Online Communities Research Articles

Reduction of screen induced myopia by parental interventions

Abstract Background Excessive use of digital devices, including smartphones and tablets, has been shown to increase the risk of myopia in children. Gaps persist in understanding parental attitudes towards handheld screen use and effective interventions guiding eye health policies. This study examined the associations between parental behavior related to myopia and children’s handheld screen use. Methods Data obtained from 395 parents of pre-adolescents (Mean age 10.63; SD 1.09) were used, collected from an online community panel. Parents reported on various behavioral determinants related to myopia and their child’s screen time: knowledge, attitude, risk perception and self-efficacy. They reported on their child’s frequency and amount of screen use. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between variables, using parental efforts to reduce screens as outcome measure. Results Of the 395 participating 9-12 year-olds, 73.4% of the children spent up to two hours a day on recreational handheld screens, 26% more than two hours. Of the parents surveyed, 28.1% perceived the risk of screen-induced myopia as significant, prompting 62.6% of them to take active measures to minimize screen time. The more knowledge parents had on child myopia the more they attempted to reduce screen time (OR = 2.57; 95% CI [1.57-4.19], p = <.001). Moreover, a more negative attitude towards screens was significantly related to attempting to reduce screen time (OR = 1.26; 95% CI[1.17-1.35],p = <.001). Key messages • These findings emphasize a need to address parental knowledge and attitude towards myopia and screen time reduction. • We recommend increasing knowledge, influencing attitude and searching for alternatives as a part of behavioral change strategies.

Involuntary singlehood, gender equality and mental health in contemporary Sweden

Abstract In recent years, acts of violence against women have been tied to online communities of men who self-identify as involuntary celibates or ‘incels’. These men experience an inability to enter intimate relationships with women, attributing the issue to a gynocentric order in which women hold power and men are victims. This is while evidence suggests that in contemporary societies at large, growing numbers of men live without, or face difficulties in forming, intimate relationships with women, and while many men in Sweden, particularly young ones, report loneliness. At the same time, in Sweden we see a growing polarization between men and women regarding views on gender equality, especially among youth, as young men express gender conservative values and the notion that feminism is to blame for some men’s feelings of societal marginalization. Increased knowledge about these issues, and how they may be connected, is of strong importance for public mental health. In an ongoing research project, we take the incels phenomenon as our starting-point and as one area of attention, while also directing focus toward involuntary singlehood and celibacy among men and women in Sweden more broadly. The latter is investigated through a survey, which is the focus of this presentation. The survey explores the prevalence of short- and long-term experiences of involuntary singlehood and celibacy among men and women in the general population (n = 5000), and how such experiences are made sense of. Any correlations between such experiences and self-rated mental health and satisfaction with life, and attitudes towards gender equality and violence against women, are investigated, including any noteworthy differences along lines of gender, age and socioeconomic background. Experienced loneliness, irrespective of relationship status, is also assessed. The presentation will discuss preliminary results of the survey study and discuss their implications for public mental health. Key messages • Involuntary singlehood among men is a public health issue warranting further investigation. • Correlations between involuntary singlehood and mental health as well as attitudes towards gender equality will be discussed.

Metrics to Increase Data Usage Understanding and Transparency

Data metrics are essential to assess the impact of data repositories' holdings and to understand the research practices of the community that they serve. These metrics are useful for reporting to funders, to inform community engagement strategies, and to direct and sustain repository services. In turn, communicating these metrics to the user community conveys transparency and elicits their trust in data sharing. However, because data metrics are time-sensitive and context-dependent, tracking, interpreting, and communicating them is challenging. In this work we introduce data usage analyses including benchmarking and grouping, developed to better assess the impact of the DesignSafe Data Depot, a natural hazards data repository. Make Data Count compliant metrics are analysed in relation to research methods, sub-disciplines, natural hazard types, and time, to learn what data is being used, what influences data usage, and to establish realistic usage expectations. Results are interpreted in relation to the research and publication practices of the community and to natural hazard events. In addition, we introduce strategies to clearly communicate dataset metrics to users.

Exploring the Relationship between Individual Information Technology Ethics and Netizenship Behaviors

In the digital age, information technology (IT) ethics plays a critical role in shaping netizenship behavior within online communities. This concept paper examines the relationship between individual IT ethics and netizenship behavior and emphasizes how ethical principles guide responsible and constructive participation in digital spaces. Based on theoretical frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Digital Citizenship, the article examines the influence of ethical IT practices on positive netizenship, including factors such as digital literacy, hierarchical influence and cultural or religious values. The review shows that people with strong IT ethics are more likely to engage in responsible online behavior, promoting healthier digital environments. By identifying gaps in the existing literature, the paper proposes a conceptual model to guide future empirical research on how ethical IT use influences digital citizenship. The findings highlight the importance of promoting IT ethics and digital literacy to improve online interactions and contribute to more engaged, respectful and responsible digital communities.

