Passive Consumers Research Articles

The impact of offline and online practices on teenage loneliness

The article examines approaches to studying loneliness, as well as the phenomenon of loneliness in a crowd. Particular attention is paid to the influence of online technologies on the prevalence of loneliness. Using the constructed least squares regression model, it was determined which offline and online practices affect the subjective feeling of loneliness. The constructed model allowed to explain 91% of the variability of the dependent variable - the subjective feeling of loneliness. The sample population consisted of 136,438 people - adolescents aged 14-17 years in 86 regions of the country. 26% of respondents lived in rural areas, 21% in urban-type settlements, 38% in small towns (up to 500 thousand residents), 10% in large cities (from 500 thousand to 1 million residents) and 5% in cities with a population of over a million, 39% of teenagers were male and 61% were female. The theoretical model was based on the humanistic existentialism of J.-P. Sartre, the A. Giddens´ structuration theory and the theory of coping strategies of E. Gentin and R. Chen. The results obtained demonstrate that the phenomenon of loneliness in a crowd is not widespread among Russian teenagers. The majority of online practices that reduce the feeling of loneliness are passive consumption of content (watching videos, reading news, searching for the necessary information, etc.). Content production (blogging, creative activities), on the contrary, increases this feeling in teenagers. The dependence of the feeling of loneliness on offline practices can be mostly interpreted by what coping strategies these practices can be attributed to: active or passive. Passive coping strategies (eating tasty dishes, visiting shopping centers, etc.) led to an increase in the feeling of loneliness, and active coping strategies (searching for new acquaintances, visiting clubs and sections, etc.) led, accordingly, to a decrease in the feeling of loneliness. The patterns discovered in this study allow us to formulate directions for further research into the mechanisms by which this or that practice forms or, conversely, protects adolescents from the feeling of loneliness.

Digital Narratives and Reader Engagement: Transforming Literary Forms in the Digital Era

The rise of digital innovation has significantly transformed literary narratives, reshaping storytelling techniques and expanding genre conventions. This study examines the impact of digital platforms such as Wattpad, Twine, and AO3 on contemporary literature, highlighting how they integrate traditional storytelling with multimedia and gaming elements. It explores the emergence of new genres, including climate fiction and interactive fiction, emphasizing the democratization of content creation and reader participation. To analyze these shifts, the study employs a ‘mixed-methods approach’, combining ‘qualitative content analysis’ and ‘case studies’ of digital narratives. It examines primary and secondary sources, including user-generated content, academic literature, and platform analytics, to identify evolving storytelling trends. Additionally, ‘semi-structured interviews’ with authors, readers, and developers provide practical insights into reader engagement and narrative transformation. The study also incorporates ‘quantitative validation’, leveraging platform data to assess how interactive tools enhance literary experiences. Findings reveal that digital narratives foster inclusivity and redefine reader engagement, transforming passive consumption into active participation. However, challenges such as content preservation, algorithm-driven literary visibility, and canonical recognition persist. The study also anticipates the role of augmented and virtual reality in shaping the future of digital storytelling, potentially redefining immersive literary experiences. By mapping these transformations, this research underscores the enduring adaptability of literature in the digital age, balancing technological advancements with the creative and cultural integrity of storytelling. The evolution of digital media has significantly influenced literary discourse, reshaping the modes of reading, writing, and interpreting texts. Scholars such as Bolter (2001) have examined how hypertext and digital media remediate traditional print culture, challenging established notions of textuality and authorship. This paper explores these transformations through a critical engagement with foundational theories in electronic literature, hypertext, and new media studies.

Keterlibatan Penonton Pada Konten Ritual Di Youtube Awi Bali Channel (Analisis Evaluatif)

This research analyzes audience involvement in ritual content on the YouTube Awi Bali Channel as a medium for preserving Hindu traditions in facing the challenges of globalization. This research uses descriptive quantitative methods with statistical analysis on 62 videos. This research evaluates engagement indicators in the form of number of views, likes and comments. The results show an average view of 2,545 per video with a fairly high level of likes of 20.19 but low comments of 1.68. This indicates the tendency of viewers to be passive consumers. External factors, such as thumbnail design, production quality, and publication time, are more significant than video length or ritual type. Pitra Yajna content had the highest engagement, confirming cultural relevance as a key factor. This research concludes that optimizing visual elements, theme relevance, and publication strategies can increase engagement, thereby strengthening YouTube's role in preserving Hindu traditions through digital platforms.

