Media Consumption Research Articles

Redefining the Communication Dynamics in Bolsonaro’s Brazil: Media Consumption and Political Preferences

In this article, we contend that understanding Brazil’s current communicative landscape requires a closer examination of the relevance of legacy media outlets, challenging the widely accepted “traditional media bypass” thesis, which posits that social media platforms have overtaken traditional media as the primary influencers of political discourse, an argument often used to explain the rise of extreme-right ideologies across different national contexts. In order to test the association between voting preferences and the use of different types of media, we employ logistic regression analysis using data from a recent survey that includes numerous questions about the information and media consumption habits of Brazilian voters. Our findings highlight that legacy media, particularly broadcast TV channels like Globo, Record, and SBT, remain dominant in Brazil as sources of political information. Contrary to the bypass thesis, Bolsonaro’s supporters, while favoring social media, also consume significant amounts of legacy media. Analysis reveals stark differences in media preferences between the supporters of different political candidates, challenging the notion of an exclusive reliance on social media by right-wing supporters. The data also indicate nuanced media consumption habits, such as a preference for certain TV channels and fact-checking behaviors, underscoring the complex interplay between legacy and social media.

How Consumer Photo Reviews and Online Platform Types Influence Luxury Hotel Booking Intentions Through Envy

When booking hotels, travelers often rely on content created by other consumers to inform their decisions. This study examines the effect of consumer-generated photos of luxury hotels, specifically those that emphasize the quality of one’s experiences versus the quality of the hotel’s facilities, as well as the type of platform through which such photos are shared, such as social media versus review websites. Drawing on the Social Comparison Theory, this study aims to understand how these factors influence a consumer’s booking intention and overall attitude toward hotels by examining the role of envy. An online experiment employing a 2 (photo content: experience-focused vs. facility-focused) × 2 (platform type: Instagram vs. Tripadvisor) between-subjects design was conducted with 275 American adults. Results showed that photo content significantly influenced the levels of envy among consumers. Specifically, experience-focused photos generated significantly higher levels of envy than did facility-focused photos. Furthermore, envy fully mediated the relationship between photo content and consumer attitudes and behaviors. Both interaction and moderated mediation were found between photo content and platform type. This research contributes to the Social Comparison Theory and the corresponding literature on envy, specifically in the context of luxury hotel marketing and social media consumer behavior. Additionally, it offers practical insights for hotel online review managers to consider, such as which types of photo content and photo sharing platforms to prioritize in order to enhance business value.

Мedia preferences of the population of the Republic of Belarus in the sociological dimension (based on sociological research materials)

The article substantiates the relevance of a monitoring study of the national information space in view of the constant improvement of technical and technological solutions for the production and distribution of content, as well as the expansion of coverage and access to the Internet, accompanied by media convergence of its structural segments and the transformation of forms of media consumption and media practices of the population. An overview of current scientific research on the identified issues is presented, both in the direction of studying aspects of satisfying the need for information in the structure of everyday practices of social subjects, and in the direction of changing the landscape of the information space, the variability of the selection of information content. Based on the results of a republican representative monitoring sociological study of the transformation of the national information space, implemented by the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, its state for 2022–2023 is characterized. in the context of traditional media and new media, taking into account their structural components. The sources of information that are in demand and the main ones for citizens of the country, the practices of their use, the level of trust and the most important characteristics of the content are reflected. The need to continue research into the processes occurring within the national information space is noted in order to use the most effective strategies for building information policy.

Listen to the Scientists: Effects of Exposure to Scientists and General Media Consumption on Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Mechanisms During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, scientists around the globe have engaged in science communication to an unprecedented degree to convey first-hand epidemiological knowledge and information on preventive measures. The present work is aimed at empirically investigating the impact of direct exposure to scientists as compared to general COVID-19-related media consumption (N=698) on central cognitive, affective, and behavioral variables, based on the extended parallel process model (EPPM) and its adaptations. A segment of the sample comprises individuals recruited independently, while others were sourced from an online panel. Importantly, this study sample was conducted at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed that direct exposure to scientists positively affected recipients’ knowledge and self-efficacy. General media consumption, by contrast, positively affected perceived threat as well as fear and uncertainty. Both sources positively affected the adherence to protective measures.

