Perception Of Messages Research Articles

VISUAL EFFECTIVENESS OF SLOGANS IN THE GRAPHIC DESIGN OF WAR POSTERS

The aim of the article is to prove the hypothesis regarding the relationship between the compositional and typographic features of slogans and the visual effectiveness of war posters. The study focuses on analyzing how the graphic parameters of the textual component – font, color, size, placement, and integration into the image – affect the perception of the propagandistic message. Special attention is given to typographic techniques that enhance emotional impact, such as contrast in font choices, the dynamics of text placement, the use of decorative elements, and symbolic associations. Both historical and contemporary examples of war-related visual communication are analyzed, allowing for an examination of the evolution of design approaches to slogan composition. The article explores the interplay between the verbal and visual components of a poster, ensuring its semantic integrity and enhancing communicative effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on techniques for creating persuasive slogans, including the use of imperative modality, symbolic metaphors, anaphoric constructions, and emotionally charged vocabulary. The study also examines the impact of propagandistic slogans on mass consciousness, particularly their ability to reinforce political and patriotic ideas. The research findings confirm that the graphic implementation of slogans not only amplifies their expressive meaning but also determines the overall character of the poster, its influence, and its effectiveness in mass communication.

Social Media and Covid-19 Campaigns: An Analysis of Audience Awareness and Perception of Covid-19 Messages on Twitter

This study examines the role of Twitter in disseminating COVID-19 campaign messages and its impact on audience awareness and perception among Mass Communication students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Using a quantitative survey design, data was collected from 200 purposively selected students to assess their exposure to and perception of COVID-19 messages on Twitter. Findings reveal that Twitter was effective in raising awareness, with 43% of respondents frequently encountering COVID-19 messages. However, the perception of message clarity and credibility was mixed, with 27% of respondents reporting exposure to misinformation. The study concludes that while Twitter is a valuable tool for health communication, there is a need for simplified messaging, improved influencer partnerships, and stronger misinformation control. Recommendations include integrating digital literacy into educational curricula and leveraging multimedia content to enhance message clarity and engagement.

‘It’s T-shirt feminism’: exploring women’s perceptions of the appropriation of feminist messaging in alcohol brand marketing

Background Alcohol brands are appropriating feminist messages as a marketing tactic. Understanding how women perceive such marketing is critical to policy responses aimed at reducing gendered alcohol harms. Methods Semi-structured, in-depth individual and group interviews were conducted with 117 women aged 17–38 who participated in nights out drinking alcohol in the city of Liverpool in the North West of England, UK. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four interlinked themes are presented that provide insight into the different ways women viewed and interpreted alcohol brand marketing that draws on gender equality and empowerment messages. These are; (i) the perception of feminist messages as a form of brand responsibility and ‘doing good’; (ii) questioning the authenticity and purpose of feminist messaging; (iii) debating the appropriateness of using alcohol to address gender based issues; and (iv) rejecting commercial feminist messaging and brands in the feminist movement. Conclusion In the context of contemporary feminism, in which (young) women are more readily endorsing feminist identities, women’s perceptions of feminism influences their attitudes to alcohol brands and marketing, and their intentions to purchase, consume or reject alcohol products, within their own identity making and drinking practices.

DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLINGUISTIC STUDIES: HOW LANGUAGE AFFECTS COGNITION

This study analyzes the discourse of the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia's speech in the MPR Plenary Session, delivered during the inauguration of the President and Vice President for the 2024-2029 period. The focus is on understanding the meaning, structure, and political messages conveyed in the speech and how they shape political narratives, national identity, and government policies. Using NVivo 12 software, the research identifies key themes such as "Economic Development," "Social Policy," "National Resilience," and "Eradication of Corruption." The analysis reveals how language constructs political narratives that promote unity, social justice, and inclusive development. Through psycholinguistic analysis, the study highlights how linguistic choices affect audience perception and understanding of the political message. The findings emphasize the role of language in shaping social and political views, providing insights into how discourse influences the public's response to social and economic policies.

