Youth Perceptions Research Articles

Media Bias

Abstract There is a need to emphasize the magnitude of the tragedies caused by the war on terror by drawing viewers’ attention toward terrorist groups’ terrible activities on social media sites for awareness and understanding. The present study aims to assess the perceptions of youth towards the coverage of international terrorism through social media. The random sampling technique was used to recruit 1020 participants from 22 Arab states. The study revealed that social media sites broadcast international terrorism news that has an impact on the Arab region where Islam is represented as the prime mover behind those acts of terror. The majority believed that the coverage of the Arab media, in comparison with the international media, was much more impartial. No statistical difference was observed between gender and dependency on the news on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). The findings also showed that raising awareness of Arab youth is needed to develop their media literacy and their independent analysis of biased coverage of social media in order to prevent radicalization.

Rallying Europe: young women and men searching for a life and a future

ABSTRACT The turmoil of the mid-twentieth century saw young people mobilized for action across Europe in an unprecedented manner. Concurrently, against the backdrop of the struggle between democratic and authoritarian projects, war and fragile peace, young people increasingly became a target of state legislation, (mass) organizations and other institutions. From the end of the First World War to the aftermath of the Second World War, Europe witnessed fundamental changes in the social regimes that determined societal power distribution. This special issue approaches the first half of the twentieth century through the lens of age and gender as interdependent categories of analysis. In doing so, the authors reveal how adult perceptions of youth and gender framed young men and women’s lives, as well as their roles in society. Vice versa, the authors explore how these perceptions collided with youth agency, probing the specific age – and gender-related dynamics of empowerment and organization. By zooming in on the concrete young actors and the institutional settings that limited their scope of action, processes of wayward appropriations will be contrasted with institutionalized attempts to control and lead ‘the young’. As such, the authors contribute to a global academic discussion on age, gender, the lifecycle and intersectionality.

Knowledge and perception of urban youth on urban agriculture

Knowledge and perception of urban youth on urban agriculture

Persepsi Pemuda Terhadap Pekerjaan di Bidang Pertanian di Kecamatan Pamona Timur Kabupaten Poso

This study aims to determine youth perceptions toward jobs in the agricultural sector and the factors that influenced youth perceptions toward jobs in the agricultural sector. This research was conducted in East Pamona District, Poso Regency, from March to June 2023. The data sources used in this study were primary data and secondary data. The population is 3809 youths, while the sample is 100 youths. The analytical instrument used was quantitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that the youth in Pamona Timur District had a positive perception toward jobs in the agricultural sector, with a total score of 2626. Besides, the expectation of youth in East Pamona District is exceptionally favorable toward jobs in the agricultural sector. In addition, the factors that can influence the perception of youth in the Pamona Timur Subdistrict towards job in the agricultural sector are the family environment and land ownership status. Prestige is the reason why the young people in East Pamona District rarely work in the agricultural sector.

중국 청년들을 둘러싼 저층화 공간 서사의 전환과 재맥락화

This research examines how impoverished youth's perceptions of space, both real dwelling spaces and abstract social progress areas, are evolving. It examines in particular how the problems of'snail homes' and 'ant tribes', which were big difficulties connected to living spaces in the early 2010s, are continuing in what social context, and how disadvantaged youth are generating new narratives within this. They deploy narratives of 'disgust and exclusion' and'sympathy and empathy' towards poverty at the same time, eventually demonstrating new attitudes and actions in reaction to the state's narrative that has backed the development logic. Of course, their living conditions have not changed significantly, but the young are now learning to collect and recontextualize their own experiences and narratives in limited living spaces. Furthermore, in terms of social progress, they choose employment that provide stability in their lives rather than a single direction of travel focused in the city or the quest of tremendous achievement. Even people with strong academic credentials opt to go to the competitive perimeter, advance their jobs, and then return to the core city. The author believes that their psychological state is not entirely free of the stress of a competitive society and the narrative of competition, but that they are becoming psychologically stronger through lightness rather than previous heaviness, and cynicism and joy rather than sadness or despair. When reading impoverished youth's actions as signals of social transformation, it is assumed that the spectrum of interpretations will expand as we approach closer to future China.

Energy drinks in Tamale: Understanding youth perceptions, consumption patterns, and related factors.

