Online Community Engagement Research Articles

Exploring the relationships among forbidden fruit effect, trust, and engagement in online communities

Exploring the relationships among forbidden fruit effect, trust, and engagement in online communities

Exploring the relationships among forbidden fruit effect, trust, and engagement in online communities

Exploring the relationships among forbidden fruit effect, trust, and engagement in online communities

The Consequences of Generative AI for UGC and Online Community Engagement

The Consequences of Generative AI for UGC and Online Community Engagement

Factors influencing users’ post replying behavior in a senior online community: An empirical investigation

Senior online communities (SOCs) have become an important venue for older people to seek support and exchange information. While online community engagement has been well studied in the existing literature, few studies have explored how older adults behave in online communities. Therefore, drawing upon signaling theory, this study aims to investigate how different content-related and social-related signals influence users’ post replying behavior (i.e., reply to another user’s post) in SOCs. We collected 7486 health-related posts and 71,859 comments from one of the most popular Chinese SOCs, Keai (https://www.keai99.com). Information signals in the posts were operationalized using different techniques such as text mining and social network analysis. Results from negative binomial regression indicated that content-related signals (posts’ topic and length) and social-related signals (authors’ position and centrality) were related to replying behavior. In addition, we revealed some differences between the effects of these signals on informational replies and emotional replies. More specifically, compared to posts mentioning traditional Chinese medicine, posts mentioning western medicine received more informational replies, but less emotional replies. Original posts triggered more informational replies, whereas shared posts attracted more emotional replies. Average reply length was positively related to informational replies, but negatively related to emotional replies. Considering the important role of SOCs in satisfying older adults’ social and informational needs, future research is needed to promote user social engagement in SOCs, thereby maintaining their sustainability.

Need satisfaction and collective efficacy in undergraduate blog-driven classes: A structural equation modelling approach

This paper investigates how psychological needs spurring self-determined motivation relate to collective efficacy for flourishing in online learning communities. Self-determination theory posits individuals experience intrinsic motivation to flourish at educational tasks because of targeted satisfaction of the three psychological needs: autonomy, relatedness, and competence. However, studies conducted to investigate collective, technology-assisted learning processes suggest competence and relatedness may play a pivotal role in online community engagement and knowledge-sharing. Moreover, informal gaming experiences may mirror the collaborative skills needed in online educational/professional communities. These insights suggest confidence in one’s abilities to contribute to a community, the perception of a strong, supportive social culture in the online classroom, and informal online experiences may lead to self-determined motivation enabling agents in distributed, technology-assisted classrooms to collectively flourish. Little work has been done to examine effects of need satisfaction on collective efficacy in using online technologies. To fill this research gap, we used structural equation modelling to investigate perceptions of 636 undergraduate students enrolled in classes within an education department at a midwestern university employing weekly asynchronous blogging. Our results suggest students’ experience with multiplayer gaming, and need satisfaction towards competence and relatedness correlate with higher collective efficacy in technology-assisted classrooms employing discussion forums. Implications for practice or policy: For instructors, student usership and design can spur motivation in online classrooms. For researchers, understanding student perceptions of collaboration using technology can help understand how to design better technology-assisted classrooms. The design of collaborative online educational communities should focus on creating positive social cultures and fostering competence for students.

Experiences of Women With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: What Can We Learn From Women's Online Discussions?

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a debilitating chronic condition that disproportionately affects women at a ratio of 5:1. We sought to capture women's experiences with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome by conducting a large-scale digital ethnographic analysis of anonymous posts on Internet forums. Online posts were identified using condition-specific keywords and data mining extraction services. Once posts were identified, a random sample of 200 online posts was coded and analyzed by hand using qualitative methods. A Latent Dirichlet Allocation probabilistic topic model was applied to the complete dataset to substantiate the qualitative analysis and allow for further thematic discovery. A total of 6,842 posts written by 3,902 unique users from 224 websites were identified. There was a significant overlap between the hand coding and Latent Dirichlet Allocation themes. Our analysis yielded the following themes: online community engagement, triggers and disease etiologies, medical comorbidities, quality of life impact, patient experience with medical care, and alternative therapies and self-management strategies. Additionally, our population appeared to have a high burden of nonurological associated syndromes. We identified barriers to patient-centered care and found that online peer support was important for women. Our digital ethnographic analysis is a novel application of qualitative methods using online sources. Social media analytics appears to capture a broader patient population than that typically included in clinic-based qualitative studies, such as patient interviews and focus groups. Understanding patient behaviors and concerns are important to guide strategies for improving care and the overall experience with this difficult-to-treat condition.