Genealogy in social media: navigating time and space

ABSTRACT Driven by the increasing use of social media by people seeking to reconstruct family histories and preserve historical, cultural, and societal legacy, genealogy-based online communities are experiencing a surge in popularity. This study explores how trauma-affected communities use online communities to reconstruct their identities and histories, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of these groups in the digital age. Based on the theory of Knowledge Co-Creation, this paper presents a novel conceptual framework designed to categorize the content in such communities. This framework is composed of two axes. The first axis, ‘Time,’ reflects the evolving character of participants’ involvement, starting with an exploration of immediate family history and gradually expanding to encompass a broader interest in ancestral and communal history of the past. The second axis, ‘Space,’ explores the interplay between online interactions and offline activities. To demonstrate the applicability of this framework, the paper focuses on the case study of the WhatsApp community dedicated to collaborative research of the descendants of annihilated Jewish communities of the Upper Silesia region of southwestern Poland.This research contributes to the literature on digital genealogy and online communities by offering a structured approach to analyzing the dynamics of trauma-affected populations engaging in collaborative genealogical research.

Social participation and loneliness in older adults: the moderating role of views of social change

ABSTRACT Our study investigates the relationship between social participation and loneliness among Chinese older adults, and explores how their views of social change moderate the strength of this relationship. We utilised cross-sectional nationwide data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS). Results show that increased online participation and community participation correlated with decreased loneliness, while greater workforce participation associated with increased loneliness. Moreover, older adults’ views of social change could moderate the association between their community participation and loneliness. Our findings indicate that promoting social participation and addressing older adults’ views of social change would help tackle later-life loneliness.

Self-Regulation of Internet Behaviors on Social Media Platforms

The current research sought a comprehensive understanding about the consequences of information-sharing behavior on social media, given public concerns about privacy violations. We used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the influence of the self on “revealing” and emotional “healing” experiences online. Respondents completed a survey measuring sense of self and motivations for using social media, as well as revealing and healing attitudes and behavior. We conducted a principal component factor analysis on separate parts of the survey and ran Pearson correlations of the emerging factors. Qualitative data describing experiences of online self-disclosure were used to illustrate the correlational findings. The “revealing” factors contrasted adaptive with maladaptive and naïve posting. The sense of self, as well as motivations for social media use, influenced whether users engaged in destructive posting behaviors. The “healing” factors were associated with positive motivations for self-disclosure, seeking a supportive online community, and building resilience. Correlational data revealed that respondents with an insecure or asocial sense of self felt the greater need for online self-disclosure. Motivations to self-disclose online and experiences of “healing”, with the help of a supportive online community, depended on whether the sense of self was secure, insecure, or asocial.

Exploring adult hearing aid user experiences: meaning extraction methods, content patterns, and associations with demographic and outcome variables

Objective Employing automated language analysis, specifically Meaning Extraction Method (MEM) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), to identify key factors in open-text responses about hearing aid experiences. Design Exploratory, cross-sectional design, using an online questionnaire. Responses to a single open-ended question were analysed using MEM, PCA, regression, and correlation analyses. Study sample Participants (n = 538) included adult hearing aid users sampled from the Hearing Tracker website community and Lexie Hearing user databases in the United States. Results The MEM-derived items revealed six factors related to hearing aid experiences: (1) life change, (2) social situation, (3) quality of life, (4) impact and speech understanding, (5) communication and interaction, and (6) music and environmental sounds. IOI-HA item 3 had the most statistically significant correlations with PCA factors. Quantile regression revealed that factors one and two significantly predicted the IOI-HA total score. Positive correlations were observed between self-reported hearing difficulty and factors one, four, and five, as well as between factor one and general health and factor two and physical activity. Conclusion Natural language analysis of open-ended textual responses can offer valuable insights into hearing aid users’ experiences. Future studies should aim to refine this methodology to enhance clinical relevance and generalisability.

