Messaging Platform Research Articles

The use of Artificial Intelligence within the Salafi-Jihadi Ecosystem on Rocket.Chat

During the last decades, Salafi-Jihadi groups have exploited the proliferation of social media to create a persistent and ideologically cohesive presence online. Yet, Salafi-Jihadi individuals connected online to form a new dispersed network of ‘media mujahedeen’ based on loose affiliations, moving from the ‘one-to-many’ to a ‘peer-to-peer’ structure described by Ali Fisher as the Swarmcast Model. The Swarmcast model can be adopted to understand the current media war held by media mujahedeen online. Given this context, experts observed a new centrality of non-institutional media houses, which spread jihadist propaganda and/or produce propaganda content. During the last decade, Telegram was Salafi-Jihadi organizations’ main messaging platform for both institutional and non-institutional media houses. However, in late November 2019, the 16th Referral Action Day coordinated by EUROPOL took place and forced Salafi-Jihadi propaganda operators to adopt what was described by Ali Fisher and Nico Prucha as the Multiplatform Communication Paradigm (MCP) to create a more resilient digital network. Among the messaging platforms, there was Rocket.Chat, which became their primary launchpad and digital safe haven. In late March, inside the Islamic State (IS) server on Rocket.Chat, the first massive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was individuated, which was aimed at producing what can be described as a news broadcast in Arabic of IS’s wilayat operations all over the world made by a pro-IS non-institutional media house. The producer inserted all the main characteristics of news broadcasts created through the support of AI. From that day to now, the user posted ten different propaganda videos employing the same production techniques, albeit with some graphic and content differences. Against the backdrop of the evolution of Salafi-Jihadi communication that occurred in the last decades, this paper seeks to illustrate the use of AI inside IS’s server on Rocket.Chat and trace possible countermeasures to prevent using such technologies to produce Salafi-Jihadi propaganda.

Indonesia’s Handling of Terrorists’ Cyber Activities: How Repressive Measures Still Fall Short

The article examines discrepancies between the Indonesian government’s response to terrorist cyber activities and the actual activities of terrorists online. By analysing data from 55 convicted terrorists, the study reveals that while government efforts focus on censoring extremist content on social media and websites, terrorists have shifted to using messaging platforms for tactical coordination. This shift indicates that current censorship and platform removal strategies are ineffective in preventing terrorists from exploiting cyberspace. The article highlights that repressive measures, such as criminal prosecution and strict regulation, may undermine the roles of users, platform managers and tech companies in content moderation. Additionally, these measures could drive terrorists to smaller, less monitored platforms, ultimately failing to curb their online activities and compromising freedom of expression. The findings suggest that a more nuanced approach is needed to address terrorist use of cyberspace effectively.

Task-Based Negotiation of Meaning Through a Mobile Messaging Platform

In situations where Korean university students have insufficient opportunities to communicate in English on a daily basis, using a mobile instant messaging (MIM) application for English interactions can provide them with more chances to practice the target language and negotiate meaning. This study aimed to explore Korean university students’ negotiation of meaning through different tasks using an MIM application and how these tasks influence their meaning negotiation during communicative activities on the platform. This study adopted a mixed-method approach, combining surveys and message observations to collect data. The findings showed that students perceived negotiating meaning through the MIM platform as both interesting and useful for their English learning. They valued the opportunity to communicate and negotiate meaning in English at any time and from anywhere, based on tasks. However, some challenges related to these communicative experiences were also reported. The findings indicated that some English translation applications were utilized during task-based communicative activities. Overall, the study found that students enjoyed discussing specific topics while completing various types of tasks and they experienced several benefits during their English interactions with peers on the MIM platform. The impact of different task types on meaning negotiation was also discussed.

