Media Usage Patterns Research Articles

Enhancing Cross-Cultural Understanding: The Role of Digital Platforms in Cultural Exchange for Chinese Graduate Students at Northwestern University

The rapid growth of digital platforms has reshaped the educational-rich landscape, introducing dynamic ways of cultural exchange that transcend traditional boundaries. This paper explores the unique potential of online cultural exchange to promote cross-cultural understanding and community building for students, with a special focus on Chinese graduate students in Northwestern University during their short spring break. As global connectivity increases, it becomes increasingly important to leverage these digital tools to facilitate meaningful cultural interactions. This study argues that social media platforms play a key role in this effort, enabling students to engage in cultural exchange activities that are both convenient and impactful (Abbas et al., 2019). Integrating digital tools into educational and cultural environments has revolutionized the way students interact with different cultural experiences. Social media platforms, in particular, offer unparalleled opportunities for students to connect with peers from different cultures, share knowledge and engage in collaborative activities. These platforms provide a flexible and accessible means for students to immerse themselves in cultural learning outside of geographical constraints. Moreover, the interactivity of social media fosters a sense of community and common purpose, which is essential for successful cultural exchange programs. While there are many advantages to using social media for cultural communication, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed. The potential for distraction, information overload, and reduced face-to-face interaction could undermine the effectiveness of these platforms in educational Settings. In addition, given the differences in social media usage patterns among different demographic groups, such as gender differences, it is critical to ensure that programs are inclusive and effective. This article aims to explore these complexities and offer solutions to maximize the benefits of social media while mitigating its drawbacks.

Transcending failure: A study on the “failed domestication” of online news for young visually impaired people in China

Drawing on the triple articulation framework, this study explores the “failed domestication” of online news consumption among young visually impaired people (YVIP), focusing on technological objects, symbolic environments, and individual texts. The findings suggest that “failed domestication” is not merely a consequence of limitations in technical design or social contexts but rather the result of “negotiation” between individuals and media. YVIP develop unique media usage strategies by simplifying operational procedures, foregoing updates, filtering out news irrelevant to their daily lives, and personalizing their interpretation of texts. In contrast to the notion of “failure” rooted in ableism, these behaviors reflect a deep understanding by the visually impaired of their capabilities and specific needs, constituting a form of “alternative success.” The use of digital media by people with disabilities is a process of autonomous choice rather than the “enforcing normalcy.” Therefore, this study advocates for creating a more flexible and human-centric media ecosystem that enables people with disabilities to choose appropriate media usage patterns based on their individual needs and preferences, thus promoting genuine digital inclusivity.

Testing, revision and application of the social anxiety scale for Chinese social media users.

This study aims to modify the Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users (SAS-SMU) to make it more suitable for assessing social anxiety among Chinese social media users, taking into account the unique cultural nuances and social media usage patterns in China. Consequently, a systematic approach was adopted, involving three distinct studies. Study 1 involved translating the English scale into Chinese, conducting interviews with Chinese social media users, and subsequently revising the scale items based on the interview data to ensure cultural appropriateness. Study 2 employed an online survey to collect data and examine the reliability and construct validity of the revised scale, including a two-phase approach: an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with 500 participants to identify the underlying factor structure, and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with 408 participants was used to cross-validate the results. Thus far, this study has developed a social anxiety scale for Chinese mobile social media users (SAS-CMSMU) consisted of 11 items on three factors: Interaction Anxiety, Privacy Concern Anxiety, and Shared Content Anxiety. Study 3 (N = 1,006) applied the SAS-CMSMU to assess social anxiety among Wechat users. The results indicated that participants showed a high level of overall social anxiety (M = 3.646 > 3). Specifically, Privacy Anxiety was the most pronounced, followed by Shared Content Anxiety and Interaction Anxiety. Moreover, significant statistical differences in social anxiety levels were found among WeChat users across gender, age, education, income, and relationship status.

Perception, use of social media, and its impact on the mental health of Indian adolescents: A qualitative study.