Cross-cutting exposure to the Spanish public broadcasting system: influence of ideology, partisanship, and interest in politics on RTVE’s consumption

According to the selective exposure hypothesis, media consumption is determined by the ideological predispositions of individuals, who aim to confirm their opinions through media content. This research explores the role of the public state-owned radio and television corporation, Radio Televisión Española (RTVE), as a facilitator of transversal exposure, that is, consumption that is not aligned with individuals’ prior convictions. Through a quantitative methodology based on contingency tables and the calculation of corrected typed residuals, and through the CIS post-electoral studies, we analyse the relevance of ideology, partisan identification and interest in public issues as predictors of public television and radio consumption over a period of 11 years (2008-2019) in Spain. The results indicate that being a voter of the party in government and sharing its ideology are related to a higher likelihood of consuming RTVE television channels. In addition, the results show a higher transversal exposure of public radio, compared to television, which is more strongly influenced by the ideology and partisanship of the audiences.

Prevalence and factors associated with digital addiction among students taking university entrance tests: a GIS-based study

BackgroundThe surge in digital media consumption, coupled with the ensuing consequences of digital addiction, has witnessed a rapid increase, particularly after the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some studies exploring specific technological addictions, such as internet or social media addiction, in Bangladesh, there is a noticeable gap in research focusing on digital addiction in a broader context. Thus, this study aims to investigate digital addiction among students taking the university entrance test, examining its prevalence, contributing factors, and geographical distribution using GIS techniques.MethodsData from a cross-sectional survey were collected from a total of 2,157 students who were taking the university entrance test at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. A convenience sampling method was applied for data collection using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 25 Version and AMOS 23 Version, whereas ArcGIS 10.8 Version was used for the geographical distribution of digital addiction.ResultsThe prevalence of digital addiction was 33.1% (mean score: 16.05 ± 5.58). Those students who are attempting the test for a second time were more likely to be addicted (42.7% vs. 39.1%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Besides, the potential factors predicted for digital addiction were student status, satisfaction with previous mock tests, average monthly expenditure during the admission test preparation, and depression. No significant difference was found between digital addiction and districts. However, digital addiction was higher in the districts of Manikganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, and Chittagong Hill Tract areas, including Rangamati, and Bandarban.ConclusionsThe study emphasizes the pressing need for collaborative efforts involving educational policymakers, institutions, and parents to address the growing digital addiction among university-bound students. The recommendations focus on promoting alternative activities, enhancing digital literacy, and imposing restrictions on digital device use, which are crucial steps toward fostering a healthier digital environment and balanced relationship with technology for students.

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).

The Role of Social Media in the Experiences of COVID-19 Among Long-Hauler Women: Qualitative Study.

The extant literature suggests that women are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and at higher risk for developing long COVID. Due to pandemic mitigation recommendations, social media was relied upon for various aspects of daily life, likely with differences of usage between genders. This study aimed to explore the role and functions of social media in the lives of long-hauler women. Participants were purposively snowball-sampled from an online health promotion intervention for long-hauler women with COVID-19 from March to June 2021. During this time, one-on-one, semistructured interviews were conducted online until data saturation was agreed to have been achieved (ie, 15 interviews). Interview transcripts and field notes were analyzed using an emergent, inductive approach. In total, 15 women were enrolled. The main roles of social media included facilitating support group participation, experience sharing, interpersonal connections, and media consumption. Emergent themes demonstrated that participants rely on social media to fulfill needs of emotional support, social engagement, spirituality, health planning, information gathering, professional support, and recreationally for relaxation. As long-hauler women turn to social media to discuss symptom and health management as well as the intention to vaccinate, this study demonstrates both the associated benefits (ie, decreased isolation) and challenges (ie, misinformation, rumination, resentment, jealousy). The public health implications of these findings support the development of gender-tailored health promotion interventions that leverage the benefits of social media, while mitigating the negative impacts, for women with long COVID.

