Media Space Research Articles

The blurry lines between popular media and party propaganda: China's convergence culture through a linguistic lens.

There is a growing body of scholarly evidence that media convergence blurs the boundary between media production and media consumption and obscures the lines between institutions and individuals. Media convergence in the context of China has garnered attention in communication studies and in cultural studies. However, there is a scarcity of research on convergence culture from a linguistic perspective. Recent research has generated initial evidence that state media appropriates a pop-cultural social address for clickbait and information management in China's digital media space. However, the patterns and perceptual reality of linguistic convergence remain unexplored. This study investigates popular and party uses of xiaojiejie 'little older sister', a familiar expression of fictive kinship reborn as a viral personal reference and social address in China's convergence culture. Analysis of the Target Group Index in the Baidu search engine suggests xiaojiejie is gaining ground over its predecessor among young Chinese. Trends analysis of its usage in WeChat public accounts showed that the term has spread from popular media to state media, which employs the viral address to drive clickbait and disguise propaganda. An online survey of young Chinese WeChat users (N=330) on their perception of xiaojiejie headlines from WeChat public accounts showed that respondents could not tell state media uses from popular uses, providing perceptual evidence of the blurry boundaries between popular and state media uses of the viral address. The findings demonstrate the reality of linguistic convergence driven by participatory performance and its perceptual consequences in China's convergence culture.

DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL COMPETENCIES OF THE GENERATION OF YOUNG TEACHERS IN KAZAKHSTAN

The article discusses the phenomenon of socialization of modern adolescents on the internet, the current state of the existing media space, the paradigm of which determines the new digital life of society. Today’s internetization, which has a global character, has become an integral part of all spheres of society’s life. Therefore, the question of studying the aspects and mechanisms of its influence in science is causing a very acute content. As a result of digital socialization, the socialization of Generation Z is manifested by its active participation in the assimilation of norms and values. The features of Generation Z as the main audience of media consumption in the risk zone are determined as a result of the social negative impact of the descriptive internet on the basis of domestic and foreign scientific paradigms. The authors also studied the phenomenon along Generation Z, taking as a basis the field of Sciences in a close correlation between socialization and through the lens of media pedagogy, a new vector of research. Within the framework of this approach, the internet socialization of the «new generation» considers the possibilities of influencing the solution of problems based on the possibilities of paying special attention to education and its methodological basis. Keywords: young teachers, digital competencies, generation Z, teachers, digital socialization, social capital.

Deanthroponymic Contaminants as Objects of the Language Game (Based on Material from Spanish-Language Media)

This article is devoted to the study of anthroponymic occasionalisms and contaminants – lexical innovations created on the basis of anthroponyms – used in the Spanish-language media as part of the communicative strategy and creative potential of the language game realized in the course of the dynamic process that is characteristic of modern Spanish socio-political discourse. The objectives of the article are: a) to identify models of this method of word formation, and b) to establish the types of relations that appear between the components of the abovementioned derived words. Anthroponyms selected by random sampling from internet publications were studied, considered as objects of the language game, on the basis of which, as a result of deliberate word making, occasionalisms– contaminated formations that express, in addition to nominative meaning, expressiveness and emotive colouring – are created. The following methods were used in our analysis of the material: component analysis of the word; the word-formation method of studying transformational techniques; contextual analysis, which allows us to identify the communicative parameters of the use of language units and the contextual features of the implementation of their meaning in the text; the descriptive-analytical method to identify the essential characteristics and features of the linguistic facts under consideration against the background of extralinguistic factors; and the classification method and the method of linguistic and stylistic analysis, focused on identifying the specifics of individual word usage due to the communicative and aesthetic tasks of the author of the text. The relevance of this study is due to the attention of linguists to axiological issues, the increasing regularity of the use of language play in the media space in particular, and contamination as one of the means of expression in the Spanish-language media at the present stage, using anthroponyms as an object. Anthroponymic contaminated formations are becoming more common and diverse, and there is a need to systematize their models and study their structure and semantics. As a result of the examination carried out on a certain array of initial data, semanticstylistic and axiological functions of contaminants – mainly defamatory, invective – are established in accordance with the pragmatic goals of the author of the text. The models of creating anthroponymic contaminants by both occasional and conventional means of word formation are identified and systematized.

