Browsing by Subject "Social Media"
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Item Black Cyborgs: Blackness Narratives in Technology, Speculative Fiction, and Digital Cultures(2020-06) Gunn, CaitlinThis project draws from the deep well of Black science fiction, original interviews with Black science fiction authors, and popular media case studies and analysis to generate new discourses about Black people and technology. Exploring the ways Black people have taken up both science fiction and technology, I argue that Black feminist thinkers can use both as blueprints for survival, joy, and community-building. Seeking to find strategies for effective communication within our shared political and technosocial lives, this project advances speculative fiction and cyborg theory as dynamic tools which we must utilize to build the future of feminist studies, Black studies, and digital political organizing. Beginning with Donna Haraway’s essay “A Manifesto for Cyborgs: Science, Technology, and Socialist Feminism in the 1980s,” and expanding to recent explorations of the cyborg from women of color theorists like Joy James and Jasbir Puar, I situate Black feminist cyborgs in the current field of feminist cyborg theory. I offer a “part-time” Black feminist cyborg theory, a practical aesthetic which aids Black people’s movement and theorizing in digital spaces, chronicled by hashtags and characterized by the fast-paced nature of digital communication. To illustrate the possibilities of such an aesthetic, I engage Chicana philosopher Maria Lugones’ theory of traveling to the metaphorical “worlds” of other women. I extend her work, envisioning a part-time Black feminist cyborg optimized for travel to and through the digital worlds of social media like Facebook and Twitter, asking how Black people arrive in these worlds and what they experience once there. Illuminating a tradition of technological engagement by Black communities and calling attention to dreams of futures free of oppression, my interdisciplinary project shapes the future directions of Black feminist theory, digital organizing, and political resistance to entrenched and renewed white supremacy.Item Delay or Right Away? Synchronicity of Social Media Use and Its Impact on State Social Anxiety Arising from Social Media Use, State Rumination, and Offline Social Anxiety(2021-07) Liu, HanjieDuring the Covid-19 pandemic, the pervasive use of social media made huge influences on young adults’ psychological well-being, especially those with social anxieties. Guided by online disinhibition effects and response style theory, the current research conducted a between-subject online experiment (N = 193) with an even split of gender on Amazon MTurk. Findings show that asynchronous social media use increases individuals’ state interaction anxiety on social media compared to synchronous social media use. While state rumination does not mediate the relationship between synchronicity of social media use and state social anxiety arising from social media use (SASMU), it is a significant predictor of individuals’ state SASMU. In addition, findings show that offline social anxiety still matters most in online social interactions, with an overriding effect compared to the impact of one-time social media use. The present investigation sheds light on the relationship between the synchronicity of social media use and social anxiety.Item #Explore: Outdoor Retailers, Indigenous Activists, and the Digital Battle for Public Land in the United States(2020-04) Whitson, Joseph“#Explore: Outdoor Retailers, Indigenous Activists, and the Digital Battle over Public Land in the United States,” uses digital marketing, activism, and representations of public land to analyze the impacts of the outdoor retail industry on Indigenous sovereignty and Indigenous response to and engagement with the industry. Drawing conceptually and methodologically from Indigenous studies, new media studies, and environmental history, this project interrogates the ramifications of commercially driven conservation and public land policy for American Indian treaty rights, resource sovereignty, and cultural preservation. It positions social media as a space of ambiguity, revealing how Indigenous people challenge these representations and respond to these companies. I pay special attention to how Indigenous people unite western and traditional forms of activism and knowledge production to construct alternative narratives, adapting tools historically used against their communities - including corporation structures, social media, and political lobbying - to work for positive change. I argue that through their digital marketing and advocacy, the outdoor retail industry is complicit in settler colonialism, using social media to claim space in ways that erase Indigenous presence and invalidate their legal, cultural, and historical rights to land, while at the same time creating space for dissent.Item The impact of social design on user contributions to online communities.