Scientific Media Research Articles

GEOPOLITICS OF HEALTH AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Geopolitics of health represents a pioneering subdiscipline in the context of geopolitics as a synthetic science that we have defined in order to adequately problematize and analyze the Covid-19 pandemic that the entire world has faced. The research field of health geopolitics refers to the influence of socio-geographical, economic and political factors on endangering people’s health as a public good. Therefore, using the example of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is possible to monitor the aforementioned impacts and further relate them to the consequences that have already been proven. In addition, by adequately analyzing the known facts, it is possible to anticipate future consequences, both of the pandemic itself, and of health, political, economic and other measures prescribed by competent institutions. Therefore, in the first part of the paper, we ask batteries of questions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, so that in the second part of the paper, relying on relevant and available scientific and professional sources, we offer answers to the questions. The aim of the work is to show the scientific problematic, media manipulativeness and health destructiveness of announcements and decisions related to the Covid- 19 pandemic. In our work, we use the method of analysis and synthesis, the method of deduction and the geopolitical method, in order to adequately respond to the research problem, laying the foundation for further research in the context of the geopolitics of health.

The Challenge of Understanding What Users Want: Inconsistent Preferences and Engagement Optimization

Online platforms have a wealth of data, run countless experiments, and use industrial-scale algorithms to optimize user experience. Despite this, many users seem to regret the time they spend on these platforms. One possible explanation is that incentives are misaligned: platforms are not optimizing for user happiness. We suggest the problem runs deeper, transcending the specific incentives of any particular platform, and instead stems from a mistaken foundational assumption. To understand what users want, platforms look at what users do. This is a kind of revealed-preference assumption that is ubiquitous in the way user models are built. Yet research has demonstrated, and personal experience affirms, that we often make choices in the moment that are inconsistent with what we actually want. The behavioral economics and psychology literatures suggest, for example, that we can choose mindlessly or that we can be too myopic in our choices, behaviors that feel entirely familiar on online platforms. In this work, we develop a model of media consumption where users have inconsistent preferences. We consider a platform which wants to maximize user utility, but only observes behavioral data in the form of the user’s engagement. We show how our model of users’ preference inconsistencies produces phenomena that are familiar from everyday experience but difficult to capture in traditional user interaction models. These phenomena include users who have long sessions on a platform but derive very little utility from it, and platform changes that steadily raise user engagement before abruptly causing users to go “cold turkey” and quit. A key ingredient in our model is a formulation for how platforms determine what to show users: they optimize over a large set of potential content (the content manifold) parametrized by underlying features of the content. Whether improving engagement improves user welfare depends on the direction of movement in the content manifold: For certain directions of change, increasing engagement makes users less happy, whereas in other directions on the same manifold, increasing engagement makes users happier. We provide a characterization of the structure of content manifolds for which increasing engagement fails to increase user utility. By linking these effects to abstractions of platform design choices, our model thus creates a theoretical framework and vocabulary in which to explore interactions between design, behavioral science, and social media. This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis. Funding: This work was supported by the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship and Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative [Grant W911NF-19-0217]. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03683 .

PENGEMBANGAN MODUL PERUBAHAN LINGKUNGAN MELALUI MODEL THINK PAIR SHARE TERINTEGRASIKAN NILAI-NILAI ISLAM UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA

A module is a complex learning medium, which contains basic learning activities. An environmental change module that is integrated with Islamic values is needed because Islamic values make students aware of the importance of keeping the environment clean. Based on aspects of validity, practicality, and effectiveness, this research aims to determine the feasibility of an environmental change module that is integrated with Islamic values. The ADDIE development research model was applied in this research. The validation sheet is used to determine the validity of the model. The validity of the module obtained a percentage of 100% on the material component, 88% on the media component, and 95.8% on the Islamic integrity component. Teacher and student questionnaire answers are used to find out how practical the module is. Practical teacher response was 97.2% and student response was 88%. The effectiveness of the module is obtained through pretest and posttest assessment questionnaires and attitudes. The pretest and posttest effectiveness results obtained an n-Gain value of 0.80 with a percentage of 80% and effectiveness through attitude assessment obtained an average value of 90. With these results, the module was declared suitable for use. Therefore, it is hoped that this module can be used in educational and scientific media in the future.

Carbon sequestration in soils and climate change mitigation-Definitions and pitfalls.