Disinformation in the Polish Media Space in the First Year of Russia’s Full-Scale Aggression Against Ukraine

The aim of this article is to analyse the disinformation activities of the Russian Federation as well as to analyse the content of pro-Kremlin disinformation messages present in the Polish information space during the first year of Russia’s full-scale aggression in Ukraine. The research area is Polish-language internet portals and social media. The research period covers one calendar year, from 24 February 2022 to 23 February 2023. In the course of the research conducted, the following methods were used: content and content analysis and the analysis of the data found. The following research questions were formulated in order to realise the purpose of the deliberations conducted: What media were used to spread disinformation? What topics did the content of false narratives focus on? What goals did disinformers choose in the case of the Polish media space?
 Based on the research questions, research hypotheses were formulated. It was assumed that disinformation activities primarily covered the Polish internet and social media space. It was assumed that anti-Ukrainian and anti-refugee themes dominated among the false messages. It was assumed that the disinformers’ chosen objectives were to create aversion in Poles towards refugees and to create anxiety and fear of war. As a result of the analyses, all hypotheses were positively verified.

Representation and diversity of Ukrainian culture in contemporary media: impact, challenges and prospects

The article critically examines the essence of Ukrainian culture and its representation, as well as the diversity portrayed in contemporary media. The impact of the war on the depiction of Ukrainian culture in the media is meticulously characterized. Thematic headings and peculiarities about the presentation of cultural information in the media are rigorously considered, along with the dominant categories of culture that are prevalent. The portrayal of Ukrainian cuisine and memes within the media space is thoroughly described. Furthermore, the article addresses problematic issues concerning the representation of Ukrainian culture in the media and proposes potential strategies to address these challenges. Lastly, the prospects for further development of the cultural aspect in the media are identified based on the insights garnered from the research conducted on the media platform "Culture-2025." The study aims to elucidate the fundamental nature of the representation and diversity of Ukrainian culture in contemporary media, with a focus on its impact, challenges, and prospects. The object of investigation is Ukrainian culture as it is portrayed in the informational context of the media space. The research employed various scientific methods, including description, analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization, and content analysis, to comprehensively explore the subject matter. The study aims to analyze the essence of Ukrainian culture and its portrayal in the media. It specifically focuses on the diversity, primary thematic headings, and prevalent categories that are disseminated within the media space. Moreover, the research addresses the impact of the war on the evolution of Ukrainian culture. Additionally, the work investigates the presentation of Ukrainian cuisine and memes as vehicles for conveying historical and cultural information, and as cultural trends that gained notable popularity in Ukraine's media space post-February 24, 2022.

МЕДІА ТА МОВНА ПОЛІТИКА В УКРАЇНІ: ВПЛИВ МОВНИХ ЗАКОНІВ НА МЕДІАПРОСТІР

<p><strong><em>The aim of the study. </em></strong><em>The purpose of the research is to identify and analyze the impact of language laws on the contemporary media space in Ukraine.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology. </em></strong><em>The following research methods are used in the article: description, analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization, forecasting. The method of description is used to highlight the language policy of Ukraine with a detailed description of the importance of language policy for the state. Methods of analysis and synthesis, which are applied during the review and research of articles of language laws in order to identify their impact on the domestic media space. A comparison method that was used to compare the language picture before and after language laws were amended or created. The method of generalization was used at the final stage of our research when formulating independent conclusions. The forecasting method made it possible to identify the prospects for research and development of the language policy of Ukraine, its influence on the media space. Also, in our research, the method of content analysis was used, with the help of which we familiarized ourselves with the information in the mass media regarding the language policy of Ukraine. This made it possible to reveal the attitude of representatives of the mass communication media to language legislation and their focus on compliance / non-compliance with language legislation.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>The results.</em></strong><em> It was determined that language policy has always been an issue that needed special consideration. At the same time, in 2022–2023, amendments were made to the Law of Ukraine «On Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as a State Language» and the Law «On Media» was adopted. It was established that the adopted amendments to the legislative acts primarily contribute to the development of the state language and reduce the percentage of the functioning of other languages, while the functioning of the language of the occupier is made impossible.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> The paper examines the impact of the language laws of 2022–2023 on the media space of Ukraine in the aspect of understanding language policy.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Practical significance</em></strong><em>. This article has practical significance regarding the improvement of legislation that affects various aspects of the media space in terms of language policy.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> laws of Ukraine, mass media, mass communication media, media space, language policy of Ukraine.</em><em></em></p>