Public Understanding and Perception of Harm Reduction and Prevention Messaging About Fentanyl Overdoses

Background Fentanyl-related opioid fatalities have risen drastically in the United States, indicating a “new wave” of the opioid crisis and highlighting the urgent need for more effective public health interventions to address its harms. Despite an increasing number of public communication campaigns focused on the general public, evidence on how people perceive fentanyl-related harm reduction strategies and prevention messaging is still nascent. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a national sample (N = 1,044). Fentanyl-related information seeking, risk perception, and message perception were measured. Specifically, message perception was compared between three harm reduction strategies—carrying naloxone, using fentanyl test strips, and never using drugs alone and between two prevention message taglines—One Pill Kills and One Pill Can Kill. Results Respondents preferred healthcare providers and the Internet as sources if they would seek information about fentanyl. Risk perception of fentanyl was high; however, there is room to improve public awareness of naloxone as an opioid antagonist. Respondents’ perception was most favorable for the message about carrying naloxone, followed by the message about using fentanyl test strips, and finally, the message about never using drugs alone. Also, One Pill Can Kill was associated with a higher level of perceived effectiveness than One Pill Kills. Conclusions Findings indicate that harm reduction and prevention messages hold the potential to be effective in reducing the harmful consequences of fentanyl overdoses. Future research should examine whether favorable message perceptions can translate into actual effectiveness and behavioral changes, which could have implications for the development of public health interventions.

Do Perceived Message Effectiveness Ratings Change in Response to Repeated Message Exposures?

ABSTRACT Perceived message effectiveness (PME) is used in message pre-testing and as an indicator of campaign receptivity. Studies have yet to examine whether PME changes in response to repeated exposures to messages and whether the pattern of change differs for effects perceptions (i.e., perceived impact of messages on intended outcomes) versus message perceptions (i.e., judgments of a message’s ability to foster message processing). To address these gaps, we conducted a 3-week randomized clinical trial (RCT) with parallel assignment among 1,514 US adolescents aged 13–17 years who were susceptible to vaping or used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. Repeated exposures to vaping prevention video ads over time increased both effects perceptions (p < .001) and message perceptions (p < .05), with a larger mean increase for effects perceptions than message perception (mean difference of .32 vs .05). Our findings suggest that effects perception measures are more likely to change in response to repeated message exposures over time. Understanding distinct patterns in PME following repeated exposure could help researchers better interpret PME data in both formative and process evaluations, particularly for health campaigns aimed at behavior change.

ЧАС ЯК КАТЕГОРІЯ ПРОЄКТУВАННЯ ТА ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ КОМУНІКАЦІЙНИХ СЕРЕДОВИЩ

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;objective&lt;/strong&gt; of this article is to attempt a systematization of the forms of time from the perspective of the functioning of communication environments, to identify possible models for interpreting time in the informational space of a specific communication environment, and to establish the influential potential of temporal contexts and forms that are or could be utilized in media discourse.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Research methodology. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The study consolidates academic approaches to qualifying time from the standpoint of communication efficiency in media activity. Time is considered as a phenomenon that defines and shapes the system of effects within a media artifact, thus highlighting the importance and significance of taking this category into account in academic and practical media activities. The research was guided by general scientific methods of theoretical research, including formalization and generalization, abduction, grounded theory, the hypothetico-deductive method, and modeling.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Results. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Time as a category has been thoroughly comprehended and examined in philosophical studies and is actively researched in literary studies, particularly for determining the specific nature of artistic imagery. However, media studies have not fully articulated the issue of time as a model for perception and the formation of media effects. Traditional linear conceptions of time are inadequate for assessing the social processes and phenomena that form the focus of professional media work. Moreover, the manipulation of temporal forms of context perception and the modeling of non-linear temporal structures can become, and often do become, tools of influence, including what is understood as manipulation. A broader understanding of time in media discourse, considering the social nature and functions of media in driving societal progress, justifies defining the social orientation of time at the level of media representations of societal life. This approach also allows for the establishment of correlations with philosophical, ideological, political, and other systems shaping social processes, which serve as criteria for evaluating social axiology (the dominance of past, present, or future-oriented categories in conceptualizing societal goals and needs). These specificities of time operation at the level of individual works or media discourse as a whole should form the basis for rethinking fundamental concepts of media activity, be considered in the system of communication technologies, and be integrated into analytical processes evaluating the effectiveness of texts or textual arrays (systems). This necessity underscores the importance of refining the conceptualization of time within the paradigm of media studies.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Novelty. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;This article consolidates approaches to modeling temporal forms at the level of individual consciousness in the perception of media artifacts, emphasizes the broader social context of comprehension of time in media activity, and proposes directions for rethinking key approaches to media research by considering time as an independent category directly related to formation of influences and modeling the perception of messages in the media activity system.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The practical value &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;of this study lies in forming directions and approaches for integrating the concept of time into the design of communication environments, individual media works, and media discourse as a whole. It includes qualifying key analytical directions for media artifacts or discourse based on the characteristics of temporal modeling and the perception of messages through the lens of actualized temporal forms.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Key words: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;time, media discourse, media artifact, temporal modeling, communication design.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The Kajian User Experience Media Literasi Visual Buku Cerita Anak Berbasis Augmented Reality

