Media Consumption Research Articles

Online Media Consumption, Fear, Mental Wellbeing, and Behavioral Compliance During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study

This study explored how online media consumption, fear, mental wellbeing, and behavioral compliance with COVID-19 measures were related to one another during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a four-wave longitudinal survey research design (n = 1,092), this study found positive relationships between online media consumption and fear of COVID-19, between fear of COVID-19 and behavioral compliance, and between behavioral compliance and mental wellbeing in the general Dutch population. Results showed a negative relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mental wellbeing. Repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that participants’ online media consumption, fear of COVID-19, and behavioral compliance with COVID-19 measures all gradually decreased as the pandemic progressed, while mental wellbeing gradually recovered as the pandemic progressed. Recognizing the negative relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mental wellbeing, policymakers may be encouraged to focus on implementing interventions and communication strategies to support mental health during pandemics. Using other types of appeals (e.g. hope appeals) in addition to the commonly used fear appeals when developing online public health messages could ensure behavioral compliance during pandemics without triggering high levels of fear. This can contribute to maintaining people’s mental wellbeing when they have to cope with life-threatening public health crises while still promoting behavioral compliance with necessary public health measures.

Understanding disinformation as narratives in the hybrid media ecosystem: Evidence from the US

Utilizing data from a representative survey conducted in four U.S. states in mid-2023, the study explores the prevalence and impact of disinformation narratives. It reveals that narratives frequently appear across different media, enhancing their potential to influence public belief significantly when repeatedly exposed. The findings highlight that increased exposure to disinformation narratives intensifies belief in them, with the content of the narratives playing a critical role in their persuasive power. This study contributes to the literature by: i) highlighting the impact of previous exposure to disinformation narratives, ii) emphasizing the importance of narrative frameworks in disinformation research and suggests that understanding the narrative construction of disinformation can lead to more effective and practical fact-checking interventions. It calls for an adjustment in current strategies to accommodate the complexities of media consumption in a hybrid ecosystem, proposing that a focus on narratives could improve the strategic reach and efficacy of interventions like fact-checking.

EXPRESS: Chronicles of Film Tourism: An Integrative Review and Future Research Directions

This study triangulates historiographical and scientometric reviews to provide a systems perspective on film tourism. The three phases of historiographical analysis (exploration, growth, and maturity) correspond to the three clusters of scientometric analysis – (i) initial research exploring film tourism development and management, (ii) growing the field through studies on film tourists’ perceptions and practices, and (iii) reaching maturity through extending research into different cultural contexts and meaning-making processes. Based on the analysis, we offer a set of directions for future research including the need to integrate sustainability research and film tourism studies in developing country contexts, as well as intertextuality and its impact on film tourism. We recommend research on developments in media consumption and its impact on film tourism, investigation of the relationship between digitalisation and film tourism, and the need for interdisciplinary research. Finally, we suggest combining product life cycle analysis to complement historiographical analysis for robustness.

Ideological diversity of media consumption predicts COVID-19 vaccination

This study examines the relationship between respondents’ vaccine hesitancy, reported media consumption patterns, ideological leanings, and trust in science. A large-scale survey conducted in the US in 2022 (N = 1,646) assessed self-reported COVID-19 vaccination, trust in science, and reported media consumption. Findings show that, regardless of personal ideology, individuals who consumed less conservative media and had a more ideologically diverse media diet were more likely to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Additionally, consuming more conservative media was negatively associated with trust in science, but this relationship was weaker among those with a more ideologically diverse media diet. By incorporating data from an earlier wave of the survey in the summer of 2020, before COVID-19 vaccines were available, we found that a less conservative and more ideologically diverse media diet in 2022 predicted vaccination behavior in 2022, controlling for prior vaccine intentions and media consumption in 2020. A similar survey conducted in the UK in the summer of 2020 paralleled patterns in the US regarding vaccine intentions and media consumption. These results suggest that an ideologically diverse media diet is associated with reduced vaccine hesitancy. Public health initiatives might benefit from encouraging ideologically diverse media consumption.