ЗАСОБИ МАСОВОЇ КОМУНІКАЦІЇ ДІАСПОР НАРОДІВ ЄС В УКРАЇНСЬКОМУ МЕДІАПРОСТОРІ

<p><strong><em>The purpose of the study</em></strong><em> is to analyze the means of mass communication of the diasporas of the EU as a component of the media space of Ukraine and highlight the role of the media of national minorities in the aspect of building a multicultural society.</em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology</em></strong><em>. With the help of methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, comparison, analogy and juxtaposition, the features of the media of the EU diasporas are determined; the historical method was used to study the development of the national minorities’ media; content analysis – to study the media content.</em></p><p><strong><em>Results.</em></strong><em> The majority of Ukrainian media of national minorities, in particular the EU diasporas, arose in the 90s of the last century after the collapse of the USSR in the wake of national uplift. Ethnic communities actively created their own newspapers, magazines, and rarely radio and television. However, all these media faced a lack of funding and only those that had stable support (either foreign or diasporas) have survived to this day. The most important functions of diasporas mass media are the preservation of national traditions, but at the same time, the diasporization of the identity of their target groups, the construction of national communities, which, in the conditions of active development of information and communication technologies, cross local and national borders. The content of most media outlets of EU diasporas differs from the content of Ukrainian media not only in terms of a set of stories and topics: ethnic media outlets create a positive image of an ethnic or diasporic group. That is why it is very important that each national minority is represented in the media space.</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> A comprehensive study of traditional and new media of the EU diasporas in Ukraine is conducted; theoretical ideas about the media of national minorities are improved.</em></p><p><strong><em>Practical significance.</em></strong> <em>Research materials and results can be used in university courses on the theory and practice of journalism, in media studies special courses.</em></p><p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> media of EU Diasporas, Ukrainian media space, media of national minorities, multicultural society, traditional and new media.</em></p>

ПРОПАГАНДИСТСЬКІ СТРАТЕГІЇ В СУЧАСНОМУ МЕДІАДИСКУРСІ: АНАЛІЗ ПРИКЛАДІВ ЗІ СВІТОВОЇ ПРАКТИКИ

<pre><strong><em>The purpose of the study </em></strong><em>is to identify propaganda strategies in foreign media. Conducting the research is due to the fact that in the context of significant changes in the military and political situation in the world in general and around Ukraine, with the beginning of full-scale Russian aggression, propaganda, which is an effective tool for manipulating public opinion, is becoming widely spread in the media space. The media use different propaganda strategies, forming an irrelevant picture of reality. This leads to a decrease in the level of information security of the state, the result of which is the destabilization of the social and political situation, opposition to the adoption of certain state decisions, etc.</em></pre><p><strong><em>Research methodology</em></strong><em>. The study of propaganda strategies in modern media was based on the media manipulative approach, methods of manipulation of mass consciousness and content analysis. Their application made it possible to identify the main principles of consideration of the problems of propaganda strategies.</em></p><p><strong><em>The results</em></strong><em>. In the process of work, it was found that propaganda is the purposeful dissemination of unreliable information with a specific goal. Propaganda is aimed precisely at the human consciousness, because it allows to form clear concepts and images in it. Depending on the orientation, propaganda is divided into external and internal; according to the sphere of distribution – cultural, personal, informational, political; according to the degree of reliability of the information – true, partially true, false; according to the stage of spread – preparatory, active, latent.</em></p><p><em>Propaganda strategies include lies, decontextualization, disinformation, demonization of the enemy, obfuscation, deliberate obscurity, confusion, labelling, half-truths, repetition, join the crowd, commoners, stereotypes, fear, uncertainty, and doubt. The study states that the main propaganda strategies used in the analyzed media are «common people» and «stereotypes», less so – «join the crowd» and «half-truth».</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> The novelty of the study is that propaganda strategies in foreign media were investigated for the first time. The understanding of the concept of «propaganda» has also been improved, the peculiarities of the functioning of propaganda strategies in foreign media have been investigated.</em></p><p><strong><em>Practical significance</em></strong><em>. The practical significance of the research lies in the fact that the obtained results can be applied to journalists, diplomats and politicians when promoting certain ideas and opinions.</em></p><pre><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> information space, media discourse, mass manipulation, media, propaganda, propaganda strategies.</em></pre>