Personal Experience Sharing Cat Meme Videos among Contemporary Chinese Young People: Take the Bilibili Platform as an Example

Abstract: This study explores the phenomenon of personal experience-sharing cat meme videos among contemporary Chinese young people on the Bilibili platform. By employing qualitative content and discourse analysis on two popular cat meme videos and their comments, this research delves into how these videos foster empathetic communication, thereby forming an interactive connection between creators and audiences. The research finds that the cat meme video connects the real world with the video world through the means of cat meme symbol, scene construction, narrative method, and atmosphere creation. The cat meme video absorbs the audiences emotional perception and identification, so as to promote the audiences emotional fit with the cat meme video and thus trigger the audiences empathy. The findings indicate that viewers are not merely passive recipients but active participants who, through their interactions, enhance the emotional transmission of the videos. This two-way empathy communication leads to the establishment of a supportive online community, where individuals share similar experiences, offer advice, and provide emotional support. Consequently, cat meme videos on Bilibili serve as a medium for young people to express their social emotions, creating a vibrant and emotionally connected online community.

Research on the Impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty and Investor Sentiment on the Growth Enterprise Market Return in China—An Empirical Study Based on TVP-SV-VAR Model

This study employs the economic policy uncertainty index to gauge the level of economic policy uncertainty in China. Utilizing textual data from the growth enterprise market internet community, we construct the growth enterprise market investor sentiment index by applying the deep learning ERNIE (Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration) model, thereby capturing investors’ sentiment within the growth enterprise market. The dynamic interplay between economic policy uncertainty, investor sentiment, and returns of the growth enterprise market is scrutinized via the TVP-SV-VAR (time-varying parameter stochastic volatility vector auto-regression) model, and the asymmetric response of different industries’ stock returns within the growth enterprise market to economic policy uncertainty and investor sentiment shock. The findings of this research are that economic policy uncertainty exerts a negative influence on both investor sentiment and returns of the growth enterprise market. While it may trigger a temporary decline in stock prices, the empirical evidence suggests that the impact is of short duration. The influence of investor sentiment on the growth enterprise market returns is characterized by a reversal effect, suggesting that improved sentiment may initially boost stock prices but could lead to a subsequent decline over the long term. The relationship between economic policy uncertainty, investor sentiment, and returns of the growth enterprise market is time-variant, with heightened sensitivity observed during bull markets. Lastly, the effects of economic policy uncertainty and investor sentiment on the returns of different industries within the growth enterprise market are found to be asymmetric. These conclusions contribute to the existing body of literature on the Chinese capital market, offering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics and the factors influencing market behavior.

Strategies To Improve Financial Technology Literacy For Millennials And Generation Z

This study analyses the problems and priorities of strategies to improve financial technology literacy, especially among Millennials and Generation Z. This mixed method study uses the analytic network process (ANP) approach. The data sources used are primary and secondary data. Interviews, questionnaires, and literature carried out data collection techniques. Interviews and questionnaires were conducted with seven informants: one regulator, three academics, and three online loan users. The study results showed that the geometric mean determined the priority of fintech literacy problems. The prioritized aspects are the need for more public understanding of online loans, interest rates, and community needs. The priority strategy in improving fintech literacy among Millennials and Generation Z in Bengkalis Regency is to carry out Sharia literacy regarding online loans, regulate online loan interest rates, and reduce the community's need for online loans. Theoretically, this study strengthens the validity of the trade-off theory and provides new insights into strategies to improve fintech literacy. Practically, it contributes to providing strategies to improve fintech literacy for stakeholders.

INSTAGRAM @ INDONESIABAIK.ID ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AS A MEDIUM FOR DISSEMINATING PUBLIC INFORMATION

Social media is a platform that allows users to engage in interaction, collaboration, and the formation of virtual social communities. Social media plays an important role in the dissemination of information. This research aims to study how to manage Instagram accounts owned by the Indonesian government, namely, Indonesian accounts belonging to Kominfo. The research uses a qualitative approach to gather in-depth narratives and detailed accounts from informants. The data was collected through interviews, observations, and literature studies. Finally, the data was interpreted to answer the research questions and provide meaningful insights. This study contributes to understanding the effective management of social media platforms, specifically Instagram, as a tool for disseminating public information. The study provides insights into strategies and practices that can optimize social media usage for public communication, enhancing engagement, information accessibility, and public awareness. This could provide further insights into optimizing social media strategies for public information dissemination.

