The Journal of Social Media in Society

The Social Media Debate

2024-12-13T12:08:45-08:00

This review looks at the collection of essays that Devon Rosen (editor) presents in his book The Social Media Debate: Unpacking the Social, Psychological, and Cultural Effects of Social Media.

Responsibility and sustainability of social media content moderation

2024-04-16T14:38:48-07:00

The advent of internet and subsequent rise of social media platforms in the past two decades has led to the inevitable discourse around the technical, environmental, cultural, economic, and social responsibility and sustainability of these platforms and the role they play in an increasingly complex world. Although the merits of social media platforms in making the world more connected is indubitable, the far-reaching detrimental impact and consequences of these social media platforms on the local, national, and regional sustainability and stability has received scant attention. In this article, we consider how one of the social media platforms, Facebook, has been complicit in playing a pivotal role in fuelling sectarian violence and hatred in the country of Ethiopia. By focusing on the Ethiopian scenario, we aim to address the repercussions of negligent use of social media platforms, especially in developing countries in the Global South. More specifically, we call for an urgent reflection on social media content moderation policies and practices. We recommend relevant and practical suggestions and further argue that the proliferation of social media platforms must be balanced with social and corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Pain, anger and frustrations

2023-11-22T05:41:12-08:00

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been increasing trends of domestic violence incidents reported globally. Rapid changes in the lifestyle with constant lockdowns and stay home orders have escalated the rise in the prevalence of domestic violence. This study explored the nature of conversations on Twitter using #domesticviolence or #DV for two months from April 2021 to May 2021. The dataset was analysed using the content analysis approach. Key findings of this study includes: an increasing trend of domestic violence resulting pain, anger and frustration among victims, a close link between domestic violence, access to guns and men with drinking habits, broader consequences of domestic violence to individuals and families, limited supports and access to services available to the DV victims, a direct association between the global outbreak of COVID-19 and the escalation of domestic violence, and a greater need for appropriate response strategies to end domestic violence in the society. The government needs to pay attention to address the increasing prevalence of domestic violence, so the women, men and families are protected and supported. An integrated service response system bringing public, private and community sectors together could be effective to address the issue of gender-based violence.

Cyberbullying and social media communication

2023-10-30T07:58:51-07:00

Extant literature has identified cyberbullying tactics and consequences as well as school- and community-based anti-bullying strategies and policies. However, research that explains bullying behavior from a communication perspective in a social network via social media platforms is still lacking. This work theorizes cyberbullying as a relational communication behavior by proposing a conceptual framework that integrates the theories and constructs of bystander behavior, spiral of silence, relational aggression, uses and gratifications, and communication competency. Based on the analysis, synthesis and theorization, a set of research propositions and empirical study designs is presented to help guide future research.

The role of Uses and Gratifications in inappropriate social media posting

2024-01-02T12:51:54-08:00

This study explores uses and gratifications (U&G) as a mechanism to better understand inappropriate posting by students on social media platforms. A cross-sectional survey of undergraduate college students (N=152) measured participants’ motivations for using different social media platforms and their degree of inappropriate posting on each platform. Specifically, the current research explores the relationship between students’ motivations to use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat and their level of general inappropriate posting. Further research was conducted to investigate the relationship between students’ motivations to use each social media platform and eight specific types of faux pas content. Findings show that U&G motivations differ by platform with some motivations being significantly related to general inappropriate posting. The results also indicate that U&G motivations are significantly related to specific types of inappropriate content. These relationships differed by platform, with Twitter having the most relationships between motivations and inappropriate content. The study results will inform future studies while also making it possible to design better interventions to prevent further faux pas posting by students.

Socioemotional characteristics of cell phone addiction

2024-05-16T18:20:49-07:00

Nomophobia has attracted attention in relation to cell phone addiction. Addictions are characterized by a complex mixture of emotional experiences; however, research has not focused on whether emotions experienced while using cellphones follow this same pattern. The current study examines positive and negative emotions experienced when using cell phones and attachment anxiety as predictors of nomophobia. Participants (n=102) completed the NMP-Q assessing nomophobia, an emotion scale assessing positive and negative emotions experienced when using a cellphone (CP) and in general (GEN), and the ECR-R assessing attachment styles. Negative and positive emotions including security while using, negative emotions in general, and attachment-related anxiety predicted nomophobia. Our findings support the idea that nomophobia is maintained by complex emotional states experienced when using cell phone technology. Future research could employ methodologies that focus on minute-by-minute emotional reporting while using cell phones to better understand the motivational states underlying cell phone addiction.