Does news literacy help combat misinformation? The interplay of news literacy, political ideology, and ideological media use on COVID-19 misperceptions

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the urgency of working across lines of political difference to combat misinformation. This paper asks: Does having news literacy matter in reducing misperceptions, and importantly, for whom does having news literacy matter? Using a national survey of US adults (N = 1700) that included the largest set of COVID-19-related misperceptions examined to date (k = 84), we tested how the effects of news literacy on misperceptions vary across ideology and ideological media consumption. Although holding a higher level of news literacy is associated with fewer misperceptions in general, it helps conservatives less than it helps liberals. Moreover, although news literacy is associated with mitigating the misperception-inducing effect of ideological media consumption on both ends of the political spectrum, this potential benefit appears to be weaker for conservative media use than for liberal media use. Finally, the benefit of having news literacy is maximized among cross-cutting consumers of ideological media but dampened among like-minded consumers, particularly conservatives with heavy conservative media consumption. We discuss the implications of our findings for identifying subgroups for future news literacy interventions and understanding the potentials and challenges of using news literacy to combat misinformation in a polarized climate.

Put money where their mouth is? Willingness to pay for online conspiracy theory content

Many studies have examined why people believe in conspiracy theories, yet less is known about why people choose to consume conspiratorial content. This study addresses this gap by examining people's willingness to pay for online conspiracy theory content. Grounded in uses and gratifications theory and the willingness to pay concept, it employs a survey experiment fielded in Japan (n = 1,448) that asks respondents whether they would subscribe to a hypothetical online video channel with a randomly assigned conspiracy theory and a monthly subscription fee (0 to 1,000 JPY/∼9 USD). Results show that while many respondents held varying degrees of belief in the conspiracy theories in question, few were willing to pay for the channel and cost was the main determining factor. The subscription rate would drop from 19 % if the channel was free to 3–5 % if it had a non-zero subscription fee (average 324 JPY/∼3 USD). This study also finds that conspiracy mentality and media diet (the combination of using social media for news and avoiding mainstream media news) are consistent predictors of people's willingness to subscribe to and pay for online conspiracy theory content.

Effect of Korean Drama on Emotional Expressivity

Korean dramas (K-Dramas) are renowned for their captivating narratives and portrayal of diverse human experiences, attracting a global audience. This study investigates the influence of K-Drama consumption on emotional expressivity among young adults. Emotional expressivity, the outward expression of emotions, is crucial for social interactions and psychological well-being. Using the Emotional Expressivity Scale (EES), the study analyzed 250 young adults aged 18 to 25, comprising both viewers and non-viewers of K-Dramas (Romantic genre). Results revealed that viewers exhibited significantly higher levels of emotional expressivity than non-viewers. This suggests that exposure to K-Dramas may shape emotional behavior, possibly through mechanisms like observational learning and social reinforcement. Despite providing valuable insights, the study has limitations, including its focus on a specific demographic and sample size. Further research exploring diverse populations and cultural contexts is necessary to deepen understanding. Nevertheless, the findings highlight the significant role of K-Dramas in shaping emotional experiences among viewers and underscore the importance of considering media influences in understanding emotional processes. In conclusion, Korean Dramas serve as a platform for emotional exploration and expression, influencing viewers' emotional behavior. Understanding the interplay between media consumption and emotional expression contributes to the broader field of media psychology. Moving forward, research should explore additional factors influencing emotional expressivity and examine long-term effects across diverse populations and cultures. Overall, this study emphasizes the profound impact of K-Dramas on shaping emotional experiences and behaviors among viewers.

From Niche Narrative to Audio Blockbusters

From Niche Narrative to Audio Blockbusters

“Stay tuned!"

“Stay tuned!"