From Attraction to Retention: How Vlogger Attributes, Vlog News Content Quality, and Platform Features Affect Continuance Intention of Vlog News

In the digital media era, video blogs (vlogs) have become a crucial news platform, gaining attention for their personalized and interactive features. However, research has yet to fully explore the factors influencing sustained audience engagement with vlog news. Grounded in Media-system Dependency (MSD) Theory and Parasocial Interaction (PSI) Theory, this study examines key drivers of continuous user engagement, including vlogger attributes, content quality, and platform technicalities. A survey of 553 users, analyzed with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), reveals significant effects of vlogger attractiveness and expertise, content’s entertainment and information quality, and the platform’s interactivity and fluency on PSI and ongoing viewing intentions. Additionally, the emotional bond between users and vlog news moderates the PSI and sustained viewing relationship. These findings enrich the media consumption framework and offer practical insights. Notably, the role of algorithmic content curation, enhancing media dependency and PSI through personalized content recommendations, is acknowledged.

Reflecting Uses and Gratification 2.0 Perspective into Over-the-Top (OTT) Consumption: Role of Collaboration Design and Cross Platform Navigability

A discernible trend within Over-the-top (OTT) platforms is the systematic integration of gamification elements into their marketing endeavors. While existing research has established the positive effects of gamification on customer satisfaction and engagement, there remains a significant gap in understanding how GMA contributes to enduring brand associations. Particularly, the role of strategic factors such as collaboration design and cross-platform navigability in amplifying the effectiveness of gamification has yet to be explored. This study utilizes Uses and Gratifications Theory 2.0 and Consumption Value Theory to investigate these nuances of modern media consumption by delineating the role of gamification in facilitating OTT brand stickiness. This combines PLS-SEM and fsQCA to analyze 590 responses from active subscribers of OTT. The study’s findings draw significant boundary conditions for the base model envisaging brand stickiness.

Unveiling Practical Insights: An Assessment of Media Influence on Tertiary Students' Perceptions of Crime and Criminals in Jigawa State

This study examines the influence of media on tertiary students' perceptions of crime and criminals in Jigawa State, Nigeria. With the rise in media consumption, particularly of crime-related content, there is growing concern about its potential to distort reality and elevate fear of crime among young adults. Utilizing Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory as a framework, this research explores how different media types impact students' understanding of crime, including television, social media, and news outlets. A mixed-method approach was used, combining surveys and focus group discussions with students across various institutions. The results indicate a significant correlation between high media consumption and exaggerated crime perception. Findings further reveal that students frequently exposed to sensational crime stories report heightened fear and misconceptions about criminal activity. These insights underscore the need for media literacy programs and balanced crime reporting to mitigate the influence of media on students' perceptions of crime.

The impact of smart speakers and podcasts on news media consumption

ABSTRACT The increasing diffusion of smart speakers results in substantial challenges for news publishers. Voice-based formats – especially news podcasts – gain significant importance via smart speakers, raising the question of displacement effects on other news media. We investigate the interplay of smart speakers and podcasts with news consumption data from 1,528 respondents collected in Germany. We control for selection effects using propensity score matching and find (I) a higher usage of news podcasts as well as (II) higher podcast news consumption intensity, both driven by smart speaker diffusion. Additionally, podcast usage increases the total cross-media news consumption intensity without displacing other media. We provide converging evidence that smart speakers are a relevant complementary news content channel to access podcasts, which subsequently contribute to strengthening news consumption through other media.

TikTok and the fear of missing out: Analyzing social media consumption and mental wellbeing

Background: TikTok, a social media application, has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, with a broad spectrum of users from all ages, different countries and cultures. However, major concerns in the field of mental health related to the use of such platforms have consequentially emerged. This particular research aimed to analyse the usage patterns associated with the social media platform, TikTok, and its cascading psychological effects among young Mauritian adults. Methodology: The cross-sectional study adopted a quantitative approach with a sample of 400 Mauritians meeting the inclusion criteria. A self-reported questionnaire examining self-esteem, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and mental health determinants was designed and administered primarily through online mediums. Findings: 30.5% of the participants used TikTok for 1 h to 2 h, while 12.3% used it for 2 h to 3 h daily, and the most prevalent reason for TikTok use was leisure (73.5%). Adverse psychological effects, characterised by pessimism (33.3%), restlessness (35.1%), uselessness (39.8%), anxiety (38%), depressive behaviours (36.5%), lower self-esteem (17%), and FOMO (41.7%), were depicted among the sampled participants. An increase in FOMO led to lower self-esteem (rs = −0.326, p < 0.05), heightened anxiety (rs = 0.467, p < 0.05) and a potential increase in depressive symptoms (rs = 0.338, p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in anxiety levels when perception of self-directed negative comments was assessed (U = 11,852.500, z = −4.808, p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study empirically revealed that the general use of TikTok in itself appears to be non-problematic; rather, its unhealthy excessive usage triggers deleterious mental health among TikTok users. The findings also pointed towards sensitization measures and psychoeducation towards the appropriate use of social media platforms such as TikTok.

