There is growing reliance on digital platforms for education. Today's dental students seek online resources to support clinical learning. The impact of these platforms in endodontic education remains underexplored. This study evaluated social media preferences of predoctoral dental students at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for supplementing their endodontic education. A survey was distributed to third- and fourth-year dental students (n = 467) assessing usage of institutional and external resources, perceived preparedness for clinical procedures, and frequency of fact-checking supplemental content. 94 students responded (20.1%). YouTube was the most commonly used non-curricular resource (77.7%), with significantly higher usage among third-year students (85.5%) compared to fourth-years (66.7%; p = 0.031). Only 41.5% of students reported fact-checking external content. A significant proportion of dental students rely on external resources to supplement their endodontic education. These findings highlight the need for educators to develop evidence-based multimedia resources to enhance clinical preparedness in endodontics.

ABSTRACT This exploratory, cross-sectional study examines associations between individual differences in entertainment media motivations (hedonic and eudaimonic), narrative engageability, entertainment genre preferences, and conspiracy belief. Drawing on research suggesting that conspiracy theories may serve epistemic and existential functions similar to those gratified by certain forms of entertainment, we tested a parallel mediation model in which genre preferences mediate relationships between motivational and narrative engageability orientations and conspiracy belief. Using a U.S. adult sample (N = 399), we found that preferences for excitement- and suspense-oriented media (e.g. action, crime, thriller, horror, mystery) were significantly associated with conspiracy belief. Significant indirect effects emerged through genre preferences, with ease of accepting unrealism and suspense/curiosity propensity relating to conspiracy belief via preferences for suspense-oriented media. Hedonic motivation also showed a direct positive association with conspiracy belief, consistent with the proposition that conspiracy theories possess entertainment value. Results suggest that the narrative ecosystems individuals inhabit – shaped by motivational orientations and narrative processing tendencies – may relate to openness to conspiratorial thinking. The design is cross-sectional, thus findings reflect patterns of association rather than causal effects.

Family-Based Strategies for Healthy Screen Use and the Role of Motivational Interviewing.

This study aims to analyze effective Islamic da'wah communication for Generation Z in the digital era. Generation Z, as a group born and raised in the midst of technological development, has distinct characteristics compared to previous generations, particularly in terms of communication patterns, media preferences, and how they receive information. This study used a qualitative approach with descriptive methods, using in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation studies as data collection techniques. The results indicate that effective da'wah communication for Generation Z must be interactive, creative, and relevant to everyday life. The use of social media such as short video platforms, podcasts, and visual content is the primary means of conveying da'wah messages. Furthermore, the use of simple, authentic language and a non-patronizing approach can increase the appeal and acceptance of da'wah messages. The conclusion of this study is that the success of da'wah to Generation Z is greatly influenced by the communicator's ability to adapt methods, media, and communication style to the characteristics of the audience. Therefore, innovation and adaptation in da'wah strategies are needed so that the Islamic message can be effectively received among Generation Z

This study examines the differences in communication preferences and media consumption among three major age groups: Generations X, Y, and Z. It focuses on how each generation receives and interacts with media content. The research aims to identify the most frequently used media for each generation, their content consumption patterns, and their preferred communication methods. It also explores the influence of social and technological factors on shaping these preferences. The study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing focus groups as the data collection tool. The sample comprised three groups representing the three generations, each consisting of eight participants. The results indicate clear generational differences in media preferences. Generation X prefers to rely more heavily on online news sites for information, while Generation Y tends to use social media alongside websites. Generation Z relies primarily on social media, followed by websites, and then traditional media. Regarding content, all three generations share an interest in political issues. However, their priorities in other topics differ. Generation X focuses on social and cultural issues, while Generation Y is interested in cultural and sports content, and Generation Z prefers sports and entertainment content. The results also reveal differences in preferred communication methods, with text messaging remaining a common medium across generations, while Generation Z increasingly relies on voice messages and video calls. These findings help to clarify generational differences in media consumption within the contemporary digital environment.