(2009-05) Harper, Franklin MaxwellThe World Wide Web has become increasingly participatory through the widespread adoption of interfaces that facilitate user-generated content. These interfaces can be made more social by allowing users to view and respond to the actions of others. For example, Flickr (http://flickr.com) encourages photo sharing by allowing users to view and comment on others' photos, and Amazon (http://amazon.com) encourages purchases through the use of book reviews, discussion forums, and recommendations. In this thesis, we explore the utility of social designs for improving the quality and quantity of user contributions to online communities. We investigate the use of social design at several levels. First, in a series of online field experiments in MovieLens (http://movielens.org), we examine the potential for increasing the quantity of user contributions through the display of personalized, social information. Second, in a comparative, controlled field study across a variety of popular question and answer (Q&A) sites, we compare different models of participation and their impact on the quality of user contributions. Finally, in a study of hand-coded questions from several Q&A sites, we use machine learning techniques to understand the characteristics of users' requests that are predictive of informational quality. We find evidence that appropriate use of social information can increase the quantity of user contributions: social comparisons led MovieLens members to rate more movies, and persuasive messages to visit the MovieLens discussion forum were most effective when they compared the user viewing the message to another member. We also find evidence that the unstructured participation models characteristic of Web 2.0 sites increase the quantity, diversity, and responsiveness of user contributions, with no apparent overall cost to information quality. However, we find that unstructured participation leads many users to treat these sites as purely social resources. Therefore, to better support the utility of Q&A sites as informational resources, we contribute a computational framework that can reliably characterize user interactions as informational or conversational.Item The Influence of Social Media Use on Male College Students’ Gender Identity and Gendered Performance(2017-05) Potts, LawrenceTo better understand the influence of social media use on male college students’ gender identity and male gendered performance, this research examined existing research on digital identity and social networking sites, male gender identity development, college student development theory, and the effects of living arrangements on college students. Using constructivist grounded theory, this study was guided by the following research question: How does the influence of social media use on male college students’ gender identity and gendered performance affect first-year students and graduating seniors? A total of 31 students at a private, liberal arts institution in the Midwestern United States participated in the study. Methods included individual interviews, synchronous ethnographic digital observations, and focus groups. The theory that emerged from this study was developed through analysis of students’ experiences and is a representation of the intersection and convergence of male gender identity development and digital identity development. Participants described changes that occur between the first year of college and the final year of college, both in the way that they define masculinity and the way that they describe their use social media. A shift occurs throughout time spent in college, evolving from pre-college expectations and assumptions to the intentional alignment of in-person and online values. Formative experiences and opportunities in college – including both in-classroom and out-of-classroom – provided the impetus for change that allowed the participants to better understand their identities and contexts and begin to understand how they engage with both the physical and digital world as men.Item iPhoneography and Contemporary Image-making: Examining a New Form of Visual Communication in the Age of Social Media(2017-11) Alshawaf, EimanNew digital imaging practices have risen with the emergence of image-based social media. iPhoneography as a contemporary imaging making practice is altering how we make and read images. What is also unprecedented is the emergence of aesthetics that are both visual and social in their nature, which both are clearly manifested on the user-friendly platform Instagram. While new visual aesthetics are rooted in the new attraction to vintage filters, social aesthetics manifest in embracing the mundane of human life as a source for visual communication. This qualitative dissertation attempts to further investigate how using a smartphone as the sole device for image-making and dissemination has encouraged experimental image-making and influenced the field of visual communication.Item Leveraging Informatics To Understand Online Communication Patterns Between Migraine Sufferers On Social Media(2021-03) Gomaa, BasmaSocial Network Sites (SNS) have been widely used by patients to exchange emotional support and health information in several health conditions. However, migraine patients’ use of social media is under- investigated. In this study, we investigated migraine patients’ behavior on two social media platforms by applying “Content” and “Social Network Analysis” techniques. The study aimed to compare the connectivity by describing the network structure, tie characteristics, in addition to identifying conversational themes. The migraine network on Twitter is more connected than the Facebook network, indicating more information and emotional support exchanged on Twitter. The informational theme dominated over the emotional theme on both platforms. However, the quality of information exchanged on Facebook was better than on Twitter which contained misinformation, spam and advertisements. The study highlights the vital