Perfusion Process Intensification for Lentivirus Production Using a Novel Scale-Down Model.

Process intensification has become an important strategy to lower production costs and increase manufacturing capacities for biopharmaceutical products. In particular for the production of viral vectors like lentiviruses (LVs), the transition from (fed-)batch to perfusion processes is a key strategy to meet the increasing demands for cell and gene therapy applications. However, perfusion processes are associated with higher medium consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to develop appropriate small-scale models to reduce development costs. In this work, we present the use of the acoustic wave separation technology in combination with the Ambr 250 high throughput bioreactor system for intensified perfusion process development using stable LV producer cells. The intensified perfusion process developed in the Ambr 250 model, performed at a harvest rate of 3 vessel volumes per day (VVD) and high cell densities, resulted in a 1.4-fold higher cell-specific functional virus yield and 2.8-fold higher volumetric virus yield compared to the control process at a harvest rate of 1 VVD. The findings were verified at bench scale after optimizing the bioreactor set-up, resulting in a 1.4-fold higher cell-specific functional virus yield and 3.1-fold higher volumetric virus yield.

News Consumption, Partisanship, and Energy Preferences in Brazil and the United States

ABSTRACT The transition to a more sustainable energy system must consider public perceptions of energy sources and the influences that shape them. This study compares support for renewable and non-renewable sources that make up the energy grid in Brazil and the United States (US), two nations with different energy mixes, political histories, and media systems. Through national surveys, we assess how different national energy configurations impact attitudes about renewables and non-renewable sources. Then, we analyze what attitudes are influenced by each nation’s partisan identities and media consumption habits. Results indicate that attitudes reflect the fact that some energy sources are more politicized than others. In the US, polarization regarding coal and renewables manifests strong partisan differences, which are amplified by media consumption choices. In Brazil, since hydropower was adopted by both left- and right-leaning governments, the impact of partisanship on support for energy sources is more limited. Results suggest attitudes about energy are subjected to processes of partisan polarization, with media messages amplifying those effects. Findings underscore the need to invest in policies promoting media literacy and fact-based science communication, empowering the public to recognize when energy debates are manipulated to fit partisan narratives, often at the expense of evidence.

How stress influences short video addiction in China: an extended compensatory internet use model.

The rise of short video applications has become a defining feature of modern digital media consumption, drawing increasing attention from researchers due to issues related to short video addiction. While earlier studies have examined the perceived stress as a cause of short video addiction, there is limited understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between these two variables. Building on compensatory Internet use (CIU) theory, this study introduces an extended model (E-CIU) to explore how stress, compensatory motivations (i.e., social interaction and relaxing entertainment), and affective responses (i.e., immersion and attitude) relate to short video addiction. This study also examines differences between the age groups. Data from 319 Chinese short video users were tested applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and PLS-SEM multigroup analysis. Findings indicate that stress, immersion, and attitude each contribute positively to short video addiction. Stress is linked to both social interaction and relaxing entertainment. While both factors positively affect attitude toward short videos, only relaxing entertainment enhances immersion. Results confirmed the perceived stress indirectly influences short video addiction through a serial mediating pathway comprising motivations and affective responses. Moreover, the study shows that perceived stress influences social interaction, relaxing entertainment influences attitude and immersion, and social interaction influences immersion across all age groups. The study further identified variations in how different groups experience the relationship between stress and addiction, stress and relaxation, attitude and addiction, and immersion and addiction. Consequently, this study enriches the understanding of the E-CIU as a new theoretical model of short video addiction. These insights offer practical recommendations for short video applications to address user engagement and addiction more effectively.