Virtual reality and the real world are combined in the Augmented Reality Children Storybook (ARCS), a visual literacy media of the Timun Mas folk tale. This study examines how parents and kindergarten instructors use ARCS Timun Mas, which uses augmented reality as a narrative tool for young children, in order to put the idea of smart education into practice. The case study explorative qualitative research method was used to dig deeper through the study of works and audience studies through the results of the User experience questionnaire (UEQ), which considers 6 measurement indicators (visual appeal, clarity of storyline, media efficiency, media reliability, technology simulation, and media novelty). The findings demonstrated that ARCS Timun Mas media has a lot of potential for use as a technology-based visual literacy media innovation in early childhood as a unit facility since it can offer a fresh, more engaging visual experience by combining visual illustrations, 3D animation, and audio narration. Further research suggestions can be carried out with direct involvement of children to examine the role of ARCS visual media in the formation of visual perception and reception of visual messages in the form of educational and moral values.

ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИЙ ШУМ ТА МАРКЕТИНГОВІ ІНСТРУМЕНТИ ДЛЯ ЙОГО ПОДОЛАННЯ

Introduction. In the modern conditions of the formation of the digital economy and the intensive growth of the volume of information to be processed by analysts, fundamentally new requirements are being formed for consumers and businesses. At the same time, data processing tools do not always provide adequate analytical information regarding changes occurring both in the global and local markets. The reason for this is information noise, which is an excessive flow of data that complicates the perception of important messages and affects the effectiveness of marketing strategies. All this requires the formation of a systematic approach to managing information flows and optimizing communications between the enterprise and the target audience. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the study is to analyze information noise as a barrier to the effective perception of marketing communications, as well as to identify tools and strategies that allow minimizing its impact on consumers and increasing the effectiveness of marketing activities. Methods. The research is based on the use of an interdisciplinary approach, which includes content analysis, abstract modeling methods for studying consumer perception of information, as well as empirical methods for studying the effectiveness of modern marketing technologies, based on the analysis of approaches to managing specialized marketing tools for interacting with consumers. Results. The article considers the conceptual aspects of information noise and its functional impact on consumer behavior. The effectiveness of using various marketing tools based on the automation of business processes, the use of communication platforms and data for analyzing consumer behavior is analyzed, which results in increasing the efficiency of communications and reducing noise effects. Key strategies for combating information noise are identified, which contribute to strengthening the communication interaction of the enterprise in the context of dynamic changes in market conditions. The need for implementing innovative approaches to developing advertising campaigns that take into account the specifics of modern media channels and consumer behavioral models is proven. Conclusions. It has been proven that minimizing information noise is an important factor in ensuring the long-term effectiveness of a company's marketing communications. It has been determined that the use of modern data analysis tools, process automation, and an individual approach to the consumer allows a company to increase the level of trust and loyalty from customers, which results in an increase in sales and profitability of the business entity.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS AS THE BASIS OF AN EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING MESSAGE