The correlates of women’s versus men’s football participation in Europe: gender insights and policy implications

ABSTRACT This study examines the correlates of women’s and men’s football participation in Europe, distinguishing between formal 11-a-side and informal/small-sided football. Theoretically, it is informed by an economic framework outlining the role of personal characteristics and constraints, consumption opportunities, and consumption and social capital. The empirical analysis is based on data from a unique pan-European survey including respondents from eight countries (n = 6,391). Bivariate probit models are estimated to identify the correlates of these two forms of football for women and men. The results show that age is negatively associated with 11-a-side football for men. For women, participation in both forms declines with increasing age, but at a decreasing rate. Financial resources represent a constraint to 11-a-side football, while people in employment tend to play informal football. Drinking and smoking are more prevalent among men and in the context of informal football. While perceived sport opportunities in the local area are only relevant to men’s participation in informal football, having friends playing football and actively practising other sports and passive consumption in the form of watching football and/or other sports in the media have positive associations with participation for all forms of football and across genders. These findings indicate the importance of consumption opportunities and consumption capital coupled with social capital. They also suggest the need for gender-specific policy implications: given the distinct associations for women and men, targeted policies for each gender are necessary to promote and facilitate participation in different forms of the sport.

Advertising Together for Our K-Pop Idol: The Roles of Trust, Loyalty, and Perceived Value in K-Pop Crowdfunding for Outdoor Advertising

In the evolving landscape of fandom economics, fan-driven crowdfunding has emerged as a powerful force, transforming audiences from passive consumers into active participants in celebrity branding. This study examines the roles of trust, loyalty, and perceived value in shaping crowdfunding participation within Chinese Weibo K-pop communities, where fans collectively finance large-scale public advertisements for their idols. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) on survey data from 260 participants, our findings reveal that trust and loyalty within fan communities significantly enhance engagement in crowdfunding activities, reinforcing perceived idol value and financial commitment to promotional campaigns. These insights position fan crowdfunding as a key driver of digital-era consumer culture, illustrating its impact on idol branding, online community dynamics, and the monetization of fandom engagement. By bridging fandom studies, digital marketing, and behavioral economics, this research provides theoretical advancements and practical strategies for entertainment agencies and celebrity managers seeking to harness the economic power of fan-driven marketing. As fandoms continue to reshape traditional advertising models, understanding the mechanisms behind community-based crowdfunding offers new avenues for brand engagement, audience monetization, and sustainable fan participation in the global entertainment industry.

Social Podcasting - Levels of Podcast Audience Participation

ABSTRACT This research investigates social podcasting, focusing on the evolution of audience participation from passive consumption to active participation. Unlike traditional podcasts, social podcasting empowers listeners to contribute creatively, transforming them from consumers to co-creators. The research question “What are the levels of audience participation on the basis of produsage principles in social podcasting?” is addressed by developing a five-level model of participation. Analysis of 81 podcasts reveals that genuine participatory acts remain scarce, with many podcasts not progressing beyond basic interaction. The study highlights the potential for podcasts to foster community through participatory models and collaborative content creation.

AI in the United Arab Emirates’ Media Sector: Balancing Efficiency and Cultural Integrity

This study explores the adoption of AI in the UAE’s creative industries through interviews with nine professionals, primarily Emiratis, from journalism, filmmaking, content creation, and heritage sectors. Their insights shed light on the intricate relationship between technological progress, job stability, and the preservation of cultural integrity. One of the key observations was the dual nature of AI’s impact: while it undeniably enhances operational efficiency and reduces expenses, there are valid concerns regarding the authenticity and quality of AI-generated content and its potential impact on the development and utilization of professional skills within these industries. Despite the UAE government’s strategic initiatives to promote AI adoption, the findings revealed a notable absence of clear guidelines, placing the onus on individuals to proactively navigate the landscape of AI integration. This research challenges the prevailing narratives that often depict the Global South as passive consumers of technology as it highlights the participants’ acute awareness of the inherent biases present in AI technologies, particularly in the representation of their local culture.