Fishing for phishy messages: predicting phishing susceptibility through the lens of cyber-routine activities theory and heuristic-systematic model

Mobile phishing has emerged as one of the most severe cybercrime threats; thus, research must examine the factors affecting people’s likelihood of becoming instant messaging phishing targets. In this study, we draw on the cyber-routine activity theory (Cyber-RAT) and heuristic-systematic model (HSM) to predict Gen-Zers’ phishing susceptibility. Based on online survey data (n = 361), the proposed research model was validated via structural equation modeling conducted with SmartPLS 4. Findings indicate that engaging in online risky behavior (social media: instant messaging, vocational, and leisure activities) increases Gen-Zers’ exposure to phishers, increasing their likelihood of becoming instant messaging phishing targets. Phishing messages with a desirable or relevant topic (high message involvement) significantly impact Gen-Zers’ phishing susceptibility. Gen-Zers’ phishing susceptibility is also influenced by phishing messages with persuasive cues. While knowledge of the phishing domain does not directly influence Gen-Zers’ susceptibility to phishing attacks, it significantly motivated them to adopt effective online security management practices on social instant messaging platforms. This paper discusses how these findings implicate online users and inform agencies to promote knowledge for understanding and detecting phishing attacks to avoid victimization.

Exploring the Genre of International Online Communication to Map the Stages and Phases in the Participants’ Analytical Exposition Texts

In the current digital age, an online messaging platform called the International Virtual Exchange (IVE) Program is widely utilized in the English language learning process. The participants of the IVE Program are learners from non-native English-speaking countries with different cultural contexts, so they may have different realizations of genre structures. Most studies employing genre analysis only covered the genre stages without analyzing their phases. Therefore, this study aims to explore the stages and phases of the participants’ Analytical Exposition texts in the IVE 2021 Program, as one of the micro-genre texts on the international online communication with the topic Lessons from the Pandemic. The results showed that the participants of the IVE 2021 Program, who come from six different countries, had different stages and phases of the genre because the schematic structure could change based on the type and number of arguments/issues described in the text. This research can be used as a reference for participants of international online communication, especially in the IVE Program, so that they can implement complete and holistic stages and phases of the genre in their communication texts to minimize misunderstandings from other participants.

Supporting Hard Conversations in Close Relationships Through Design

Relationships are perhaps the single greatest source of human happiness, and as part of building strong relationships, conflict and hard conversations are unavoidable. As people increasingly rely on digital communication to initiate and resolve conflicts, we examine how design can improve the experience of working through hard conversations within close relationships. We interviewed six psychotherapists and twenty-one social media users to understand both theoretical best practices for navigating conflict and users' experiences with hard conversations online, particularly on text-based messaging platforms. We used our findings to create a temporal model of how digital design could intervene to support users and their relationships during these conversations. Specifically, we find that design can help to facilitate more mutually consensual difficult conversations, support emotional regulation during the conversation, and help facilitate pauses when necessary. We explore the tensions between balancing the needs of relationships and the individuals in them in digital design, and how to center relationships in digital design.

WhatsApp Versus SMS for 2-Way, Text-Based Follow-Up After Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in South Africa: Exploration of Messaging Platform Choice.

Telehealth is growing, especially in areas where access to health facilities is difficult. We previously used 2-way texting (2wT) via SMS to improve the quality of postoperative care after voluntary medical male circumcision in South Africa. In this study, we offered males aged 15 years and older WhatsApp or SMS as their message delivery and interaction platform to explore user preferences and behaviors. The objectives of this process evaluation embedded within a larger 2wT expansion trial were to (1) explore 2wT client preferences, including client satisfaction, with WhatsApp or SMS; (2) examine response rates (participation) by SMS and WhatsApp; and (3) gather feedback from the 2wT implementation team on the WhatsApp approach. Males aged 15 years and older undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision in program sites could choose their follow-up approach, selecting 2wT via SMS or WhatsApp or routine care (in-person postoperative visits). The 2wT system provided 1-way educational messages and an open 2-way communication channel between providers and clients. We analyzed quantitative data from the 2wT database on message delivery platforms (WhatsApp vs SMS), response rates, and user behaviors using chi-square tests, z tests, and t tests. The team conducted short phone calls with WhatsApp and SMS clients about their perceptions of this 2wT platform using a short, structured interview guide. We consider informal reflections from the technical team members on the use of WhatsApp. We applied an implementation science lens using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework to focus results on practice and policy improvement. Over a 2-month period-from August to October, 2023-337 males enrolled in 2wT and were offered WhatsApp or SMS and were included in the analysis. For 2wT reach, 177 (53%) participants chose WhatsApp as their platform (P=.38). Mean client age was 30 years, and 253 (75%) participants chose English for automated messages. From quality assurance calls, almost all respondents (87/89, 98%) were happy with the way they were followed up. For effectiveness, on average for the days on which responses were requested, 58 (33%) WhatsApp clients and 44 (28%) SMS clients responded (P=.50). All 2wT team members believed WhatsApp limited the automated message content, language choices, and inclusivity as compared with the SMS-based 2wT approach. When presented with a choice of 2wT communication platform, clients appear evenly split between SMS and WhatsApp. However, WhatsApp requires a smartphone and data plan, potentially reducing reach at scale. Clients using both platforms responded to 2wT interactive prompts, demonstrating similar effectiveness in engaging clients in follow-up. For telehealth interventions, digital health designers should maintain an SMS-based platform and carefully consider adding WhatsApp as an option for clients, using an implementation science approach to present evidence that guides the best implementation approach for their setting.