The term carbon (C) sequestration has not just become a buzzword but is something of a siren's call to scientific communicators and media outlets. Carbon sequestration is the removal of C from the atmosphere and the storage, for example, in soil. It has the potential to partially compensate for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and is, therefore, an important piece in the global climate change mitigation puzzle. However, the term C sequestration is often used misleadingly and, while likely unintentional, can lead to the perpetuation of biased conclusions and exaggerated expectations about its contribution to climate change mitigation efforts. Soils have considerable potential to take up C but many are also in a state of continuous loss. In such soils, measures to build up soil C may only lead to a reduction in C losses (C loss mitigation) rather than result in real C sequestration and negative emissions. In an examination of 100 recent peer-reviewed papers on topics surrounding soil C, only 4% were found to have used the term C sequestration correctly. Furthermore, 13% of the papers equated C sequestration with C stocks. The review, further, revealed that measures leading to C sequestration will not always result in climate change mitigation when non-CO2 greenhouse gases and leakage are taken into consideration. This paper highlights potential pitfalls when using the term C sequestration incorrectly and calls for accurate usage of this term going forward. Revised and new terms are suggested to distinguish clearly between C sequestration in soils, SOC loss mitigation, negative emissions, climate change mitigation, SOC storage, and SOC accrual to avoid miscommunication among scientists and stakeholder groups in future.

Digitalization in Vulnerable Populations: A Systematic Review in Latin America

The present systematic review seeks to collect and analyze relevant academic approaches to the effects of digitalization on the populations that live in vulnerable contexts in Latin America with the purpose of examining to which extent the ongoing universalization of information and communication technologies has the potential to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged in this region. For this aim, both theoretical as well as empirical studies on these populations were considered, as long as they were from Latin America with the aim of listening to the voice of those involved, thus avoiding assigning understandings of the phenomenon and solutions that are alien to the characteristics of the region. Five databases (SCOPUS, Web of Science, ERIC, Communication & Mass Media Complete and Dialnet) were consulted for the period 2001–2021. The analysis of the studies that met the inclusion criteria led to identifying seven themes that point to specific needs that must be met to advance development for the populations under study and that are useful for generating hypotheses for future effective interventions. Among them, some stand out: the specific demands of indigenous communities in the political agendas, the increasingly noticed opportunity for political empowerment through e-government, the development of a sense of belonging through technology, the potential of a digitally-mediated construction of personal identity, and the lack of enough consideration of cultural and situational factors that led to limited results in the implementation of digital public policies.

Making Use of Ispring Suite Media in Learning Science in Junior High Schools

The study is aimed at designing and analyzing the product validity of learning media of Ispring Suite used for science class in Junior High School. The study employs the Research & Development method of Borg and Gall consisting of five stages namely; planning, design, validation, revision and final product. Powerpoint and Ispring Suite are used in designing the product. further, the validity of the product is assessed by two experts in media learning for science. Based on the findings it can be concluded that the product is feasible and qualified to be applied in science class in Junior High Schools. Last, the product can be effectively used after it is downloaded in playstore, marketplace or google market. The researcher recommends that future researchers increase the number of studies related to the development of media products for science learning, so that the products that have been produced can be integrated by science teachers in learning.

A comprehensive database of squirrel distribution and occurrence in South Asia.

The Squirrels of South Asia (SOSA) database compiles comprehensive distribution and occurrence information on all squirrel species that occur in this region (34 species). These 34 squirrel species, including tree, flying and ground squirrels, represent 14% of global sciurid diversity. The database collates curated data from various sources such as museums, literature, primary fieldwork, citizen science and social media platforms and covers the entire distributional ranges of the target species, including countries in Central Asia and Southeast Asia when required. The SOSA database enhances our understanding of squirrel distribution, population dynamics and their conservation needs in South Asia by consolidating information. It aims to be a valuable resource for researchers, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts. As of March 2023, the database comprises over 40,000 records of 34 species in over 30 countries globally. Spending an average of 334 hours on each species, more than 20 data collectors put in over 10,000 hours to gather, curate and build this database. The database has resulted in novel records of species occurrence in regions and countries that are poorly represented in currently available global data repositories. The current version which has been made public via GBIF comprises of 1187 records of all 34 species across multiple sources. This is a subset of the SOSA database.