role of moderators and sheds light on the technical features unique to each platform and impact on the users’ engagement patterns. The study provides guidance to intervention designers, online community managers and public health officials regarding the appropriate platform with specific technical features that will address the unique needs for migraine patients. More studies are needed, however, about the connection between technology, patients and disease conditions.Item Power of consumers: Examining the influence of brand-related user-generated content on consumer response(2014-06) Kim, AngellaThis study was designed to test a model examining the influence of brand-related UGC shared via Facebook on consumer response. Specific research objectives were to 1) investigate whether brand-related UGC act as stimuli to activate consumer response in relation to brands, 2) examine the process by which brand-related UGC influences consumer behavior via emotional and cognitive responses, and 3) test whether brand-related UGC source and receiver characteristics moderated the relationships between brand-related UGC and emotional and cognitive responses. The model tested was derived from the S-O-R consumer response model (Mehrabian & Russell, 1974) that depicts the effects of environmental stimuli on consumer responses (i.e., emotional, cognitive, behavioral). Data were collected from individuals participating in consumer panels (n = 533) managed by a marketing research company. Participants were individuals who were at least 18 years old and who had a Facebook account. An online self-administered survey methodology was employed. Mock Facebook fan pages were developed as visual stimuli and presented participants with brand-related UGC. Participants also completed a questionnaire containing measures of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses indicated in the model. The study examined brand-related UGC as stimulus, pleasure and arousal as emotional responses and perceived information quality as cognitive response. Information pass-along, impulse buying, future-purchase intention, and brand engagement were treated as behavioral response constructs (i.e., behavioral outcomes in relation to brand) in the S-O-R model. Homophily and brand involvement were tested as moderators in the S-O relationships. Brand-related UGC were informational stimuli that activated consumers' emotional and cognitive responses (i.e., pleasure, perceived information quality). However, arousal as an emotional response was not significantly influenced by brand-related UGC. The eWOM source characteristic (i.e., homophily) moderated the relationships between brand-related UGC and emotional and cognitive responses. Both emotional and cognitive responses examined (i.e., pleasure, arousal, perceived information quality) significantly influenced behavioral responses. Thus, information pass-along, impulse buying, future-purchase intention, and brand engagement were behavioral responses stimulated by brand-related UGC. Discussions of the findings, theoretical and practical implications, and limitations and suggestions for future research were provided based on the findings.Item Silha Bulletin Fall 2019(University of Minnesota, 2019-12) University of Minnesota: Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law; Kirtley, Jane E.; Memmel, Scott; Wiley, Sarah; Anderson, Jonathan; Hargrove, ElaineItem Silha Bulletin Fall 2021, Volume 27, Number 1(University of Minnesota, 2022-01) University of Minnesota: Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law; Kirtley, Jane; Memmel, Scott; Colby, Claire; Brunn, Samantha; Hargrove, ElaineThe Silha Bulletin is a publication of the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law.Item Social Media Response to MNsure Website and its Implications for Businesses(2017-04-25) Harker, PaigeAs part of Web 2.0, social media has allowed for more complex, multifaceted communication (Bythe, Laur & Curran, 2014). The “user generated content” trend in the communication field has caused social media websites to become more popular than other non-participatory websites (Lim, 2016). Social media has many benefits, including increased civic engagement among users (Olssen, 2016) and the sheer volume in which responses are posted. However, many businesses in the United States have not yet realized the potential in utilizing social media to benefit their company. According to Hurley and Hea (2014), one of the major concerns related to social media is representation management, which means that businesses must realize that the way in which their brand is represented online will have an effect on customer opinion of the brand. By analyzing the specific case of the MNsure health insurance website, one is able to see the importance of social media responses and what can happen when companies disregard them.Item Item Strategic Informed Trades and Tiny Trades(2024-05) Lin, WenweiThis paper studies how institutional investors strategically respond to an anticipated surge in tiny retail trades. Exploiting positive 8-K filings as informational events, I present three findings. First, stocks exposed to intense fractional trading exhibit substantial price pressure and volatility following filings, displaying an initial overshoot and subsequent reversal. Second, institutional investors leverage such price pressure and volatility by delaying immediate sales upon filing and even accumulating additional stakes to ride the mispricing post-filing. Third, increased post-filing