Showing papers in "Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication in 2009"
TL;DR: Positive relationships between intensity of Facebook use and students' life satisfaction, social trust, civic engagement, and political participation are found, suggesting that online social networks are not the most effective solution for youth disengagement from civic duty and democracy.
Abstract: This study examines if Facebook, one of the most popular social network sites among college students in the U.S., is related to attitudes and behaviors that enhance individuals' social capital. Using data from a random web survey of college students across Texas (n = 2,603), we find positive relationships between intensity of Facebook use and students' life satisfaction, social trust, civic engagement, and political participation. While these findings should ease the concerns of those who fear that Facebook has mostly negative effects on young adults, the positive and significant associations between Facebook variables and social capital were small, suggesting that online social networks are not the most effective solution for youth disengagement from civic duty and democracy.
2,070 citations
TL;DR: Investigating Facebook users' awareness of privacy issues and perceived benefits and risks of utilizing Facebook suggests that this lax attitude may be based on a combination of high gratification, usage patterns, and a psychological mechanism similar to third-person effect.
Abstract: This article investigates Facebook users' awareness of privacy issues and perceived benefits and risks of utilizing Facebook. Research found that Facebook is deeply integrated in users' daily lives through specific routines and rituals. Users claimed to understand privacy issues, yet reported uploading large amounts of personal information. Risks to privacy invasion were ascribed more to others than to the self. However, users reporting privacy invasion were more likely to change privacy settings than those merely hearing about others' privacy invasions. Results suggest that this lax attitude may be based on a combination of high gratification, usage patterns, and a psychological mechanism similar to third-person effect. Safer use of social network services would thus require changes in user attitude.
1,154 citations
TL;DR: Testing the idea that the desire for opinion reinforcement may play a more important role in shaping individuals’ exposure to online political information than an aversion to opinion challenge demonstrates that opinion-reinforcing information promotes news story exposure while opinion-challenging information makes exposure only marginally less likely.
Abstract: A review of research suggests that the desire for opinion reinforcement may play a more important role in shaping individuals’ exposure to online political information than an aversion to opinion challenge. The article tests this idea using data collected via a webadministered behavior-tracking study with subjects recruited from the readership of 2 partisan online news sites (N = 727). The results demonstrate that opinion-reinforcing information promotes news story exposure while opinion-challenging information makes exposure only marginally less likely. The influence of both factors is modest, but opinionreinforcing information is a more important predictor. Having decided to view a news story, evidence of an aversion to opinion challenges disappears: There is no evidence that individuals abandon news stories that contain information with which they disagree. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
749 citations
TL;DR: The blog form has matured to resemble traditional journalism in form and practice and top independent political bloggers have played an influential role in holding public officials accountable from Trent Lott to Dan Rather.
Abstract: According to several 2008 reports, blogging continues to attract writers and readers (Comscore Media Matrix, 2008; eMarketer, 2008; Sifry, 2008; Universal McCann, 2008). This form of Web content creation has matured beyond public personal journaling to support citizen journalism or journalism produced by independent bloggers unaffiliated with professional newsrooms (Lenhart & Fox, 2006). The popularity of blogs is in part fueled by its interactive format: The blog tool is popularly believed to be a vehicle of democracy because it fosters decentralized citizen control as opposed to hierarchical, elite control (Crumlish, 2004; Levine, Locke, Searls, & Weinberger, 2001; Rosen, 2006; Scoble & Israel, 2006; Suroweicki, 2005; Weinberger, 2003, 2008). This inversion of elite control is the social outcome of a more interactive format. Blogs are popularly viewed as a form of social media, or media that is architected by design to readily support participation, peer-to-peer conversation, collaboration, and community (O’Reilly, 2004). Social media tools such as blogs enable Web content creators to circumvent the high transaction costs that once characterized usage of earlier media technologies (Gillmor, 2004; Benkler, 2006; Bowman & Willis, 2003; Shirky, 2008). Independent political bloggers that comment on day-to-day news command a readership rivaling that of traditional media entities (Armstrong & Moulitsas Zuniga, 2006). The initial public derision heaped by traditional media entities on these independent bloggers unaffiliated with traditional, professional newsrooms (Rosen, 2005) continues to wane as these bloggers gain respect among Web readers (Johnson & Kaye, 2004). Top independent political bloggers have played an influential role in holding public officials accountable from Trent Lott to Dan Rather (Meraz, 2008). The blog form has matured to resemble traditional journalism in form and practice: Top, independent bloggers now hire editors, blog full-time, and engage in investigative journalism acts (Stoller, 2007; Strupp, 2008). The growth in the independent political blogger’s credibility has taken place against the backdrop of traditional media’s loss
422 citations
TL;DR: Examination of the role of a social network site in the lives of 11 high school teenagers from low-income families in the U.S. revealed that students' use of social network sites demonstrated the new literacy practices currently being discussed within education reform efforts.