The Educational Experience Improvement Collective for Inpatient Medicine Healthcare Professional Trainees at a University-Affiliated Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Background: Rotation evaluations reflect the resident-perceived value of clinical experiences in graduate medical education. In this study, we sought to improve the quality of education for internal medicine residents during their inpatient medicine rotation. Methods: Program stakeholders critically appraised a core medicine rotation at a university-affiliated U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Center utilizing end-of-rotation evaluations by residents. Thematic analysis identified three areas for improvement: culture, communication, and workload. Solutions were developed to address each theme: (1) site-specific orientation was provided to new trainees, (2) real-time notification of admissions occurred via secure messaging platform, and (3) an assistive rounding tool was integrated into the electronic medical record. Outcome measures of education were obtained via end-of-rotation evaluations by residents. Results: This study included 198 pre-intervention and 58 post-intervention evaluations by trainees from October 2022 through December 2023. Using a 5-point Likert scale, the quality of education improved from good to very good (3.26 to 4.02, +15%, p < 0.001) over the course of one year. All four subcategories also improved: diversity/quality of pathology (0.33; +7%), supervision (0.50; +10%), workload (0.42; +8%), and learning value (0.51; +10%). When the five categories are compared immediately pre-intervention (fourth quarter of 2022-2023 academic year) to full post-intervention (second quarter of 2023-2024 academic year) using a paired t-test, the change was statistically significant (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Significant educational enhancements were achieved over time for a core rotation in a residency program using solutions developed from interconnected themes found in learner evaluations.

ZoAM GameBot: A Journey to the Lost Computational World in the Amazonia

The search for alternative teaching–learning processes that attract more interest and involvement of young people has inspired the development of a game with a chatbot architecture based on interactive storytelling and multiple learning paths. Thus, we introduce in this article the GameBot ZoAm, developed for the Discord instant messaging and social platform. ZoAm offers a unique learning experience centered around storytelling, focusing on fundamental computing concepts and logical challenges that enhance computational thinking skills. Furthermore, the game also promotes an appreciation for Amazonian culture and folklore, with decision-making with human values. An action research study was conducted involving students from the last years of the end of elementary school. The research utilized a heuristic analysis based on the Gameplay Heuristics (PLAY) by Desurvire and Wiberg (ANO) and the evaluation model proposed by Korhonen and Koivisto (ANO) for mobile devices. The analysis employed a reduced and merged set of heuristics from these models, suited for the GameBot's context, focusing on (I) usability, (II) gameplay and immersion, and (III) mobility. Regarding the reliability coefficient used to evaluate the survey applied to students after playing the GameBot, Cronbach's Alpha and Guttman Lambda-6 (G6(smc)) coefficients were applied. These metrics were chosen to ensure the internal consistency and reliability of survey items, reflecting on how effectively the questions measured the focuses proposed by the heuristic analysis. The findings indicate that the game has the potential to facilitate the assimilation of the integrated concepts and sustain student interest throughout gameplay.

"If I Stay Silent, It Doesn't Help Anyone": Understanding How People Use TikTok to Talk About Sexual Violence.

TikTok is the second most popular social media platform among American teenagers, suggesting it may be a way to reach young people with sexual violence-related messages. This qualitative content analysis focused on what TikTok users share about sexual violence. The content of the videos fell into two primary types of information, people sharing experiences of sexual violence (i.e., what happened, how they responded, impacts of experiences) and people sharing other information related to sexual violence (i.e., education, raising awareness). The study results demonstrate that people use TikTok as a platform to share their messages about sexual violence-related topics, underscoring the potential of this platform for prevention and recovery messages targeted toward individuals who directly or indirectly experience sexual violence.