Energy drinks (EDs) have become a popular choice for young people seeking physical and cognitive boosts, with ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins aimed at improving academic, athletic, and alertness levels. However, the popularity of these drinks is also driven by low prices, taste, brand loyalty, and gendered marketing, with boys being more likely to consume them. Despite the supposed benefits, EDs have been associated with high-risk behaviours, deaths, and adverse health effects, especially those related to cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, in Ghana, the use of EDs is on the rise. Hence, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and consumption patterns, perceptions, and factors associated with ED consumption among the youth of the Tamale Metropolis. The study was cross-sectional, consisting of 541 participants. The group consisted of 340 males and 201 females, between the ages of 15 and 45. A questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on the respondents' consumption patterns and perceptions of EDs, as well as their socio-demographic characteristics. The results of the study indicated that a large percentage of the respondents, 98.7%, had consumed EDs before, while 78.7% currently consume them. Respondents believed that EDs provided additional energy (81.00%) and reduced stress (62.30%). However, they also perceived side effects such as insomnia (60.60%) and restlessness (51.40%). Also, the highest proportion of respondents (83.4%) had poor knowledge of EDs. They were unaware of the classification of EDs and their ingredients, side effects, and benefits. Age, marital status, level of education, work intensity, EDs served at gatherings, and knowledge of EDs was significantly associated with ED consumption (p < .05). Consumption was higher among those aged 26 to 35 years, singles, individuals with no formal education, and those with high work intensity. The high consumption was also associated with low knowledge levels. It is recommended that public health and nutrition professionals engage in further advocacy efforts to improve the youth's knowledge and perception of EDs in a positive manner. In addition, lawmakers should use legislation to influence consumption rates and safeguard the health of consumers.

Youth Perception on Sustainability on Campus: The Case of Universiti Sains Malaysia

Youth Perception on Sustainability on Campus: The Case of Universiti Sains Malaysia

Perceptions of African American Youth and Adults Regarding Tobacco Use-Related Factors in Their Community: A Mixed-Methods Approach in Richmond, Virginia.

The US Food and Drug Administration is poised to restrict the availability of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, products disproportionately used by Black/African American (B/AA) individuals. We examined B/AA youth and adult perceptions regarding factors contributing to tobacco use, as well as prevention/cessation resources. In 2 mixed-methods studies in Richmond, Virginia, we conducted cross-sectional surveys among youth (n = 201) and adult (n = 212) individuals who were primarily B/AA and reported past 30-day cigar smoking or nontobacco use, followed by focus groups with a subset (youth: n = 30; adults: n = 24). Focus groups were analyzed using a thematic analysis framework, and descriptive survey data provided context to themes. Among focus group participants, 20% of youth and 75% of adults reported current cigar smoking. Six themes emerged across the groups: advertising/brands, sensory experiences, costs, social factors, youth-related factors, and dependence/cessation. Youth and adults perceived cigars as popular; cigar use was attributed to targeted advertising, flavors, affordability, and accessibility. While adults expressed concern regarding youth tobacco use, youth did not perceive tobacco prevention programs as helpful. Adults and youth reported limited access to community tobacco prevention/cessation programs. Expanded tobacco prevention and cessation resources for B/AA people who smoke could leverage federal regulatory actions to ban tobacco products targeted toward this group and decrease disparities in tobacco-related morbidity and mortality.

The Role of Facebook in Shaping Voting Behavior of Youth: Perspective of a Developing Country

This paper explores Facebook’s role in shaping the political perception of youth during the 2018 general elections in Pakistan. It also gauges the ideological standpoint of youth in Pakistan that influences their voting decisions. An online campaign has become an indispensable source for politicians to influence the masses without the constraints of distance and time. It is a quantitative study based on a questionnaire survey of young Pakistani voters. Findings show that Facebook has presumed the role of an instigator in shaping the voting behavior of educated youth. Respondents perceived Facebook as biased while expressing views and assisted political entities in manipulating the data to increase their vote bank. Though the majority of them haven’t experienced fake news so either they are not conscious or they trust blindly the information. Furthermore, respondents’ cognitive abilities are not obstructed by politicians using Facebook, instead, friends and family network seems more persuasive in determining voters’ choice. Results manifest that ideological standpoint impacts voters’ decisions substantially. There is no statistical difference in the voting behavior of respondents based on gender and/or age. The individuality of this study is that it focuses on the medium of communication between politicians and youth instead of emphasizing the social cleavages and their impact on voters’ decisions, which Pakistani scholars largely study. This study will prompt the field of psephology in Pakistan, which is largely ignored, and help scholars to move out of the domain of identity politics.