Mental illness is a health challenge faced by adolescents that has grown worse after the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Research on social media and young people's mental health has recently increased, and numerous studies have examined whether frequent use of social media is linked to issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, frustration, feeling alone, and externalizing problems among adolescents. This influence of social media on adolescents' lives is clear, with many platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube playing an important role in daily interactions and self-expression. Even though social media offers numerous benefits, such as connectivity and information sharing, excessive usage can have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly among adolescents. To study the impact of social media on the mental wellbeing of adolescents, and the associated potential dangers in India. A total of 204 adolescents aged 14 years to 23 years were included in the study. This study explored the intricate relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health in India. The study employs a cross-sectional survey design to capture a snapshot of adolescent mental health and social media usage patterns. Data collection involved administering structured questionnaires and the analysis utilized quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics. Excessive use of social media is correlated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Adolescents engage in compulsive behaviors such as scrolling in the middle of the night, which negatively impacts their mental and physical health, and leads to significant sleep disruption. Findings from the study aim to provide insights into the current state of adolescent mental health and inform strategies to promote positive wellbeing in the Indian population. The study underscores the need for further research to better understand the complex interplay between social media and adolescent mental health, and need for effective strategies to combat online harassment.

BEYOND DEPRESSION DETECTION: UNVEILING THE COMPLEXITIES OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND MENTAL HEALTH

The burgeoning influence of social media raises concerns about its potential impact on mental health. Understanding how individuals engage with these platforms and the factors influencing their usage is crucial. This study addresses this gap by examining social media usage patterns and their association with mental well-being. A two-pronged methodological approach is employed. First, a multiple regression analysis explored the influence of various factors, including age, well-being, and distraction, on social media use. Subsequently, K-means clustering was utilized to identify distinct user groups based on their social media usage patterns. The findings revealed distinct usage patterns across different age groups. Notably, distraction emerged as a strong predictor of social media use, while other factors exhibited minimal direct effects. This suggests social media use is a multifaceted behavior influenced by a complex interplay of variables, not solely demographics or mental health states. These insights highlight the need for further research exploring the interactions between these factors and incorporating additional influences such as socioeconomics and digital literacy. A deeper understanding of social media usage patterns can lead to the development of effective interventions to promote responsible use and enhance mental well-being.

An Assessment of Social Media Usage Patterns and Influences among Tribal Naga Women of North East India

Social media platforms have been acclaimed as providing immense potential for the empowerment of diverse societal groups regardless of gender, caste, class or race. But studies on women’s online experiences have authenticated the hindrances faced by women in access and engagement in social media discourses. This study aimed to assess the pattern of social media use, influences and hindrances faced by tribal Naga women of North East India in their engagement in social media public platforms. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey of 360 female respondents from the States of Nagaland and Manipur. The results showed that WhatsApp Messaging is the most popular platform (n=338) among Naga women, followed by YouTube (n=298) and Facebook (n=286). About seventy-four per cent (74.55%) of the respondents stated that they access social media several times daily. Using social media for news and information ranked the highest (95.93%) followed by social relationships (92.51%). It was observed that social media exposure and usage has positively increased Naga women’s gender awareness (97.16%) as well as their awareness of political and civic issues (96.15 %). However it has not significantly increased their public opinion expression (20%) on socio-political and civic issues. The main hindrances in engagement on social media discussions were Lack of Knowledge about issues (73.98%), followed by a Lack of Interest (71.13%) and a Lack of Time (62.14%). Based in the findings, despite the hindrances and low level of engagement in social media public discourses, it was concluded that Naga women’s information seeking behaviour being the main motivation behind social media could be a positive indicator for the development of their agency.