ЗООЗАХИСНА ТЕМАТИКА В ОНЛАЙН-МЕДІА «УКРІНФОРМ» ВОЄННОГО ПЕРІОДУ

<p><strong><em>The purpose of the study </em></strong><em>is to characterize the trends in the thematic direction of animal protection materials in the online media «Ukrinform» during the war period.</em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology. </em></strong><em>Methods of systematization, analysis and synthesis, and interpretation were used for the study of animal protection materials. An overview of the scientific discourse on animal protection was made. For the analysis, the monitoring of animal welfare-related publications of the online media «Ukrinform» was involved, as a media that is a source of information for the Ukrainian media.</em></p><p><strong><em>The results. </em></strong><em>The article is devoted to animal protection activities as a subject for distribution and discussion in the media space. Traditionally, animal protection as a topic remained in the background, coming forward only occasionally. However, during the crisis period, when the Ukrainian community faced the consequences of the armed conflict en masse in the active phase, attention was drawn to another group of witnesses and victims of harsh everyday life. While volunteer and animal protection organizations fight for the life, rights and welfare of animals, the Ukrainian media comprehensively covers their activities, preventing this painful topic from disappearing from the mass consciousness.</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty. </em></strong><em>Animal protection topics acquired new forms and reached a new level during the war period. Animal protection as a field of activity in Ukraine has faced new challenges of reality and is now constantly searching for solutions to its pressing issues. The role of the media in this case is great, the more the problem is highlighted, the closer it becomes to its solution.</em></p><p><strong><em>Practical significance. </em></strong><em>The results of the research can be used in the process of studying courses on communication, ethics and human rights activities to form value foundations in students of the «Journalism» specialty, as well as media practitioners in matters of disclosing the topic of animal protection and its goals<strong>.</strong></em></p><p><strong><em>Key words: </em></strong><em>animal protection, mass media, human rights activities, information agencies.</em></p>

ТЕМАТИЧНА ПАРАДИГМА НОВИННИХ ПРОГРАМ РЕГІОНАЛЬНИХ ТЕЛЕКАНАЛІВ В УМОВАХ РОСІЙСЬКО-УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ ВІЙНИ

<p><strong><em>The purpose of the study</em></strong><em> is to point out the thematic specifics of the content of news programs on regional TV channels.</em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology</em></strong><em>. The study used general scientific methods of analysis and generalization. The main method is content analysis, and monitoring and comparison methods were also used. The article is devoted to the study of the thematic paradigm of the news programs of the regional TV channels «Channel 12» (Lutsk), «STS» (Sumy), «Grad» (Odesa), «MTM» (Zaporizhzhia) in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The empirical base consists of 120 news releases of the selected channels aired from 01.06.2023 to 30.06.2023.</em></p><p><strong><em>The results.</em></strong><em> The relevance of the study is due to the need to identify the leading topics on each of the selected TV channels, as well as their deviation from the dominant model, which is dominated by: reports of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the state of events on the front lines, stories of IDPs, criminal chronicles, social issues of the region, volunteer initiatives, medicine, sports competitions and cultural events. The study found that during the war, the popularity of regional media in Ukraine increased significantly. The war and the socio-economic situation in the country led to the reformatting of the media space, which affected the topics of news programs on regional TV channels. The study found that during the war, the popularity of regional media in Ukraine increased significantly. The war and the socio-economic situation in the country led to the reformatting of the media space, which affected the topics of news programs on regional TV channels. Through quantitative analysis of news stories on the prevalence of certain topics in the newscasts, it is proved that stories on criminal and social issues were most often broadcast on Channel 12 and MTM, while on Grad TV channel information about reports of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and videos about culture prevailed, and the thematic content of the newscasts of STS mainly concerns social issues of the region and medicine. </em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty </em></strong><em>of the study lies in the attempt to scientifically outline the peculiarities of the topics of news stories on Ukrainian regional channels during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.</em></p><p><strong><em>The practical significance</em></strong><em> of the study lies in the possibility of applying the results obtained to improve and enhance the thematic content of news programs on regional TV channels.</em></p><p><strong><em>Key words: </em></strong><em>regional television, TV channel, audience, news story, thematic content, media space, news journalism, media market.</em></p>