The Impact of Violent Media on Aggressive Behavior

In contemporary society, advancements in technology and the proliferation of online social media have provided numerous channels for accessing video and gaming content. Despite these developments, the depiction of violence in videos and games remains a contentious issue due to its potential aggressive impact on users. The relationship between exposure to violent media and subsequent aggressive behavior is multifaceted, involving both internal factors (such as perceived aggression, trait anger, violent emotions, and implicit aggression) and external factors (including cultural differences, age of exposure, proximity to real-life violence, domestic violence, and life setbacks). Internal factors significantly influence how individuals process and react to violent media, potentially reinforcing aggressive tendencies. External factors further moderate these effects, with cultural context and early exposure playing crucial roles in shaping long-term behavior. To address the aggression stemming from violent media, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes monitoring and regulating young individuals' media consumption, implementing media literacy programs, providing robust support systems for those facing domestic violence or significant life setbacks, and therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Moreover, promoting cooperative gaming environments and culturally tailored interventions can enhance the effectiveness of these strategies. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between internal predispositions and external influences is crucial for mitigating the negative societal impacts of violent media.

The Private Life of QAnon: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Americans' Exposure to QAnon Content on the Web

The QAnon movement has been credited with spreading disinformation and fueling online radicalization in the United States and around the globe. While some research has documented publicly-visible communications and engagements with the QAnon movement, little work has examined individuals' actual exposure to QAnon content. In this paper, we investigate the extent to which Americans are exposed to QAnon websites, in what contexts, and to what effect. We employ a mixed methods review of 21 million website visits collected from a nationally representative sample of 1,238 American adults across laptops, smartphones, and tablets during the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Quantitative techniques reveal overall levels of exposure to QAnon and who is more likely to be exposed, and qualitative techniques provide rich information about how participants came to be exposed to QAnon and how it fit within their broader media diets. We find that: (1) exposure to QAnon websites is limited and stratified by political ideology and news consumption; (2) exposure tends to occur within right-wing media ecosystems that align with QAnon beliefs; and (3) mixed methods approaches to analyzing digital trace data can provide rich insights that contextualize quantitative techniques. We discuss the implications of our findings for the design of interventions to lessen exposure to problematic material online and future research on the spread of disinformation and extremist content.

Bridging the AI Divide: Human and Responsible AI in News and Media Industries

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing media and journalism, reshaping processes, content, and audience relationship. This editorial report discusses the opportunities and challenges AI brings to these industries raised by this collection of studies, emphasizing the importance of integrating ethical principles and human-centric approaches to its development. These articles examine how AI reshapes content creation, distribution, and audience interaction while addressing the ethical, political, and economic implications of its integration. Key contributions include discussions on the ethical challenges posed by AI—such as bias, transparency, and accountability—and the need for robust governance structures to foster trust and fairness in AI-driven media systems. A recurring theme in this issue is the AI divide, highlighting the disparity in access to AI technologies between the Global North and South. The special issue offers insights into how this divide exacerbates existing inequalities in media production and consumption. It also advocates for interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts to ensure AI's benefits are equitably distributed across geographical and socio-economic contexts. By exploring both the opportunities and perils of AI adoption in media and news industries, this special issue serves as a comprehensive examination of the evolving relationship between AI, media, and society, offering pathways for responsible innovation and inclusive AI adoption worldwide.

Pragmatic Perception of Sensationalism: A Comparison of British and Malaysian Online Newspapers Headline Constructions

This study examines the pragmatic features of sensationalist headlines in online newspapers, comparing The Times (UK) and The Star (Malaysia) in 2024. Using discourse analysis on 60 headlines, we investigate how sensationalism shapes public opinion in the digital age. The research addresses a gap in cross-cultural analysis of media influence and aims to enhance media literacy. Results indicate that headline writers employ various pragmatic elements, with speech acts being the most prevalent, to convey intended messages and engage readers. Both overt and implicit use of pragmatic features effectively express themes of victory and liberation across both publications. While the study provides insights into pragma-linguistic strategies in sensational headline construction, its limited sample size suggests the need for broader future research. The findings offer valuable insights for media practitioners, researchers, and consumers, highlighting the importance of critical media consumption in an era of increasing sensationalism.

