Bogdan Danciu

Bio: Bogdan Danciu is an academic researcher from Romanian Academy. The author has contributed to research in topic(s): The Internet & Internet Draft. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publication(s) receiving 15 citation(s).

Searching Internet: a report on accessibility, nature, and quality of suicide-related information

Abstract: Although may are concerned about Internet and its potential impact on suicidal behaviour, it is difficult to estimate how easy is for a user at-risk to find suicide-related information, or what kind of information is returned by a simple Internet query. In order to look at the quality, nature and accessibility of such information currently available to the Romanian-speaking users, a typical Internet search likely to be performed by a disturbed individual was replicated. The analysis of the returned results provides an indication of the nature and prominence of suicide-related information likely to be accessed by a common Romanian-speaking user.

Psychological risk factors for road safety

Abstract: This meta-analytic study examines the latest psychological research focusing on road safety on the four strategic directions proposed by domain practitioners: 1. personality characteristics in young drivers, 2. ageing population and road traffic, 3. relationship between driver personality and accident producing and 4. national profiles of drivers. This study aims to advocate in support of the idea that the Romanian road safety strategy (involving road campaigns education) must take into account the complexity of the relationship between an psychological risk factors (individual's personality, age, national profiles of drivers) and behavior in traffic. Language: en

Suicide and the Internet: Changes in the accessibility of suicide-related information between 2007 and 2014

Abstract: Background Following the ongoing concerns about cyber-suicide, we investigate changes between 2007 and 2014 in material likely to be accessed by suicidal individuals searching for methods of suicide. Methods 12 search terms relating to suicide methods were applied to four search engines and the top ten hits from each were categorised and analysed for content. The frequency of each category of site across all searches, using particular search terms and engines, was counted. Results Key changes: growth of blogs and discussion forums (from 3% of hits, 2007 to 18.5% of hits, 2014); increase in hits linking to general information sites – especially factual sites that detail and evaluate suicide methods (from 9%, 2007 to 21.7%, 2014). Hits for dedicated suicide sites increased (from 19% to 23%), while formal help sites were less visible (from 13% to 6.5%). Overall, 54% of hits contained information about new high-lethality methods. Limitations We did not search for help sites so cannot assess the balance of suicide promoting versus preventing sites available online. Social media was beyond the scope of this study. Conclusions Working with ISPs and search engines would help optimise support sites. Better site moderation and implementation of suicide reporting guidelines should be encouraged.

Right-wing extremism in Australia: the rise of the new radical right

Abstract: This research examines the shifting momentum of right-wing extremism (RWE) in Australia. The study provides an in-depth assessment of eight of the most active RWE groups in Australia, throu...

The Dark Side of Internet Searches: A Macro Level Assessment of Rape Culture

Abstract: Introduction.28 seconds, the total time the Google search engine takes to deliver nearly onehundred thousand websites for the search query "best rape scenes". The intent of this statement is not to reflect in availability of material or suggest the search reflects those looking for, in fact, the best rape scenes. Rather being able to identify these search queries and track the trends and popularity of user queries is methodologically worthy of inquiry. Researchers agree the Internet is an influential source of acquisition and replication of norms, behavior, and attitudes (Jaishankar, 2008; Yar, 2006). The evolving nature of these networks have fundamentally influenced production of knowledge, distribution of tasks, and activities society engages, shaping the perspectives of generations of individuals (Castells, 1996). While research continues to study the relative strength of the Internet within acquisition and reinforcement, it has remained a consistent source of interest within human development (Greenfield & Yan, 2006). Having access to track interesting search queries overtime or following specific events presents as an important source of data, one that may undoubtedly provide new insight into human behavior.Currently there are ~275 million Internet users in North America and ~2.4 billion Internet users globally (Miniwatts Marketing Group, 2013), making the study of this tool incredibly relevant to social scientists. Introducing new methods has the capacity to benefit and reinvigorate discussion on sexual violence and foster the emergence of new perspectives. The increasing use of the Internet and resulting immersion into the daily lives of users would prove an important data source, specifically if the data allowed a longitudinal analysis, which controlled for population changes. For example, if Internet queries for "how to be a better parent" gradually increased 50-percent over a ten-year period, or "racist jokes" decreased 35-percent, a nation and its people would offer signs of change.In the past, access to violent, heterosexual pornography was largely limited to pornographic magazines or dark curtained rooms in video stores. Growth in the Internet and diverse nature of Internet users has fostered spread of not merely pornography, but the growth of niche pornography. As pornography becomes more socially acceptable, accessible, and marketed to wider audiences, its role in perpetuating misogynistic behaviors and attitudes thereby increases (Jensen, 2011; Picker & Sun, 2008). Scholars have suggested that pornography has a prominent feature within acquisition of behaviors and attitudes that correlate increasingly with acceptance, reproduction, and transference of what scholars have voiced as 'rape culture' (Miller & Biele, 1993).Conceptualized and widely studied across disciplines since the late 1980s, 'rape culture' research concerns itself with operationalizing, evaluating, and mediating acquisition of the associated attitudes, behaviors, and norms correlated with violence against women (Herman, 1989). Researchers suggested that violence against women is multifaceted; reflecting the interplay between personal, situational, and socio-cultural factors (Heise, 1998, p. 263). The research took multiple paths, but as Heise (1998) offers, it was important that scholars understand the primacy of culturally constructed messages promoting and promulgating violence against women in a society. Therefore, it was important to understand further the acquisition, modes of transmission, and reinforcement of these intricate markers (attitudes, behaviors, and norms) for rape culture.The resulting research produced important insight into rape culture and sexual violence. Researchers have explained the characteristics reflected at a micro and macro level for prolongation of misogyny and manifestation of rape culture in society. However, accurately measuring individual characteristics within the current studies is limited to survey instruments and focus groups, or at a macro level, official crime statistics, surveys of victims, or content analysis of popular media. …

X Views and Counting Interest in Rape-Oriented Pornography as Gendered Microaggression

Abstract: Academics and activists called to attention decades prior the importance of identifying, analyzing, and tracking the transmission of attitudes, behaviors, and norms correlated with violence against women. A specific call to attention reflected the media as a mode of transmission. This research builds on prior studies of media, with an emphasis on Internet search queries. Using Google search data, for the period 2004 to 2012, this research provides regional analysis of associated interest in rape-oriented pornography and pornographic hubs. Results indicate minor regional variations in interest, including the use of “BDSM” or “bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadomasochism” as a foundational query for use in trend analysis. Interest in rape-oriented pornography by way of pornographic hubs is discussed in the context of microaggression.

Suicide Prevention and New Technologies: Towards Evidence Based Practice

Abstract: Throughout most of human history people with personal problems would need to seek out another person to obtain help or emotional support. The alternative was to deal with the problem oneself, pray for divine intervention or have some solace from religious beliefs. In more recent times, for those few with the ability and culture to do so, one could also seek information, guidance or support from printed books. The second half of the 20th century was a period when the use of face- to-face professional help expanded throughout the world. During this same period, books became a source of a “do-it-yourself” psychological treatment, with an exponential growth in self-help books for almost any human affliction. In the mid-20th century, a new technology, the telephone, expanded the options for help seeking. Telephone support for suicidal people expanded rapidly since the start of the Samaritan movement in the United Kingdom, founded by Reverend Chad Varah in 1953 (Mishara, 2012). Today, telephone helplines provide crisis inter- vention, emotional support and suicide prevention services throughout the world. For examples, Befrienders Worldwide has affiliate helplines in more than 40 countries that provide telephone help based upon the Samaritan approach.