Abstract: This study examined the role of a social network site (SNS) in the lives of 11 high school teenagers from low-income families in the U.S. We conducted interviews, talk-alouds and content analysis of MySpace profiles. Qualitative analysis of these data revealed three themes. First, SNSs facilitated emotional support, helped maintain relationships, and provided a platform for self-presentation. Second, students used their online social network to fulfill essential social learning functions. Third, within their SNS, students engaged in a complex array of communicative and creative endeavors. In several instances, students' use of social network sites demonstrated the new literacy practices currently being discussed within education reform efforts. Based on our findings, we suggest additional directions for related research and educational practices.
379 citations
TL;DR: Examination of relationships among earlier sociability, online communication, and cohesive friendships supported the rich-get-richer hypothesis, which suggested adolescents who already had strong social relationships at earlier ages were more likely to use online communications, which in turn predicted more cohesive friendships and better connectedness to school.
Abstract: Literature suggests 4 hypotheses to explain social outcomes of online communication among adolescents: displacement, increase, rich-get-richer, and social-compensation hypotheses. The present study examines which hypothesis is supported, considering differences in social ties (time vs. quality of social relationships; parent-child relationships; friendships; school connectedness). This study's sample was 1,312 adolescents ages 12 to 18. Displacement hypothesis predicted negative associations between time in online communication and time with parents, but time with friends was not displaced. Examination of relationships among earlier sociability, online communication, and cohesive friendships supported the rich-get-richer hypothesis. That is, adolescents who already had strong social relationships at earlier ages were more likely to use online communication, which in turn predicted more cohesive friendships and better connectedness to school.
258 citations
TL;DR: Evidence that informational uses of ICTs are significantly related to expressive participation in the online domain results in a host of traditional or offline civic and political participatory behaviors indirectly through mobilization efforts within the context of a society in crisis is provided.
Abstract: This study assesses differences in use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and relates them to patterns of expressive political participation, mobilization efforts, and traditional civic participation. Relying on data collected in August 2008 from a random sample of respondents designed to represent Colombia's adult urban population, this paper provides evidence that informational uses of ICTs (Internet and mobile phones) are significantly related to expressive participation in the online domain, which in turn results in a host of traditional or offline civic and political participatory behaviors indirectly through mobilization efforts. That these relationships occur within the context of a society in crisis suggests that new communication technologies offer an additional pathway to democratic political engagement in such societies.
239 citations
TL;DR: Data on non-White Hispanic college student users of the Internet provides insight into Internet use among a group that appears to be underrepresented in the literature on college students and Internet use, as well as trends in use across racial lines.
Abstract: The goal of this study was to learn about whether race and gender make a difference in Internet use among U.S. college students. A survey of college students at 40 U.S. higher education institutions was conducted, along with observations and interviews at several Midwestern U.S. universities. For comparison to the general U.S. population a nationwide telephone survey was undertaken. The study presents new data on Internet use among male and female college students, as well as trends in use across racial lines. Data on non-White Hispanic college student users of the Internet provides insight into Internet use among a group that appears to be underrepresented in the literature on college students and Internet use. The data analysis presents a complex picture of differential Internet use along gender lines, one that is generally consistent with the existing scholarly literature. Differential use based on race is a bit more complex. Stronger points of contrast emerge amongst White non-Hispanic, Hispanic, and Black non-Hispanic college students than they do when the respondents are grouped by gender.