Exploring the impact of negative online feedback on well-being: A comprehensive analysis incorporating Big-Five personality traits and physiological responses

This study investigates the dynamics between social media engagement and well-being, employing a multi-dimensional analysis encompassing psychological, behavioral, social media usage patterns, and physiological perspectives. Through the utilization of electrodermal activity, our study identified a statistically significant increase following exposure to a negative comment. In addition, analysis of facial expressions revealed a variety of reactions, including laughter, irritation, sadness, and neutrality, once participants were confronted with the negative comment. Our analysis revealed intriguing insights into the relationship between personality traits and social media interactions. We observed that individuals with higher agreeableness were more likely to contemplate deactivating social media platforms. Conversely, lower levels of neuroticism were associated with self-reported social media addiction, while extraversion showed a positive correlation with increased posting frequency. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between individual personality traits and reactions to negative social media experiences, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of online interactions and their effects on overall well-being.

Mediation of transactive memory capability in relationship of social media usage and job performance.

This study explores the role of transactive memory capability as a mediator in the relationship between social media usage and job performance. Drawing on transactive memory theory, we hypothesized that individuals who use social media more intensively for task-oriented purposes and relationship building are more likely to develop transactive memory capability, which in turn enhances their job performance. A survey was conducted among 816 employees in China from various industries to collect data on their social media usage patterns, transactive memory capability, and job performance. Results from structural equation modeling indicate that social media usage has a positive impact on job performance. Additionally, transactive memory capability mediates the relationship between social media usage and job performance. This study has contribution in literature by demonstrating the beneficial effects of social media usage on the development of transactive memory capability and job performance. It is suggested that social media usage can be used a valuable tool for enhancing performance of employees. Employees should gain an understanding of how social media fosters the development of transactive memory capability to utilize it more effectively. These findings also suggest that the way individuals use social media can influence their ability to access and share knowledge within their social networks, ultimately impacting their job performance.

Exploratory Study: Social Media Impact on Mental Health Perception in Colombian Gen Z

This exploratory study aimed to discern and comprehend the social media usage patterns and their perceived impact on mental health among Generation Z students at a Colombian university. Employing a mixed methods approach, data were collected from 361 Colombian Gen Z individuals. A focus group guide and a self-reported questionnaire, informed by focus group results, were utilized to evaluate diverse constructs. Qualitative data underwent iterative categorization (IC), while quantitative data underwent statistical analysis using SPSS software. Participants predominantly utilized social media for communication and entertainment, with indications of a link between social media use and anxiety. However, participants did not perceive social media as significantly influential in their decision-making processes or relationships. Notably, female participants reported higher anxiety levels. This study of Colombian Gen Z freshmen unveiled social media's notable influence on body image, mental health, and social rewards. It underscores the necessity for tailored interventions to foster positive online experiences, address gender-specific challenges, and reassess brand engagement strategies within this demographic. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research within the Colombian university context. Though the employed instrument exhibited acceptable validity and reliability levels, future research could benefit from enhancements. This paper represents the initial endeavor to analyze social media consumption among Generation Z in Colombia through a mixed methods approach. Examining social media consumption patterns and their impact on mental health contributes to academic discourse on this relationship, informing the design of appropriate pedagogic strategies while considering reported gender differences. This study contributes valuable insights into the intricate interplay between social media use and mental health among Colombian Gen Z students. Addressing these dynamics is pivotal in formulating targeted interventions and strategies to support the mental well-being of this demographic within university settings. Future investigations should focus on refining measurement tools and delving deeper into nuanced aspects of social media's influence on mental health within educational environments.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Catalyst for Increased Consumption in Television and Social Media Usage in Romania

The general perception is that the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant shifts in social media usage patterns, resulting in increased Internet traffic for communication purposes. This study analyses the use of social media and television by the Romanian population before (in 2018), during (in 2020), and after (in 2023) the COVID-19 lockdown. The results indicate that during and after the lockdown, the most frequently used social networking sites and mobile apps in Romania were Facebook and WhatsApp. TikTok experienced a significant increase in user registrations, surpassing Instagram. Despite the presumption that TV lost market share compared to the Internet, television not only remained the most utilised medium, but TV consumption increased during and after the pandemic. The data was collected by the media agency Dentsu Romania, combining information obtained from BRAT (Biroul Român de Audit Transmedia) and Dentsu Romania, based on a collection methodology involving online and face-to-face interviews, on a representative sample of the Romanian population. BRAT and Dentsu Romania media consumption data was cross-referenced with information on consumption behaviour monitored through people meters by ARMA (Asociația Română pentru Măsurarea Audiențelor).