Communication Technologies of Public Speaking in Modern Media Space

Communication Technologies of Public Speaking in Modern Media Space

Students' credibility criteria for evaluating scientific information: The case of climate change on social media

AbstractThe rise of social media platforms and the subsequent lack of traditional gatekeeping mechanisms contribute to the multiplied spread of scientific misinformation. Particularly in these new media spaces, there is a rising need for science education in fostering a science media literacy that enables students to evaluate the credibility of scientific information. A key determinant of a successful credibility evaluation is the effectiveness of the criteria students apply in this process. However, research suggests that existing credibility criteria are often not integrated into students' actual social media evaluation behavior. This hints to a lack of transferability of the existing criteria. As a consequence, knowledge about how learners evaluate credibility in social media is a first step in closing this gap. In the present study, we report results from six focus groups with 21 10th‐grade students (M = 15 years, 57% female, 38% male, 5% nonbinary) about their usage of different credibility criteria in the case of social media posts about climate change. The data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis and as a first step assigned to established credibility dimensions of content (what?) and source‐related criteria (who?). Additionally, given the complexity of social media, we also added a composition‐based category (how?). In a second analysis step, we adapted our subcategories to the recently proposed credibility heuristic by Osborne and Pimentel. The findings suggest that students generally take criteria from all three heuristic credibility dimensions into account and combine different criteria when evaluating the credibility of scientific information in social media. Based on the application of the credibility criteria to the heuristic, implications for the development of teaching materials for fostering science media literacy are discussed.

Staged reality in cinema: Contemporary interpretations and meanings

Relevance. The relevance of this subject is related to the development of information technology and new media, which has allowed wide access to cinema as a visual activity. The information media space is increasingly connected to human existence, and the demand for intangible goods and services inherent in post-industrial society is causing increasing demands for intellectual products outside the science and production industry.Purpose. In this context, the purpose of the study is to identify the plane of the significance of the staged reality of cinema as a dominant form of synthetic art, the attitude between artistic and nonartistic features of staged reality on the example of fiction and documentary cinema, and to outline the transformation of the structure of film reality as a constructor and medium.Methodology. The principal approaches to the study were structural and hermeneutic approaches to structural analysis in terms of the semiotics of culture of cinema reality sign space and the use of interpretive practices on textual objects.Results. The study describes the connection between the simulacrisation of cinema as a separate staged reality, capable of gaining independence from the original author's idea; the loss of the original author's role and the work itself as a text that is part of the global inter- and hypertext; and the role of the medium as a coherent, semantic carrier of content in the act of communication, which in its unity infinitely increases the possible perceptible meanings determined by the form.Conclusions. The materials of this study harmonise the theories of simulacra, author's death and mediumship in the context of cinema semiotics in the interpretative vector "mediumship-discourse-sign" and orient further research towards establishing the attitude between individual authorial language and cinema discourse in the context of hyperreality.

