Use Of Media Research Articles

Longitudinal relationship between pornography use and adolescent sexual behaviours, well-being, and attitudes: insights from the PROBIOPS (Prospective Biopsychosocial Study of the Effects of Sexually Explicit Material on Young People’s Sexual Socialization and Health) research project

ABSTRACT The PROBIOPS project is a six-wave, two-sample, large-scale longitudinal study of the associations between pornography use in adolescence and a variety of sexuality-related outcomes. It was conducted over three years (2015–2018) using school-based and online surveying among high school students from Croatia aged 15–16 years at the study onset. This review aims to overview and critically evaluate methodological aspects of the study and its main findings. Methodologically, major improvements compared to previous longitudinal research on the topic are presented, as well as major study limitations. Longitudinal findings on the outcomes of pornography use presented in 24 peer-reviewed papers published between 2018 and 2021 were summarized under the following four domains: sexual risk-taking, sexual violence, psychological and sexual well-being, sexuality-related attitudes. Several papers addressing other topics (e.g. pornography use and religiosity, parental monitoring, and testosterone levels) were presented separately. While the results vary considerably by topic, gender, type of effects found, and effect size, the overall findings suggest that pornography use presents no major negative, or positive, factor in the sexual socialization and sexual lives of most adolescents. Recommendations for future longitudinal research on adolescent use of sexual media are proposed based on lessons learned from the PROBIOPS project.

Social media use and job choices: the mediating roles of work values and self-efficacy

Social media use and job choices: the mediating roles of work values and self-efficacy

Analyzing Themes, Sentiments, and Coping Strategies Regarding Online News Coverage of Depression in Hong Kong: Mixed Methods Study.

Depression, a highly prevalent global mental disorder, has prompted significant research concerning its association with social media use and its impact during Hong Kong's social unrest and COVID-19 pandemic. However, other mainstream media, specifically online news, has been largely overlooked. Despite extensive research conducted in countries, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada, to investigate the latent subthemes, sentiments, and coping strategies portrayed in depression-related news, the landscape in Hong Kong remains unexplored. This study aims to uncover the latent subthemes presented in the online news coverage of depression in Hong Kong, examine the sentiment conveyed in the news, and assess whether coping strategies have been provided in the news for individuals experiencing depression. This study used natural language processing (NLP) techniques, namely the latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling and the Valence Aware Dictionary and Sentiment Reasoner (VADER) sentiment analysis, to fulfill the first and second objectives. Coping strategies were rigorously assessed and manually labeled with designated categories by content analysis. The online news was collected from February 2019 to May 2024 from Hong Kong mainstream news websites to examine the latest portrayal of depression, particularly during and after the social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 2435 news articles were retained for data analysis after the news screening process. A total of 7 subthemes were identified based on the topic modeling results. Societal system, law enforcement, global recession, lifestyle, leisure, health issues, and US politics were the latent subthemes. Moreover, the overall news exhibited a slightly positive sentiment. The correlations between the sentiment scores and the latent subthemes indicated that the societal system, law enforcement, health issues, and US politics revealed negative tendencies, while the remainder leaned toward a positive sentiment. The coping strategies for depression were substantially lacking; however, the categories emphasizing information on skills and resources and individual adjustment to cope with depression emerged as the priority focus. This pioneering study used a mixed methods approach where NLP was used to investigate latent subthemes and underlying sentiment in online news. Content analysis was also performed to examine available coping strategies. The findings of this research enhance our understanding of how depression is portrayed through online news in Hong Kong and the preferable coping strategies being used to mitigate depression. The potential impact on readers was discussed. Future research is encouraged to address the mentioned implications and limitations, with recommendations to apply advanced NLP techniques to a new mental health issue case or language.

