Social Threat Research Articles

‘You Got My Back?’ Severity and Counter-Speech in Online Hate Speech Toward Minority Groups

ABSTRACT Minority members are often targeted by online hate speech. In this article, we advance the literature by conceptualizing online hate speech as a social identity threat, whose consequences can adversely affect intergroup relations at large. Within two experiments, we examine the effects of homophobic (Study 1, N = 225) and racist (Study 2, N = 194) hate speech on target minority members’ attitudes toward the majority group and intentions to avoid it. In addition, we test the potential mitigating role of counter-speech presence and source (minority vs. majority member). Drawing from theoretical accounts of social identity and perceived opinion climate, we also shed light on novel underlying mechanisms that explain the effect of online hate speech on intergroup relations: perceived identity threat (PIT) and perceived negative representation (PNR). Across both studies, more severe hate speech resulted in greater PIT and PNR, which was related to more hostile attitudes toward the majority group and/or intentions to avoid majority members. Counter-speech was largely ineffective in alleviating these negative outcomes. However, Study 2 revealed that counter-speech from a majority member could mitigate PIT, but only for less severe forms of hate speech. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for research in media psychology.

Virtually isolated: social identity threat predicts social approach motivation via sense of belonging in computer-supported collaborative learning.

Collaboration improves multiple academic and social outcomes. Accordingly, computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) can be beneficial in distance education contexts to overcome the issues specific to online learning (e.g., underperformance, low identification with university). Distance universities often attract a substantial number of non-traditional students (e.g., students with disability, students with migration background). Despite their representation, non-traditional students face negative stereotypes and associated social consequences, including social identity threat, diminished sense of belonging, and less motivation for social interactions. In the context of online learning, where there is little individuating information, social categories like socio-demographic group memberships become salient, activating stereotypes. Consequently, socio-demographic group memberships can have detrimental consequences for the integration of non-traditional students. The purpose of the present study was to (a) determine the extent of social identity threat for students in higher distance education, (b) explore the social consequences of this threat in the same context, (c) validate these findings through longitudinal analyses embedded in a CSCL task, and (d) use learning analytics to test behavioral outcomes. In a longitudinal study with three measurement occasions over 8 weeks (N = 1,210), we conducted path analyses for cross-sectional associations and Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models for longitudinal predictions. The results showed that non-traditional students mostly reported higher social identity threat than traditional students. While the expected longitudinal within-person effects could not be demonstrated, we found stable between-person effects: students who reported higher levels of social identity threat also reported lower sense of belonging and lower social approach motivation. Exploratory analyses of actual online collaboration during CSCL offer potential avenues for future research. We conclude that social identity threat and its social consequences play an important role in higher distance education and should therefore be considered for successful CSCL.

МЕРЫ ПОДДЕРЖКИ СЕМЕЙ И ЗДОРОВЬЕСБЕРЕЖЕНИЯ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ КАК ОСНОВА РАЗВИТИЯ ДЕМОГРАФИЧЕСКОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ РЕГИОНА

The development of health-saving technologies, along with tools to stimulate the birth rate and other measures to support families, today are the most important components of the demographic policy of the country and regions of Russia. Demographic problems associated with the deterioration of natural growth rates and the level of population health due to the influence of viral and other threats of increased morbidity in the population today have a negative impact on ensuring socio-economic security. Demographic and other social threats are intensifying under the negative influence of external geopolitical and environmental factors and the lifestyle of citizens. The search for effective measures to support young families, directions for the development of health-saving technologies for citizens of various categories determines the relevance of the research within the framework of this article. Statistical data on the development of the demographic situation and the spread of morbidity in Russia, the Volga Federal District and the Kirov Region are presented. Guidelines for the development of measures of state support for families and technologies for protecting the health of the population have been identified, which can serve as elements of a strategy for socio-economic development and increasing the demographic potential of Russian regions.