Mechanisms of mental illness anti-stigma messaging matter: Leveraging mental health communication inequities among Latinx populations to understand what works and what we can do better

BackgroundSince 1950, public communication about the neurobiological-psychosocial basis of mental illness from the diathesis-stress model has promoted reception to treatment yet violent/dangerous stereotypes have increased during this period. Moreover, public mental health communication efforts have predominantly diffused in English-language media, excluding Spanish/Latinx media and its consumers from these efforts. To inform future mental health communication strategies, this study leverages high versus low diffusion of public mental health communication across English and Spanish/Latinx media to examine public mental health communication effects on stigma and treatment beliefs via neurobiological-psychosocial beliefs. MethodsA quota sample of 2058 U.S.-based Latinx residents ages 13–86 with diverse language/cultural media preferences was recruited to self-complete a survey about mental health information acquisition in 2021. Assessments ascertained frequency of Spanish/Latinx and English media use and mental health content scanning and seeking (α = 0.86–0.94); and items from the General Social Survey about mental illness neurobiological-psychosocial causal beliefs (α = 0.72)—genetics, brain chemistry, environment, stress; treatment beliefs—mental illness improves with treatment or on its own; and stigma beliefs—violent/dangerous and bad character stereotypes and unwillingness to socialize with a person with mental illness. Structural equation models estimated total, direct, and indirect effects of Spanish/Latinx and English media exposures on treatment and stigma beliefs via neurobiological-psychosocial beliefs, net individual/family factors. ResultsSpanish/Latinx media reduced, while English media increased, neurobiological-psychosocial beliefs (p < 0.01). Neurobiological-psychosocial beliefs, in turn, increased treatment and stigma beliefs (p < 0.01), simultaneously. Indirect pathways were also significant (p < 0.05). Proportion mediated on treatment beliefs was one-third for Spanish/Latinx and two-thirds for English media. Proportion mediated on stigma beliefs for all media exposures averaged ≥1. ConclusionsWhile consumers of Spanish/Latinx media report lower neurobiological-psychosocial knowledge that impedes treatment beliefs, consumers of English media report greater neurobiological-psychosocial and treatment knowledge and, consequently, more stigma. Innovation in public mental health communication is needed to counter stigma and health inequity.

Online monitoring of the respiration activity in 96-deep-well microtiter plate Chinese hamster ovary cultures streamlines kill curve experiments.

Cell line generation of mammalian cells is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, especially because of challenges in clone selection after transfection. Antibiotics are common selection agents for mammalian cells due to their simplicity of use. However, the optimal antibiotic concentration must be determined with a kill curve experiment before clone selection starts. The traditional kill curve experiments are resource-intensive and time-consuming due to necessary sampling and offline analysis effort. This study, thus, explores the potential of online monitoring the oxygen transfer rate (OTR), as a non-invasive and efficient alternative for kill curve experiments. The OTR is monitored using the Transfer-rate Online Measurement (TOM) system and the micro(μ)-scale Transfer-rate Online Measurement (μTOM) device, which was used for mammalian cells first. It could be shown that the OTR curves for both devices align perfectly, affirming consistent cultivation conditions. The μTOM device proves effective in performing kill curve experiments in 96-deep-well plates without the need for sampling and offline analysis. The streamlined approach reduces medium consumption by 95%, offering a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for kill curve experiments. The study validates the generalizability of the method by applying it to two different CHO cell lines (CHO-K1 and sciCHO) with two antibiotics (puromycin and hygromycin B) each. In conclusion, the broad application of OTR online monitoring for CHO cell cultures in 96-deep-well plates is highlighted. The μTOM device proves as a valuable tool for high-throughput experiments, paving the way for diverse applications, such as media and clone screening, cytotoxicity tests, and scale-up experiments.

Who shares fake news on social media? Evidence from vaccines and infertility claims in sub-Saharan Africa.

The widespread dissemination of misinformation on social media is a serious threat to global health. To a large extent, it is still unclear who actually shares health-related misinformation deliberately and accidentally. We conducted a large-scale online survey among 5,307 Facebook users in six sub-Saharan African countries, in which we collected information on sharing of fake news and truth discernment. We estimate the magnitude and determinants of deliberate and accidental sharing of misinformation related to three vaccines (HPV, polio, and COVID-19). In an OLS framework we relate the actual sharing of fake news to several socioeconomic characteristics (age, gender, employment status, education), social media consumption, personality factors and vaccine-related characteristics while controlling for country and vaccine-specific effects. We first show that actual sharing rates of fake news articles are substantially higher than those reported from developed countries and that most of the sharing occurs accidentally. Second, we reveal that the determinants of deliberate vs. accidental sharing differ. While deliberate sharing is related to being older and risk-loving, accidental sharing is associated with being older, male, and high levels of trust in institutions. Lastly, we demonstrate that the determinants of sharing differ by the adopted measure (intentions vs. actual sharing) which underscores the limitations of commonly used intention-based measures to derive insights about actual fake news sharing behaviour.