Examining the dark side of using gamification elements in online community engagement: an application of PLS-SEM and ANN modeling

PurposeThe negative influence of gamification on online communities has received little attention in the available literature. The study examines the adverse effects of gamification during engaging in online communities.Design/methodology/approachGap-spotting methods were used to develop the research questions, followed by model development using the social exchange and social-network theories. Data were collected from 429 samples. The study applied partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the research hypotheses followed by ANN application.FindingsThe study identified five factors related to gamification that have a significant adverse effect on the mental and emotional well-being of the users. Furthermore, the results of PLS-SEM were then compared through an artificial neural network (ANN) analytic process, revealing consistency for the model. This research presents a theoretical contribution by providing critical insights into online gamers' mental and emotional health. It implies that gamification can even bring mental and emotional disturbance. The resulting situation might lead to undesirable social consequences.Practical implicationsThe result highlights the managerial and social relevance from the perspective of a developing country. As respondents are becoming more engrossed in online gaming, managers and decision-makers need to take preventive measures to overcome the dark side of online gaming.Originality/valueThe present study shows that the dark side of gamification has some adverse effects on human mental and emotional health. The study's findings can be used to improve gamification strategies while engaging online communities.

U.S. Election 2020: Intentions to Participate in Political Crowdfunding during COVID-19 Pandemic

Participation in the political process is the fundamental right and responsibility of a citizen. Online political participation has gained popularity as it is convenient and effective. Political crowdfunding helps political candidates and parties pledge funds, usually small, from a large population and seek support through marketing campaigns during elections. In November 2020, when there were presidential elections in the US and the world was facing a global pandemic from COVID-19, political crowdfunding was a helpful method to communicate the political agenda and seek funding. The study aims to examine the intentions of US citizens to participate in political crowdfunding amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will integrate two models—the theory of planned behavior and civic voluntarism model—to check intentions and, in addition, the influence of COVID-19. The data were collected from 529 respondents from the US before the elections. The data were analyzed through a partial least squared structural equation modeling technique with SmartPLS 3.2. The results suggested that political efficacy and online community engagement have a positive influence on the intention to participate in political crowdfunding. Further, all three factors of TPB have a significant positive influence on intention. The perceived threat variable of COVID-19 does impact the attitude towards political crowdfunding. The study will be helpful for crowdfunding platforms and political contenders to examine the factors that can help them to seek maximum funds from the public and, at the same time, examine the effectiveness of their political communications.

The Power and Perseverance of Liberal Arts Internships During COVID-19

Virtual internships have the potential to offer the same benefits as in-person internships such as technical skill development, knowledge application, and communication skills. However, these experiences are usually pre-planned, designed and evaluated to ensure the pedagogical framework is retained. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in online teaching, online community engagement efforts, and online career development efforts, such as internships, without the benefit of planned, designed virtual experiences. This study aims to show the early mixed-methods survey results from shifting an internship program within a Liberal Arts college to fully online during COVID-19. Results identified and highlighted some struggles students faced, yet showed that, despite COVID-19, students still found value in their internship experiences regardless of them being moved online.

Intergenerational Connections: An online community engagement project

Young adults hold many stereotypes about aging and older adults that formal education cannot always address. Interaction and community engagement projects with older adults can challenge and dispel stereotypes young adults hold about older adults. This semester-long project is designed for undergraduate students in interpersonal and relational communication classes to engage in intergenerational dialogue to ease social isolation, interact across generations, and dispel ageist stereotypes through community engagement. Courses Communication across the Life Course, Family Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Intergenerational Communication, Relational Communication. Objectives The purpose of this semester-long project is for participants: (1) to engage in meaningful conversation and dialogue with older adults; (2) to build relationships with community partners; (3) to learn skills in interacting across generations; and (4) to reflect on their attitudes and attitude change toward older adults.

The effect of social media communications on travellers’ brand switching intention: an Ecotel's perspective

ABSTRACT The modern generation is almost addicted to social media. Businesses including Ecotel aim to harness this medium to promote green practices and gain travellers’ patronage. However, limited studies have focused on the role of social media communications in inspiring travellers to choose an Ecotel thus far. To address this gap in the extant literature, we examine the effect of social media communications on travellers’ perceived value and online community engagement, resulting in the travellers’ brand switching intentions. We also examine the mediating role played by perceived value and online community engagement. The results disclose the increasing role of social media communications, online community engagement, and perceived value in shaping travellers’ green choices.