Ауыл жастарын бейімдеу мен интеграциялау (Түркістан, Қызылорда, Жамбыл облысы мысалында әлеуметтік зерттеу нәтижесі)

Youth is the future of the country, the driving force of society, as well as the main factor of social resistance and change, rural youth is one of the most vulnerable social groups in the country, which is quickly exposed to political and social threats. They have their own uniqueness, demand and taste, need, as well as their own path of development. There are always opportunities for talented, active and competitive urban youth, but there are difficulties in choosing a path that will help rural youth realize their potential. Therefore, it is very important to conduct research on the topic of adaptation and integration of rural youth through the mechanisms of social elevators in the southern region of the country, especially in the Almaty, Turkestan, Kyzylorda and Zhambyl regions, where young people are most concentrated. This study examines the reasons for the migration of rural youth living in the cities of Kyzylorda, Taraz, Turkestan, the difficulties of adaptation to urban life, state programs to support youth, the importance of education, politics, the army and religion in the adaptation and integration of rural youth. youth, the development of adaptation and integration of rural youth through the mechanisms of social elevator for research proposals. The article analyzes the results of a sociological study on the issues of adaptation and integration of rural youth based on a focus group discussion, taking into account the specifics of each region in the specified region.

The Impact of Security Arrangements in West Asian Countries on the National Security of the Islamic Republic of Iran: A Copenhagen School Perspective

This study examines the impact of security arrangements in West Asian countries on the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the perspective of the Copenhagen School. Given Iran's geographical and geopolitical position, as well as the existing tensions and challenges in the region, Iran's national security is influenced by military, economic, environmental, and social threats. The Copenhagen School, with its comprehensive approach to security, divides this concept into five dimensions: military, political, economic, social, and environmental, and emphasizes the importance of regional security in achieving national security. In this research, the military threats posed by terrorist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda and their impacts on Iran's national security are addressed. Additionally, the environmental threats resulting from these groups' activities and their effects on Iran's water and air resources are examined. Moreover, the economic and social impacts of regional instability and the efforts of extra-regional powers to influence and intervene in the domestic affairs of West Asian countries and Iran are analyzed. The research method of this study is based on descriptive analyses and the use of library resources. The findings of this study indicate that Iran's national security is heavily influenced by regional security developments and that achieving sustainable security requires interaction and cooperation with regional countries and international organizations. In this regard, Iran's foreign policy should be based on active diplomacy and multilateralism, aiming to create sustainable security arrangements and strengthen regional cooperation. This study provides strategies to enhance Iran's national security, emphasizing Iran's significant role in regional and international developments, and offers recommendations for improving regional relations and reducing tensions.

Securing BYOD environment from social and mobility related threats: the case of Nigerian banking sector

Securing BYOD environment from social and mobility related threats: the case of Nigerian banking sector

Supplemental Material for The Transfer of Social Threat Learning to Decision Making Is Robust to Extinction

Supplemental Material for The Transfer of Social Threat Learning to Decision Making Is Robust to Extinction

International Terrorism and Social Threats of Artificial Intelligence

International Terrorism and Social Threats of Artificial Intelligence

회귀나무 분석을 이용한 외국인비율, 집단위협인식, 집합효율성 관계에 관한 탐색적 연구

In order to empirically verify the integrative hypothesis of the Social Integration Model-Group Threat Theory, this paper examines the relationship between the proportion of foreigners in residential areas and Koreans' perception of group threat and collective efficiency. This analysis is conducted at the exploratory level using regression tree analysis. The case of 800 Korean residents was utilized as secondary data in the “Research on Measures for Strengthening the Efficacy of Criminal Policy for Guaranteeing Public Safety (IV): A Study on the Safety Condition and Policy Issues in Foreign Population Concentrated Areas” conducted by the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice. As a result of the main analysis, it was found that the integrated hypothesis of the Social Integration Model-Group Threat Theory, which has been discussed in Western society, was partially supported. However, the factor of perceived group threat had a significant effect only in multi-ethnic communities with more than 50% of foreigners in predicting collective efficiency. Through the derived results, the study suggests the necessity of implementing a control policy to mitigate the spread of anti-multicultural emotions resulting from the increasing ethnic diversity. Finally, the study also presents its limitations.

