Newswise Feature Channel: Social Media

Cybercrime Expert Explains How to Guard Against New Scammer Tactics

Virginia Tech — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:05:30 EST

The potential for record-breaking online sales this holiday season unfortunately signifies opportunities for holiday scams, and as technology advances, so do the tactics of scammers. Virginia Tech cybercrime expert Katalin Parti shared tips for new scammer tactics to guard against, through the holiday season and beyond.

Beyond the Ban: FSU Expert Available to Comment on the Effects of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

Florida State University — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:50:52 EST

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Australia created worldwide attention when the country approved a social media ban for children 16 years old and under, marking one of the most aggressive policies at curbing youth addiction to apps like Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.Vanessa Dennen, a professor of Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies at the Florida State University Department of Educational Psychology & Learning Systems, has been actively researching the cognitive, motivational and social elements of computer-mediated communication.

AI Fact Checks Can Increase Belief in False Headlines

Indiana University — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:00:32 EST

A study led by Indiana University has found that AI fact checking can inadvertently increase belief in false headlines.

BGSU Leads First-of-Its-Kind Global UNESCO Study on the Motivations, Ethical Standards of Digital Content Creators

Bowling Green State University — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 08:30:00 EST

United Nations-affiliated study finds nearly two-thirds of content creators do not verify information for accuracy before sharing with others.

Home and Neighborhood Environments Impact Sedentary Behavior in Teens Globally

University of California San Diego — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:45:29 EST

Adolescents worldwide are spending an average of 8 to 10 hours per day engaging in sedentary activities such as watching television, using electronic devices, playing video games and riding in motorized vehicles, according to a multinational study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

Altmetric Adds Bluesky Social Media as a Research Attention Source

Digital Science and Research Solutions Ltd — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:00:31 EST

Digital Science is excited to announce that Altmetric has added the social media platform Bluesky as a new attention source for published research.

Academic freedom in times of ideological polarization

Universite de Montreal — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:18 EST

Trigger warnings, micro-aggressions, safe spaces, cancel culture: all of these "woke" buzzwords pose challenges for universities. How can they be understood in light of the universities' mission?

How Does the Information Ecosystem Influence Politics?

Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:35:18 EST

How does the information ecosystem influence politics?

Curious by Nature: Dr. Nitin Agarwal - The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Online Behavior

Newswise — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:35:43 EST

In this insightful interview, Dr. Nitin Agarwal, director of the Collaboratorium at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, discusses the evolving landscape of misinformation on social media. With years of research under his belt, Dr. Agarwal highlights how digital platforms, once seen as forces for positive change, have become breeding grounds for disinformation and cognitive threats.

Expert Available: Australia Proposes Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

George Washington University — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:00:04 EST

The Australian government has introduced legislation to set 16 as the minimum age for social media use, with penalties up to 50 million AUD ($32.5 million) for platforms failing to enforce the... ...

Spanish-Language Social Media Increases Latinos' Vulnerability to Misinformation

University of California San Diego — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:10:19 EST

Latinos who rely on Spanish-language social media for news were 11-20 percentage points more likely to believe false political narratives, finds study from NYU and UC San Diego.

APA Issues Recommendations for Teens Viewing Online Videos

American Psychological Association (APA) — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:10:24 EST

In response to the increasing volume and accessibility of video content for youth on streaming channels and various online platforms, the American Psychological Association has issued its first ever set of recommendations to help parents, policymakers and tech companies empower teens to manage their viewing habits.

Social Media Expert Available on the Rise of Bluesky

University of Washington — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 19:35:53 EST

Can Podcasts Create Healthier Habits?

University of South Australia — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:30:29 EST

Whether it's ABC Listen's Health Report or Mamamia's But Are You Happy, podcasts have fast become a part of our everyday media consumption. In fact, the average person spends more than five hours a week listening to them. But could listening to podcasts lead to healthier habits?

Will Your FB Page and Google Photos Outlive You? New Clinic Helps People Get Their Digital Affairs in Order

University of Colorado Boulder — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:20:56 EST

A new pro-bono clinic at CU Boulder helps people plan what will happen to their digital legacy after they die.

WashU Expert: 'X-odus' Creates Growing Challenges for Brand Marketing

Washington University in St. Louis — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:00:34 EST

If there is one thing that is constant in marketing, it's that things are constantly changing, according to Michael Wall, a marketing expert at WashU Olin Business School. As social media users flock to sites that align with their political beliefs, brands face the challenge of connecting with diverse audiences.

Expert Available: Online Hate Intensified Immediately Following U.S. Presidential Election

George Washington University — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:00:55 EST

According to the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, hateful and violent rhetoric in support of president-elect Donald Trump appeared online on fringe platforms within moments of Trump's... ...

Curious by Nature: Dr. Neil Johnson - Hate Groups After Elections

Newswise — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 04:25:52 EST

Dr. Neil Johnson, a physics professor at George Washington University, explores unconventional areas within physics, focusing on complex, "taboo" problems not traditionally tackled by physicists, like online hate networks.

Expert Available: TikTok Canada Ordered to Dissolve

George Washington University — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:00:03 EST

TikTok Canada was ordered to dissolve their operations over national security concerns. ...

Social Media Likes and Comments Linked to Young Men's Obsession with Perfect Pecs and a Six-Pack

University of South Australia — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:00:06 EST

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are fuelling unrealistic, unhealthy obsessions with a lean and muscular physique among many young men, according to a new Australian study.