Exploring the Influence of Social Media on Financial Literacy among Millennials and Assessing the Gender Gap

The purpose of this study is to investigate how social media influences financial literacy among millennials, as well as to analyze the gender difference in financial knowledge and behavior within this group. Given the increasing integration of social media into millennials' daily lives, these platforms have the potential to significantly influence their understanding of financial matters. The study will examine how social media content, interactions, and trends influence millennials' financial knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, particularly in detecting gender differences in financial literacy. Data on millennials' social media usage patterns, financial awareness levels, and attitudes toward money management will be gathered using a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The purpose of this research is to identify links between social media exposure and financial literacy results, as well as disparities in financial behaviors across male and female millennials. Finally, the findings will help to better understand the impact of social media on financial literacy and suggest ways for closing the gender gap in financial awareness and decision-making among millennials. Keywords: Social Media, Financial literacy, Millennials, Gender gap, Financial Knowledge, Financial Behavior, Social media influence, Financial attitudes, Financial management, Financial decision-making, Social media content

The Influence of social media on Human and Social Communications: A Sociological Study

The study investigates the impact of social media on human communication and societal dynamics through a survey-based approach involving 200 participants. Through the survey, participants' social media usage patterns, perceptions of its influence on human interaction, self-concept, and societal norms were explored. Additionally, qualitative insights were gathered via semi-structured interviews to enrich understanding. Results revealed diverse viewpoints among participants, with a significant acknowledgment of social media's influence on human interaction and societal norms. The study identified varying degrees of behavioural changes attributed to pervasive social media usage, highlighting implications for individual well-being and societal dynamics. Notably, while a substantial proportion agreed on the platform's positive impact on fostering connections and community engagement, dissenting opinions were also observed, indicating a nuanced perspective. In conclusion, the study underscores the complex interplay between social media usage and human behaviour, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches in understanding its impact. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of contemporary communication patterns and societal norms shaped by social media. The study's implications extend to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, informing strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of digital communication.

Social media use and subjective well-being among university students in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThis study explored how the use of different social media is related to subjective well-being among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.Design/methodology/approachWe surveyed 1,681 university students in the Kanto region of Japan in May 2021 to investigate how social media use relates to subjective well-being. We also examined the effects of self-consciousness and friendship, self-presentation desire, generalized trust, online communication skills, depression tendency and social support from others.FindingsThe responses revealed 15 possible patterns of social media usage on four widely used social media in Japan (LINE, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook). We selected users with the top five patterns for further statistical analyses: LINE/Twitter/Instagram/Facebook, LINE/Twitter/Instagram, LINE/Twitter, LINE/Instagram and LINE only. Overall, self-establishment as a factor of self-consciousness and friendship, and social support from others had positive effects on the improvement of subjective well-being, whereas depression tendency had negative effects on their subjective well-being regardless of their usage patterns, of which the results of social support from others and depression tendency were consistent with the results of previous studies. Regarding other factors, they had different effects on subjective well-being due to different patterns. Effects on subjective well-being from self-indeterminate and self-independency as factors of self-consciousness and friendship, praise acquisition, self-appeal and topic avoidance as factors of self-presentation desire were observed.Originality/valueThis is among the earliest studies on the relationship between young generations’ social media use and subjective well-being through social media usage patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