АЗЫРКЫ КООМДУН ШАРТЫНДА МЕКТЕП ОКУУЧУЛАРЫНЫН ПСИХОЛОГИЯЛЫК ЖАКТАН КОРГООГО АЛЫНБАГАН МАСЕЛЕЛЕРИ

The paper deals with the problems of psychological insecurity of a child in the educational environment of the school, due to the current situation in the education system and the growing needs of society for a psychologically healthy person who could successfully cope with the technological, informational and socio-psychological threats of the modern world. An assessment is given of the social threats of the educational environment and its negative consequences, which contribute to the formation of an inferiority complex in children, the emergence of social diseases, the development of deviant behavior and problems of social adaptation in the future. The need to create favorable conditions for the student is noted, providing such a mental state that makes it possible to master the educational material quite well, find a common language with classmates and the teacher, develop his mental and psychological capabilities, contribute to his physical and mental health, the formation of the psychological stability of the individual to the difficulties of life. . The importance of developing targeted educational standards, programs, priority technologies for creating an acceptable educational environment at school and the role of a psychological service that would contribute to the formation of a healthy and prosperous personality in society are highlighted. The relevance of this problem is also indicated by the fact that it has been studied relatively recently and has not been sufficiently developed at the present stage.

Conspiracies and contagion: Two patterns of COVID-19 related beliefs associated with distinct mental symptomatology

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unique challenges, leading to a simultaneous decline in global mental well-being and an increase in perceived social threats. The present study explores the interplay between COVID-19 beliefs and mental health symptoms in a multinational sample of 1523 individuals primarily from Canada, the US and Mexico. Between May 2020 and February 2021, participants completed an online survey assessing somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, alexithymia, and psychotic-like symptoms, along with the newly developed COVID-19 beliefs questionnaire (CBQ). The CBQ consisted of a series of statements corresponding to different beliefs about the origins and consequences of the virus and it revealed two dimensions through Exploratory Factor Analysis: Fear of contagion of COVID-19 (FC) and COVID-19 denial/conspiratorial ideation (CI).Correlation analyses and linear regressions revealed a negative correlation between these two belief patterns as well their distinct associations with mental health symptoms. Fear of contagion was positively predicted by somatic symptoms and anxiety. In contrast, COVID-19 denial/conspiratorial ideation was positively predicted by positive psychotic-like experiences, alexithymia, and depression, and negatively predicted by negative psychotic-like symptoms. Furthermore, the relationship between positive psychotic-like symptoms and CI was mediated negatively by negative psychotic-like symptoms, suggesting that individuals with higher self-reported delusional ideation and bizarre experiences but lower avolition during the pandemic were the most likely to endorse COVID-19 related conspiracy theories.We provide an interpretation of these results according to which these two profiles represent distinct doxastic threat responses, shaped by the interaction between the non-specific pandemic distress response and individual proneness to mental health symptomatology.

Regional manufacturing composition and political (dis)content in Europe

ABSTRACT This article examines the relationship between changes in manufacturing employment and political discontent in European regions, using a multilevel hybrid model and data from the European Social Survey and European Commission. The analysis reveals that within regions, a decrease in manufacturing jobs leads to greater political discontent, but this relationship is not observed when comparing variation in manufacturing levels across regions. Additionally, the analysis demonstrates that this discontent manifests more as dissatisfaction with the government, rather than distrust in political institutions and actors. Native-born, lower social classes and individuals living in rural areas display more discontent, even after considering material factors. The study highlights the role of declining social status and identity threats due to manufacturing job losses as a likely driver of political discontent. It calls for more research on the effects of manufacturing transitions in Europe on the formation of political attitudes among various social groups.

Social Engineering Cyber Threats

The article explores the pervasive threat of social engineering in cybersecurity, emphasizing its success in infiltrating information systems by manipulating individuals rather than employing traditional hacking methods. The author underscores the vulnerability arising from human trust, as individuals, especially those lacking technology education, tend to be targets. While cryptography offers partial security, social engineering complicates overall system security. Mitigation strategies include educating employees on threats, risks, and security policies, coupled with enforcing penalties for noncompliance. Additionally, employing two-factor authentication and physical token-based access adds layers of protection. The article delves into semantic attacks, classifying various exploitation methods and emphasizing the critical role of user awareness. It addresses prevalent scams such as phishing, vishing, impersonation, and smishing, noting their impact on individuals and organizations. The study extends its focus globally, highlighting a unique advance fee fraud targeting vulnerable populations. Social engineering remains a significant challenge despite technological advancements, necessitating a multifaceted approach combining technical defenses, education, and public awareness.