Introduction Higher education institutions play a key role in advancing sustainability by engaging diverse student populations in sustainability-related programs. Despite widespread sustainability initiatives, student participation remains uneven across social identities. Guided by Diffusion of Innovations theory, this study examines how sustainability-related communication influences students' awareness, interest, and participation across diverse demographic groups. Methods Survey data were collected from 202 undergraduate and graduate students at a large southeastern U.S. university. A researcher-developed questionnaire assessed the frequency and sources of sustainability-related communication, preferred communication channels, awareness of sustainability programs, interest in participation, and prior engagement. Bivariate analyses examined differences by race/ethnicity, sex, and sexual orientation. Results Overall awareness of university sustainability programs was high; however, interest and participation differed significantly by race and sex. Multiracial students were more likely to learn about and prefer sustainability-related communication through peer networks and on-campus organizations. Male students showed stronger preferences for social media and informal communication channels, while female students more often preferred university email and reported greater interest in certificate-based sustainability programming. No statistically significant differences were found based on sexual orientation. Discussion Findings suggest that awareness alone is insufficient to promote equitable participation in sustainability initiatives. Differences in communication preferences across racial and gender identities highlight the need for tailored, multidimensional communication strategies. Universities should move beyond uniform messaging approaches and leverage diverse communication channels-including peer-based and digital strategies-to enhance inclusivity and participation in sustainability-related programs.

Understanding how underrepresented women with pelvic floor disorders use social media can guide clinicians in patient outreach and reducing care disparities. The objectives of this study were to characterize which social media platforms underrepresented populations use most and identify preferences of use when learning about their conditions. This cross-sectional survey of underrepresented women used a 21-item questionnaire assessing demographics, internet use, and social media preferences. Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were performed. A total of 301 surveys were analyzed. Most participants identified as Hispanic/Latina (65.4%). The mean age was 56.8±14.2 years. Social media use did not differ by race. Participants younger than 65 years were more likely than those 65 years and older to use the internet or social media to learn about their conditions (67.2% vs. 45.4%, P <0.01). More participants younger than 65 years used TikTok (20.1% vs 5.2%, P <0.01) and Instagram (24.5% vs 8.2%, P=0.0011) compared with participants 65 years and older. Participants with ≥4 social media accounts used the internet more often than those without (81% vs 32%, P <0.01). Most participants used Facebook (46.5%) or YouTube (35.5%) to learn about their conditions and would be most interested in using YouTube (27.9%) and Facebook (26.2%) to learn more about their conditions. Most participants preferred physicians use Facebook (35.2%) or YouTube (22.6%). Our study population reported frequent social media use and interest in learning about their conditions via social media with platform preferences differing by age. Patient education and research recruitment strategies in underrepresented patient populations could be improved by incorporating these platforms.

Objective: The accelerated evolution of the digital-intelligent media environment is profoundly reshaping the underlying logic of cultural communication. As “digital natives” who have grown up in the internet era, Generation Z has become not only a key audience for cultural communication but also an active participant in content production, meaning negotiation, and dissemination. This study aims to examine the narrative transformation of cultural communication oriented toward Generation Z and to clarify the expression mechanisms underlying such transformation in the digital-intelligent media environment. Methods: Based on a review and synthesis of existing studies on Generation Z, digital media, international communication, visual narrative, and AIGC-enabled communication, this paper adopts a qualitative theoretical analysis approach. Starting from the group characteristics and media preferences of Generation Z, it analyzes the major shifts in narrative logic and expression forms in contemporary cultural communication. Results: The study finds that cultural communication in the digital-intelligent media environment is undergoing several major narrative transformations: from grand narratives to micro- and everyday narratives; from text-centered expression to image-based and multimodal narration; from one-way transmission to interactive co-creation; and from generalized communication to segmented and precision-oriented communication. On this basis, the paper further identifies five major expression mechanisms for Generation Z-oriented cultural communication, namely scenario-embedding, symbolic translation, emotional resonance, platform coordination, and human–machine co-creation. Conclusion: In the future, cultural communication should maintain cultural subjectivity while strengthening youth-oriented expression, cross-cultural adaptation, and technological empowerment. Only by innovating narrative strategies and communication pathways can cultural communication move from “effective reach” to “deep identification” among Generation Z.

This study analyzes the empirical needs for developing augmented Reality (AR)-based game learning media integrated with local wisdom to support cultural Learning in Integrated Science and Social Studies at the elementary level. Using a qualitative case study within a needs analysis framework, the study involved 28 fifth-grade students and 3 teachers. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, four-point Likert-scale questionnaires, and structured classroom observations, and were analyzed thematically through triangulation. The findings reveal three key gaps. Cultural learning remains dominated by teacher-centered instruction and limited interactive media (M=2.1). Students show strong preferences for visual media (M=3.7) and game-based Learning (M=3.6). Their knowledge of local cultural heritage is still low (M=1.9). Teachers also expressed positive views on integrating game mechanics and AR, though technical readiness remains a constraint. Overall, the findings provide an empirical basis for developing contextual, interactive, and culturally relevant AR Monopoly media to improve literacy, Engagement, and cultural understanding in digital learning environments.