The Role of Social Media in Knowledge, Perceptions, and Self-Reported Adherence Toward COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Cross-Sectional Study.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has served as a channel of communication, a venue for entertainment, and a mechanism for information dissemination. This study aims to assess the associations between social media use patterns; demographics; and knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported adherence toward COVID-19 prevention guidelines, due to growing and evolving social media use. Quota-sampled data were collected through a web-based survey of US adults through the Qualtrics platform, from March 15, 2022, to March 23, 2022, to assess covariates (eg, demographics, vaccination, and political affiliation), frequency of social media use, social media sources of COVID-19 information, as well as knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported adherence toward COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Three linear regression models were used for data analysis. A total of 1043 participants responded to the survey, with an average age of 45.3 years, among which 49.61% (n=515) of participants were men, 66.79% (n=696) were White, 11.61% (n=121) were Black or African American, 13.15% (n=137) were Hispanic or Latino, 37.71% (n=382) were Democrat, 30.21% (n=306) were Republican, and 25% (n=260) were not vaccinated. After controlling for covariates, users of TikTok (β=-.29, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.004; P=.047) were associated with lower knowledge of COVID-19 guidelines, users of Instagram (β=-.40, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.12; P=.005) and Twitter (β=-.33, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.08; P=.01) were associated with perceiving guidelines as strict, and users of Facebook (β=-.23, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.043; P=.02) and TikTok (β=-.25, 95% CI -0.5 to -0.009; P=.04) were associated with lower adherence to the guidelines (R2 0.06-0.23). These results allude to the complex interactions between online and physical environments. Future interventions should be tailored to subpopulations based on their demographics and social media site use. Efforts to mitigate misinformation and implement digital public health policy must account for the impact of the digital landscape on knowledge, perceptions, and level of adherence toward prevention guidelines for effective pandemic control.

I Know You: User Profiling on Social Media Usage of Chinese Private University Students

Chinese university students’ use of social media is becoming increasingly diverse, and students from private universities in China have different group characteristics than those from public universities. This research endeavoured to establish a comprehensive user profile of Chinese private university students by examining their social media usage patterns. The purpose was to gain profound insights into the distinctive attributes of students in China’s private universities within the context of the current era characterised by extensive data availability. This study employed a questionnaire-based research approach to acquire a dataset consisting of 673 instances of social media usage among students enrolled in private universities in China. Subsequently, exploratory factor analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, extracting five (5) categorical feature tags. Combined with the extracted feature tags and the usage status and perception dimension data, the K-means cluster analysis method was used to perform rapid clustering to derive four (4) differentiated groups comprising information exchange-oriented users, instrument-oriented users, dependent-oriented users and entertainment-oriented users. Furthermore, thorough analysis and description of the essential attributes for these 4 user profile categories have been conducted by incorporating the fundamental user information.

SOCIAL MEDIA’S RIPPLE EFFECT: UNRAVELLING ADOLESCENTS AGGRESSION SAND ITS TOLL ON PARENTAL MENTAL WELL-BEING

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between social media exposure and aggressive behaviour in adolescents and assess the subsequent impact on parent’s mental health for informed intervention. DESIGN / METHODOLOGY: Utilizing a mixed methods approach this study will make use of journals magazines , reference books, qualitatively to assess social media usage patterns and aggressive behaviour in a diverse adolescent population. Concurrently secondary sources of data were used in the study which will provide in depth insight into the perceived impact on mental health of parents. FINDINGS AND RESULTS:To obtain the most recent an relevant findings. recommend checking recent academics journals, publications or reputed sources that focus on social psychology or related fields. ORIGINALITY / VALUE:The study of social medias influences on aggressive behaviour and its impact on parents mental well-being holds significant value and originality due to several factors like emerging issues of excessive use of social media and its effect on emotional life of adolescence as well as their parents, interdisciplinary nature that adds depth to the investigation providing a more comprehensive views, identifying the impact of social media on aggressive behaviour allows for the exploration of strategies to mitigate negative consequences and the potential for ignoring practical strategies policies and educational initiatives. TYPE OF PAPER:Descriptive research with exploratory research design. KEYWORD: Aggressive behaviour, comprehensive, adolescenc