trading profits incentivize information acquisition. These results suggest that institutional investors adapt to the evolving landscape of retail trading in today’s markets, albeit leading to delayed price discovery.Item Use of Wearable Technology and Social Media to Improve Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviors among College Students: A 12-week Randomized Pilot Study(2018-06) Pope, ZacharyIntroduction: College students are at risk for poorer health behaviors. Therefore, this study evaluated the combined effectiveness of the Polar M400 smartwatch and a theoretically-grounded, Facebook-delivered health education intervention at improving college students’ health behaviors/outcomes versus comparison. Intervention use/acceptability and validation of Polar M400 health metric data were also assessed. Methods: Thirty-eight college students (28 female; X̅age=21.5±3.4 years) participated in this two-arm randomized 12-week pilot trial. After screening, participants were randomized into two groups: (a) experimental-received Polar M400 and a twice-weekly Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)- and Self-Determination Theory (SDT)-based, Facebook-delivered health education intervention; and (b) comparison-enrolled only in separate, but content-identical, Facebook group. ActiGraph Link accelerometers and the National Cancer Institute’s ASA24 food recall measured PA and dietary behaviors, respectively. Health-related SCT and SDT psychosocial constructs were measured using psychometrically-validated questionnaires while the YMCA 3-Minute step test and bioelectrical impedance assessed cardiorespiratory fitness and body fat percentage, respectively. Results: Retention rate was 92.1%, with an intent-to-treat analysis performed. Baseline comparisons revealed only one significant difference between groups for whole grain consumption (p=0.03). For PA, a trend toward a significant main effect for time was observed for moderate-to-vigorous PA, F(2, 72)=2.6, p=0.08; partial eta-squared=0.07, with experimental and comparison groups demonstrating 4.2- and 1.6-minute/day increases, respectively, over time. For secondary outcomes, both groups demonstrated non-significantly decreased weight from baseline to 12 weeks (experimental: -0.6 kg; comparison: -0.5 kg). Further, significant main effects for time were observed for self-efficacy, social support, and intrinsic motivation (all p<0.01; partial eta-squared range: 0.18-0.38) as both groups improved over time. Finally, both groups demonstrated consistently decreased daily kcaloric consumption during the intervention. Intervention adherence was high (~86%), with health education tips implemented multiple times weekly. Validation of the Polar M400 versus the ActiGraph Link suggested moderate validity/reliability for steps per day measurements, with poor validity/reliability observed for Polar M400 daily activity time measurements. Discussion: The current study’s observations indicated initial efficacy of an intervention combining a smartwatch and theoretically-grounded, social media-delivered health education intervention on improving college students’ health behaviors/outcomes. Yet, this intervention may not provide greater benefit than comparison. Future studies should build upon noted limitations.Item “We know what you see, so here’s an ad!” Online Behavioral Advertising and Surveillance on Social Media in an Era of Privacy Erosion.(2021-06) Sifaoui, AsmaTechnology has helped creating new opportunities for advertisers to better reach their audiences online. Online Behavioral Advertising is one of these strategies that is being used to target specific audiences with personalized messages to specific consumers based on their online behavior and personal information. However, this personalization has impacted how consumers respond to these personalized ads because they may feel that they are continuously monitored and watched by these brands. This feeling is called perceived surveillance. I explain the relationship between the levels of personalization of the ad based on the brand (match vs. mismatch in ad with previous search) and levels of personalization of the ad based on the product (match vs. mismatch in ad with previous search) and advertising effectiveness (i.e., ad avoidance, attitudes, and purchase intentions) through perceived surveillance. By using the Social Contract Theory, I suggest that higher levels of personalization (i.e., match in brand and/or product with previous online search) illustrate a breach in the social contract between brands and consumers. Furthermore, I explain the relationships between perceived surveillance and the advertising outcomes through the Reactance Theory where higher level of perceived surveillance would lead to more avoidance of the persuasive message and more negative attitudes, and lower purchase intention because of the threat to freedom that surveillance creates. This thesis contributes to theory by looking at perceived surveillance as an antecedent to these advertising outcomes and presents a framework to understand consumers’ perceptions of increased levels of personalization. Practically, this study amplifies the need to safeguard consumers’ privacy; thus, advertisers need to align their strategies to better serve their customers.Item Winter/Spring 2016 Silha Bulletin(University of Minnesota, 2016-05) University of Minnesota: Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law; Kirtley, Jane E.; Carmody, Casey; Memmel, Scott; Wiley, Sarah; Hargrove, Elaine