Unveiling the drivers of active participation in social media discourse

The emergence of new public forums in the form of online social media has introduced unprecedented challenges to public discourse, including polarization, misinformation, and the rise of echo chambers. Existing research has extensively examined these topics by focusing on the active actions performed by users, without accounting for the share of individuals who consume content without actively interacting with it. In contrast, this study incorporates passive consumption data to investigate the prevalence of active participation in online discourse. We introduce a metric to quantify the share of active engagement and analyze over 17 million pieces of content linked to a polarized Twitter debate to understand its relationship with several features of online environments, such as echo chambers, coordinated behavior, political bias, and source reliability. Our findings reveal a significant proportion of users who consume content without active interactions, underscoring the importance of considering also passive consumption proxies in the analysis of online debates. Furthermore, we found that increased active participation is primarily correlated with the presence of multimedia content and unreliable news sources, rather than with the ideological stance of the content producer, suggesting that active engagement is independent of echo chambers. Our work highlights the significance of passive consumption proxies for quantifying active engagement, which influences platform feed algorithms and, consequently, the development of online discussions. Moreover, it highlights the factors that may encourage active participation, which can be utilized to design more effective communication campaigns.

ИНВЕСТИРОВАНИЕ В РАЗВИТИЕ СОЦИАЛЬНО-ОТВЕТСТВЕННОГО АГРОТУРИЗМА НА СЕЛЬСКИХ ТЕРРИТОРИЯХ

The article reveals the potential of sustainable agritourism. The formation of a culture of conscious recreation of a tourist-charity and the well-being of rural areas should be the target guidelines of sustainable agritourism. Foreign and domestic practice of rural tourism development is studied. Agritourism is highlighted as a priority area of ​​the historically established form of sustainable tourism based on agricultural enterprises. Predominantly passive consumer recreation in nature is a disadvantage of state-supported commercial projects for the organization of rural tourism. In this regard, socially responsible agritourism should be highlighted as a priority subspecies of rural tourism. The ideology of forming a national standard of recreation should be its basis. Recreation should be focused on the sustainable development of economic, environmental and socio-cultural well-being of rural areas. A system of target complex indicators for assessing the quality and competitiveness of tourism products has been developed. It can become a guideline in setting priorities for state support for projects in the field of agritourism.

Scrolling, sharing, shaping: cognitive and behavioral effects of SNS communication on Japan’s national image in China

National images today are shaped not only by state-led narratives but also through daily interactions on social networking sites, where passive consumption and active expression converge to influence public perceptions. This study investigates how message reception and expression affect Chinese audiences’ image of Japan. We examine how cognitive responses mediate the influence of SNS engagement on behavioral intentions by integrating a communication mediation framework with the bidirectional message effects model. Our findings indicate a dichotomy: while message reception fosters a positive evaluation of Japan, message expression elicits skepticism and cautious intentions toward Japan. It is thus imperative to expand beyond reception-oriented models to encompass the reciprocal nature of online communication, contesting the prevailing perspective that excessively highlights the role of digital communication in augmenting soft power. The study’s implications are noteworthy for digital and public diplomacy endeavors, suggesting practitioners should consider the interaction between passive and active engagement on SNS.

Kemerdekaan Belajar untuk Siswa: Studi Kritis dalam Perspektif Pedagogik Kritis

The concept of learning freedom for students has become fundamental for achieving learning freedom so that students have critical thinking, freedom of expression, and student independence, especially in the educational context. The aim of the research is to comprehensively examine the concept of freedom of learning which is oriented towards a critical study approach with a theoretical basis as a reference which is seen from the correlation of freedom of learning and critical pedagogy reviewed from the perspective of experts in building paradigms and implementing the concept, problems in implementation from freedom to learn, especially in Indonesia, as well as the importance of freedom to learn for society to create superior people. This research uses the literature study method to process and elaborate various critically selected studies so that they are relevant to the discussion raised, which will produce quality discussion. The results of the research studied show several things in the context of freedom of learning in education which has a fundamental portion in building several characters such as critical thinking, freedom of expression and student independence, this is still lacking in the final results because both the quality of learning and the teaching staff are not yet able to is at that level with various kinds of obstacles so that the implementation of freedom of learning is not yet effective. In reality, students are still objects in education so that students become passive consumers of communication. With this, it is hoped that the research that has been carried out will be able to make a contribution in inspiring and improving implementation using a pedagogical approach.

Ketika Tren Menjadi Peluang : Analisis Sosiologi Ekonomi Atas Perilaku Bisnis Gen Z di Era Digital

The digital era has brought significant changes to various aspects of human life, including business behavior among the younger generation, especially Generation Z. This generation, which grew up amidst technological advances, has special characteristics, such as high dependence on digital technology, rapid adaptability, and a tendency to take advantage of trends to create business opportunities. This study aims to understand the phenomenon of Generation Z business behavior in the digital era through a qualitative approach with a literature study method. The results of the study show that Generation Z is not only a passive consumer, but also an innovator who utilizes digital platforms to overcome global economic challenges. Using an economic sociology approach, this study explores various social, cultural, and economic factors that influence their business behavior. In addition to offering opportunities, digital transformation also brings challenges in the form of competition between platforms that require adaptive strategies from business actors. This study emphasizes the importance of strategic responses that are in line with Generation Z's values ​​and preferences to achieve sustainability in the modern era.

