of media consumption among the above-mentioned minority and to evaluate changes in consumption upon the discovery of new modern media.

Hollow Fiber Microreactor Combined with Digital Twin to Optimize the Antimicrobial Evaluation Process.

In order to reproduce pharmacokinetics (PK) profiles seen in vivo, the Hollow Fiber Infection Model (HFIM) is a useful in vitro module in the evaluation of antimicrobial resistance. In order to reduce the consumption of culture medium and drugs, we developed a hollow fiber microreactor applicable to the HFIM by integrating the HFIM function. Next, we constructed a novel control method by using the "digital twin" of the microreactor to achieve precise concentration control. By integrating functions of the HFIM, the extra-capillary space volume was reduced to less than 1/10 of conventional HFIM. The control method with the digital twin can keep drug concentration in the extra-capillary space within an error of 10% under simulated drug destruction. The control method with the digital twin can also stabilize the drug concentration both in the intra-capillary space and the extra-capillary space within 15 min.

გენერაციული ხელოვნური ინტელექტის სისტემების გამოყენების პრაქტიკა მედიაწარმოებაში და წამყვანი ქართული საინფორმაციო სააგენტოების გამოცდილება („IPN"-ის, „PT"-ს და „BMG”-ს მაგალითზე)

This research paper examines the development of the Georgian media industry concerning the modern world’s media trend of automated journalism, using news agencies as an example. The research topic of this paper is to explore the practice of generative artificial intelligence systems in the world media industry and, based on the above evaluation of these technologies in media production by leading Georgian news agencies. Since technological advancements have significantly altered media consumption by accelerating the speed of information dissemination, expanding the range of available channels, and enabling user-generated content, a lag in adopting these technologies could challenge the core mission of news agencies and influence their future development trajectory. The conducted research on the automation of news agencies gives a picture and identifies the problems that determine the extent of the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in their activities, the basis of which, in turn, is the Georgian language models and/or the competence of media representatives. During the research, no specific competence problems were identified; however, it was discovered that a language barrier, particularly the low quality of Georgian language models, has resulted in the virtually nonexistent use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the operations of news agencies.

User generated content versus mainstream media influence on hot spring tourism destination image formation

Purpose This study aims to compare the influence of user-generated content and mainstream media on the formation of hot springs tourists’ cognitive and affective destination image and, secondly, how these image formations impact travellers’ satisfaction and loyalty. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 575 international tourists who visited hot spring destinations. The non-probability purposive sampling approach was used, and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) assessment was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings This study found no significant differences in the roles of user-generated content and mainstream media in shaping tourists’ perceptions. User-generated content and mainstream media significantly influence cognitive and affective image formation. Tourists’ cognitive image significantly influences their satisfaction with hot springs visitation; however, affective image is an insignificant predictor of satisfaction. Ultimately, tourist satisfaction is crucial to tourists’ loyalty to hot springs destinations. Originality/value Leveraging uses and gratifications theory, this study introduces a novel framework that integrates user-generated content and mainstream media to dissect their combined impact on destination image formation. It highlights the theoretical understanding of media consumption and provides groundbreaking insights into optimising tourism strategies and fostering enduring destination loyalty.

Chinese-Australians, media consumption, and the politics of belonging

ABSTRACT Research in news and news consumption tells us that news operates to sustain democracy culture and facilitate a sense of belonging, but only if and when producers and audiences are ‘on the same wavelength’. At the same time, research surveys suggest that Australia’s general public and the Chinese-Australian communities are at odds when it comes to their assessments of the level of fairness and balance in Australian media’s China-related news. Given that China is Australia’s biggest trading partner while simultaneously perceived as Australia’s biggest security threat, and since China is also one of the most common countries of birth for migrants in Australia, the question naturally arises as to what extent Chinese-Australians’ news consumption shapes these migrants’ sense of belonging to Australia. Situated in the context of first-generation migrants from China, and adopting a combination of a quantitative survey, in-depth interviews, and group discussions, this paper aims to address this question about migrant belonging and media consumption. The study suggests that members of this particular Chinese-Australian cohort mostly demonstrate a sense of ‘passive belonging’, and very few of them seem to possess a sense of ‘governmental belonging’.

Profiling the AI speaker user: Machine learning insights into consumer adoption patterns.

The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of users of AI speakers and predict potential consumers, with the aim of supporting effective advertising and marketing strategies in the fast-evolving media technology landscape. To do so, our analysis employs decision trees, random forests, support vector machines, artificial neural networks, and XGboost, which are typical machine learning techniques for classification and leverages the 2019 Media & Consumer Research survey data from the Korea Broadcasting and Advertising Corporation (N = 3,922). The final XGboost model, which performed the best among the other machine learning models, specifically forecasts individuals aged 45-50 and 60-65, who are active on social networking platforms and have a preference for varied programming content, as the most likely future users. Additionally, the model reveals their distinct lifestyle patterns, such as higher internet usage during weekdays and increased cable TV viewership on weekends, along with a better understanding of 5G technology. This pioneering effort in IoT consumer research employs advanced machine learning to not just predict, but intricately profile potential AI speaker consumers. It elucidates critical factors influencing technology uptake, including media consumption habits, attitudes, values, and leisure activities, providing valuable insights for creating focused and effective advertising and marketing strategies.