Efficacy of WeChat Instant Messaging Platform for Peer Feedback on Undergraduate Students’ English Academic Writing Performance: A Systematic Literature Review

Peer feedback has become a crucial element in the field of English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) writing. There has been a notable scholarly interest in the integration of peer feedback in English writing instruction. Among Chinese undergraduate students, there is a growing tendency to use instant messaging systems, such as WeChat, for peer feedback. WeChat distinguishes itself from other platforms by its extensive usage in China, particularly owing to its user-friendly features. However, there is a lack of systematic research in the current literature to explore the effectiveness of using WeChat for peer feedback in English writing. In particular, there is a lack of research on five aspects of students’ English writing performance when using WeChat as a platform for peer feedback, such as content and idea, coherence and cohesion, grammar and form, word choice and vocabulary, and organization and structure. This article aims to provide an overview of the investigation of the effectiveness of using WeChat as an instant messaging platform through a literature review. The authors adhered to predetermined criteria for what literature were included and excluded. Ultimately, the authors reviewed a collection of 30 research articles from the year 2011 to 2023 that are directly related to the topic at hand. This review encompasses an evaluation of the research designs, findings, discussions, and gaps in research identified in these articles. This review offers a comprehensive comprehension of the present status of research in this field. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for additional academic investigation, specifically targeting the task of filling the recognized gaps in knowledge. Furthermore, the conclusion highlights the necessity of further studies, which needs to explore the long-term effects of incorporating WeChat and peer feedback on enhancing students’ writing performance. This encompasses various aspects, such as content and idea, coherence and cohesion, word choice and vocabulary, organization and structure, as well as grammar and form.

Penerapan Strategi Digital Marketing dalam Meningkatkan Penjualan Tahu Susu Antapani Cabang Galuh Mas di Karawang

This research on the Antapani Milk Tofu business aims to analyze and provide an explanation of the use of digital marketing on the impact of increasing sales. This case study was designed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Based on the results of in-depth interviews with three employees and five consumers, it was found that. The use of digital marketing as a promotional tool can increase sales for the Antapani Milk Tofu business, Galuh Mas Karawang Branch, this proves that digital marketing on Instagram social media accounts as a promotional tool and e-commerce messaging platform has a positive impact on sales with a wider target market and responsive. Customers are greatly helped by the delivery application, making it easier for them to carry out other activities both at home and at work. Fatigue from activities also provides time efficiency for customers to place orders without having to come to an outlet or shop. The approach needs to be taken in an attractive manner to followers of the official Tahu Susu Antapani account to provide information on special activities or promotions.

Digital Marketing Effectiveness By Implementing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) In The Indonesian Banking Sector

This study evaluates the use of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in digital marketing strategies within the Indonesian banking sector, specifically focusing on Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk, and Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk (BRI), during the period from February 2024 to April 2024. Employing an exploratory qualitative method, the research aims to gain an in-depth understanding of how these three banks implement SEO and how these strategies impact their customer engagement. The findings indicate that BCA utilizes Twitter as the primary platform for delivering rapid information, while Bank Mandiri and BRI prefer WhatsApp Web for direct and personal communication with customers. Additionally, BRI leverages video content on YouTube to enhance user engagement. The dominance of WhatsApp Web in social traffic for Bank Mandiri and BRI highlights the effectiveness of instant messaging platforms in building direct communication with customers. Conversely, Twitter proves effective in reaching a broader audience for BCA. This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring digital marketing strategies to suitable platforms to achieve specific business objectives and demonstrates the value of qualitative methods in understanding the dynamics and complexities of digital marketing within the banking sector.

Design and implementation of an asynchronous online course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in computational genomics.