Transformation of The Activities of Public Libraries of Polyd's Under the Conditions of Marital State

The purpose of the work is to represent the main areas of activity of Podillia public libraries under the conditions of martial law in Ukraine. The research methodology consists in the use of activity-based, human-centered and socio-communication approaches, which reflect changes in priorities in the functioning of the library and information sphere in the conditions of social threats. Also, general scientific (analysis, descriptive and generalization) and special (library) methods were used, which made it possible to realize the set goal. The scientific novelty of the presented work lies in the expansion of ideas about the role and significance of public libraries in Podillia in the life of communities during the difficult time of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The peculiarities of the main areas of activity of Podillia public libraries in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine are revealed. The relevance of the proposed topic is that work during the period of martial law in Ukraine shifted the emphasis on the priority of the basic functions of libraries, because they quite naturally, as socially oriented institutions, focused on the consolidation of the Ukrainian people on the way to Victory over the treacherous invader, which significantly increased their social role and positively affected their responsibility to society in general. Conclusions. It is proved that today the public libraries of Podillia are free public cultural and educational institutions that quickly provide open access to their own funds, information and knowledge for community residents (from preschoolers to the elderly, people with special needs) and all categories of remote users. successfully satisfy educational, leisure, spiritual, informational, educational, socialization and other needs of readers, try to "be everything to everyone". The priority of universal values ​​in the activity of public libraries of Podillia, which in the conditions of martial law function in line with all-Ukrainian trends, put new tasks on the agenda, which are implemented through the active introduction of innovative forms, especially in the multimedia environment. Keywords: library function, Podillia public libraries, information resource, consolidation, information space, digitization.

SWOT Analysis of the English Language Learning Process in Senior Learners

We live in a globalised and highly technological world, where the importance of knowing a language is a social need, regardless of the age. Nowadays, senior learners demand educational spaces where they can improve their social and personal development to remain active and integrated in the society. The main objective of this study is to analyse the factors that affect the English language learning process of adult learners. To do that, a SWOT analysis has been carried out. The results point out that despite certain physical and cognitive weaknesses and some language and social threats, this language learning process promotes a huge increase in their intrinsic motivation. They highlight the personal satisfaction as one of the key aspects.

Challenged global economics amid conflict in warring countries

This research delves into the multifaceted challenges posed to society and regional development in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with a specific focus on the period spanning from February 2022 to February 2023 as a response to the social and entrepreneurial threats that have appeared due to the conflict. In addition, this research seeks not only to alleviate prevailing uncertainties but also to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape by identifying causal factors and providing a relevant contextual framework for the threats to society and regional development in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which affects sustainability both economically and socially. These disruptions have given rise to unprecedented uncertainties that could potentially trigger an irreversible cascade of shortages, leading to escalating costs of critical or irreplaceable products that directly affect regional development. This paper scrutinizes this intricate process, aiming to discern underlying patterns and mitigate the prevailing uncertainty—a state that challenges rational decision-making. In this pursuit, established economic theories are deployed to provide comprehensive insights into the evolving reality. Through an in-depth analysis of the interplay between the Covid-19 pandemic, the ensuing economic crisis, and the ramifications of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, this research reveals a stark decline in economic growth. In addition, the present study explores potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of enhancing workforce skills through meticulously designed educational strategies and promoting gender diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.

Social threat processing in adults and children: Faster orienting to, but shorter dwell time on, angry faces during visual search.