The article explores visual communications as a foundation for creating effective advertising messages within the modern information environment. The relevance of the topic stems from the adaptation of visual communication in advertising and design to the current socio-economic conditions in Ukraine and globally. The development and integration of new visual communication trends in advertising campaigns — both commercial and governmental — not only complement or transform the perception of textual messages but also create new associations for target audiences, evoking emotions and influencing consumer behavior. The aim of the study is to analyze the use of visual communication in brand advertising messages. The visual advertising of Ukrainian brands and military identity was examined through comparative analysis and content analysis. The research also considers the potential of AI, which opens up new opportunities for personalized and trend driven advertising messages.

Interpretation of messages in a digital environment by students with normal health and hearing disabilities

Introduction. Digital literacy, which is part of the cognitive competence of students with hearing disabilities, includes a communicative component that involves knowledge of the rules of communication in the digital space. In this regard, it is important to assess the skills of using digital etiquette in this category of students. The study was aimed at identifying the differences between the perception and interpretation of digital messages by students with normal health and students with hearing disabilities. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Izhevsk State Technical University named after M.T. Kalashnikov (Russian Federation) and involved 27 students with normal health and 17 students with hearing impairments. The methods used were as follows: questionnaire, grounded theory method, methods of mathematical data processing: descriptive statistics (arithmetic mean, standard error, standard deviation), Mann–Whitney U-test. Results. Some peculiarities were revealed in the interpretation of messages by students with hearing disabilities. The majority of students (82.4%) were confident in the existence of official rules of digital etiquette when interacting with teachers, but they could not identify violations of speech etiquette formulas in digital messages. Students with hearing disabilities emphasized the need to treat the teacher with respect as an adult having a high status, but allowed the use of “you” when communicating with him/her in the digital environment, unlike students with normal health. Students with normal health rated addressing the teacher using the pronoun “you” instead of “Sir/Madam” as a rude (57.43%) and very rude (25%) message. However, only 44% of students with hearing disabilities agreed that this was a rude message. Almost half of students with hearing disabilities considered such address to be neutral (32.35%) and polite (19%). The use of punctuation marks, capital letters, and polite words in digital messages did not show statistically significant differences between students with normal health and those with hearing disabilities. Students with hearing disabilities might experience more difficulties in understanding the meaning of texts in digital communication with teachers than students with normal health (the difference is statistically significant: p ≤ 0.05; U cont = 128; U емp = 45). Conclusion. The results of the study indicated the need to organize a special course on developing digital etiquette skills in the program for improving the digital literacy of students with hearing disabilities so that they became equal participants in communication in the digital space.

REVIEW OF EXISTING METHODS FOR ASSESSING DISINFORMATION RISKS IN THE CONTEXT OF HYBRID WARFARE

The article is devoted to analyzing modern approaches to assessing disinformation risks in the context of hybrid warfare. The primary technologies for automated fake news detection are reviewed, key gaps in the approaches are identified, and prospects for further research are proposed. The review confirms that existing models are still insufficiently adapted to the rapid changes in disinformation tactics, including “adversarial AI” techniques and dynamic shifts in fake narratives. Key issues hampering the development of effective systems for combating fake news include the lack of localized datasets in multiple languages, insufficiently defined legislative norms, and a lack of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate psychological and social aspects of perception of manipulative messages. At the same time, research has shown that combining technological methods (machine learning, social media analysis, multicriteria risk assessment) with expert and user input can significantly improve the accuracy and speed of identifying fake news while prioritizing response measures. The conclusions outline prospects for further developments, including multimodal detection systems capable of analyzing video and audio content, as well as recommendations for integrating psychological models to study audience cognitive biases and their readiness to accept propaganda. A range of approaches to strengthening international legal frameworks has been proposed, which could ensure effective containment of disinformation attacks without violating fundamental human rights and freedom of speech principles. Thus, the article provides a comprehensive review of current achievements and challenges in assessing disinformation risks, serving as a theoretical and methodological basis for further applied and scientific research in this field. The results can be used by information security specialists, researchers, and government authorities to counteract destructive informational influences.