235 citations
TL;DR: Examining how this personalized soft campaigning strategy worked in the 2006 Dutch elections and how interaction with potential voters can influence the evaluation of the candidates finds that politicians who react on the comments of users were perceived more favorable.
Abstract: Social network sites (SNS) have become very popular, especially among adolescents and young adults. Consequently, politicians started to use them for their campaigns. This paper examines how this personalized soft campaigning strategy worked in the 2006 Dutch elections and how interaction with potential voters can influence the evaluation of the candidates. The first question is answered by a web survey among active users of Hyves, the largest Dutch SNS. The second question is answered by a web experiment on a fictive candidate. The survey showed that SNS provide an opportunity to reach individuals less interested in politics. Viewing a candidate's profile further strengthened existing attitudes. However, the politicians did not fully use the interactive features of SNS during the 2006 campaign. The web experiment showed that politicians who react on the comments of users were perceived more favorable. This effect was stronger for right-wing politicians and left-wing voters.
221 citations
TL;DR: It is found that ethno-racial identities are salient and highly elaborated and reflect a certain resistance to the racial silencing of minorities by dominant color-blind ideologies of broader society.
Abstract: The present study investigates self-presentation in a nonymous setting and explores differences in self-presentation by distinct ethno-racial groups. Based on content analysis of 83 Facebook profiles of African Americans, Latino, Indian and Vietnamese ancestry students, supplemented by 63 in-person interviews, we found that ethno-racial identities are salient and highly elaborated. The intensive investments of minorities in presenting highly social, culturally explicit and elaborated narratives of self reflect a certain resistance to the racial silencing of minorities by dominant color-blind ideologies of broader society. In the nonymous environment of Facebook, various dimensions of identity claimsappear to be grounded in offline realities as revealed in interviews and observations of campus social dynamics.
189 citations
TL;DR: Blogs were examined during the 2 weeks after Hurricane Katrina to better understand what risk and crisis communication functions they served and several of the blog functions indicate the role the Internet plays in maintaining a sense of community in times of crisis.
Abstract: Blogs were examined during the 2 weeks after Hurricane Katrina hit the U.S. city of New Orleans to better understand what risk and crisis communication functions they served. The 4 major functions—communication, political, information, and helping—included both filtering and linking about rescue needs and efforts, missing persons, ways to offer and find assistance, fostering community, and providing information on damage and government response. A thinker function was fulfilled where bloggers expressed opinions, especially on government response. An additional function not previously delineated was identified, which might be termed emotive or therapeutic. In addition, several of the blog functions indicate the role the Internet plays in maintaining a sense of community in times of crisis.
TL;DR: The assumption that traditional and new media destroy social capital is not supported empirically, and online network capital augments offline network capital and web surfing coincides with more online socializing, however, this additional capital appears not to have benefits in terms of social support and loneliness.
Abstract: This study sets out to identify relations between people's media use, network capital as a resource, and loneliness. Unlike many studies on this topic, this study aimed to test hypotheses on a national sample, and used insights from empirical research and theoretical notions from different research areas. Data collected via telephone interviews in 2005 were analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling. The assumption that traditional and new media destroy social capital is not supported empirically. Moreover, online network capital augments offline network capital and web surfing coincides with more online socializing. However, this additional capital appears not to have benefits in terms of social support and loneliness. The reverse causal relation between loneliness and media use also could not be established.
TL;DR: This essay explores how rural young people weave digital-media-generated source materials into their identity work, particularly as they navigate the politics of visibility's master narrative event: “coming out.”