Examining a Continuous Glucose Monitoring Plus Online Peer Support Community Intervention to Support Hispanic Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is twice as likely to affect Hispanic people than their White counterparts. Technology and social support may be an important part of behavior change. In this study, we address gaps in diabetes care for Hispanic Spanish-speaking people with diabetes through an online peer support community (OPSC) pilot intervention using Hispanic Spanish-speaking peer facilitators with diabetes to enhance the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for diabetes management.ObjectiveThis study aims to address gaps in diabetes care for Hispanic Spanish-speaking people with diabetes through an OPSC pilot intervention using Hispanic Spanish-speaking peer facilitators with diabetes to enhance the use of CGM for diabetes management.MethodsA mixed-methods, pre-post test design will be used in this feasibility study. A total of 50 Hispanic participants with type 2 diabetes willing to wear a continuous glucose monitor for 13 weeks will be recruited. Hispanic Spanish-speaking peer facilitators with diabetes and experience wearing a continuous glucose monitor will be employed and undergo training. Peer facilitators will help participants learn how CGM data can inform behavior changes via an OPSC. Participants will interact with the private OPSC at least three times a week. Weekly questions and prompts derived from the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, previously American Association of Diabetes Educators, and seven self-care behaviors will be delivered by peer facilitators to engage participants. Measures of feasibility and acceptability will be determined by the percentage of participants who enroll, complete the study, and use CGM (number of scans) and objective metrics from the OPSC. Efficacy potential outcomes include change in time in range of 70 to 180 mg/dL from baseline to 12 weeks, A1c, diabetes online community engagement, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Additionally, semistructured exit interviews will be conducted.ResultsFunding for this project was secured in November 2018 and approved by the institutional review board in April 2019. Peer facilitator recruitment and training were undertaken in the second half of 2019, with participant recruitment and data collection conducted in January and April 2020. The study has now concluded.ConclusionsThis study will generate new evidence about the use of an OPSC for Hispanic Spanish-speaking patients with diabetes to make behavior changes incorporating feedback from CGM.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03799796; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03799796International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR1-10.2196/31595

A theory-based video intervention to enhance communication and engagement in online health communities: two experiments

ABSTRACT Background Online communities and social networking sites have great potential for supporting health behavior change. However, interventions vary greatly in participants’ engagement rates and, consequently, their effectiveness. Theory-based interventions in real-world contexts are needed to further increase engagement and effectiveness. Methods We experimentally tested whether a video intervention teaching Self-Determination-Theory-based communication strategies increases need-supportive communication strategy use over one week (Study 1, N = 76) and perceived need support, engagement, and goal attainment in a behavior change intervention supported by a forum-based online community (Study 2, N = 537). In Study 2, participants chose a goal (increasing either fruit or vegetable consumption or increasing moderate or vigorous physical activity) and joined an online community for 2 weeks. Data from both experiments were analyzed with mixed models and follow-up tests. Results In Study 1, participants in the intervention but not in the control group showed an increase in the number of need-supportive communication strategies used both immediately and one week after the intervention (condition × time interaction, partial η 2 = 0.31). In Study 2, participants who watched the intervention video had a higher number of postings and reported a higher subjective forum use frequency (but not a higher number of logins) compared to participants who watched the control video. However, the effect on the subjective forum visit frequency was not robust. There were no intervention effects on perceived need support, goal attainment, or secondary outcomes. The results might be explained by low application of need-supportive communication strategies. Conclusion A brief video intervention may be a suitable, low-cost intervention to promote need-supportive communication strategy use, benefitting both engagement and behavior change. Future studies should incorporate additional means to further improve communication strategy uptake and engagement in online communities.

An online home for the homeless: A content analysis of the subreddit r/homeless

There is currently a little observational work exploring homeless peoples’ digital networking behaviors, with previous research relying on limited self-report data. This study fills this gap through a qualitative thematic analysis of the public subreddit r/homeless. We analyzed the 30 most commented posts on the subreddit from each month of 2019, examining a total of 360 posts. We find that r/homeless contributions primarily center around (a) commentary on social issues, (b) communication of needs and concerns, (c) offering of care and support, and (d) online community management and engagement, suggesting that homeless individuals not only leverage the r/homeless subreddit to gain support and information, but to generate discourse around larger societal issues. Evidence of both bridging and bonding ties was present on the subreddit, with bonding ties being especially valued and sought after by homeless users, contributing to the growing literature on the relationship between social capital, social media, and homelessness.

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Loyalty of Indonesian Mobile Game Players and Its Impact on In-App Purchase Intention

Abstract— Indonesian game creators contribute as little as 1% of the market share in Indonesia's expanding mobile gaming sector. This research examines the factors influencing mobile game players' loyalty in Indonesia and their influence on app purchase intention. The population in this study are online mobile game players in Indonesia, the data collection method used a questionnaire distributed to 404 mobile game players in Indonesia using a simple random sampling technique. In addition, this study uses the SEM-PLS analysis method. The study found that perceived value, game technology, subjective norms, and online community engagement have a substantial influence on loyalty and affect in-app purchase intention. Furthermore, perceived value directly impacts in-app purchase intent. Keywords— Perceived Value, Game Technology, Subjective Norm, Online Community Engagement, Mobile Game Loyalty, In-app Purchase Intention, Mobile Games.