Attention to emotional signals conveyed by others is critical for gleaning information about potential social partners and the larger social context. Children appear to detect social threats (e.g., angry faces) faster than non-threatening social signals (e.g., neutral faces). However, methods that rely on behavioral responses alone are limited in identifying different attentional processes involved in threat detection or responding. To address this question, we used a visual search paradigm to assess behavioral (i.e., reaction time to select a target image) and attentional (i.e., eye-tracking fixations, saccadic shifts, and dwell time) responses in children (ages 7-10 years old, N=42) and adults (ages 18-23 years old, N=46). In doing so, we compared behavioral responding and attentional detection and engagement with threatening (i.e., angry and fearful faces) and non-threatening (i.e., happy faces) social signals. Overall, children and adults were faster to detect social threats (i.e., angry faces), but spent a smaller proportion of time dwelling on them and had slower behavioral responses. Findings underscore the importance of combining different measures to parse differences between processing versus responding to social signals across development. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Children and adults are slower to select angry faces when measured by time to mouse-click but faster to detect angry faces when measured by time to first eye fixation. The use of eye-tracking addresses some limitations of prior visual search tasks with children that rely on behavioral responses alone. Results suggest shorter time to first fixation, but subsequently, shorter duration of dwell on social threat in children and adults.

The effects of childhood maltreatment on social support, inflammation, and depressive symptoms in adulthood

RationaleSocial Safety Theory (SST) suggests that social threats increase inflammation, exacerbating health risks, but that social support may decrease inflammatory signaling. One of the key health problems affected by both social forces and inflammation is major depression. ObjectiveThe present study sought to test aspects of the SST, to understand how social support and inflammation may mediate the effects of childhood maltreatment on depressive symptoms in adulthood. MethodsThis study utilized data from the national Midlife Development in the United States study (n = 1969; mean age 53; 77.2% White; 53.6% female) to model the effects of childhood maltreatment on depressive symptoms in adulthood and the potential serial mediating effects of social support and inflammation. Analyses were conducted via structural equation modeling, using the four subscales of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to indicate depressive symptoms, the five subscales of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire to indicate childhood maltreatment, and the Positive Relations Scale and a network level measure of support as indicators of social support. Inflammation was indexed using C-reactive protein (CRP). The model was estimated via maximum likelihood with robust standard errors and significance of indirect effects were assessed via a Sobel test. ResultsChildhood maltreatment was associated with increased depressive symptoms and CRP but decreased social support. Social support was associated with decreased depressive symptoms while CRP was associated with increased depressive symptoms. Assessing indirect effects yielded no serial mediation effect; however, a significant indirect effect from childhood maltreatment to depressive symptoms through social support was identified. ConclusionsAnalyses indicate mixed support for the SST with respect to depressive symptoms. Results highlight the role of social support in mitigating the effects depressive symptoms in adulthood; although, alternative strategies may be needed to decrease the effects of childhood maltreatment on inflammation as indexed by CRP.

Intervention Bias: People Overpredict Social Problems in Which They Believe Society Can Intervene

Abstract Evidence indicates that when people forecast potential social risks, they are guided not only by facts but often by motivated reasoning also. Here I apply a Bayesian decision framework to interpret the role of motivated reasoning during forecasting and assess some of the ensuing predictions. In 2 online studies, for each of a set of potential risky social events (e.g., economic crisis, rise of income inequality, and increase in violent crime), participants expressed judgments about the probability that the event will occur, how negative occurrence of the event would be, whether society is able to intervene in the event. Supporting predictions of the Bayesian decision model, the analyses revealed that participants who deemed the events as more probable also assessed occurrence of the events as more negative and believed society to be more capable to intervene in the events. Supporting the notion that a social threat is appraised as more probable when an intervention is deemed to be possible, these findings are compatible with a form of intervention bias. These observations are relevant for campaigns aimed at informing the population about potential social risks such as climate change, economic dislocations, and pandemics.

Paranoia and Social Anxiety: Predicting Aggressive Behavior

Aggression is a transdiagnostic behavior that is associated with poor clinical outcomes. As such, it is important to understand factors that contribute to various manifestations of aggressive behavior. Recent research has revealed a subtype of individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) who tend to display relatively high amounts of aggression and experience more severe social anxiety and dysfunction compared to individuals in the prototypical SAD group. The current study used a status threat manipulation along with behavioral indices of aggression to examine the impact of paranoia and social anxiety symptom severity on aggression in a sample of undergraduates with social anxiety (N = 220). Analyses indicated that paranoia uniquely predicted indirect aggression whereas an interaction between social status threat, paranoia, and social anxiety severity uniquely predicted direct aggression. These findings suggest that paranoia may be a particularly important contributor to aggression among individuals with social anxiety.