Online Experience Research Articles

Digital media in early childhood: risk factors for online harm and psychosocial correlates

IntroductionEarly and middle childhood are times of rapid development, and critical periods for laying the foundations of life-long trajectories of socioemotional well-being. High levels of screen media use are of growing concern to parents, health professionals, and researchers, given the increasing body of research demonstrating detrimental impacts of excessive screen use in young children. One particular consequence is the risk that children encounter online content or experiences that are upsetting or distressing, including exposure to inappropriate or adult content, cyberbullying, and interactions with strangers that they don't know.MethodsThis research examined experiences of online harm reported in a sample of 8-year-old children, with a focus on identifying risk factors and psychosocial correlates of online harm. Data for this study were collected from children and their mothers as part of the prospective longitudinal Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) study (n = 4,920 children with data at age 8). Children were assessed at 4.5-years-old and 8-years-old.ResultsThe findings of this research indicate that approximately a quarter of New Zealand children have experienced online harm (that is, have encountered online content that worried, upset, or bothered them) by the age of 8. Our analysis indicates that children with behavioral difficulties are at greater risk of online harm, as are children with more personal devices. Experiences of online harm were found to be negatively associated with child self-worth and positively associated with depressive symptoms.DiscussionFindings highlighting the critical importance of considering online harm as a contributing factor to child and youth well-being and mental health in our media-saturated world. Our results also point to practical solutions for parents, such as limiting the number of personal media devices that children have in early and middle childhood.

Towards Robust Offline-to-Online Reinforcement Learning via Uncertainty and Smoothness

To obtain a near-optimal policy with fewer interactions in Reinforcement Learning (RL), a promising approach involves the combination of offline RL, which enhances sample efficiency by leveraging offline datasets, and online RL, which explores informative transitions by interacting with the environment. Offline-to-Online RL provides a paradigm for improving an offline-trained agent within limited online interactions. However, due to the significant distribution shift between online experiences and offline data, most offline RL algorithms suffer from performance drops and fail to achieve stable policy improvement in offline-to-online adaptation. To address this problem, we propose the Robust Offlineto-Online (RO2O) algorithm, designed to enhance offline policies through uncertainty and smoothness, and to mitigate the performance drop in online adaptation. Specifically, RO2O incorporates Q-ensemble for uncertainty penalty and adversarial samples for policy and value smoothness, which enable RO2O to maintain a consistent learning procedure in online adaptation without requiring special changes to the learning objective. Theoretical analyses in linear MDPs demonstrate that the uncertainty and smoothness lead to tighter optimality bound in offline-to-online against distribution shift. Experimental results illustrate the superiority of RO2O in facilitating stable offline-to-online learning and achieving significant improvement with limited online interactions.

Exploration of Reliability and Security of E- Banking: Selected Urban Cooperative banks

The rise of E-banking has introduced unprecedented convenience and accessibility for users, transforming traditional banking operations into efficient online experiences. However, this shift brings challenges, particularly in terms of security and reliability, as users now expect robust protections for their financial data and consistent, dependable service. This study investigates the perceptions of security and reliability in digital banking among 290 urban cooperative banking customers. Using factor analysis, we explore key dimensions of e-banking services, focusing on elements like encryption, biometric security, and trust in transaction reliability. The analysis identified two primary factors: security and reliability, each with distinct contributions to overall user satisfaction. The factor loadings revealed that users had mixed confidence in encryption technologies and data privacy measures, with some expressing high levels of satisfaction, while others indicated significant concerns. Additionally, reliability emerged as a critical factor, with findings indicating that a notable portion of customers were dissatisfied with the timeliness and trustworthiness of e-banking services. For data collection, a structured survey measured responses on a five-point Likert scale, assessing variables such as trustworthiness, encryption effectiveness, privacy maintenance, and personal security practices. Through the use of descriptive and factor analysis, we quantified customer sentiments and identified patterns in user satisfaction. The results suggest that while there is moderate confidence in digital banking security, the reliability of service delivery remains an area for improvement. Banks should consider addressing these findings by enhancing transparency in their security protocols and strengthening service consistency to better meet user expectations in digital banking environments.