Introduction Social media has revolutionized healthcare information delivery, with orthodontic patients increasingly seeking treatment-related information online. This study assessed the awareness level of orthodontic patients regarding the availability and utilization of orthodontic information on social media platforms in Kerala, India. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 orthodontic patients aged 15-35 years at the Government Dental College, Kozhikode, Kerala. A validated questionnaire comprising 13 questions across three domains (social media usage, access to orthodontic treatment, and orthodontic information) was administered. Content validity was assessed by a panel of orthodontists, and the questionnaire was translated into the local language. Results The 403 participants (55% women and 45% men) aged 17-22 years (mean: 19±4 months) primarily accessed YouTube (60.5%) and Instagram (30.5%) for orthodontic information. Chi-square (χ²) tests revealed significant associations between age and information-seeking about treatment difficulties (p=0.045) and clinic searching (p=0.002). Multiple response analysis showed a strong gender-social media preference association (χ²=25.197; p<0.05). Gender significantly influenced searching for orthodontists (p=0.026) and cost information (p=0.001). Logistic regression identified age (Exp(B)=1.091; p=0.002) and regular social media use as significant awareness predictors. Conclusion Orthodontic patients in Kerala actively use social media for orthodontic information, particularly YouTube and Instagram, and demonstrate willingness to follow orthodontists online, with age and usage frequency predicting information-seeking behavior despite preferring direct professional consultation for emergencies.

Culture-independent methods, such as sequencing, have been a breakthrough, but do not allow for complete genetic, biochemical, and phenotypic characterization at strain level. To fully characterize the gut microbiota, effective culture-based methods are needed to complement culture-independent methods. This study aims to identify the culture media and supplements to culture a wide range of bacteria from the infant microbiota. Faecal samples from a one-year-old Caesarean section born baby, and a two-year-old vaginally born baby were grown in 40 different combinations of growth media, supplements and atmosphere. Colonies taxonomically annotated based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, and a generalized linear model was used to determine the effect of the growth conditions on colony number and species diversity per family. Rich non-selective media did not support a broad diversity. A combination of selective media preparations targeting different bacterial groups resulted in better coverage of the total community. A combination of 3 formulations was able to capture 80% of the core infant gut genera: modified De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe (mMRS) with mupirocin, Gifu Anaerobic Medium (GAM) with ciprofloxacin and erythromycin and acidified MRS (MRS5.4) in microaerobic conditions. For species-level diversity, MRS5.4 produced the highest diversity of Bifidobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae, but other base media did not significantly differ in terms of obtained diversity. However, the addition of specific antibiotics was critical in increasing the observed species-level diversity of bacterial families. Within species, some strains show media preference, and often a combination of media was required to capture the full spectrum of strains. Using a range of base media, supplements, and growth conditions, we were able to culture a large fraction of the core infant gut bacteria. We find that media specificity of infant gut bacterial isolates often deviates from existing information, and our findings could aid choice of media and growth conditions in future culture-based studies of the infant gut microbiota.

ABSTRACT Amid an increasingly complex political landscape in many modern democracies, citizens’ simultaneous support for both democratic and authoritarian leadership within democratic systems has puzzled scholars. Yet, the underlying drivers of these seemingly contradictory preferences are not well understood, particularly the roles of institutional trust, media consumption, and regional variation. This study examines these dynamics in India across national and subnational contexts. We find that institutional trust shapes regime preferences in nuanced ways: trust in government and the military is positively associated with democratic support and reduces receptiveness to authoritarian leadership, while trust in courts exhibits a more ambivalent role, reinforcing democratic support in some contexts but correlating with pro-authoritarian attitudes elsewhere. Media consumption also shapes these preferences in complex ways, with social and traditional media influencing democratic and authoritarian inclinations differently depending on context. These findings advance the debates on democratic backsliding by illustrating how political attitudes are shaped not only by governance performance but also by shifting narratives in media and institutional trust. By integrating insights from both national and subnational levels, this study highlights the uneven trajectory of democratic resilience and the potential for hybrid political preferences in emerging democracies.