Ислам и война: Telegram-канал Р. Кадырова в период СВО

The relevance of the study is determined by the influence of the special military operation (SMO) on the transformation of political discourse on the Internet. The novelty of the research is due to the identi-fication of current trends in the proposed content in the modern Russian media space. The start of a special military operation (SMO/SVO) determined a new model of the political development of the Russian Federation, and also significantly influenced the political discourse of the heads of Russian regions. The political discourse, in turn, forms social and political views at the grassroots level. This paper examines the religious and political discourse of the Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov in the Telegram messenger during the first year of the SMO. The study is focused on identify-ing the specifics of the formation of religious and political content in social networks in wartime. The work is based on the methods of classical and digital sociology, as well as discursive analysis of text messages. 2035 publications by R. Kadyrov on the Telegram page from February 24, 2022 to February 23, 2023, including 1406 videos, 165 photos/print-screens, 20 audio messages and 3 docs-attachments were analyzed using a continuous sample. Finally, conclusions are drawn in relation to some change in Kadyrov’s public discourse for the past year. On his personal page in Telegram, religious themes with an emphasis on traditional values, the image of the enemy and the legitimation of armed struggle (ji-had) acquire an exceptional sound in the conditions of the SMO. In today's political realities, a reli-gious resource and an open armed conflict successfully complement each other. At the same time, the head of the Chechen Republic demonstrates a claim to religious authority both on a Russian and global scale: he openly opposes Western ideology not only on the battlefield, but also in the religious content, actively participates in the sacralization of the SMO and its jihadization. The obtained conclusions ex-pand the knowledge about the potential of a religious resource in open conflicts and raise the question of the prospects for its use by other religious communities.

Decomposition behaviors of CO2 hydrate sandwiched in double-symmetrical flat system:A molecular dynamics simulation study

Sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the form of hydrate is considered to be an effective way to achieve carbon emission reduction. The replacement method of nature gas hydrates with CO2 has been proved to be a very promising technique as well. A precise acknowledge of the decomposition characteristics of CO2 hydrate in porous media, which will help further implement these applications. In this work, molecular dynamics simulation method is employed to investigate the whole decomposition process of CO2 hydrate sandwiched in the double-symmetrical flat that is the approximate imitation system of hydrate located in veined distribution or throat space of porous media. The results indicate that the decomposition of the hydrate phase follows a somewhat relaxed shrinking-core mechanism from outer to inner, with this deviation being reflected in the differential collapse rates of the symmetrical sections of the hydrate layer. The difference of the collapse rate of hydrate layers is not only reflected in the distance from the interface, but also closely related to the surrounding crystal state. During the first 200 ps, the average diffusion coefficient of CO2 molecules is 0.659 × 10−9 m/s which is 0.53 times than that of the pure hydrate system with 1.241 × 10−9 m/s. Both stages of initial cage structure breakdown and CO2 nanobubbles formation evolution are clearly observed, and the phenomenon of molecular diffusion gradient is also appeared in last stage. Additionally, with the four spacing of 29.08 Å, 41.08 Å, 53.08 Å and 101.08 Å, an interesting decomposition mechanism was found, that is, the destabilization of hydrates occurred preferentially at the geometric center not just the interface of hydrate-media in the symmetric narrow confined space. The relevant result is very helpful to further understand the stable geological storage mechanism of CO2 gas in the form of hydrate in sediments.

The unaccounted effects of digital transformation: participatory accountability in a humanitarian organisation

PurposeThis study explores the evolving dynamics of participatory accountability within humanitarian contexts, where digitally connected crisis-affected populations demand better accountability from aid organisations, and as a result, shift traditional hierarchies and relationships between humanitarian agencies and beneficiaries.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a case study approach, focussing on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to investigate how participatory accountability manifests outside formal practices and re-emerges in social media spaces. The study analyses internal organisational challenges and explores the implications of digital platforms on humanitarian practices. The authors employ Chouliaraki and Georgiou's (2015, 2019, 2022) networks of mediation, particularly intermediation and transmediation, to understand how digital expressions translate to offline contexts and reshape meanings and actions.FindingsThe study reveals that social media platforms enable beneficiaries to demand participatory accountability beyond traditional practices, democratising humanitarian response and challenging power structures. These effects are multifaceted, introducing enhanced democratic and inclusive humanitarian aid as well as new vulnerabilities. Digital intermediaries and gatekeepers play pivotal roles in curating and disseminating crisis-affected voices, which, when transmediated, result in nuanced meanings and understandings. Positive effects include capturing the potential of digital networks for democratic aid, while negative effects give rise to moral responsibilities, necessitating proactive measures from the ICRC.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by highlighting the impact of digital technology, particularly social media, on participatory accountability. It expands the understanding of the evolving landscape of accountability within the humanitarian sector and offers critical insights into the complexities and dual purposes of participatory accountability in contexts of resistance. Employing Chouliaraki and Georgiou's networks of mediation adds depth to the understanding of digital technology's role in shaping participatory practices and introduces the concept of transmediation as a bridge between digital expressions and tangible actions.