Emotional Appeal as a Determinant of Effectiveness in English Advertising Texts: A Linguistic and Cognitive Analysis

This study examines the role of emotional appeal in determining the effectiveness of English advertising texts, focusing on its impact on consumer engagement and decision-making. A multidisciplinary framework incorporating linguistic, cognitive, and socio-cultural perspectives, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms through which emotional appeals influence the perception of brand messages. A diverse corpus of advertising texts from the fashion, technology, and healthcare industries were analyzed using content analysis and discourse analysis techniques. The study focuses on linguistic devices, including metaphor, hyperbole, rhetorical questions, and emotional triggers like joy, fear, nostalgia, and aspiration. The findings reveal that emotional appeal functions as a stylistic element and a cognitive and cultural tool that enhances brand recall, loyalty, and consumer engagement. Specifically, advertisements utilizing positive emotional triggers, such as humor and joy, resonate more deeply with audiences. In contrast, negative appeals, such as fear and guilt, are more effective in prompting immediate consumer action. The study highlights the importance of aligning emotional content with linguistic precision to optimize the persuasive impact of advertising texts. These results offer valuable insights for advertisers and contribute to the fields of advertising linguistics, consumer psychology, and persuasive communication, providing practical recommendations for developing more effective, targeted advertising strategies.

Analysis of Direct Marketing and Personal Selling Strategy at PT. Duta Merpati Indonesia

This study analyzes the Direct Marketing and Personal Selling strategies at PT. Duta Merpati Indonesia and their impact on sales and customer relationships. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis. The results showed that Direct Marketing through email and social media is effective in reaching customers and increasing responses, despite challenges such as the perception of messages as spam. Personal Selling has been shown to build strong customer relationships, but is constrained by the lack of an accurate customer database, making it difficult to measure the success of the strategy. Both strategies contribute significantly to increasing sales and customer loyalty. The challenges identified, such as the need for improved digital infrastructure and sales force training, require special attention. Optimal implementation of both strategies can create more value for customers and drive the company's sales growth.

Principles of Expressiveness in Modern Ukrainian Social Posters: The Visual Language of an Era of Change