A Study on the Emergence of Over-the-Top (OTT) Services in Hyderabad

This research explores the dynamic landscape of Over-the-Top (OTT) services and their increasing prevalence in the city of Hyderabad. As internet connectivity and digital platforms continue to redefine content consumption patterns, this study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the rise of OTT services, consumer preferences, and the impact on traditional media consumption. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and content analysis, the research delves into the drivers of OTT adoption, the diversity of content offerings, and the challenges faced by both consumers and content creators in this evolving ecosystem. The study seeks to uncover insights into the changing media consumption habits in Hyderabad, assess the influence of cultural and demographic factors, and examine the implications for the entertainment industry. Additionally, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges that OTT platforms present for content creators, distributors, and consumers in the local context.

Revolusi Tiktok: Mendefinisikan Ulang Pemasaran Media Sosial

This study investigates the dynamics of social media marketing effectiveness within PT Migas Utama Jabar, focusing on the utilization of TikTok platform and changes in social media consumption habits. Through quantitative analysis utilizing Smart PLS, data from a sample of 100 individuals within the organization were examined. The results reveal significant direct effects of TikTok utilization and audience engagement on social media marketing effectiveness, highlighting the importance of leveraging innovative platforms to foster active engagement with the target audience. However, changes in social media consumption habits were not found to have a significant indirect effect on social media marketing effectiveness mediated through audience engagement. These findings underscore the significance of adapting strategies to capitalize on emerging trends and platforms to enhance brand visibility and engagement. The study provides valuable insights for PT Migas Utama Jabar and other organizations aiming to navigate the evolving landscape of social media marketing, emphasizing the importance of audience-centric approaches in achieving marketing objectives and sustaining competitiveness in the digital era. Keywords: Social Media Marketing, Tiktok, Audience Engagement, Social Media Consumption Habits, Marketing Effectiveness

Exploring suicide ideation in university students: sleep quality, social media, self-esteem, and barriers to seeking psychological help.

The purpose of the current study is to analyze how variations in suicidal ideation scores can relate to sleep quality, social media consumption, self-esteem, and perceived barriers to seeking psychological help in a sample of university students in Honduras. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used. Self-reported data was collected from a non-random sample of 910 university students in Honduras; their average age was 24.03 years (SD=6.05). Most respondents were women (67%) with men accounting for 33% of the sample. Measurements included item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, Barriers to Seeking Psychological Help Scale for College Students, and a self-reported questionnaire on social media. In response to the query, "Over the past two weeks, how frequently have you experienced thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself?" 54% (n=495) of participants indicated "not at all" 18% (n=168) reported "several days" 14% (n=129) responded "more than half of the days" and 13% (n=118) stated "nearly every day". The results from the ordinal logistic regression model indicate that sleep quality and self-esteem serve as protective factors associated with decreased suicide ideation. At the same time, a higher number of social media platforms used per week and perceived barriers to seeking psychological help increase suicide ideation. Altogether, these variables explained 19% of the variance in suicidal ideation scores. Suicidal ideation is highly prevalent among the sampled university students.

Exploring Trust in Media Brands Today: Definition, Dimensions and Cross-national Differences

ABSTRACT Understanding consumers’ perception of media brands in today’s digitalized world is of major importance to media brands and advertisers alike. Influencing the media consumption experience, trust is one of the key drivers of this perception. Based on the differing business models as compared to brands, a specific foundation for the research on media brands is essential. Based on qualitative and quantitative data from Germany, the US, and South Korea we are able to present 17 “media” categories, building the foundation for a user-centric definition of media brands. Further, we identify eleven dimensions constituting the multidimensional construct of media brand trust.