Interactive Storytelling and Digital Narratives in Contemporary Literature: A Postmodern Analysis

This study examines the role of digital narratives and interactive storytelling in contemporary literature, with a focus on a postmodern perspective. As digital technologies evolve, they challenge traditional linear storytelling by introducing innovative forms that integrate interactivity and multimedia elements. In the postmodern literary context, where norms are constantly deconstructed, digital narratives provide a space for both authors and readers to explore new storytelling methods, where the reader's agency is key. Interactive storytelling, as seen in hypertext fiction, digital novels, and online narratives, allows readers to influence the story by making choices that alter its direction and outcome. This shift from passive consumption to active engagement reflects postmodern themes of fragmentation, multiplicity, and subjectivity, which resonate in both digital formats and postmodern thought. By analyzing significant works that merge digital media with narrative structures, this paper explores how interactive storytelling challenges traditional notions of authorship, agency, and meaning. It also investigates how these digital texts subvert conventional narrative forms, providing a more immersive and personalized experience. Ultimately, the study seeks to demonstrate how digital narratives and interactive storytelling not only reflect postmodern ideals but also reshape the future of literary form and reader involvement in an increasingly digital world.

Influence of Active Production Versus Passive Consumption of Podcasts on Medical Students' Learning Outcomes.

In recent years, podcasts have been increasingly deployed in medical education. However, studies often fail to evaluate the learning outcomes from these podcasts effectively. The aim of this study was to determine whether the active production of podcasts enhances students' knowledge compared to the passive consumption of student-produced podcasts, as it increases the engagement with the learning content through active learning. The study was conducted at a German medical school during the fifth-year paediatrics block internship. The final sample consisted of 86 students who were divided into small groups that produced podcasts on one paediatric topic on the first day and listened to a podcast on another topic on the second day. The first group, which produced a podcast on topic A and only listened to a podcast on topic B, performed significantly better on questions on topic A than on questions on topic B, (p < 0.01, d = 0.63). This effect was not observed in the second group, which produced a podcast on topic B and listened to a podcast on topic A (p = 0.81, d = 0.04). Additionally, it was found that a longer time interval between podcast production and the knowledge test led to poorer memory performance (β = 1.10, p = 0.04). While the differing results between the two groups may be due to a lack of power to detect meaningful differences, this study nonetheless provides initial evidence that the active production of podcasts may enhance the learning outcomes of medical students. Not applicable.

The Role of Art Audience in the Changing Times: From Passive Acceptance to Participation

In the history of art, the audience has always been a fundamental component, not only as the appreciator of artworks but also as the interpreter and active participant in the art experience. The audiences engagement extends beyond passive observation, as they contribute to the dialogue and interpretation of art, shaping its meaning and significance within different cultural and historical contexts. Over time, with the continuous evolution of society, culture, science, and technology, the forms of art production and distribution have undergone significant transformations. As a result, the role of the audience has also evolved. In contemporary society, the traditional boundaries between artist and viewer have blurred, with audiences taking on roles as creators, curators, and critics. This shift reflects the growing inclusiveness of art, where audiences are no longer confined to passive consumption but are increasingly active in the creation and dissemination of art. Thus, the art audience's role has become more dynamic and multifaceted.

Visualizing Age-Specific Digital Platform Usage in Germany

This visualization explores age-specific digital platform use among the German population, aged 18 to 74 years, using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Innovation Sample. Focusing on time spent on social media, we show that nearly everyone uses digital platforms on a regular basis, with younger users spending significantly more time online. Moreover, YouTube is quite popular across all age groups, while younger users spend more time on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Focusing on subjective reasons for digital platform use, we show that younger individuals place more emphasis on information than on entertainment and state more often that they are actively posting, commenting, or sharing content, while older age groups are predominantly passive consumers on digital platforms.