The article studies the principles of expressiveness in modern Ukrainian social posters, which serve as a powerful communication tool amidst social and cultural transformations. Special attention is paid to analyzing the visual language of posters that effectively convey socially significant messages. Key principles, such as conciseness, symbolism, emotional intensity, and cultural relevance, are examined, highlighting their role in achieving a high impact on the audience. The article addresses contemporary challenges for Ukrainian social posters, including the need to adapt to global trends and local realities. Examples of visual solutions are analyzed, demonstrating cognitive and emotional effectiveness through a harmonious combination of graphic elements and meaningful content. The study emphasizes the importance of visual clarity and semantic unambiguity in enhancing the effectiveness of social posters as tools of influence. The purpose of the article is to analyze the implementation of the principles of unambiguity, visual conciseness, and synchronicity in modern Ukrainian social posters, as well as to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving communication goals in the context of current social and cultural challenges. The methodology includes a comprehensive approach. The theoretical foundation includes an analysis of academic literature and prior studies concerning the principles of unambiguity, visual conciseness, and synchronicity in the design of social posters. A comparative analysis method was used to examine the application of these principles in modern Ukrainian social posters alongside examples from other countries and historical periods. Semiotic analysis served as a tool for studying the symbolic content of the visual and textual elements of posters, their semantic coding, and their role in message formation. Empirical methods, including case studies of Ukrainian poster artists, allowed the evaluation of the adaptation of classical principles to the contemporary social context of Ukraine. Additionally, a qualitative study involving audience surveys assessed the perception and effectiveness of social posters in shaping public opinion. The results reveal several critical findings: 1. Ukrainian social poster art is based on the principles of unambiguity, visual conciseness, and synchronicity, making it a powerful communication tool in society. The use of a minimalist approach facilitates quick message perception, focusing attention on the core content. Visual simplicity is combined with symbolism, enabling a deeper reflection on social issues and themes. Moreover, modern posters incorporate cultural codes and national identity, emphasizing their role in shaping Ukraine’s social space. 2. Symbolism is a basis of social posters, as it enables the creation of multilayered images that are comprehensible to diverse audiences through the principles of unambiguity, visual conciseness, and synchronicity. Modern social posters aim to evoke emotions—whether compassion, anxiety, or pride. The use of color, imagery, and text is meticulously selected to foster a profound emotional connection with the audience. 3. Social posters play a unique role in modern society as instruments for influencing public opinion, educating, and shaping values. They draw attention to global issues such as environmental preservation, human rights protection, war resistance, and support for national culture. Additionally, posters serve as vital mechanisms for transmitting ideas across generations, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity. Their ability to respond quickly to social challenges ensures relevance in addressing Today, social posters are not only a communication medium but also an artistic phenomenon that contributes to the development of Ukrainian culture, preserving its uniqueness and national traditions. The scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive analysis of the implementation of the principles of unambiguity, visual conciseness, and synchronicity in modern Ukrainian social posters within the current socio-cultural context. The work systematizes and compares traditional design principles of social posters with their adaptation to modern Ukrainian visual communication. It also analyzes the transformation of semiotic codes in Ukrainian social posters, reflecting the specifics of wartime and cultural self-identification. The research contributes to the development of social poster design theory, taking into account the specifics of the Ukrainian socio-cultural environment and contemporary challenges. The practical significance of the article. The article provides practical value by offering a detailed analysis of the principles of unambiguity, visual conciseness, and synchronicity in modern Ukrainian social posters, serving as a guide for designers to create impactful visual communication. The insights into the integration of symbolism, cultural codes, and emotional intensity can be directly applied to enhance the effectiveness of social posters in addressing pressing social issues. By exploring case studies and audience perceptions, the research highlights actionable strategies for using posters as tools for public influence, education, and cultural preservation, especially in the context of Ukraine’s contemporary socio-cultural challenges.

Are online users influenced by what other users say? Meta-analyzing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impact of online comment valence

Online comments have become an essential component of online media consumption. A meta-analysis was conducted to understand how online comment valence affects message perception, issue-relevant beliefs and attitudes, issue-relevant behaviors and behavioral intentions, communication behaviors and intentions, and emotions. Comment valence is defined as the distinction between positive comments, which align with, support, or favor the opinions expressed in the original message, and negative comments, which oppose, criticize, or disagree with the opinions expressed in the original message. After a comprehensive search and systematic screening and coding of existing studies, we identified 44 studies that are eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. We found that positive (vs. negative) comments led to significantly more positive evaluations of original messages (r = .22), stronger beliefs and attitudes that align with the positive comments (r = .29), higher likelihood to engage in behaviors that align with the positive comments (r = .09), higher likelihood to express opinions that align with the positive comments (r = .26), and more positive emotions (r = .16). Moreover, the number of comments, whether comment valence was mixed or not, and whether the original message was news or non-news moderated the effects of online comment valence on several outcomes. The findings suggest integrating these outcomes and moderators to develop a media effect theory and guide media practices in light of comment valence effects.

Navigating vaccination choices: The intersecting dynamics of institutional trust, belonging and message perception among Congolese migrants in London, UK (a reflexive thematic analysis).