The collective storytelling organisational framework for social media use

The organisational implementation and use of social media for online community engagement is plagued with many challenges. The result is managers being frustrated at not achieving their desired results. Despite an increase in social media research, it is evident that some critical aspects of social media use by organisations are left unexplained by existing theories. The purpose of this research study is to investigate how social media is used within organisations to engage with its online community. The grounded theory method (GTM) was used to develop a substantive theory that increases understanding of this phenomenon. Two organisations were selected as the case studies. Both are industry leaders in South Africa, with one being a prominent retailer with a visible social media presence and the other, being a leading university in South Africa, which is actively growing its social media presence. The results show that organisations enter a collective storytelling process with their online community. The need to reduce risk to reputation and improve on the levels of online community engagement are identified as reasons for this. The strategic alignment of the social media function and the organisational social media use characteristics set the backdrop for the collective storytelling process, while content quality influences the richness of this process. Challenges associated with the collective storytelling process lead to the development and refinement of the organisational social media strategy, which in turn helps to reduce risk to reputation and improve online community engagement.

Do Group Memberships Online Protect Addicts in Recovery Against Relapse?

The Social Identity Model of Recovery (SIMOR) suggests that addiction recovery is a journey through time where membership in various groups facilitates success. With the help of computational approaches, we now have access to new resources to study whether a wide variety of different online communities can be part of the addiction recovery journey. In this work, we study the effects of two main social factors on recovery success: first, multiple group membership defined in terms of richness of online community engagement; second, active participation operationalized as the evenness in engagement with these groups. We then model recovery from addiction by applying the extended Cox regression model which accounts for the effect of these two factors on time to relapse. We applied our analysis to a dataset of 457 recovering opioid addicts that self-announced the date of their recovery, indicating that at least 219 (48%) addicts relapsed during the recovery period. We find that multiple group membership - in terms of the number of other forums that a subject had posted in - as well as active participation - in terms of how evenly their posts were spread amongst the different forums - reduced the risk of relapse. We discuss our findings with regards to the opportunity, but also risk, that online group membership poses for recovering opioid addicts, as well as the possible contribution that computational social science methods can make to the study of addiction and recovery.

Social Justice in an Online Classroom: A Place-Based Approach to Belonging

While online learning and community engagement are not necessarily adversarial, this article explores the tensions between the two and how an online rhetoric course adapted place-based pedagogy to explore the idea of belonging. The assignment described here leverages online learning while sponsoring community engagement. The assignment invites students to learn about and participate in social justice action that, while accomplished virtually by way of Web 2.0 technologies and spaces, still connects students to the places that are significant to them. Such an approach is inherently invested in place-based pedagogy that frames social justice as abstract and complex issues that not only affect nation-states, but that also have tangible implications for privileged and marginalized groups in local communities (Flynn et al., 2010).

Exploring the Role of Social Media Communications in the Success of Professional Sports Leagues: An Emerging Market Perspective

Non-cricket sports leagues are rapidly rising in an emerging market like India. With the advent of web 2.0, sports marketers are using social media platforms to popularize these sports leagues. However, additional research is needed to get a better understanding of using social media communications in sports marketing. The pro-Kabaddi league has emerged as the most successful non-cricket sports league in India. This study observes the role played by social media communications toward increasing fans’ sports involvement and online community engagement resulting in higher game attendance and purchase intentions for sponsors’ products. The descriptive research design was used to conduct this study, and data were collected from 444 respondents. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. The results established that social media communications play a more influential role in boosting fans’ online community engagement, further resulting in game attendance and sponsor’s product purchase intention.

Punctuating Time: Temporal Structuring as a Resource for Sustained Engagement in Online Communities

With online communities increasingly viewed as potential sources of innovation, organizations are exploring possible partnerships with them or, in some cases, trying to design such communities themselves. Organizations are often faced with challenges when collaborating with online communities—particularly with managing governance and sustaining engagement. Drawing on a forty-month ethnographic study of OpenIDEO, an open innovation platform for social innovation, I examine how an organization created a diverse, global community and invited its members, via sponsored challenges, to collaboratively generate ideas for tackling complex social issues. Through inductive analysis, I identify the important role played by time—more specifically, temporal structuring (i.e., visually mapping activities to time and online / offline cycles). The OpenIDEO team used temporal structuring as a punctuating device that became a resource for both themselves and community members. They also used time as a complementary mechanism for governance. This study contributes to the literature on open innovation, collaboration between organizations and online communities, and time.