Risk factors for PrEP and ART medication adherence challenges in cis-gender South African men who have sex with men in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Mental health challenges are common among men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa and may impact medication adherence. We determined the prevalence and risk factors of medication adherence challenges among 160 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)- and 40 antiretroviral therapy (ART)-taking MSM registered at two key population clinics in Johannesburg and Pretoria in 2023. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate associations between participant characteristics and medication adherence challenges (missed dosage on ≥1d in the last month). A total of 106 (53.5%) participants (57.6% on PrEP, 37.5% on ART; p=0.02) had medication adherence challenges and 61 (30.5%) participants (31.2% on PrEP, 27.5% on ART; p=0.23) met criteria for moderate to severe symptoms of depression (score ≥10 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire). In multivariable analysis, predictors included PrEP use (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]=1.81 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.21 to 2.73), clinic in Pretoria (aPR 1.43 [95% CI 1.08 to 1.89]), transactional sex (aPR 1.81 [95% CI 1.34 to 2.44]), moderate to severe depression (aPR 1.50 [95% CI 1.19 to 1.89]) and use of social media (aPR 1.45 [95% CI 1.05 to 2.00]). Depression is common and may be an important risk factor for poor medication adherence among MSM in South Africa. Future research should leverage a longitudinal study design to inform potential interventions.

The relationship between the child’s problematic media use and the parental reading belief and smartphone addiction

ABSTRACT The aim was to reveal the prevalence of problematic media use in children and investigate its relationship with parental reading beliefs and smartphone addiction. It was conducted with 390 parents of children aged 4–6. Problematic Media Use Measure-Short Form (PMUM-SF), Parent Reading Belief Inventory (PRBI) and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) were used. Of the children, 15.4% had high levels of problematic media use. Of the parents, 14.9% had a high belief in reading, and 6.7% had a high risk of smartphone addiction. The important indicators of the child’s problematic media use were the child’s use of a screen alone and his/her reaction by crying when screen use was not allowed. While the child’s problematic media use was positively related to parental smartphone addiction, it was negatively related, although not statistically significant, to the parent’s reading belief.

Validation of the Italian version of the problematic media use measure long and short forms: A parent-report screening tool

ABSTRACT Problematic media use (PMU) among young children is associated with negative psychophysical outcomes, necessitating reliable assessment tools. This study validates the Problematic Media Use Measure (PMUM) long and short forms for Italian parents of children aged between 1 and 14 years. Parents were recruited using a snowball sampling method through various social media platforms. A total of 403 parents (86.7% females) completed an online survey comprising the PMUM and the Child–Parent Relationship Scale – Short Form, which included the conflict and closeness subscales. Results from the Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Italian version of the PMUM supported the unidimensional structure of the original measure, reporting a high internal consistency in both forms. Significant correlations emerged between PMU, parent–child conflict, and closeness, thereby demonstrating a good concurrent validity of the instrument. Moreover, the Kruskal–Wallis sum rank test revealed that parental perceptions of PMU significantly differed according to the child’s age, with parents of older children reporting higher levels of PMU. These results underscore a negative association between the quality of the parent–child relationship and the co-occurrence of PMU during childhood, further confirming the validity and reliability of the PMUM for assessing parental perception of PMU in the Italian context.

Social media use and subjective well-being among young adults in Mainland China: mediated by social media fatigue and social capital

Social media use and subjective well-being among young adults in Mainland China: mediated by social media fatigue and social capital

Causal relationships between university students’ social media use and subjective well-being in Japan: Examination through two-wave panel survey

Causal relationships between university students’ social media use and subjective well-being in Japan: Examination through two-wave panel survey

The Use of Textured Japanese Paper as a Filler for Leather Conservation: Exploring an Alternative to BEVA® 371

The work presented here aims to expand the use of Japanese paper for loss compensation in leather objects as an alternative to the more common and less sustainable use of acrylic media. The research builds out of earlier work by Charlotte Ridley (2017) and Yue Li (2021) and is focused on texture-capture based on a minimal palette of materials. This article demonstrates the comprehensive testing of Japanese paper for casting fills for textured leather and compares the results with fills made from the more common medium, BEVA® 371. Several different weights of Japanese paper and concentrations of Klucel G in ethanol were press-moulded into silicone rubber casts taken from both coarse and fine-textured leather objects. The moulds were also used to make BEVA®371b fills for comparison. The two types of fill were applied to the same objects from which the moulds were taken and while the BEVA® 371b fills capture more of the two textures, the paper fills were found to be easier to integrate into the leather with the use of 4 gsm Japanese paper with 15% Klucel G producing the most defined texture comparable to the BEVA®371b.