Cultural and Behavioral Insights into European Social Media Users: Platform Preferences and Personality Types

The study examines European social media personalities based on age, gender, platform preference, and country of origin. The research sample, which consists of respondents from 19 European countries (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the UK) reflects the general population ratio and predominantly includes middle-aged individuals ensuring representative findings. Almost two-thirds of respondents engage with social media daily, highlighting its pervasive role in European life. Analysis of platform preferences reveals that Facebook and Instagram are the most popular, while TikTok and Snapchat are less favored, particularly among older demographics. The study shows that gender differences are significant, with females favoring Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, while males prefer LinkedIn and Twitter. This delineation underscores the varying social media consumption habits between genders. The study identifies three primary social media personalities: Lurkers, who passively consume content; Ultras, who exhibit obsessive usage; and Deniers, who balance regular use without dependency. Additional personalities include Ranters, Informers, and Peacocks, each representing unique motivations and engagement styles. This diversity in user behaviors highlights the multifaceted nature of social media engagement in Europe. A country-specific analysis reveals cultural and regional differences in social media use, with distinct preferences and behaviors emerging across Europe. For instance, Germans exhibit unique tendencies with a notable presence among Approval Seekers, Changelings, and Ghosts. Such variations underscore the importance of considering cultural contexts in social media strategies. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders, including marketers, policymakers, and platform developers. By understanding these diverse usage patterns, more effective campaigns can be designed, privacy and digital literacy issues can be addressed, and user experiences can be enhanced. This study underscores the integral role of social media in European life and provides a foundation for future research and strategy development.

The reflection of generation Z of leisure practices in Chinese audiovisual media: An analysis based on the YouTube platform

This study explores the reflection of Generation Z leisure culture in Chinese audiovisual media, with a focus on the YouTube platform. As China’s Generation Z becomes a key demographic in shaping digital and media consumption patterns, their leisure practices reflect a unique fusion of local and global influences. Through an analysis of content on YouTube, this research examines how audiovisual media portrays the leisure activities of Chinese Generation Z, including entertainment, social interaction, and self-expression. By investigating the cultural narratives and visual strategies used to engage this generation, the study reveals how YouTube serves as a platform for identity formation, a strong sense of national identity, and pride in Chinese traditional culture among Chinese Gen Z audiences. The findings contribute to understanding the broader impact of digital platforms on leisure habits and media discourse in contemporary China, highlighting the transformative role of audiovisual media in shaping youth culture. It also plays a significant cultural education function, enhancing the positive perception of Chinese culture on the international stage and elevating China's image.

The Impact of Media Violence, Narcissism and Sex on Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Adolescents: A One-Year Follow-Up Study.

While the impact of violent media on aggression is well established, less is known about how individual differences influence this relationship over time. This longitudinal study addresses that gap by examining whether narcissism and sex moderated the effect of violent media consumption and reactive and proactive aggression one year later. A sample of 2,284 adolescents from Cyprus (Mage = 16, SDage = 0.89, 49.5% female) participated in this study. Hierarchical regressions, controlling for baseline levels of aggression and age, revealed distinct patterns: violent media and sex predicted reactive aggression, but narcissism did not. In contrast, violent media, sex, and narcissism all predicted proactive aggression. Notably, sex moderated the link between violent media and reactive aggression, with females showing a steeper increase than males. Both sex and narcissism moderated the violent media-proactive aggression association, with males being affected regardless of narcissism, while only highly narcissistic females showed an increase in proactive aggression. These findings show the importance of considering individual differences, such as sex and narcissism, to better understand how violent media influences different functions of aggression.

The Sinophone as an Uneven Experience of Time and Place: Translocal Media Consumption in Chinese-Speaking Malaysia

Abstract Based on interviews and ethnographic engagement with Malaysian consumers of post-1990s Chinese-language popular media products (television, film, and music), this article argues that overseas Chinese identity formation may be as much a translocal as a transnational phenomenon. Specifically, it demonstrates how Chinese-speaking Malaysia has been unevenly affected by Sinophone media flows across generations and regions, resulting in divergent cultural practices and aspirations, and it highlights intraethnic complexities that are determined by both temporal and spatial contexts. First, it examines Chinese Malaysians’ consumption of Chinese-language media as an intergenerational experience, vis-à-vis the general shift from the popularity of Hong Kong media before 2000, toward media from the People’s Republic of China in the present. Second, by highlighting the unique position of Johor, the Malaysian state bordering Singapore, in the Sinophone media circuit, the article demonstrates how in some cases geographic proximities may be more significant than national boundaries or policies in regulating cultural traffic. Finally, in the age of global China, this article highlights how interviewees’ present consumption of non-PRC Chinese-language media exemplifies a Sinophone logic of cultural and affective mobilities that resists the homogenization of PRC media in Southeast Asia. As an attempt to engage theorizations of translocality and transnationality in productive tension with each other, the article concludes by arguing for the significance of Malaysia in highlighting Sinophone cultures as uneven experiences of time and space.