Bystanders’ support for online customer complaints: an integrated perspective of deontic justice theory and attribution theory

Purpose Online complaints have emerged as a pivotal avenue for customers to voice their dissatisfaction. In this context, bystanders, as third-party observers, actively engage in evaluating and judging these complaints. However, studies pertaining to bystanders in online customer complaints remain limited. Therefore, this study aims to integrate deontic justice theory and attribution theory to construct a research model of bystanders’ support for online customer complaints. Design/methodology/approach Leveraging a questionnaire and two scenario experiments, SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0 were used to examine the relationship between bystanders’ moral outrage and their support for online customer complaints, the mediating role of responsibility attribution and the moderating role of experience similarity and online anonymity. Findings Based on the statistical analysis, the results show that bystanders’ moral outrage significantly enhances their support for online customer complaints; responsibility attribution plays a mediating role between moral outrage and bystanders’ support for online customer complaints; experience similarity and online anonymity can moderate the relationship between moral outrage and bystanders’ support for online customer complaints. Originality/value The findings of this study not only enrich the literature on online customer complaints but also provide valuable insights for companies to understand the diffusion of online complaints and effective strategies with which to address them.

Online interaction of teachers in the system of formation of research skills of students with special educational needs

The article describes the features of creating and using an electronic educational environment for online interaction of teachers. The well-founded importance of online experience exchange between teaching staff for the organization of research activities of students involved in inclusive education. The content of electronic educational modules for teacher collaboration in Google Class is described. The stages of the "World Cafe" as a modern form of interaction between teachers and a practical psychologist in an educational institution, which involves taking into account the educational opportunities of students with different nosologies, are revealed. Based on the results of diagnosing the professional competencies of the teachers of the control and experimental groups, the effectiveness of the proposed online interaction of pedagogical workers with the psychological service of the educational institution was determined.

Social Media as a Lens into Careers During a Changing World of Work

People share and encounter a range of posts on social media that depict different career experiences, such as one's successes or failures. In a continually shifting world of work, observing others' job experiences can be useful for navigating one's own career journey. The present study applies the possible selves theory to understand how viewing people's career experiences on social media might affect viewers' career-related expectations, hopes, and fears. From semi-structured interviews with 19 social media users with different career experiences, this study found that social media posts may facilitate functions of possible selves by 1) increasing people's awareness of new and diverse career paths and 2) motivating people in planning and preparing for a desired possible self. Across these functions, we found that videos were particularly beneficial for uncovering and learning about life in a career and that observing others' career experiences online often evoked social comparison. Through an affordances lens, findings also indicate that social media affordances of visibility and persistence were particularly relevant in developing and assessing career-related possible selves and sometimes strategically managed through leveraging platform algorithms. This paper brings forth empirical contributions to the possible selves theory in the digital age and highlights the significance of social media mechanisms for possible selves. This paper also provides design implications for social media platforms and recommendations for potential career counseling and mentoring strategies that may be useful for individuals navigating and exploring career possibilities.

E-Business Online Experience, Satisfaction and Trust: Basis for Customer Loyalty among Selected SMEs in Bulacan

This research paper investigates the relationship between e-business online experience, satisfaction, and trust as predictors of customer loyalty among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a selected area of Bulacan. Considering the increasing reliance on digital platforms for e-commerce, issues surrounding online security and user privacy have arisen, raising concerns about consumer trust in e-business environments. Employing a quantitative research methodology, the study utilizes a quantitative descriptive and correlational design to measure and identify the mean and standard deviation of online experience, satisfaction, and trust as independent variables, with customer loyalty as the dependent variable. The findings reveal that SMEs in Bulacan have a strongly positive perception of their e-business online experience, particularly highlighting the simplicity, visual appeal, and effectiveness of the websites they use. They appreciate the quality of information provided by these e-business platforms, which facilitates e-purchases through up-to-date content and straightforward transactions. The study also indicates a strong agreement among SMEs regarding the effectiveness of e-business websites in meeting consumer expectations for repeat purchases, while also identifying areas for improvement in online performance features. Moreover, SMEs generally perceive a high level of security regarding e-business platforms, particularly regarding information transmission and electronic payment safety. However, there was a slightly lower perception of user privacy concerns. The regression analysis indicates that both e-business online experience and customer satisfaction are significant predictors of customer loyalty, underscoring the importance of enhancing these aspects to cultivate lasting customer relationships.

How the online presence of mothers changed over time during the COVID pandemic: A longitudinal study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, curfew restrictions increased the additional burden on mothers, some of which was eased by online platforms. Our study aimed to explore Hungarian mothers' online experiences during the pandemic and was informed by the self-determination theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 mothers during two different waves of the pandemic. The interviewees considered online communication as essential to their daily lives, yet often lacked time. At the onset of the pandemic, there was a surge in news consumption, which became overly stressful over time. Online education also fell to mothers, which was just as stressful as the home office. However, the transition to online platforms accelerated by the COVID pandemic also granted mothers broader access beyond traditional constraints of childcare duties that confined them in time and space to their homes, empowering them with newfound flexibility and opportunity, helping mothers navigate relatedness, competence, and autonomy.