Exploring Students Perception on the Role of Instagram on Slang Adoption and Dissemination

The aim of the study explores students' perceptions of Instagram's role in the adoption and dissemination of slang. Increase in use of social media and the use of Instagram as one of the widely used medium by several students is potentially evident in their day to day use of language. This study reviewed students slang words used in their daily activities, applying quantitative descriptive survey design. By using a self-designed survey, validated by three expert field workers, disseminated online using stratified random sampling technique with at least 10% population from undergraduate students of the seven schools of a private university, the research scrutinized how often Instagram is used by students, what type of content is preferred, and their perception of usage of slang as influenced by Instagram. Additionally, the research investigated the relationship between Instagram use and students' language skills, particularly in terms of the use of slang. The data collected through online survey, this research focused on the intricate communication between Instagram and language use. This helped in identifying and categorizing the shaping of language practices and the role of Instagram, the study has contributed in analyzing the depth of present-day language trends and how it’s changing with the use of social media application for communication. The survey was based on closed-ended questions to collect information from participants’ use of Instagram and their perception of the influence of the platform. The analysis was done using SPSS, findings from the careful analysis of the data helped in making recommendation to educators, linguists, policy makers, language curriculum developers and users of social media platforms to make informed decisions in using social media as responsible young people.

Association between social media use and adolescents’ sexual behaviours: a cross-sectional study among high school students in Drobo, Ghana

BackgroundThe advent of social media over the years significantly influences the sexual choices of adolescents. Ensuring the appropriate use of these platforms is key to developing positive attitudes towards sex-related subjects. Yet, evidence of the effect of social media on the sexual behaviours of adolescents is scarce. This study examined the association between social media use and adolescents’ sexual behaviours in Ghana.MethodsThis was an institutional-based cross-sectional study involving 401 adolescents selected from 1 Senior High and 5 Junior High Schools in Drobo, Jaman South Municipality, Ghana. Using a structured questionnaire, data on social media and adolescent sexual behaviours were collected and binary logistic regression was employed to examine the association between social media and sexual risky behaviours of the adolescents.ResultsParticipants were on average 16 years (mean = 15.9; SD = 1.8), and there were slightly more female (52.6%) participants than male participants. Adolescents who used at least one social media platform had significantly higher odds of engaging in risky sexual behaviours compared to those who did not (AOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.20, 4.46; P = 0.012). Adolescents in Senior High School were more likely to have risky sexual behaviours compared to their counterparts attending Junior High Schools regardless of social media use (AOR: 4.22; 95% CI: 2.43, 7.34; P < 0.001). Similarly, adolescents whose guardians were salary workers had 59% decreased odds of engaging in risky sexual behaviours compared to those whose parents/guardians were farmers irrespective of social media use (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.80; P = 0.009).ConclusionSocial media use predicted risky sexual behaviours among adolescents. The need for adolescent empowerment for appropriate social media usage becomes empirical to ensure they benefit. Civil society organizations and other relevant institutions should contribute to organizing seminars and other important events to teach these adolescents how to make the best out of these platforms.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Using social media in the business of small and medium-sized enterprises in Serbia

Today's era of digitalization and rapid technological change presents an opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to significantly improve their competitiveness by following and applying these achievements. One such aspect is the use of social media, which can significantly increase their presence in new markets and thus increase sales volume. Social media technologies enable new ways of communicating with consumers and other partners, thus overcoming resource constraints. This paper aims to analyze the use of social media by small and medium-sized enterprises in the Republic of Serbia and provides a comparative analysis of the use of web sites and social networks in enterprises from neighboring countries, as well as in the European Union. The results indicate lower use of social media by small and medium-sized enterprises compared to large ones in the Republic of Serbia. At the same time, the results show higher use of social media by enterprises in the Republic of Serbia compared to neighboring countries.

Social Media Use and Oral Health-Related Misconceptions in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study.