Perception and Relocation Intentions of Japanese Youth towards Rural Areas: A Case Study of Visitors in Hanyu-shi, Saitama Prefecture

As a highly urbanized country, Japan is facing the phenomenon of a continuous migration of young people from rural areas to cities, leading to an aging and decreasing population in rural communities. Influenced by the pandemic, people began to reconsider the issue of population concentration in large cities, causing urban residents to become interested in returning to rural areas. The focus of this study is on the perceptions and relocation intentions of Japanese youth towards rural areas, particularly in Hanyu-shi, Saitama Prefecture. Through semi-structured interviews with 26 urban university students who live in urban areas, this study explores the factors that attract or hinder them from having rural lives. The survey results show that childhood experiences and current lifestyle preferences have influenced their views on rural areas. The main hindering factors include backwards infrastructure, communication difficulties, and limited job prospects. This study reveals a significant cognitive gap in urban youth’s attitudes towards rural life in Japan. The study emphasizes the need to eliminate these hindrances and enhance the attractiveness of rural areas to promote reverse urban migration. This study provides important insights for policymakers and urban planners, highlighting the necessity of formulating development strategies that meet the needs of urban youth residents, which is crucial for the sustainable revitalization of rural Japan.

Transformations of the Family Institution in the Perception of Student Youth in the South of Russia

Introduction. The family, being one of the most important social institutions, is subject to significant changes that occur in society and in its social organization. However, the direction of family transformations does not immediately become obvious, which actualizes their scientific understanding on the basis of sociological measurements. The purpose of the article is to identify the attitude of student youth in the South of Russia to the nature of the transformations taking place in the modern institution of the family and, on their basis, to formulate generalizing conclusions and recommendations. The importance of such research is determined by the special role of the student social group in ensuring the sustainability of society and in shaping its future appearance. Materials and Methods. The object of the study was student youth of the South of Russia. The empirical basis of the study was the results of a survey of full-time students at 13 universities and university branches in the South of Russia (Rostov Region, Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories) based on a representative sample (n = 639). The questionnaire survey method made it possible to identify some of the students’ attitudes and aspirations regarding the institutional state of the family. The conceptual basis of the study was the constructivist approach, which considers the most important theoretical meanings and trajectories of the process of family transformation (crisis and modernist) as social constructs that influence students’ perception of the direction of development of the family institution. Results. Analysis of the collected empirical material shows a certain duality in the position of student youth in the South of Russia in determining priority trajectories for the development of the family institution. This is evidenced by students’ perception of the crisis and modernist constructs of family transformation through the analysis of their main indicators (the state of attractiveness of a family-child lifestyle; attitude to the dominance of having few children and having one child; perception of childfreeness; attitude to divorce and cohabitation, etc.). The survey also revealed a certain predominance among students of negative assessments of the influence of individualistic value sentiments on the institutional stability of the family. Discussion and Conclusion. Using the example of the southern region of Russia, the conclusion was confirmed that the worldview, socio-economic and information-cognitive state of society influences the priority of perception of various trajectories of transformation of the family institution (crisis and modernization). The attitude of students to semantic indicators of their perception is ambiguous. This is largely due to the heterogeneity of value orientations in our society. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that it made it possible to identify the opinion of student youth about their attitude to the current state of the family institution and the prospects for its development. The results obtained may be useful to scientists studying this issue, as well as practitioners forming and implementing youth policy.

Attitudes and perceptions of rural youth towards agribusiness as a profession in a post-conflict context. Evidence from South-Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The global demographic dynamics with increasing numbers of young people will have varying socio-economic effects on low-income countries. The extreme poverty of young people, particularly in rural areas, is still much higher compared to the global average. Creating more and better jobs for young people is therefore an urgent priority of the century. Despite the recognized driving role of the agribusiness in economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, there is evidence of a disengagement/disinterest of young people towards agribusiness. This study aimed to analyze the attitudes and perceptions of rural youth towards agribusiness as a profession career in South Kivu province. To deeply understand the complexity and cross-cutting nature of this issue, a systemic approach was used. A Likert-type questionnaire with a 5-points scale was used to conduct the survey among 456 rural youth aged 15 to 35 randomly selected using the Bernoulli Urn technique in Kabare, Walungu and Uvira territories. The study revealed that 53.5% of young people have a negative attitude towards agribusiness, 29.8% display a neutral attitude and only 16.7% of them show a positive attitude. 76.3% confirmed that they can only engage in agriculture when they have no other job. 77.6% declared that agribusiness cannot enable them to meet all their basic needs. After verifying the normality of the data, the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, were used to compare the perception scores of the different groups analyzed. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in personal and societal perceptions scores between different age groups, between men and women, as well as between different education level groups. A statistically significant difference in the economic perceptions scores was observed only between the different survey areas.