IntroductionPoor diet and excess weight have been linked to increased risk for at least 13 types of cancer. Culinary medicine utilizes experiential cooking skill development to improve individuals’ capacity for healthy eating. Digital communication strategies offer pathways for scalable culinary medicine interventions, but little research has explored how online cooking tools could be leveraged for cancer prevention messaging. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study exploring online cooking information-seeking habits and content preferences among participants in four cancer prevention and control cohorts to inform future digital culinary medicine interventions.MethodsA cross-sectional survey study was conducted with a convenience sample of participants from four existing cohort studies being undertaken at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Survey items examined current cooking practices, online cooking information-seeking behavior, digital intervention content preferences, and evaluation of three online cooking videos. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings, and open text comments were examined using rapid thematic analysis to add further context.ResultsMost of the 102 respondents were women (99%), with a mean age of 58 years old. Many (78.4%) reported preparing meals at home ≥4 days per week. Search engines were the most common way recipes were identified online and the majority of respondents reported cooking from online videos some or all of the time. Participants gave the highest overall ratings to the 2-4 minute cooking video and highlighted the host personality and video production as important aspects of online cooking video content.ConclusionsThe findings of this study offer insight to inform the development of digital culinary medicine tools for MD Anderson’s cancer prevention and control cohorts.

• We found a bidirectional relation between social anxiety and digital media preference. • This association only emerged when attention bias was accounted for. • Larger N2 increased the effect of digital media preference on later social anxiety. Digital media is now a ubiquitous context through which youth interact with their peers, raising questions about its role in social anxiety development. Attentional biases toward or away from threatening information have been implicated in the DMU-anxiety link, although no study to date has provided evidence specific to social anxiety and how these patterns unfold across adolescence. We leveraged a longitudinal sample to examine (1) bidirectional relations between preference for using digital media, relative to face-to-face interactions, and social anxiety symptoms and (2) the moderating role of attention bias. Beginning at age 12-14, adolescents ( N = 155) self-reported social anxiety symptoms and digital media communication preferences across four annual timepoints. Additionally, adolescents completed a dot probe task each year while EEG was recorded. Attention bias was indexed using trial-level reaction time measures and event-related potentials capturing attentional selection and discrimination (N170) and cognitive control (N2) in response to threatening versus neutral faces. Univariate multilevel models were used to examine the lagged effect of digital media preference on social anxiety symptoms, and vice versa. Results showed that digital media preference and social anxiety symptoms were significantly predictive of each other only when individual differences in attention bias were accounted for. N2 to threat, but no other attention bias measures, strengthened the association between greater digital media preference and higher subsequent social anxiety symptoms. Our findings highlight the key role of threat-related attentional processing in clarifying links between digital media use and social anxiety symptoms across adolescence.

The integration of digital and social media has profoundly reshaped how English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners engage with language learning. This study investigates students’ preferred media platforms, the underlying motivational factors, and the challenges they face when using digital tools to enhance English proficiency. Employing a qualitative descriptive case study design, ten English Education students at STKIP Paracendekia NW Sumbawa were interviewed and observed, with the data analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. Findings reveal that YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram constitute the dominant learning ecosystem, offering multimodal exposure that promotes listening, pronunciation, and vocabulary development. Students’ media choices were influenced by accessibility, enjoyment, and autonomy, reflecting principles of Self-Determination Theory and learner autonomy. However, participants also faced obstacles, including distractions, unreliable content, and limited internet access. The study proposes a Dynamic Model of Media-Motivated Autonomy that illustrates how intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and cognitive engagement interact to sustain language learning. These findings underscore the pedagogical importance of integrating students’ preferred media into EFL curricula while fostering digital literacy and critical awareness. Implications are offered for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers to promote technology-enhanced, learner-centered English instruction.

Abstract Transnationalism refers to the linkages, identities, and practices that migrants maintain between their homeland and host country, increasingly facilitated by digital and mass media (Levitt 2004; Vertovec 2009). This study employs transnationalism theory to conceptualize five sociopolitical communication practices and identity dynamics: (1) identity preferences, (2) media preferences, (3) political participation, (4) civic engagement, and (5) language preferences. This study examines the dynamics of transnationalism among Iraqi Americans through a field survey of interviews with a sample of the Iraqi community in the United States. The study proceeds along two trajectories. Firstly, it assesses preferences across five cultural–civic dimensions: media, identity, language, political participation, and civic engagement as they relate to the homeland and the host society. Secondly, it constructs and estimates a composite Transnational Linkages Index ( TLI ) to quantify acculturation and cross-border ties across these five dimensions, identifying stronger vs. weaker dimensions, and distinguishing ties that sustain homeland linkages (tempering acculturation) from those that foster integration in the host country. The study addresses a measurement gap in capturing migrants’ capacity for acculturation and the distribution of ties across dimensions. Research was conducted from April 16 to July 19, 2024, and received IRB approval from Bridgewater State University, USA —Case #2024093.