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted intersectionally marginalised migrants, revealing systemic disparities in health outcomes and vaccine uptake. Understanding the underlying social and structural factors influencing health behaviours is necessary to develop tailored interventions for migrants, but these factors have been seldom explored. This qualitative study aimed to explore contextual factors shaping COVID-19 vaccination decision-making among Congolese migrants in the UK.A community-based participatory research study was designed and led by a community-academic partnership in London, UK (2021-2022). Peer-led, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Lingala with 32 adult Congolese migrants and explored beliefs, perceptions and lived experiences of migration, healthcare, vaccination and the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflexive thematic analysis generated two themes and a model conceptualising the vaccination decision-making process. Participants and community partners were financially compensated; ethics was granted by the University of London ethics committee (REC: 2021.0128).Participants highlighted the incompatibility of lockdown restrictions with their communal culture, which intensified feelings of exclusion and alienation. Concerns about COVID-19 vaccination were attributed to safety and effectiveness, partly informed by experiences and legacies of racial discrimination and exploitation. Inequality in the pandemic response and COVID-19 outcomes heightened participants' sense that their views and needs were being overlooked, and government sources and information were perceived as coercive. Our model depicts the interplay between institutional trust, belonging, and message perception, which shaped participants' vaccination decisions and led to (non-)engagement with COVID-19 vaccination. This research enhances understanding of how social and contextual factors may influence migrants' engagement with health interventions. It underscores the importance of partnering with migrant communities to understand their needs in context and co-design tailored interventions and inclusive messaging strategies that promote trust and belonging. Implementing systemic changes to address structural inequalities will be crucial to create an environment that supports engagement with health-protective behaviours and enhances health outcomes among migrant communities.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INDO-US ELECTORAL SYSTEM: EXPLORING CONVERGENCES AND DIVERGENCES IN THE ERA OF SOCIAL MEDIA

This study examines the impact of technological advancements in media on the strategies employed by political leaders to communicate with the public, and to examine how these changes influence the voting public's perception and reception of political messages with a comparative analysis between India and the USA. In this regard this study employed a qualitative analysis method for the research by utilizing content analysis and case study methodology. A systematic examination of media coverage and political leaders' communication strategies across various platforms was conducted and an in-depth analyses of specific political campaigns or events to illustrate the impact of technological advancements in media on political communication and public engagement. The research highlights the interconnectedness of media and electoral politics, showcasing how social media platforms have revolutionized traditional modes of political engagement.The study reveals that social media has enabled two-way communication between voters and political leaders, amplifying marginalized voices and transforming political discourse. However, this shift also presents challenges, including the spread of disinformation and difficulties navigating social media .The findings emphasize the significance of social media in shaping electoral politics, influencing political participation, engagement, and the democratic process. As social media evolves, addressing its challenges and threats is crucial to ensuring informed citizenship and democratic values.

"They Mostly Preached Abstinence Which Didn't Work": Young Adults' Perception of Sex-Related Messages from Caregivers Prior to Initiation of Sex.

Parental communication about sex is an important aspect of sexual socialization. However, research has primarily focused on sexual communication's presence, frequency, or topics, with less research on the specific messages parents communicate. Further, few studies have differentiated between communication received before and after youth initiated sex. Therefore, in this paper, we coded open-ended survey responses to explore the sex-related messages young adults report receiving from their caregiver(s) before they began engaging in sex. As part of a larger study, 381 U.S. young adults (Mage = 21.0 years, SD = 2.0) completed an online survey and responded to an open-ended question about messages their caregiver(s) communicated before they began engaging in sex. Participants identified as cisgender women (62.2%), cisgender men (12.1%), and gender diverse (25.7%), and were primarily lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, or otherwise non-heterosexual (LGBQ+; 70.6%) young adults. Through thematic analysis, we identified six themes for caregivers' sex-related messages: sex-restrictive, safety and consequences, no, negative, sex-positive, and informational messages. In addition, we found that messages varied by young adults' gender identity and sexual orientation. Our findings suggest that young adults may not receive proper education about healthy sexual relationships and demonstrate the need for interventions with caregivers, as well as sexual health resources for adolescents and young adults, particularly LGBTQ+ youth.

Examining influences of personal factors on the first- and third-person evaluations of public health issues among young adults

Both health and the environment are critical public health issues that have a considerable impact on young adults. However, they have different characteristics that influence how messaging is received. In our study, we examine the influence of three personal factors (issue involvement, behavioral change intention, and product use) on young adults’ perception of messages for these two public health issues from both first- and third-person perspectives. We found various patterns when comparing the two public health issues, first-person and third-person measures, and the perceived threat and likelihood of contributing to the issues. We also discuss practical implications and suggestions based on our findings.