Perception of the Course by the Students of Moscow Universities «Fundamentals of Russian Statehood (based on the results of in-depth research)

The article presents data on the study of the perception of the Moscow university students of the course "Fundamentals of Russian Statehood". To obtain data on the perception of the course "Fundamentals of Russian Statehood" by the student youth, the author conducted a sociological study using the method of individual in-depth interviews (30 first-year students of Moscow universities who are teaching this discipline). In the course of the study, the theoretical and methodological basis was studied, affecting the issue of perception by modern youth of certain development trends and problems of society. The study is an important stage in the study of the influence of the new course "Fundamentals of Russian Statehood" on the formation of the worldview of students. The article analyzes the attitude of young people to youth politics in Russia today, to the course "Fundamentals of Russian Statehood" and its influence on the formation of awareness of belonging to Russian society, the development of a sense of citizenship, as well as on the creation of a spiritual, moral and cultural foundation of a developed and integral personality who realized the peculiarities of the historical path of our state and the identity of its political organization. The results of the study show that the perception of the course "Fundamentals of Russian Statehood" depends on various factors, in particular on the individual preferences and expectations of students. The new course is not only an educational program, but also a tool of social impact aimed at the formation of patriotic consciousness and civic responsibility among the younger generation. The results of the study supplement the accumulated knowledge by obtaining up-to-date data on the perception of the student youth of Moscow universities of the course "Fundamentals of Russian Statehood", clarify various aspects of the content of this course, which in the future will help other authors in the study of the topic.

“We are Protected”: Examining youth perceptions of safety within“We are Protected”: Examining youth perceptions of safety within a faith-based positive youth development program in El Salvadora faith-based positive youth development program in El Salvador

“We are Protected”: Examining youth perceptions of safety within“We are Protected”: Examining youth perceptions of safety within a faith-based positive youth development program in El Salvadora faith-based positive youth development program in El Salvador

“It Makes Them Want to Suffer in Silence Rather Than Risk Facing Ridicule”: Youth Perspectives on Mental Health Stigma

Despite high rates of mental health concerns among youth, they are unlikely to receive mental health care, with mental health stigma acting as a barrier. The present study explores youth perceptions of the influences of stigma and what should be done to address it, drawing on a large ( n = 705) mixed methods dataset of youth aged 14 to 24 from the National MyVoice Text Message Cohort. Thematic analysis indicated four themes: (1) perceptions of high levels of ignorance about mental health, (2) a continuum from a desire for greater openness to a desire for privacy related to mental health, (3) feeling shamed and dismissed for mental health concerns, and (4) the role of adults in perpetuating of mental health stigma and adults’ responsibility in combating it. Subgroup comparisons revealed variations in endorsement of themes based on gender, age, and race/ethnicity. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Racial Differences in Activity Space Exposures and Everyday Perceptions of Safety Among Urban Youth

PurposeThe everyday experience of safety promotes health and successful development during adolescence. To date, few studies have examined racial variation in the spatial determinants of in-the-moment perceived safety. MethodsDrawing on data from the Columbus, Ohio-based Adolescent Health and Development in Context study (N = 1,405), we consider the influence of intraindividual variability in Global Positioning System–based exposure to both high-proportion White urban neighborhoods and neighborhood violence for the everyday location-based safety perceptions of Black and White youth (ages 11–17) as captured by ecological momentary assessment. ResultsExposure to higher area-level violence reduces youths' safety perceptions. Momentary exposure to residentially White-dominated neighborhoods also reduces perceived safety, but only for Black youth who spend more time, on average, in White areas. In contrast, we observe some limited evidence that White youth perceive greater safety when in White neighborhoods if they spend more time in white neighborhoods on average. DiscussionThese findings point to the need for greater attention to in situ experiences in understanding the origins of racial disparities in health and wellbeing. For Black youth, a restricted focus on the consequences of residing in Black segregated neighborhoods may obscure potentially health consequential exposures beyond these areas.

Mother-child dynamics: Examining reciprocal relations between parental knowledge, child disclosure, parental legitimacy beliefs, and adolescent alcohol use.