From Microaggressions to Viral Trends: A Qualitative Examination of Black Emerging Adults’ Experiences With Online Racial Discrimination

This study examines how Black emerging adults experience and perceive online racial discrimination. We systematically analyzed responses from 260 Black college students (aged 18-29) at a predominantly White institution in the Midwest, collected during the fall 2020 semester. Utilizing a two-step approach, we identified emerging themes in their experiences, then examined these themes through the lens of the Taxonomy of Online Racism (TOR), allowing us to understand how different manifestations of ORD intersect and relate. Content analysis revealed eleven forms of ORD, with Microaggressions ( n = 67), Encounters with Content Related to Police Violence Against Black Individuals ( n = 46), and Exposure to Anti-Black Lives Matter Sentiments ( n = 44) being the most prevalent. We also find that ORD is a complex phenomenon, shaped by factors such as current events and individual interpretations, which can differ from established definitions in research and policy.

The Digital Gender Paradox: A Reflective Analysis of Inequality in the Virtual Realm in India

V In the fast-evolving digital age, technology promises to break barriers and offer equal opportunities to all. Yet, within the virtual realm of India, a paradox emerges: digital platforms appear inclusive, gender-based disparities persist, reflecting deep-rooted societal inequalities. The research aims to explore the complexities of the "Digital Gender Paradox," focusing on how the digital world both empowers and marginalizes women. By analysing access to technology, participation in the digital economy, and online safety, the study uncovers the subtle and overt challenges women face in navigating the digital landscape. Through a reflective lens, it evaluates the extent to which digital spaces can become catalysts for gender equality or reinforce existing biases. There is significant relationships regarding access to digital resources and participation in the digital economy based on gender and LGBTQ+ identity, particularly influenced by geographic location. The findings shows a t-value of 3.607 and p-value of 0.001, indicating that rural respondents (mean = 2.7310) face more barriers than urban respondents (mean = 2.9877). Government initiatives positively impact online experiences, the F-value of 1.219 and p-value of 0.307 shows no significant age-related differences, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to bridge the digital gender and LGBTQ+ gap in India.

Attributes of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with online travel experiences in peer-to-peer platforms

While tourists have traditionally used peer-to-peer platforms for accommodation and dining, they can now also access travel experiences through these platforms thanks to a new product: online travel experiences. With the emergence of this product, a fundamental understanding of its key attributes and their impact on user satisfaction is essential. However, such understanding has been rarely explored. This research aims to address the knowledge gap by understanding Airbnb Online Experiences from the perspective of tourists' satisfaction. Utilizing the Kano model, this study identifies six key attributes of Airbnb Online Experiences and analyzes their dynamic effects on tourist satisfaction through aspect extraction and regression analysis of online reviews. This research highlights how the relationship between these attributes and tourist satisfaction evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study serves as a reference for future research on online travel experiences by elucidating the components of this emerging product.

The Rise of New Banks: Disrupting the Traditional Banking Landscape

Neobanks are online - only, digital - only financial institutions. They are, to put it simply, non - existent. Customers may need to invest a significant amount of time and effort in typical bank transactions. Neobanks add an immersive digital layer to traditional banking, promising a smooth online experience. [1] Neo banks frequently provide a comprehensive array of financial services that may be accessed via their mobile applications or websites, such as checking and savings accounts, loans, payments, investments, and budgeting tools. Neo banks place a high priority on data privacy and security. [2]. Nonetheless, new banks continue to face difficulties with regulatory compliance. Opportunities might be found in developing user experience technology and providing creative, customised financial products. Neo banks are becoming more and more popular, but traditional banks won't likely disappear anytime soon because both may survive and meet distinct client needs in the changing banking environment. [2]

Sustainable Marketing Communication in the Digital Age of Advert Blocking: Implications for Telecommunication Service Providers in Nigeria