Social media, diet and fitness content, and Orthorexia Nervosa

2024-07-09T18:02:37-07:00

Relationships between disordered eating and social media use are well-documented by past research. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) encompasses disordered eating behaviors motivated by food purity or health quality rather than weight or shape. As ON increases in public attention, researchers have begun investigating specific relationships between social media and ON. The purpose of this study was to examine social media viewership of diet and fitness content (DFC) and ON symptomatology. A convenience sample of 305 participants (78.3% women, mean age = 20) completed an online survey. Participants reported their demographics, social media engagement, and completed ON symptomatology and body image questionnaires followed by a pilot questionnaire on DFC viewership. An independent-samples t-test revealed a small group difference, such that participants who frequent TikTok more than other social media platforms engage in more DFC viewership than those who frequent other platforms most. Additionally, a hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that, after controlling for body image, greater DFC viewership related to higher ON symptomatology and was most predictive of ON behaviors. In line with past research, our findings suggest a relationship between ON symptomatology and social media use. Novel findings of this study further specify a relationship between DFC viewership and ON symptomatology.

What does a “like” on social media mean?

2024-04-09T07:07:48-07:00

This study explores the motivations behind “liking” an image on Instagram and the frames of reference that shape what a “like” signifies. It also examines the process of “liking” through the lens of relationship development theory. Our findings reveal that key motivations for liking images on Instagram include reciprocity, relationship-based motivations (such as starting, strengthening, and maintaining connections), and the desire to increase offline interactions. Conversely, participants identified several reasons for not liking images, including negative feelings toward others, a lack of interest in connecting with users, changes in life goals, and a desire to redefine their relationships. We also found that gender plays an important role in people’s liking behavior on Instagram. Finally, our study suggests that, due to its phatic nature, the like feature should be considered a form of metacommunication. In conclusion, the process of “liking” extends beyond individual interactions to encompass interpersonal, social, and corporate contexts, emphasizing its significance for both interpersonal and business communication.

Examining the effectiveness of social media warning labels

2024-07-02T14:05:52-07:00

Social media platforms frequently employ warning labels to identify potentially misleading information, yet research has yielded inconsistent findings regarding the efficacy of these labels. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of two prominent types of Twitter (which is rebranded as X) warning labels in the specific context of identifying misinformation related to immigration. The results revealed that the warning labels had no direct impact on diminishing perceived credibility and the intention to share the misinformation post. However, the findings did highlight a moderating effect of worldview inconsistency. The research findings provide valuable insights for effective designs for corrective messaging on social media platforms, emphasizing the role of worldview inconsistency and reactance on processing various warning label types in discrediting misinformation posts.

Always rooting for the anti-hero

2024-05-22T20:43:07-07:00

This study investigates the impact of Marvel Studios' Phase 4 diversity initiative on fan interactions and inter-fandom discourse on social media through a mixed-methods textual analysis of Twitter conversations in response to recent films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The qualitative analysis revealed three key themes: Representation as a Reflection of Self-Identity, Absolutism with Diversity, and The Myth of Closure. Subsequently, the sub-themes further identified four types of diversity-related conversations: Promoting, Praising, Defending, and Criticizing diversity. The quantitative analysis demonstrates a substantial increase in inter-fandom conflicts, particularly in discussions defending or criticizing diversity, within Phase 4 of the MCU. This research establishes a framework to investigate the challenges of integrating diversity in major franchises while navigating the expectations of existing fans. It underscores the evolving dynamics of fandom in an era where inclusivity is a central aspect of storytelling

The dark side of social media

2024-05-30T12:24:53-07:00

Social media is associated with many positive aspects, such as sharing information and media with friends and relatives worldwide. However, in recent years studies have identified a large number of negative effects in connection with social media. This article presents a systematization of this dark side of social media and provides an overview of the identified dark aspects. Furthermore, the authors outline measures that can be taken to counteract these dark aspects.