Social media has become a central tool in health communication, offering both opportunities and challenges. In Saudi Arabia, where platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram are widely used, the quality and credibility of oral health information shared digitally remain critical issues. Misconceptions about oral health can negatively influence individuals' behaviors and oral health outcomes. This study aimed to describe the patterns of social media use and estimate the prevalence of oral health-related misconceptions among adults in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it assessed the associations between engagement with oral health information, self-reported oral health, and the presence and count of these misconceptions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted over 10 weeks, targeting adults aged 15 years and older in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from a total sample size (n=387) via a questionnaire distributed through targeted advertisements on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (Twitter). The prevalence of oral health-related misconceptions was estimated using descriptive statistics, including counts and percentages. Chi-square tests described sociodemographic, social media engagement, and self-reported oral health. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were used to assess associations between engagement and self-reported oral health with misconceptions. Logistic regression models provided odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI to assess the presence of oral health misconceptions. Poisson regression was used to calculate mean ratios and adjusted mean ratios (AMRs) for the count of misconceptions. WhatsApp (n=344, 89.8%) and Instagram (n=304, 78.9%) were the most frequently used social media platforms daily. Common oral health misconceptions included beliefs that "Pregnancy causes calcium loss in teeth" (n=337, 87%) and "Dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy" (n=245, 63.3%). Following dental-specific accounts was significantly associated with lower odds of having any misconceptions (adjusted odds ratio 0.41, 95% CI 0.22-0.78) and a lower count of misconceptions (AMR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.98). Conversely, trust in social media as a source of oral health information was associated with a higher count of misconceptions (AMR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.31). Social media platforms are essential yet double-edged tools for oral health information dissemination in Saudi Arabia. Participants who followed dental-specific accounts had significantly lower misconceptions, while trust in social media as a source of information was linked to higher counts of misconceptions. These findings highlight the importance of promoting credible content from verified sources to combat misconceptions. Strategic collaborations with dental professionals are necessary to enhance the dissemination of accurate oral health information and public awareness and reduce the prevalence of oral health-related misconceptions.

Unhealthy weight control behaviors and its determinants among female adolescents in Hawassa city, Sidama region, Ethiopia, 2023: school based study

BackgroundThe desire to control personal weight status is ever-increasing among adolescents to achieve societal desirability for thinness across developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study was to estimate the magnitude of unhealthy weight control behaviors and determinants among female adolescents.MethodSchool based cross sectional study was conducted among 526 randomly selected female adolescent students using self-administered questionnaire. Unhealthy weight control behaviors, Body Mass Index-for-age, perceived weight status, depression symptoms and body part satisfaction were assessed. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze data and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure strength of association.ResultThe overall prevalence of unhealthy weight control behaviors among female high school adolescent is 38% (95% CI: 34.0%, 42.0%). Perceived weight status (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.16–2.84), BMI for age (AOR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.85—6.17), level of depression; mild depression (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.18–2.77) and moderate (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.11–6.47), weight related teasing (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.11–2.57)., and use social media (AOR = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.60–5.77) were remained associated factors of UWCBs among female adolescent students.ConclusionThe current study has shown that more than one in three female adolescents was engaged in UWCBs. Therefore, school-based awareness creation by establishing clubs which promote healthy lifestyle should be given due emphasis. Such intervention should consider factors like; weight perception, depressive mood, weight related teasing, and social media use.

“Dude, you’re a Bitch!” Gang Members’ Internet Banging Masculinity via Bitch Discourse

ABSTRACT Internet banging (i.e. social media combative exchanges between rival gang members) research has primarily focused on gang members’ use of violent rhetoric. We shift this focus to a discussion of gang members’ use of social media to promote a particular type of internet banging masculinity. Building from C.J. Pascoe’s concept of “fag discourse” utilized among young men chastising one another (e.g., “Dude, you’re a fag!”), we demonstrate how “bitch discourse” on social media operates as an accessible tool that gang members use to participate in expressions of internet banging masculinity that demonizes effeminacy and gayness via the use of the slang term “bitch.” Specifically, we utilize a Facebook dataset compiled from 24,403 comments on a page that was primarily used by Chicago-based Latino gang members and a mixed methods approach comprised of structural topic modeling and qualitative thematic analysis to understand gang members’ internet banging bitch discourse. Our findings demonstrate two main themes: “bitch” as common vernacular and “bitch” as internet banging masculinity. Overall, we highlight the complexities of dialogue in gang interactions and contribute to the existing landscape of gang literature, social media analysis, and most broadly, scholarly efforts to deconstruct misogyny and anti-gay sentiments.