Analysis of time to regulatory approval in an exception from informed consent trial in trauma patients

BACKGROUND The interactive media–based approach to community consultation and public disclosure (CC/PD), a key step when conducting exception from informed consent (EFIC) clinical trials, is intended to be completed in 4 months. This analysis characterizes the process, from initiation of CC/PD activities to institutional review board approval, to better understand the barriers and how these can be mitigated. METHODS This is a retrospective post hoc analysis of data collected as part of the CC/PD campaigns conducted for a large trial involving up to 90 trauma centers in the United States. Each site was provided with templated materials that had been reviewed and approved by a central institutional review board (cIRB). We collected the dates of milestones, including the study “kickoff call,” start of the social media campaign, dates of online community meetings, date of submission of site report to the cIRB, and cIRB approval date. RESULTS Sixty-two sites were cIRB approved at the time of this analysis. The median time from the kickoff call to the start of the social media campaign was 79 days, with an interquartile range of 33 to 126 days (range, 0–285 days). All social media campaigns ran for the prescribed period of at least 2 months. All sites conducted at least four online community meetings. The median number of days from the kickoff call to cIRB approval was 216 days (interquartile range, 168–281 days; range, 116–459 days). There was no significant difference between sites that had previous experience of EFIC trials. CONCLUSION Using the interactive media–based approach, CC/PD can be completed quickly; however, there are barriers that can incur substantial delays. Greater harmonization of local administrative processes would shorten the time to conduct CC/PD activities and facilitate the timely commencement and execution of EFIC trials. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic Review without Meta-analysis; Level III.

Voluntary Participation Mediates the Relationship Between Multi-Membership in Online Communities and Life Satisfaction Among Chinese Populations: A Gendered Perspective

Whether and how multi-membership in online communities might relate to life satisfaction within the Chinese population remain unclear. This study adopts a gendered perspective to explore the mediating role of voluntary participation in the relationship mentioned above based on a cross-sectional analysis of 2558 respondents from the 2019 Chinese Social Survey (CSS). Multivariable regressions and a mediation analysis were adopted for analyses. The findings reveal that a higher level of multi-membership in online communities is associated with greater life satisfaction for both males (B = 0.31, SE = 0.11) and females (B = 0.10, SE = 0.02). Specifically, the positive relationship is partially mediated (6.6%) by increased voluntary participation among females, where involvement in multiple types of online communities correlates with a heightened likelihood of engaging in voluntary activities (B = 0.006, Z = 3.910), which in turn contributes to higher levels of life satisfaction (B = 0.114, Z = 2.760). However, voluntary participation does not exhibit a significant mediating role in the relationship between multi-membership and life satisfaction among males. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate ways in which online interactions can affect voluntary participation and life satisfaction, underscoring the importance of considering gender differences in these dynamics.

Identity Construction in Fan Community: An Analysis of Online Discourse among (G)I-DLE Fans in Mainland China on Sina Weibo

Fandom has become a social and cultural phenomenon reflecting practical activities in the fan community. The prevalence of social media and online fan communities has facilitated the transnational industries of Korean popular culture (K-pop) in mainland China. Fans are enthusiastic about creating posts dedicated to their idol(s) or music bands to broaden the influence of the celebrities and establish personal connections with them. The unique interaction patterns in the K-pop fan community reflect the process of fans’ identity identification and construction. This article explores how mainland fans employ discursive strategies to construct their identity and legitimize their behaviors on social media. A total of 80 posts in (G)I-DLE Super Topic made by mainland China netizens have been collected from Sina Weibo. The findings illustrate the construction of both individual and collective identities among fans, which are shaped by various contexts and different communicative purposes. Further analysis explores the potential impact of fans' identities within online communities on the K-pop market in mainland China.

The Role of Community Aesthetics in the External Communication Discourse System of Chinese Films Under the Background of the “Belt and Road” Initiative

As a cultural product, films bear the mission and responsibility of shaping the national image and conveying the spirit of China in international cultural exchanges. However, since the proposal of the “Belt and Road” initiative in 2013, the dissemination of Chinese films in countries along the route has remained unsatisfactory, thereby underscoring the urgency of reconstructing the discourse system for the external communication of Chinese films. To address this issue, it is of the utmost importance to establish a creative orientation that is focused on reshaping China’s image, fully exploring Chinese stories and the essence of the Chinese spirit, and developing a discourse system that is centered on Chinese narratives and supported by the theoretical framework of community aesthetics. Moreover, it is vital to engage in comprehensive collaboration in cultural exchanges with countries along the Belt and Road. This necessitates the adaptation of Chinese film promotion and distribution strategies to align with the characteristics of the new media era. Leveraging the aggregating power of new media platforms and online communities is essential for the creation of a sustainable and Chinese-style industrial model for the global dissemination of Chinese films.