What to expect when you are texting

2024-07-08T08:25:40-07:00

This study qualitatively investigates expectations of direct mobile messaging (via SMS text messaging or social media messaging) established by partners in developing romantic relationships. Findings reveal direct mobile messaging with romantic partners is expected to be continuous, fast, and transparent and partners strategically utilize features of their technologies, including read receipts and Snapchat streaks, to manage these expectations. Further, violations of expectations yield explicit conversations and reminders among relational partners, and may be used intentionally to elicit particular relational outcomes. Together, findings demonstrate the importance of mediated communication expectations and extends work regarding mobile media affordances and expectancy violations theory.

The impact of social media on the job performance of public sector employees in Gondar City, Ethiopia

2024-03-18T13:11:57-07:00

Background: The use of social media in the work place can both lead to time wastage and decreased productivity or can enhance work performance. Using a mixed-method explanatory-sequential design, this research provided an examination of the impact of social media on the job performance of public sector employees in Gondar City, Ethiopia.

Methodology: The quantitative data were gathered through surveys (N = 243) that measured the frequency and duration of social media usage during work hours, and the self-reported influence of social media on the employees’ job performance. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews (N = 8) to gain insights into the employees' perceptions and experiences regarding social media usage at work.

Findings: The study found that employees use social media for various purposes, including information exchange, job performance enhancement, and entertainment. The results showed that most employees perceived social media positively, while a quarter perceived it negatively. Implications: The findings suggest organizations should prioritize leveraging the full potential of social media usage and develop strategies to address concerns, which could include providing training on responsible social media usage, implementing guidelines aligned with organizational goals, and encouraging employees to share their expertise and engage with customers or other stakeholder groups.

The protective role of dispositional mindfulness for upward social comparison on social networking sites

2024-05-22T20:32:09-07:00

The prevalence of positive self-presentation norms on social networking sites (SNSs) raises concerns about the potential harm to self-esteem resulting from social comparison. Dispositional mindfulness (DM), through its impact on reducing automatic thinking and promoting adaptive responses to negative stimuli, could offer a protective mechanism. To refine our understanding of DM in the context of SNS use, we examined its predictive contribution of social comparisons and its potential to buffer the negative effects of comparisons on self-esteem. In an online survey involving 307 adults (76% female; M = 24-years-old), participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), an adapted version of the Iowa Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Two models were assessed using the Hayes PROCESS macros (models 1 and 4) to test: (1) DM as a moderator between social comparison and self-esteem, and (2) the indirect effect of DM on self-esteem through social comparison. Higher DM predicted fewer upward social comparisons and more downward comparisons, which in turn correlated with more positive self-esteem. DM did not moderate the effect of SNS-induced social comparison on self-esteem. These findings suggest that mindfulness does not necessarily eliminate the tendency to socially compare but rather encourages a self-aware, self-kindness approach to present-moment experiences with more self-awareness to reduce the frequency of upward comparison. The findings have implications for the direction of future research and the integration of mindfulness in social media literacy models.

Exploring tertiary students’ comprehension and utilisation of the emoji in social media communication

2024-05-22T20:17:08-07:00

This study investigates how university students in Ghana utilise and understand emojis on the messaging platform WhatsApp. Emojis act as a visual shorthand in digital communication. However, ambiguity exists around emoji meanings, creating risks of misinterpretation. A survey of 300 students in a Ghanaian University examined emoji usage frequency, interpretation and perceived effects on interaction. Findings revealed frequent emoji use for expressing emotions and social bonding. But students did not consistently interpret emojis identically. Despite this, most students believed emojis enhanced interactions. The discrepancies in emoji comprehension indicate potential communication risks. This study's findings highlight the need for greater emoji literacy to support university students' critical comprehension and principled usage. It also recommends the integration of emoji literacy skills into digital citizenship initiatives within educational institutions to foster judicious usage habits.