Circus Arts in Content Service Systems

The aim of this paper is to identify scientific content and compilations related to circus arts available in subscription databases and in renowned and free academic information systems. After providing terminological definitions for circus and circus arts, the article describes the search strategies applied and the issues which emerged during the searches, and then introduces quantitative results, thereby also identifying the major periodicals and the most often referenced articles of the topic. The analysis provides useful input for representatives of other arts related to circus arts (e.g., performing arts, theatre arts, visual arts, musical arts) and of other academic fields (e.g., literary studies, history, media science); but first of all, it serves as an unparalleled library information service guide for navigating between electronic information sources.

Wind turbines: Vacated/abandoned homes – Exploring participants’ descriptions of their personal views, effects on safety, security, trust, and social justice

Introduction: Some neighbors living in proximity to industrial wind turbines (IWTs) have described adverse health effects and contemplated vacating their homes. While the decision to vacate a home is reported by sources such as judicial proceedings, the scientific literature, media outlets, social media, and Internet websites, research on its extent and outcomes is limited. Methodology: This ethics-reviewed study used the qualitative Grounded Theory methodology. Sixty-seven consenting participants, 18 years or older, who had previously lived or were currently living within 10 km of IWTs were interviewed. Audio files were transcribed to text and the data were coded and analyzed using NVivo Pro (v. 12.6) software. Objectives: The objective is to explore participants’ descriptions of their personal views on wind turbines and their effects on safety, security, trust, and social justice, and generate a theory of influences contributing to these decisions. Results: Data analysis revealed primary and subthemes associated with environmental interference and altered living conditions. Descriptions of participants’ personal views associated with the use of wind energy and effects on safety, security, trust, and social justice are provided. Discussion: It is recommended that members of the public, government authorities, policymakers, researchers, health practitioners, and social scientists with an interest in health policy acknowledge these effects and seek resolution for those who are negatively affected when living or working near IWTs. Conclusion: We conclude that using a systematic methodology, data analysis lends support that the Grounded Theory was applicable to this study as it assisted with the development of a coherent theory which explained participants’ housing decisions.

Omicron new variant BA.2.86 (Pirola): Epidemiological, biological, and clinical characteristics - a global data-based analysis.

Since December 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a threatening situation worldwide. The new variant of SARS-CoV-2, BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, is an Omicron subvariant that causes great concern because it has been found to contain a large number of mutations. This study aims to investigate and identify the biological and clinical characteristics of this threatening new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which is BA.2.86. This observational study was performed in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The literature was searched using the key terms including "SARS-CoV-2, Omicron, BA.2.86, Pirola, epidemiology, clinical characteristics". The data on Omicron BA.2.86 were obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GSIAD), PubMed, Web of Science, regional ministries, research institutes, and international print media. Initially, 26 documents were identified and 10 documents were included for the data analysis. The information on the prevalence and the biological characteristics of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, Omicron BA.2.86, was recorded and synthesized for analysis. The Omicron BA.2.86 has been identified in 23 countries with 264 confirmed cases as of September 28, 2023. The number and distribution of these cases encompass the United Kingdom 66 (25.0%), USA 34 (12.87%), Denmark 31 (11.74%), Sweden 25 (9.46%), South Africa 20 (7.57%), Spain 20 (7.57%), France 15 (5.68%), Portugal 7 (2.65%), Japan 6 (2.27%), Canada 5 (1.89%), Thailand 5 (1.89%), Israel 5 (1.89%), Greece 5 (1.89%), Germany 3 (1.13%), Belgium 3 (1.13%), Luxembourg 3 (1.13%), Netherlands 3 (1.13%), South Korea 3 (1.13%). However, one case in each country has been reported in Australia, Italy, Iceland, Switzerland, and China. The disease has been reported more frequently in females (71.0%) than males (29.0%). To date, no deaths have been reported. The novel variant has spread more swiftly than other variants of SARS-CoV-2 and has crossed many international borders. The new Omicron variant BA.2.86 has affected 264 people in 23 countries. The disease is more common in females than males and mainly affects old age people (over 60 years of age). However, no deaths have been reported. The variant is spreading swiftly and transmitted more rapidly. The clinical manifestations in patients with Omicron BA.2.86 variant are not well documented and may be similar to earlier strains of COVID-19 by presenting with mild infectious symptoms, including headache, body ache, cough, fever, generalized myalgia, and severe fatigue. The global health authorities must take preventive measures to stop the outbreak of this emerging variant across the globe to minimize the disease burden.