Teachers' and Students' Perceptions of the Use of Learning Media in Improving Swimming Learning Outcomes in Junior High Schools in Cirebon City

This study explores teachers' perceptions of instructional media in swimming education and its role in enhancing students' learning outcomes in junior high schools in Cirebon. Using a qualitative approach, six randomly selected physical education teachers participated in in-depth interviews to share their experiences and insights regarding instructional media integration in swimming lessons. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and significant themes. The findings reveal that teachers perceive instructional media, such as instructional videos and interactive simulations, as valuable tools for improving students' understanding and motivation in swimming education. Teachers reported that students demonstrated better stroke coordination and higher engagement when media were incorporated into lessons. However, challenges such as limited technological infrastructure, lack of teacher training, and concerns over students' dependency on media were also highlighted. This study contributes to the theoretical discussion on multimodal learning by reinforcing the importance of visual and auditory stimuli in skill acquisition. From a practical perspective, the research underscores the necessity of teacher training programs and improved infrastructure to optimize media use in physical education. Despite its contributions, the study is limited by its small sample size and specific geographic focus. Future research should examine a wider range of participants, including students, and explore the long-term effects of instructional media on skill development. Enhancing media integration strategies can support more effective and engaging swimming education.

Development of Science Comic Based on Auvidi Media on Global Warming Materials

Science comic based on auvidi media are rarely applied in science learning. Based on the result of pre-research at SMP Al Hikam Kemayoran students consider that learning science is very difficult and boring due to the lack of use of learning media. The solution given is to develop science comics based on auvidi media on global warming materials. This development research aims to determine the feasibility, readability, and students responses to the media. This study uses the ADDIE development model. This research was conducted at SMP Al Hikam Kemayoran class VII with 34 students. The sampling method is a saturated sample technique for class VII students. Data collection techniques use interviews, quesrionnaires, and documentation. The results of the media feasibility validation obtained an average result of 0,98, while the material eligibility validation obtained an average of 0,83 as very valid. The readability percentage obtained an average score 83,50% and student respons obtained an average score of 88,88% in the very good category.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Media Kahoot Terhadap Hasil Belajar Materi Keragaman Suku Bangsa dan Budaya pada Siswa Kelas IV UPT SD Negeri 232 Gresik

This study aims to determine the influence of the use of Kahoot media on the learning outcomes of ethnic and cultural diversity materials. This study uses a quantitative approach with a type of quasi experiment research whose population is all grade IV students, which is divided into two groups, namely class IV A with 14 students as the experimental group and class IV B with 13 students as the control group. The data collection technique used is a test in the form of multiple-choice questions. Validity and reliability tests are carried out to test the instrument. Furthermore, a normality test was carried out with the results of the variable =2,26, the variable while , while the results of the postes homogeneity test this was stated that both variables were declared to be normally distributed and homogeneous. To find out whether or not there is an influence of Kahoot media in learning, the results of which showed that the learning outcomes of the Ethnic and Cultural Diversity material of grade IV A students who were taught using Kahoot learning media were better than without using Kahoot media in learning on Ethnic and Cultural Diversity material.

Mobile phone introduction and social media use: an analysis of ADHD diagnoses

ABSTRACT The introduction of smartphones and exponential growth in social media use have coincided with concerns regarding mental health trends among adolescents. This study investigates whether the rise in smartphone and social media adoption has influenced increased attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses. Using CDC data from 1997 to 2019, we estimate structural breaks in ADHD rates. We find a break in 2007, aligning with the introduction of the iPhone. This suggests smartphone technology may be linked to rising ADHD diagnoses. Further research should explore this relationship, and regulation of technology use may be warranted to protect adolescent mental health.

An Empathy Training for Sensitizing Adolescents for Cyberbullying on Social Media: A Cross-National Study

Abstract Young people worldwide use social media. Besides the benefits, such as communication, entertainment, or social support, users also have to deal with negative incidents, such as cyberbullying and its serious consequences. One key factor in mitigating cyberbullying is empathy. Therefore, we developed an empathy training for adolescents, which is led by a virtual learning companion in a social media-like environment and includes direct conversations between the user and the virtual learning companion as well as a video explicating the concept of empathy. This empathy training shall contribute to decreasing users’ bullying intentions and increasing their empathy. Since previous research shows that social media use and cyberbullying are linked to country-specific factors, we evaluated the empathy training in a cross-national experimental study with N = 332 participants from Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Data were collected via surveys during workshops in schools. Among others, participants answered questions regarding their cyberbullying intentions, levels of cognitive and affective empathy, intentions to help a victim of cyberbullying, and perceived support of the measure. Results show neither decreased bullying intentions nor increased empathy after empathy training. However, cross-national differences were found. Participants’ intentions to bully were significantly higher in Spain and Brazil than in Germany. Furthermore, in the current study, cognitive and affective empathy was significantly higher in the Italian sample than in the German sample. Possibilities for improving the empathy training and the role of cross-national differences are discussed.