Social media for obesity education: a general overview for the novice creator.

Rates of obesity continue to rise in the United States and across the globe. Obesity is a risk factor for developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. For clinicians, other health care providers, and educators, providing patients with accurate and meaningful information about obesity, including lifestyle (diet and exercise) interventions and symptom monitoring, is challenging because of infrequent contact, methods of communication, a lack of effective patient education resources, and inefficient patient feedback methods. Evidence suggests that significantly more patients are now getting their health care information online from general medical websites, disease-specific network communities, and social media. Thus, harnessing the power of technologies, including personal computers and smartphones, with attention to social media may equip health care providers with methods to serve their patients better by addressing challenges, improving indirect patient contact, and enhancing health outcomes. This article aims to provide an overview of technology with a focus on social media use in obesity education and outreach. Practical information is provided related to creating content, delivering content, and managing the social media space for the novice creator.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Rates of obesity continue to increase. Health care providers have a limited time to cover the nuances of obesity. Technology and social media are tools that can help health care workers provide obesity education to a large audience. This article provides the foundations for obesity education content generation and delivery for the novice creator.

Muslim Holy Sites in the Southern Urals: geoinformation mapping and spatial analysis

In the last decade, there has been a tendency in the Southern Urals to reconstruct old and to form new holy places revered by Muslims. To date, more than 115 such objects have been recorded. Most of them are revered only by the residents of small villages, but some have acquired great importance for Muslims throughout the region. The purpose of this work is to identify the most popular places of worship of Muslims in the Southern Urals. Considering that some of the objects of regional importance have been revered by Muslims since the XIV century, and others, having appeared relatively recently, quickly became one of the most visited places, it is necessary to determine the factors influencing the growth of this popularity. The study supposed the Geoinformation methods to be used. Thus, using free Quantum GIS software, and on the basis of archival materials, archaeologists’, ethnographers’, religious scholars’, culturologists’ groundwork, as well as referring to the materials of Internet communities and other open sources, we have created the following layers: 1) Mausoleums, 2) Places of worship according to the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, 3) Places of worship according to the Internet community Sufi RB, 4) Religious tourist routes. Using a comparative method, it was determined that the most popular among Muslims in the region are the mausoleum of Hussein-Bey and Mount Narystau (Ilchigulovo IV, kurgan burial ground). The results of the study indicate that the popularity of objects is influenced by a number of factors: they can be identified as the presence of a monumental structure, the representation of the object in the media space and in the Internet, as well as the availability of objective scientific data about it.

Characteristics of Mediaspace: influence on the polarization of public opinion

The development of the new media and the transfer of mass and interpersonal communications into the digital space, on the one hand, opens up the opportunity for interaction and obtaining information regardless of geographical, sociocultural and time factors, on the other hand, it creates new patterns of interaction with and within the media, as well as social interaction in in general. By virtue of the ability to quickly access a large amount of information, a media user develops a sense of freedom to choose its source. At the same time, despite the seemingly openness of the media space and unlimited access to information, its perception by different groups of users is not heterogeneous. Observation of very emotional discussions on the network on some issues on the agenda allows us to search for a relationship between the nature of the dissemination of information in media communities and the growing polarization of opinions on media content. These assumption actualizes the need to identify characteristics of the media space that may (1) influence the perception of information by users and (2) increasing the resonance between different groups of media users and subscribers.

The Characteristics and Causes of the Phenomenon of "Misogyny" in Contemporary Chinese Online Social Platforms: Taking Weibo and Red as Examples

This research paper delves into the causes and consequences of online misogyny in China's social media space, focusing on the popular platforms Weibo and Red. The study investigated the manifestations and effects of online misogyny and focused explicitly on the "Pick Me Girl" phenomenon, reflecting trends in female competition. In it, this research session explores the consequences of online misogyny, with a focus on the impact on feminism and digital culture in general. While adverse effects include division and hostility, the positive aspects are manifested in the increased awareness and mobilization of the feminist movement. The study highlights the importance of tackling online misogyny and suggests measures to mitigate its prevalence, make social media platforms safer, and provide users with more inclusive spaces.