From the Editors

The current issue of our quarterly is special for at least four organizational and administrative reasons. Firstly, the Ignatianum Academy in Cracow has become a university and as of October 1, 2023, its new name is Ignatianum University in Cracow. Secondly, the Editors, moving with the times, are focusing on the online formula, reducing the circulation of the paper version significantly, and providing widely open access to the journal through the Open Journal Systems platform. Thirdly, by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science announced in the Communiqué of July 17, 2023, regarding the list of academic journals and peer-reviewed materials from international conferences, the journal received 140 points. Finally, fourthly, the list of the parameterized disciplines that the journal covers, namely 1) cultural and religious studies, 2) literary studies, 3) history, and 4) management and quality sciences has been expanded to include other disciplines, such as 5) ethnology and cultural anthropology, 6) philosophy, 7) linguistics, 8) art sciences, 9) Polish studies, 10) political and administrative sciences, 11) social communication and media sciences, and 12) education studies.

Analiza sieci społecznych jako metoda badawcza w polskich studiach nad komunikowaniem politycznym

Nowe możliwości tworzenia i wymiany komunikatów pomiędzy aktorami politycznymi, mediami i publicznością/wyborcami są m.in. efektem dynamicznie rozwijającej się sfery technologicznej. Pojawienie się mediów online (w tym mediów społecznościowych) zmieniło politykę. Równolegle zmianom podlega także komunikowanie polityczne. Stanowi to z jednej strony inspirację, z drugiej zaś wyzwanie dla naukowej eksploracji tego obszaru badawczego. Interdyscyplinarność nauki o mediach, w którą wpisuje się badanie komunikowania politycznego, sprawia, że badacze poszukują nowych narzędzi badawczych, szczególnie w zakresie zbierania, analizowania i wizualizacji danych. Prowadzi to do inkorporacji na grunt badań medioznawczych nowych metod. Celem artykuły jest prezentacja analizy sieci społecznych (SNA) jako metody popularnej w badaniach amerykańskich i europejskich, choć jeszcze rzadko obecnej w polskich analizach komunikowania politycznego. W artykule przedstawiono charakterystykę metody, jej główne wskaźniki oraz dotychczasowy stan badań z jej wykorzystaniem w Polsce. Social Network Analysis as a Research Method in Political Communication Studies: New opportunities for creating and exchanging messages between political actors, the media and the audience/voters are to some extent the effect of the dynamically developing technological sphere. The advent of online media (including social media) has changed politics. At the same time, political communication is also changing. On the one hand, this is an inspiration and, on the other hand, a challenge for the scientific exploration of this research area. The interdisciplinarity of media science, which includes the study of political communication, prompts researchers to look for new research tools, especially in the field of data collection, analysis and visualisation. This leads to the incorporation of previously non-specific methods into the field of media studies. The aim of the article is to present social network analysis (SNA) as a method popular in American and European research, although still rarely present in Polish analyses of political communication. The article presents the characteristics of the method, its main indicators and the current state of research in Poland.

Measuring engagement with shark research in science, news and social media, and policy: A bibliometric analysis

Shark conservation is an urgent and complex biodiversity matter. While research on sharks is an important output of the knowledge production processes that could inform conservation policy and management decisions, whether all relevant knowledge is reaching the public and policy-makers has been questioned. Concerns have been expressed that attention given to research is skewed towards specific and often more sensationalist topics that do not provide an accurate picture of the shark-related issues and of possible solutions to decision-makers and the general public. This study thus analysed Web of Science publications related to sharks to determine the degree of attention different areas of shark-related research received in science, social media, news media, and policy documents. Highly concentrated distributions of citations, and mentions in social media, news media, or policy documents were found, but little relationship exists between the attention that individual publications or research areas receive in the different spheres. These findings show the diversity of shark-related research and its audiences and suggest a need for research evaluation to acknowledge that research impact can take many forms. In addition, developing outreach strategies is needed to ensure that relevant research is adequately disseminated to the public and policy-makers. This study can help researchers, resource managers, and other stakeholders better understand the diverse body of scientific evidence that could be mobilized into policies and practices for shark conservation.

Topological packing statistics of living and nonliving matter.