The Influence of Social Media Platforms on Writing Skills for Students in Foreign Language Learning in Higher Education

Background. In the era of foreign language learning in the 21st century, where society is increasingly connected through technology, social media has become a crucial aspect that plays a role in developing students' writing skills. Society 5.0, which focuses on digital connectivity, has had a significant impact on the learning paradigm, raising questions about the influence of social media as a learning tool. Social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, provide a digital environment rich in information and language interaction. Purpose. This research aims to better understand the complexity of the relationship between social media and students' writing skills in the context of foreign language learning in higher education. Through a quantitative approach using survey methods, this research can provide an in-depth understanding of social media usage patterns and their impact on students' writing skills. Method. This research applies survey and questionnaire methods to measure the impact of social media use on foreign language students' writing skills, with a focus on Arabic and English. The research sample involved 40 students, and data analysis used the Miles and Huberman method to understand the relationship and impact. Results. Participation in forums or foreign language groups on social media shows that students use these platforms as a forum for communicating, exchanging information, and discussing learning topics. As many as 100% of respondents had participated in such forums, indicating high student interest in collaborative activities via social media. As many as 36 out of 40 respondents felt that social media had influenced their formal writing style. These influences can range from adaptations to sentence structure to word choice, creating variations in formal writing style. Conclusion. Research shows that the majority of students (32 respondents) agree that social media can be an effective learning tool in foreign language learning. However, 8 respondents stated they were neutral, showing variations in perceptions of the effectiveness of social media as a learning tool.

Effect of Social Media on Academic Performance of University Students in Nepal

This study aims to explore the impact of social media on the academic performance of University students in Nepal. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey data and academic records, the research investigates the correlation between social media usage patterns and students' grades. Factors such as frequency of social media engagement, types of platforms utilized, and time allocation for academic tasks are examined. The findings shed light on the nuanced relationship between social media activity and academic achievement, providing insights for educators, policy makers, and students in navigating the challenges posed by digital distractions in the academic setting.

The Impact of Perfect Image Portrayal on TikTok (Douyin) on Appearance Anxiety Among Young Chinese Women

Social media, especially visual platforms such as Douyin, have greatly influenced the values of young Chinese people, especially young women. The prevalence of idealised body images and aesthetic standards on social media has contributed to physical anxiety and hurt self-cognition and mental health. The purpose of this study is to explore how the perfect image shaping on Douyin affects the appearance anxiety of young Chinese women, their mental health and self-perception. Analysing social media usage patterns highlights the significant trend of young women. Many respondents use social media for more than 30 minutes a day, especially on TikTok. These users often encounter idealised images. Despite widespread suspicion, more than half of them think that these images are real to some extent. This exposure leads to anxiety about appearance, and more than 25% of young women suffer from moderate anxiety. This anxiety has fuelled people’s desire for beauty or plastic surgery, and 62.5% of people try to achieve their ideal appearance through self-care and exercise. Popular beauty filters and image enhancement tools on social media further exacerbate this anxiety because they promote unrealistic beauty standards.

Social Media as a Catalyst Among Student Organizations in a Selected University in China

This paper presents a study that explores the role of social media as a catalyst among student organizations at Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SDUTCM) in China. The research objectives are to examine the current landscape of student organizations, assess social media usage patterns, investigate the impact of social media on student engagement, identify challenges and opportunities, explore student perceptions and experiences, develop best practices and recommendations, and contribute to the broader understanding of social media in higher education. The research reveals a positive correlation between higher frequency of social media usage and increased student engagement in organization activities. This suggests that social media can serve as a catalyst for engagement within the unique academic context of SDUTCM. The study provides valuable insights into the relationship between social media and student organizations, contributing to the improvement of student engagement, organization efficiency, and the understanding of social media's role in higher education. It also highlights the university's progressive approach in leveraging technology for educational and organizational advancement while promoting responsible social media use. The findings have international relevance and can benefit universities and student organizations worldwide.