The article is devoted to a comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of the “United News” telethon as one of the key sources of primary information in the Ukrainian media space and to the analysis of its influence on the formation of trust, patterns of information perception, and the level of media literacy of the population of Ukraine in the context of the full-scale Russian invasion. The telethon is considered not only as an informational product but also as a socially significant communication instrument that performs the functions of оперативe information delivery, coordination of public attention, and support of national resilience during a period of crisis. Special attention is paid to a detailed analysis of the genre and format characteristics of the telethon, the specifics of news content presentation, the combination of informational, analytical, and publicistic elements, as well as the transformation of journalistic standards under wartime conditions. The study also focuses on the socio-communicative role of the telethon in the processes of shaping public opinion, strengthening trust in national media, and counteracting disinformation. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying key social, psychological, and media-related factors that influence the level of audience trust in the informational content of the telethon, as well as on assessing its impact on citizens’ information behavior and critical thinking. The impact of social factors on news perception, including age, education, professional activity, media preferences, and previous experience with digital media, is thoroughly examined. Special attention is paid to how the telemarathon fosters public opinion consolidation, enhances media literacy, and promotes critical engagement with news sources. The study highlights the telemarathon’s role in countering disinformation, ensuring national information security, and creating conditions for the development of an active civic position. Additionally, the article reviews recent domestic and international research on media trust, information consumption in wartime, the specifics of telemarathon formats, and their influence on social communication. It demonstrates that the «Unified News» telemarathon not only promptly informs citizens about current events but also acts as a tool for societal consolidation, increasing media literacy, and fostering collective national identity. The findings of this study are relevant for professionals in journalism, media communications, sociology, political science, as well as government institutions and educational organizations engaged in media culture development and information security.

BackgroundPain is a significant risk factor for depression among older adults. While prior studies suggest that internet media may improve mental well-being, it remains unclear whether such media can reduce pain-related depression.ObjectivesThis five-year longitudinal study explores the potential moderating effect of internet media on the relationship between pain and depression among older adults.MethodsParticipants were sourced from 2018, 2020, and 2023 waves of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, and this study utilized 3240 “person-year” observations from 1080 respondents. An individual fixed effects model was employed. The presence of pain, depression (measured by the CES-D scale), and media preference (measured by comparing internet and traditional media use frequency) were assessed. Subgroup heterogeneity was also explored.ResultsThe findings revealed that media preference significantly moderated the relationship between pain and depression among older adults (β = −0.725, p < .01). Compared with traditional media, internet media was more effective in alleviating depression in individuals experiencing pain. The engagement breadth of internet media also exhibited a buffering effect. Heterogeneity analysis further illustrated that the beneficial effects of internet media were more pronounced among older adults who were less educated (β = −0.865, p < .01) and retired (β = −0.887, p < .01).ConclusionThis study enhances the understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of internet media's moderating role in depression among older adults. It also highlights heterogeneous effects in vulnerable subpopulations. The findings offer insights for developing non-pharmacological interventions to address depression associated with pain, contributing to promoting mental health in the aging population.

The present research aimed to investigate media violence impacts on positive and negative affective well-being, as well as media preference's moderating role. To this end, three online experiments were conducted, using film (N = 210, mean age = 28.58, SD = 11.77, 63.3% women), music (N = 213, mean age = 25.82, SD = 8.35, 73.70% women), and books (N = 200, mean age = 25.69, SD = 8.55, 70% women) as a stimulus. Results indicated that violent media decreases positive affects and increases negative affects, especially regarding exposure to music and films. Media preference's role provided mixed results. In general, this research can contribute to spreading awareness regarding the negative impacts of media violence on mental health and well-being.

ABSTRACT The media we consume may shape our cognition, emotion, and behavior. While violent media effects on aggression have been studied extensively, one popular media genre has escaped scrutiny until now: true crime, featuring real stories of assault, murder, or serial killings. We investigated the idea that the manifold examples of real human violence in true crime may be linked to people's capacity for malevolent creativity—generating creative ideas for harming others. Yet, in two cross‐sectional studies, we found only weak to contradictory evidence for this idea. Using multiple regression models, in Study 1 ( n = 160), true crime consumption was only linked to higher fluency on a malevolent creativity test (MCT) in individuals high in trait aggression. In Study 2 ( n = 307), links of true crime consumption with malevolent creativity were eclipsed by links to fictional horror, other media preference, and depressive affect. Moreover, both studies found that high true crime consumption seemed to mitigate the link between general creativity and malevolent originality. Although further experimental and longitudinal research is needed, true crime may potentially inhibit consumers from applying their creative potential to uniquely harming others, which may suggest prosocial and empathic motives in true crime consumption.