Complex disordered matter is of central importance to a wide range of disciplines, from bacterial colonies and embryonic tissues in biology to foams and granular media in materials science to stellar configurations in astrophysics. Because of the vast differences in composition and scale, comparing structural features across such disparate systems remains challenging. Here, by using the statistical properties of Delaunay tessellations, we introduce a mathematical framework for measuring topological distances between general three-dimensional point clouds. The resulting system-agnostic metric reveals subtle structural differences between bacterial biofilms as well as between zebrafish brain regions, and it recovers temporal ordering of embryonic development. We apply the metric to construct a universal topological atlas encompassing bacterial biofilms, snowflake yeast, plant shoots, zebrafish brain matter, organoids, and embryonic tissues as well as foams, colloidal packings, glassy materials, and stellar configurations. Living systems localize within a bounded island-like region of the atlas, reflecting that biological growth mechanisms result in characteristic topological properties.

Impact of Microfinance on Women’s Entrepreneurship

Microfinance (MF) and its institution’s contribution to poverty reduction, alleviation, and eradication through entrepreneurship has been a debatable issue until now. Especially some controversial roles of the traditional microfinance institutions in different ‘global south’ countries made the situation even more complicated and problematic. Some recent scientific studies and global media reports against the role of microfinance in reducing poverty have given us some space for thoughts on the role of traditional microfinance institutions in entrepreneurship development among rural women. However, many scientific studies and media reports have claimed that microfinance contributes to a reduction in poverty through entrepreneurship by traditional microfinance institutions or commercial banks. However, it is unclear if MF is the most efficient way to reduce poverty without the help of other additional procedures among the poverty-stricken people or areas such as education, politics, health, infrastructure, etc. In the current paper, a critical observation has been made on the roles of microfinance in entrepreneurship development among poor, marginalized women. A literature survey has been made using different sources, such as academic databases, media reports, I/NGO reports, etc. It was found that some of the women who have received loans through microcredit or microfinance institutions used the money for consumption; however, most of the women recipients used the loan for their entrepreneurial activities or businesses to change their financial condition and have successfully brought financial sustainability.

Public Health Risks, Dermatological Manifestations, and Environmental Justice Associated With Vinyl Chloride Exposure: Narrative Review.

Environmental vinyl chloride (VC) exposure may result in serious acute and chronic dermatological conditions. Because existing literature largely focuses on exposures in occupational settings, a gap persists in our understanding of the medical consequences of large-scale chemical spills. This study aims to examine the potential dermatological manifestations of VC exposure in the context of industrial spills and other environmental disasters and to highlight the public health and justice implications of such releases. In this narrative review, relevant evidence-based, peer-reviewed scientific sources, gray literature, and media reports were identified via searches of search PubMed and Google using predetermined keyword search terms related to VC, VC spills and releases, train derailment, cutaneous disease, public health, and vulnerable and marginalized populations. Contact dermatitis and frostbite may arise acutely, highlighting the importance of swift decontamination. Long-term manifestations from chronic VC exposure due to persistence in environmental reservoirs include Raynaud disease, sclerodermatous skin changes, acro-osteolysis, and cutaneous malignancies. The clinical severity of cutaneous manifestations is influenced by individual susceptibility as well as duration, intensity, and route of exposure. Additionally, chemical releases of VC more frequently impact Communities of Color and those of lower socioeconomic status, resulting in greater rates of exposure-related disease. With environmental release events of hazardous chemicals becoming increasingly common and because the skin has increased contact with environmental toxins relative to other organs, an urgent need exists for a greater understanding of the overall short- and long-term health impacts of large-scale, toxic exposures, underscoring the need for ongoing clinical vigilance. Dermatologists and public health officials should also aim to better understand the ways in which the disproportionate impacts of hazardous chemical exposures on lower-income and minority populations may exacerbate existing health disparities. Herein, we describe the health implications of toxic releases with particular consideration paid to marginalized and vulnerable populations. In addition to legal and regulatory frameworks, we advocate for improved public health measures, to not only mitigate the risk of environmental catastrophes in the future, but also ensure timely and effective responses to them.