Early adolescent alcohol use is associated with adverse developmental and health outcomes. Parental knowledge can prevent or delay substance use, while youth behaviors may concurrently influence parenting. More research is needed to examine the role of youth's perceptions of legitimacy of parental authority. This multi-informant study examined prospective bidirectional effects between parental knowledge and child disclosure alongside youth-reported alcohol use and perceived legitimacy of parental authority. Data were analyzed across three waves in a community sample of 304 mother-child dyads. A cross-lagged panel model was estimated using repeated measures of adolescent alcohol use, perceived legitimacy of parental authority, parental knowledge, and child disclosure. Positive reciprocal associations were found in early adolescence between child disclosure and both parental knowledge and perceived legitimacy of parental authority. Legitimacy of parental authority negatively predicted alcohol use across adolescence. Child alcohol use also negatively predicted parental knowledge among mothers in later adolescence. Effects were not reciprocated nor sustained. Novel findings demonstrate that the parental legitimacy beliefs predict reduced alcohol use and have a reciprocal association with child disclosure. Clinical implications to mitigate youth alcohol use initiation, by enhancing parental self-efficacy and positive parenting, are discussed.

Bringing multidisciplinary perspectives of country image: factors influencing the perceptions of Chinese youth toward the images of Russia and Ukraine

Bringing multidisciplinary perspectives of country image: factors influencing the perceptions of Chinese youth toward the images of Russia and Ukraine

Youth Perspectives and Experiences With Menstruation and Period Poverty

PurposePeriod poverty is the lack of accessible menstrual education or menstrual tools. Millions of women and girls around the world experience period poverty, which can contribute to disparities in school and work performance, as well as overall quality of life. However, not much is known about youth experiences and perceptions of period poverty. This study aims to understand the personal experiences and opinions of American youth regarding knowledge about menstruation and period poverty, as well as to gauge youth attitudes of existing and future period poverty initiatives. MethodsThe MyVoice nationwide text message poll was used to ask five open-ended questions to over 1,000 youth across the United States aged 14–24 years. Responses were analyzed using content analysis by two independent researchers, and differences in coding were reviewed and resolved by discussion. ResultsOverall, 963 youth (80%) responded, and the sample was 54.7% self-reported male with an average age of 20.1 years (standard deviation = 2.3). Three main themes emerged: 1. Most youth, regardless of self-reported gender, have had conversations about periods but comfort discussing the topic varies, 2. Youths' knowledge of menstruation varies with personal experience, or lack thereof, and 3. Some youth have experience with period poverty, and most are overwhelmingly supportive of policies to improve access to period products. DiscussionThese findings suggest that normalization of discussions of menstruation, increasing awareness of the prevalence and impacts of period poverty, and greater implementation of programs to mitigate period poverty are supported by youth, and may reduce period poverty in the United States.

Application of inverse weighting analysis to assess the association of youth perceptions with the age of initiation of tobacco products.

To examine if perceptions of harmfulness and addictiveness of hookah and cigarettes impact the age of initiation of hookah and cigarettes, respectively, among US youth. Youth (12-17 years old) users and never users of hookah and cigarettes during their first wave of PATH participation were analyzed by each tobacco product (TP) independently. The effect of perceptions of (i) harmfulness and (ii) addictiveness at the first wave of PATH participation on the age of initiation of ever use of hookah was estimated using interval-censoring Cox proportional hazards models. Users and never users of hookah at their first wave of PATH participation were balanced by multiplying the sampling weight and the 100 balance repeated replicate weights with the inverse probability weight (IPW). The IPW was based on the probability of being a user in their first wave of PATH participation. A Fay's factor of 0.3 was included for variance estimation. Crude hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. A similar process was repeated for cigarettes. Compared to youth who perceived each TP as "a lot of harm", youth who reported perceived "some harm" had younger ages of initiation of these tobacco products, HR: 2.53 (95% CI: 2.87-4.34) for hookah and HR: 2.35 (95% CI: 2.10-2.62) for cigarettes. Similarly, youth who perceived each TP as "no/little harm" had an earlier age of initiation of these TPs compared to those who perceived them as "a lot of harm", with an HR: 2.23 (95% CI: 1.82, 2.71) for hookah and an HR: 1.85 (95% CI: 1.72, 1.98) for cigarettes. Compared to youth who reported each TP as "somewhat/very likely" as their perception of addictiveness, youth who reported "neither likely nor unlikely" and "very/somewhat unlikely" as their perception of addictiveness of hookah had an older age of initiation, with an HR: 0.75 (95% CI: 0.67-0.83) and an HR: 0.55 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.63) respectively. Perceptions of the harmfulness and addictiveness of these tobacco products (TPs) should be addressed in education campaigns for youth to prevent early ages of initiation of cigarettes and hookah.