As genomics technologies advance, there is a growing demand for computational biologists trained for genomics analysis but instructors face significant hurdles in providing formal training in computer programming, statistics, and genomics to biology students. Fully online learners represent a significant and growing community that can contribute to meet this need, but they are frequently excluded from valuable research opportunities which mostly do not offer the flexibility they need. To address these opportunity gaps, we developed an asynchronous course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) for computational genomics specifically for fully online biology students. We generated custom learning materials and leveraged remotely accessible computational tools to address 2 novel research questions over 2 iterations of the genomics CURE, one testing bioinformatics approaches and one mining cancer genomics data. Here, we present how the instructional team distributed analysis needed to address these questions between students over a 7.5-week CURE and provided concurrent training in biology and statistics, computer programming, and professional development. Scores from identical learning assessments administered before and after completion of each CURE showed significant learning gains across biology and coding course objectives. Open-response progress reports were submitted weekly and identified self-reported adaptive coping strategies for challenges encountered throughout the course. Progress reports identified problems that could be resolved through collaboration with instructors and peers via messaging platforms and virtual meetings. We implemented asynchronous communication using the Slack messaging platform and an asynchronous journal club where students discussed relevant publications using the Perusall social annotation platform. The online genomics CURE resulted in unanticipated positive outcomes, including students voluntarily discussing plans to continue research after the course. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of this genomics CURE for scientific training, recruitment and student-mentor relationships, and student successes. Asynchronous genomics CUREs can contribute to a more skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce for the advancement of biomedical science.

Low-Cost Non-Wearable Fall Detection System Implemented on a Single Board Computer for People in Need of Care.

This work aims at proposing an affordable, non-wearable system to detect falls of people in need of care. The proposal uses artificial vision based on deep learning techniques implemented on a Raspberry Pi4 4GB RAM with a High-Definition IR-CUT camera. The CNN architecture classifies detected people into five classes: fallen, crouching, sitting, standing, and lying down. When a fall is detected, the system sends an alert notification to mobile devices through the Telegram instant messaging platform. The system was evaluated considering real daily indoor activities under different conditions: outfit, lightning, and distance from camera. Results show a good trade-off between performance and cost of the system. Obtained performance metrics are: precision of 96.4%, specificity of 96.6%, accuracy of 94.8%, and sensitivity of 93.1%. Regarding privacy concerns, even though this system uses a camera, the video is not recorded or monitored by anyone, and pictures are only sent in case of fall detection. This work can contribute to reducing the fatal consequences of falls in people in need of care by providing them with prompt attention. Such a low-cost solution would be desirable, particularly in developing countries with limited or no medical alert systems and few resources.

The moderating effect of religiosity between climate change anxiety and death anxiety among a sample of Lebanese adults

BackgroundAcknowledging the increasing worry over climate change and its psychological effects, the aim of this research is to clarify the dynamics between religiosity, climate anxiety and death anxiety, seeking to figure out the way religiosity mitigates the psychological effects of existential anxieties and climate related anxiety.MethodsUsing Google Forms, a questionnaire was developed and disseminated through a variety of messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. Through a snowball sampling technique, 763 participants were recruited in this cross-sectional during September 2023.ResultsThe subsequent variables were adjusted in the moderation analysis: age, gender, and place of living. The results suggested that religiosity levels moderated the association between climate anxiety and death anxiety (Beta = 0.02, t = 1.97, p = .05, 95% CI 0.001, 0.035). At low, moderate, and high levels of religiosity, higher climate anxiety was significantly associated with more death anxiety. In addition, at low levels of climate anxiety, individuals with higher levels of religiosity (22.66) had more decreased levels of death anxiety compared to those with lower levels of religiosity (11.99). As climate anxiety levels increase, inverted patterns can be observed, with highly religious individuals showing higher levels of death anxiety than those with lower levels of religiosity. Overall, the relationship between climate anxiety and death anxiety was found to be weakest at low levels of religiosity and strongest at high levels of religiosity.ConclusionOur findings suggest a possible beneficial effect of high religiosity at low levels of climate anxiety. This effect is reversed as climate anxiety starts to increase. Therefore, clinicians and policy-makers should bear in mind these complex interactions when designing strategies to mitigate mental health problems in the context of climate crisis.