Trust, media, and science in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic

The first global pandemic of the information age has revealed how the coordinated spread of accurate information and the communication of relevant expert knowledge rely on functioning media channels, platforms, and institutions. As such, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed, and sometimes even catalyzed, longer-running societal processes through which traditional gatekeepers of scientific truth and expertise have been challenged or side-stepped, as alternative actors and institutions have taken the media stage and influenced policymaking spheres. To what extent has the changing media landscape contributed to (dis)trust in expertise? How do different political contexts shape the dynamics between science, policy, and diverse media publics? And in which ways does the contemporary spread of (mis/dis)information take shape? The articles in this collection address these questions by presenting original empirical analyses from a range of geographic and disciplinary vantage points.

Meme-ifying Data

This article argues for the importance of the memetic tactic of bricolage within contemporary social media science communication for its capacity to curate and distill approachable, accessible, and shareable Covid-19 content. We suggest that the social media communication practices of what we call ‘public health influencers’ (PHIs) on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter make use of memetic bricolage techniques of stop motion, collage, infographics, and placarding, coupled with an ethos of ‘micro-celebrity,’ in order to advance stalled public conversations and to reorient the spread of disinformation back to evidence-based facts. To make this argument, we analyze the cross-platform social media work of three key PHIs during the pediatric vaccination campaigns of late 2021 within our local context of Ontario, Canada to reflect on the effectiveness of social media presence, communication, and advocacy. Through memetic tactics, we argue that PHIs’ efforts to engage the public are driven by a larger impulse to combat health inequities that are exacerbated by the different forms of disinformation circulating on social media. Ultimately, this article illustrates how the concerted effort against disinformation by PHIs on social media via memes contributes to advocacy for more accessible, just, and equitable health care for Ontarians.

Development of Project Based Ethno-STEM Online Learning Module to Increase Interpersonal Literacy and Learning Out-come

Interpersonal skills are ability to understand sociocultural phenomena which include aspects of communication, appreciation, tolerance, caring, empathy, and being able to work with others and be able to adapt well in the surrounding environment. This is a very important provision that must be owned by every student. Purpose of this research is to develop learning media for brave science that examines local wisdom content to study the topic of food ingredients. This research was conducted at An-Nur Ungaran Middle School and several traditional food industry places around the student's residences. The research method used is R&D with the ADDIE model. This media was validated and declared appropriate by media experts and material experts, then applied in science learning. The data obtained from the readability test, and the N-Gain test from students. The results of the study show that 1) Ethno-STEM learning module can be developed using the ADDIE model and is declared feasible to be applied in learning; 2) Ethno-STEM learning module can be developed to have good readability results, namely at a score of 61.4%; 3) Using of this Ethno-STEM module can improve interpersonal literacy and learning outcomes with N-gain values of 0.31 and 0.33, respectively.

Strengthening Social Capital to Address Isolation and Loneliness in Long-Term Care Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of Research on Information and Communication Technologies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately and severely affected older adults, namely those living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Aside from experiencing high mortality rates, survivors were critically concerned by social isolation and loneliness (SIL). To address this serious public health concern and stay connected with LTCF residents, information and communication technology (ICT) platforms (eg, video calls) were used as an alternative to maintaining social interactions amid the visiting restriction policy. This paper aimed to synthesize the effects of ICT-related communication interventions using SMS text messaging or chat, video, voice mail, or photo to address SIL in LTCF residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 2793 references published in English and French in 2019 and onward were obtained from 10 relevant databases: PsycINFO-Ovid, Ovid-MEDLINE, CINAHL-EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, DirectScience, Communication & Mass Media Complete, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library. A 2-person screening approach was used, and the studies were screened independently and blindly. A narrative synthesis was performed to interpret the results of the included studies, and their quality was appraised. In total, 4 studies were included in the review. ICT-related applications were used to ensure connectedness to address SIL. ICT interventions consisted mainly of videoconferencing, intergroup video call sessions between residents, and chatting (SMS text messages and phone calls). Roughly 3 classes of mediating ICT tools were used: video calls using software applications (eg, Skype); robot systems embedding video telephones; and ordinary telecommunication such as telephone, internet, social media platforms, and videoconferencing. This review has included the role of humanoid robots in LTCFs as an innovation avenue because of their multipurpose use (eg, communication tools and remotely operable). Remote social capitalization through ICT applications has become an avenue to reduce SIL among LTCF residents. This review examined a social connection approach that will remain relevant and even be fostered after the COVID-19 pandemic. As families remain the main stakeholders of LTCFs, this study's findings could inform policy makers and frontline managers to better shape programs and initiatives to prevent or reduce SIL in LTCFs. RR2-10.2196/36269.