The advent of digital technologies has revolutionised marketing communication, offering unprecedented opportunities for brands to engage with their target audience. As consumers increasingly seek to control their online experiences and mitigate interruptions, the adoption of advert-blocking techniques has surged, posing significant challenges for organisations, thereby inhibiting their sustainable marketing communication plans. This paper explores the implications of advert blocking on sustainable marketing communication practices. It examines the factors driving the adoption of ad-blocking and the strategies organisations can employ to navigate this phenomenon for marketing communication sustainability. Anchored on the Selectivity Factor and the Uses and Gratification theories, the study deployed a mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative analysis of service providers and consumer perceptions as well as quantitative data on advert-blocking trends from a sample size of 163 internet users in Southwest, Nigeria. Findings reveal the pervasive nature of intrusive advertising practices and the growing apprehensions surrounding privacy and data security, driving the widespread adoption of advert blocking. Moreover, analysis indicates a correlation between ad-blocking behaviour and heightened levels of brand scepticism and avoidance tendencies among consumers. Based on findings, organizations are advised to adopt sustainable brand communication strategies, Alternative approaches such as other below-the-line channels, native advertising, branded content, and influencer marketing emerge as promising avenues for engaging audiences while circumventing advert-blocking barriers. The research work accentuates the necessity of adjusting marketing communication strategies to align with evolving target audiences’ preferences, thereby promoting sustainability in the digital era's marketing landscape.

Why is regulation of the online world urgently needed to protect children’s wellbeing?

Abstract Background The online world affords children many benefits, such as connectivity and access to educational and cultural content. Simultaneously, it increases their likelihood of encountering harmful or distressing web-based content and behaviour, such as marketing for harmful products, violent or discriminatory material, and cyberbullying. Yet, there is a dearth of objective research globally on children’s real-time experiences, with current research relying on self-reports or observations made in experimental conditions. This paper reports on the nature and extent of children’s online world. Methods Kids Online Aotearoa is a cross-sectional observational study of children’s real-time experiences of the online world. A strategic sample of 180 12-year-olds from schools in the Wellington region of Aotearoa, New Zealand, used Zoom video conferencing software to record their online world for four days. Recordings were analysed manually and using AI. Results Children spend most of their time online on their phones, often using TikTok. Children spend 25 % of their online phone time gaming or watching games (game time). They encounter many gambling and gambling-like activities while doing so. Of game time, 16% of the time children are exposed to marketing. Preliminary analysis reveals that children are exposed to marketing for alcohol, junk food, tobacco, vapes and gambling. This is counter to national legislation prohibiting or restricting such marketing to children. Conclusions This novel methodology reveals the actual online experiences of children as they go about their daily lives. This includes engaging in harmful behaviours such as gambling and encountering harmful product marketing. While from New Zealand, this study is likely to be relevant for other countries given the global reach of the online world. The research indicates the urgent need for national and global government regulation of the online world to protect the rights of children and ensure their wellbeing. Key messages • Kids Online Aotearoa reveals the nature and extent of children’s online world, including their exposure to harmful product marketing. • National and global regulation of the online world is urgently needed to protect child rights and wellbeing.

Self-Regulation of Internet Behaviors on Social Media Platforms

The current research sought a comprehensive understanding about the consequences of information-sharing behavior on social media, given public concerns about privacy violations. We used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the influence of the self on “revealing” and emotional “healing” experiences online. Respondents completed a survey measuring sense of self and motivations for using social media, as well as revealing and healing attitudes and behavior. We conducted a principal component factor analysis on separate parts of the survey and ran Pearson correlations of the emerging factors. Qualitative data describing experiences of online self-disclosure were used to illustrate the correlational findings. The “revealing” factors contrasted adaptive with maladaptive and naïve posting. The sense of self, as well as motivations for social media use, influenced whether users engaged in destructive posting behaviors. The “healing” factors were associated with positive motivations for self-disclosure, seeking a supportive online community, and building resilience. Correlational data revealed that respondents with an insecure or asocial sense of self felt the greater need for online self-disclosure. Motivations to self-disclose online and experiences of “healing”, with the help of a supportive online community, depended on whether the sense of self was secure, insecure, or asocial.

ENHANCING REPEAT PURCHASE INTENTION (ZALORA INDONESIA ON GEN Y) THROUGH E-SERVICE QUALITY, ETRUST, AND MODERATING ROLE OF PRIOR ONLINE EXPERIENCE

E-commerce has emerged as one of the most developed sectors in the nation's digital economy, consisting of many transactions conducted over the internet, referred to as online sales and purchases. The fundamental success of an e-commerce comes from the results of the sales transactions carried out by consumers, therefore it is essential to convert prospective consumers into buyers who are motivated to conduct repeat purchases, which is the key to achievement in purchasing online, ensuring all businesses carries out various strategies by providing excellent service quality to create satisfaction and keep consumers loyal consequently to encourage repeat purchases. This research contributes to the understanding of how the factors or factors influence consumer behavior, specifically in the context of repeat purchase intention on ecommerce platforms like Zalora Indonesia. The study uses SEM-PLS (SmartPLS 3.0 software) and carried out through three stages, Outer model, Inner model, and hypothesis which inclusive direct and indirect effects. The measurement results show that the variables or factors generate positive and significant hypotheses about repeat purchase intentions, with the exception of the prior online experience variable, which produces negative results concerning the correlation between e service quality and repeat purchase intent, as evidenced by the classification of moderators, which serves as a predictor variable (Predictor Moderation). The study provides managerial implications for the city of Cilegon (particularly among Gen Millennials) to increase Repeat Purchase Intention in order to compete more effectively, especially against Shopee and Tokopedia.