Artistic Prosumption with Initiative in the Youth Subculture of Original Character in China

China has witnessed in recent years a rapid development in digital economy and a unprecedented prosperity of various online subcultures, with the subculture of original character as a unique branch of them characterized by the large number of teenage female participants and the large volume of unsupervised transactions within. This article is based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews within this subculture. By meticulously examining the subculture members’ behaviors and applying the theoretical framework of both prosumption and post-subcultural theory to the subculture case study, this article construct the subculture members as artistic prosumers with initiative rather than passive consumers, free digital laborers or animalized youths in the post-modern society. It’s argued that by putting affections and creativity into the original characters by prosumption and spontaneously reflecting and regulating on the co-optation of the artistic and heterogeneous styles by subculture capital, the youth prosumers in the oc subculture retain a sustainable prosumption mode in which they can seek enchantment and practice collective wisdom.

Digital echoes of conformity: navigating elderly fandom and intergenerational ‘creativity’ on Douyin within the shadow of the culture industry

This article examines how elderly audiences engage with internet celebrities on Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese equivalent) through the lens of the Frankfurt school – with Adorno, Horkheimer and Marcuse, and Habermas’s critical theories towards the cultural industry. According to them, the culture industry’s mass-produced cultural goods promote conformity, suppress critical thought, and encourage passive consumption to benefit capitalism. This study focuses on the digital presence of Chinese internet celebrities Xiucai and Yixiaoqingcheng, demonstrating how Chinese digital platforms continue the culture industry’s trends of commodification, standardisation, and passive consumption. It uncovers a paradox: digital media seemingly provides the elderly with a sense of participatory culture and community, yet it traps them in a commodifying system that exploits for profit. Furthermore, the interactions between younger users and these celebrities, through parody, highlight a generational dialogue that perpetuates the culture industry’s cycle of replacing genuine cultural and creative values with exchange values, thus sidelining critical social issues like the financial exploitation of the elderly. This research underscores the ongoing significance of the Frankfurt school and its critique of technology in understanding the current digital media landscape in China and calls for a deeper cultural engagement beyond the superficial participatory culture promoted by digital platforms.

Transforming Citizen Engagement In E- Governance Framework: A Conceptual Analysis

This article explores the transformative journey of citizen participation in public affairs, focusing on the evolution from traditional public administration to contemporary e-governance frameworks. It highlights the shift towards New Public Governance (NPG), where citizens are seen as active partners rather than passive recipients of services. The study reviews various public administration models, including classic public administration, New Public Management (NPM), and modern e-governance and open government models, identifying four waves of government evolution. It emphasizes the role of digitalization in enhancing citizen engagement, drawing on international practices from countries like Japan, Norway, the UK, and others. The article categorizes citizen engagement into four stages, from passive consumers to smart citizens in the digital era, and discusses the demand and supply aspects of participation. It underscores the importance of digital infrastructure, ICT education, and international best practices in fostering effective citizen engagement. The study concludes with recommendations for future research on policy labs, e-participation, and local participation indexes, aiming to enhance citizen involvement in governance and public service delivery.

Impact of Viral Marketing and Gimmick Marketing on Transformation of Customer Behavior Mediated by Influencer Marketing

The rapid advancement of digital technology has unlocked new opportunities in marketing, especially through social media platforms like TikTok. This study explores the synergy between viral marketing, gimmick marketing, and influencer marketing in driving the transformation of customer behavior from passive consumers to active participants within the digital marketing ecosystem. A quantitative approach was employed, collecting data from 200 respondents actively involved in digital marketing on TikTok as resellers, dropshippers, affiliates, and co-creators. Using the Partial Least Squares method for analysis, the findings reveal that viral marketing significantly influences the transformation of customer behavior. Similarly, gimmick marketing demonstrates a direct and significant impact on this transformation. Moreover, influencer marketing serves as a mediator, amplifying the effects of both viral and gimmick marketing on transformation of customer behavior. This behavioral shift is evident in the transition of consumers from passive roles to active contributors, taking on positions such as resellers, dropshippers, affiliates, and co-creators. At the same time, sellers are evolving from traditional marketing practices to utilizing e-commerce, social media, and live streaming to reach wider audiences. By actively engaging consumers, sellers foster a collaborative ecosystem where consumers play a pivotal role in expanding the marketing framework. To sustain long-term consumer engagement in this digital marketing ecosystem, it is essential to prioritize the selection of credible and relevant influencers while providing continuous education and support for resellers, dropshippers, and affiliates. This research strengthens the theory of planned behavior and the diffusion of innovations theory, offering fresh insights into designing marketing campaigns based on the 4Ps of digital marketing (Platform, Page, Program, and Posting) to address the needs of the digital era.