Artificial intelligence and computer-mediated communication: the text analysis and undergrad’s class observation

The term “computer-mediated communication” (CMC) describes the transmission of messages and information using computer technology. With the extensive use of email, instant messaging, social media, and other digital platforms in Nepal in recent years, this style of communication has grown in popularity. The article examines how computer-mediated communication (CMC) and artificial intelligence (AI) have grown in significance in Nepal’s undergrad English education. This article allows students to collaborate on projects and tasks, which improves their learning experience, by examining the potential of AI and CMC. The facts of Nepal’s education have been examined using the four different basic literature reviews. Despite the need for further literature on artificial intelligence and computer-mediated communication in Nepal’s English classes for undergrads between 2018 and 2023, the studies reviewed shed light on the possibilities of technology and AI in language acquisition. Undergraduate class observation, self-administered text analysis, social information processing theory and experimental research, which involves adjusting variables to see how they affect learning results, were used to gather data. The study’s findings also demonstrate how using CMC platforms encourages students to practice their digital literacy. They gain knowledge on how to move through online spaces, efficiently communicate with a variety of digital tools, and assess the reliability of information sources. Students can communicate with their teachers outside of the classroom via video conferencing software and online discussion boards. This may result in more in-depth discussions and debates as well as greater student engagement.

An 8-Week Virtual Exercise Training Program for Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Musculoskeletal strength can be impaired in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. Exercise training programs can be beneficial but in-person delivery can be challenging; virtual exercise programs can alleviate some of these challenges. This feasibility study aimed to deliver an 8-week virtual exercise program in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. Program delivery occurred 3 times per week for 30minutes. An exercise stress test was completed prior to program start. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency strength subtest and self-report surveys were used to assess musculoskeletal strength, quality of life, fatigue, and physical activity. Contact was maintained through a text messaging platform. Z scores were calculated using standardized normative data. Medians (interquartile range) are reported for all other data. Eleven participants completed the program (2 liver, 5 kidney, 4 heart; 58% females; median age = 11.5 [10.3-13.8]y). Six participants attended ≥60% of classes, 5 participants attended <50% of classes. After 8weeks, strength scores improved (Z score, Pre: -1.0 [-1.65 to -0.60] to Post: -0.2 [-1.30 to 0.40]; P = .007) with no change in other outcome measures. The virtual exercise program was delivered without technical issues and received positive participant feedback. Engagement and costs need to be considered.

An Analysis of WhatsApp Interactions Among Youth: A Case of Language Attrition

This study delves into the intriguing world of language dynamics within the popular messaging platform, WhatsApp, focusing on how young people communicate. Through the course of its research, this study aims to uncover a fascinating phenomenon called ‘Language Attrition’ - a subtle transformation in the way languages are used in this digital space. On WhatsApp, users seamlessly blend their native languages with a more global one. This results in a unique linguistic landscape where expressions from different languages coexist, sometimes making it challenging to distinguish between them. With India being a multilingual nation, the study explores the potential loss or degradation of languages due to the leniency and carelessness of social media language. The paper employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative analysis of WhatsApp conversations with a digital questionnaire survey. The research investigates factors such as the prevalence of emoticons, code-switching, and multilingualism, shedding light on the multifaceted dimensions of language attrition. The research investigates factors such as the prevalence of emoticons, code-switching, and multilingualism, shedding light on the multifaceted dimensions of language attrition. The insights aim to prompt one to perceive language attrition not merely as an academic curiosity but as a catalyst for proactive measures.

Communities of Inquiry for Offenders: Learning Malware Development on Asynchronous Platforms

ABSTRACT Malware as a service (MaaS) has become a profitable profession, allowing individuals who are not technologically competent, and criminal organizations, to purchase such malicious software to conduct a variety of attacks. This has created space for those with the technological abilities to make a business off the malware that they write, and it is therefore important to understand where these developers are learning the skills needed. The current study was carried out to assess how malware developers use an encrypted messaging platform for knowledge acquisition, more specifically knowledge about malware development. This was carried out through a qualitative analysis of questions and answers posted within Telegram channels that are related to malware, and malware development and distribution. Further to this, latent class analysis was conducted to aid in determining whether there are subsets of individuals posting this information. A total of 467 user questions and 518 user responses were captured from eight channels. Results from this study revealed that posters are usually responsive to questions posed within these communities, with seven different response themes identified: Criticized question, offered answer or advice, offered help or service, probing for further information, provided resource, and unhelpful response. Therefore, while not many people are seeking Telegram channels to learn, when they do pose questions, respondents are likely to offer helpful advice to aid in their learning of malware development.