Indigenized Leisure and Data Colonialist Systems

Social media sites and the opportunities they advertise are often promoted as facilitating community connection, creativity, and listening with others. Many facets and descriptors of social media opportunities can be related to First Nations’ understanding of what comprises wellness and leisure. With this in mind, many Indigenous users may partake in social media with the expectation of a primarily leisurely online experience that would contribute to an individual’s health and wellness. Couldry and Mejias’ (2019) concept of ‘data colonialism’ frames the purpose of online spaces such as the social media platforms TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter) as having a very different goal, one removed from leisure or where leisure is nothing more than a symptom of data collection efforts. This digital auto-ethnographic project, assisted by discourse analysis, utilizes the researcher’s Anishinaabe identity markers through site profiles to gather data which explores whether or not social media sites are truly a space of leisure for First Nation’s users under ‘data colonialism.’ This project finds a clash in data collection functions and online community opportunities, which renders Indigenized leisure within the digital space a fallacy. In council with teachings from Velkova and Kaun’s (2021) article Algorithmic Resistance: Media Practices and the Politics of Repair and Wemigwans’ (2018) A Digital Bundle; Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Knowledge Online, this project looks to the future, discussing the manipulation of social media affordances towards a true online wellness space for Indigenous users.

Online learning experiences of female students living with albinism amidst a global pandemic: evidence from South Africa and Zimbabwe

Our paper explores the online learning experiences of two female students living with albinism in South Africa and Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 era. Using a two-case qualitative research design, we conducted in-depth face to face interviews with the purposefully selected sample. The intention was to bring to the fore, the unique online experiences of female students living with albinism. Data were thematically analyzed. Literature suggests that the unique health and physiological characteristics of students living with albinism tend to present unique but surmountable challenges. Our study established that the gender and physiology of the students tended to complicate or enhance their desire to benefit from online learning during the COVID-19 era. The findings make a case for academic inclusion in universities’ academic projects. Institutions May consider instituting pedagogically inclusive online learning mechanisms that are not only gender sensitive, but are in sync with, not only the COVID-19 realities, but similar calamities.

Confronting Craniosynostosis: Maternal Concerns, Challenges, and Coping for their Children.

The study objective was to characterize shared online experiences surrounding craniosynostosis. Isolated and syndromic craniosynostosis-related consecutive posts (N = 700) made by patients and caregivers were extracted from TikTok and Instagram between 2017-2024. A cross-sectional qualitative analysis following guidelines for practical thematic analysis was performed. The majority of posts were by caregivers (96%) and by females (97%). Forty categorical subthemes from social media posts were synthesized into 4 predominant themes. Overarching thematic trends included Emotional and Psychological Support (47%), Medical Information and Treatment (27%), Family and Social Dynamics (15%), and Awareness, Education, and Advocacy (12%). Social media is used by caregivers, primarily mothers, for emotional support, processing health information, sharing experiences, raising awareness, and celebrating "cranioversaries." Male and patient perspectives were underrepresented. Physicians may use social media to gain insights, disseminate quality health information, and connect with patients.

More Than Just a “Bad” Online Experience: Risk Factors and Characteristics of Catfishing Fraud Victimization

ABSTRACT Research focusing specifically on people who have been catfished online, or deceived in some way, but maybe not defrauded out of money is relatively scarce. The current study sought to add to the literature in this area by surveying social media and dating application users about their catfishing victimization experiences (n=1,511). Fourty-four percent had been catfished in the last 5 years. Common characteristics of those who had been catfished include the catfish reaching out first, a short duration of communication, and asking for money, among other characteristics. The lifestyles/routine activities (LRAT) framework and self-control were utilized to examine potential risk factors for catfishing victimization. Both online and offline behaviors were found to influence catfishing risk, suggesting the LRAT can be applied to this type of victimization. Implications for policy application and prevention of catfishing fraud are discussed.