The Role of Community Aesthetics in the External Communication Discourse System of Chinese Films Under the Background of the “Belt and Road” Initiative

As a cultural product, films bear the mission and responsibility of shaping the national image and conveying the spirit of China in international cultural exchanges. However, since the proposal of the “Belt and Road” initiative in 2013, the dissemination of Chinese films in countries along the route has remained unsatisfactory, thereby underscoring the urgency of reconstructing the discourse system for the external communication of Chinese films. To address this issue, it is of the utmost importance to establish a creative orientation that is focused on reshaping China’s image, fully exploring Chinese stories and the essence of the Chinese spirit, and developing a discourse system that is centered on Chinese narratives and supported by the theoretical framework of community aesthetics. Moreover, it is vital to engage in comprehensive collaboration in cultural exchanges with countries along the Belt and Road. This necessitates the adaptation of Chinese film promotion and distribution strategies to align with the characteristics of the new media era. Leveraging the aggregating power of new media platforms and online communities is essential for the creation of a sustainable and Chinese-style industrial model for the global dissemination of Chinese films.

Identity Construction in Fan Community: An Analysis of Online Discourse among (G)I-DLE Fans in Mainland China on Sina Weibo

Fandom has become a social and cultural phenomenon reflecting practical activities in the fan community. The prevalence of social media and online fan communities has facilitated the transnational industries of Korean popular culture (K-pop) in mainland China. Fans are enthusiastic about creating posts dedicated to their idol(s) or music bands to broaden the influence of the celebrities and establish personal connections with them. The unique interaction patterns in the K-pop fan community reflect the process of fans’ identity identification and construction. This article explores how mainland fans employ discursive strategies to construct their identity and legitimize their behaviors on social media. A total of 80 posts in (G)I-DLE Super Topic made by mainland China netizens have been collected from Sina Weibo. The findings illustrate the construction of both individual and collective identities among fans, which are shaped by various contexts and different communicative purposes. Further analysis explores the potential impact of fans' identities within online communities on the K-pop market in mainland China.

The influence of virtual community platform attributes on Chinese luxury consumers’ purchase intention: The role of policy innovation in digital infrastructure

This research examines the influence of virtual community platform attributes on luxury consumers’ purchase intentions, with a specific focus on the role of policy innovation in digital infrastructure. The study aims to 1) identify key factors affecting purchase intentions toward luxury products in virtual environments; 2) develop and validate a structural equation model to analyze these intentions; and 3) provide actionable insights for luxury goods marketers to refine their strategies within these platforms. Utilizing a structural equation model, the study investigates the interactions among various determinants of consumer behavior in virtual communities, highlighting the impact of policy innovation. Data was collected through purposive sampling from 1142 respondents in China’s top 10 high-spending cities on luxury goods, ensuring data relevance. The findings emphasize the significance of knowledge sharing, interactive communication, and leaders’ opinions in virtual communities in building consumer trust and shaping perceptions of online reviews. These elements influence purchase intentions directly and indirectly, with consumer trust serving as a crucial mediator. The study reveals the substantial impact of virtual community attributes on fostering consumer trust and shaping buying decisions for luxury items, underlining the contribution of social development processes. Moreover, the role of policy innovation is found to be significant in enhancing these virtual community dynamics, suggesting that regulatory changes can positively influence consumer engagement and trust. The conclusions offer valuable implications for marketers, proposing strategies to boost consumer engagement and drive sales in virtual settings. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of digital consumer behavior and provides practical strategies for innovation and growth within the luxury goods sector, emphasizing the critical role of policy innovation in shaping these dynamics.

The Butterfly effect in the consumption of electric and hybrid cars: between utilitarianism and environmental awareness

In this study, we conducted an investigation aimed at understanding the consumption of hybrid or electric vehicles from utilitarian or substantive aspects. Employing a qualitative and exploratory approach grounded in culture and consumption studies, we adopted netnography as the method for data collection and analysis (Kozinets, 2006; 2019). Our focus was directed towards participation in an online community of electric car consumers, as well as the analysis of interactive chats and comments on online videos about hybrid cars. Surprisingly, our findings revealed that many consumers embark on their journey motivated by the financial benefits of electric cars, drawn by the promise of savings. However, over time, we identified an intriguing phenomenon that we termed the "butterfly effect": as consumers engage more deeply in the consumption experience and interact within the online community, there is a significant increase in environmental awareness. This finding suggests that sustainable automobile consumption transcends purely utilitarian considerations, incorporating values and environmental concerns. Interaction within the online community emerges as a crucial factor in this process, serving as a catalyst for a shift in perspective towards vehicle consumption. The exchange of information, experiences, and perspectives within this virtual environment appears to stimulate deeper reflection on the environmental ramifications of their consumption choices. Thus, this study offers significant insights into the dynamics of consumer behavior regarding sustainable vehicles, highlighting the importance of online interactions in promoting environmental awareness and the adoption of more sustainable consumption practices. Furthermore, it underscores the need for a more holistic approach to understanding consumer motivations and decision-making processes in this evolving landscape.