Abstract: Drawing on a 19-month ethnographic study, this essay explores how rural young people weave digital-media-generated source materials into their identity work, particularly as they navigate the politics of visibility's master narrative event: “coming out.” More so than in urban scenes where a critical mass of LGBTQ visibility is taken for granted, these stories resonate with the complex negotiation of visibility and family ties that consume rural young people's everyday lives. At the same time the amount rural youth absorb or rework these categories has everything to do with each person's capacity to enact and publicly assert them. This approach to studies of media effects calls for a deeply situated understanding of media engagements beyond reception of particular media texts.
TL;DR: The term Internet addiction is used for consistency in this study because conceptual confusion surrounding this emotion-laden term has made it difficult to ascertain the precise psychopathology arguably associated with it.
Abstract: In a little more than a decade, the Internet has revolutionized mediated communication and communication flow. With the pace of change and the emergence of new uses of the Internet (e.g., YouTube, MySpace) over this time, researchers have continued to struggle with explaining various positive and negative effects of Internet use that have garnered attention. Some have suggested that Internet use can enhance living conditions by providing access to diverse information (Bauer, Gai, Kim, Muth, & Wildman, 2002), widen users’ social circles (e.g., Hampton & Wellman, 2003; Katz & Aspden, 1997; Rheingold, 1993), and enhance psychological well-being (Chen, Boase, & Wellman, 2002; Kang, 2007). Others have considered some potential negative effects of the Internet, arguing that it can be an isolating medium leading to loneliness, less social interaction with family members and friends (e.g., Kraut, Patterson, Landmark, Kielser, Mukophadhyaya, & Scherlis, 1998; Sanders, Field, Diego, & Kaplan, 2000; Stoll, 1995; Turkle, 1996), and clinical depression (Young & Rogers, 1998). One negative effect that has received considerable attention over the last several years is the extent to which people may become addicted to the Internet. The ongoing evolution of Internet use and growth in the amount of time people spend using the Internet has fueled this concern. Researchers have used different terms to describe very similar types of behavior. These include problematic Internet use (Caplan, 2002; Davis, Besser, & Flett, 2002), pathological Internet use (Morahan-Martin, & Schumacher, 2000), Internet dependency (Anderson, 1998; Scherer, 1997), and Internet addiction (Beard & Wolf, 2001; Griffiths, 1996; Young, 1996a). In the current study we use the term Internet addiction for consistency. However, it must be noted that conceptual confusion surrounding this emotion-laden term has made it difficult to ascertain the precise psychopathology arguably associated with it (Shaffer, 2004). For example, whereas terms such as dependency and addiction have a longstanding history of being used interchangeably in the context of drug and alcohol abuse (Eisenman, Dantzker, & Ellis, 2004), in media studies such terms have very different historical meanings. For instance, dependence or reliance on a particular medium or
TL;DR: The flow of information from the content creators to the readers and writers continues to be mediated by a few individuals who act as filters and amplifiers in online political discussions.
Abstract: This study addresses 3 research questions in the context of online political discussions: What is the distribution of successful topic starting practices, what characterizes the content of large thread-starting messages, and what is the source of that content? A 6-month analysis of almost 40,000 authors in 20 political Usenet newsgroups identified authors who received a disproportionate number of replies We labeled these authors ‘‘discussion catalysts’’ Content analysis revealed that 95 percent of discussion catalysts’ messages contained content imported from elsewhere on the web, about 2/3 from traditional news organizations We conclude that the flow of information from the content creators to the readers and writers continues to be mediated by a few individuals who act as filters and amplifiers
TL;DR: Light is shed on the particularities of the linguistic, social and cultural action of young Finns in translocal new media spaces, and the ways in which they themselves make sense of and account for their actions.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to shed light on the particularities of the linguistic, social and cultural action of young Finns in translocal new media spaces, and the ways in which they themselves make sense of and account for their actions. We present findings from 4 case studies, each of which illustrates aspects of translocality in young Finns' new media uses. Theoretically and methodologically the case studies draw on sociolinguistics, discourse studies, and ethnography, making use of the concepts of language choice and linguistic and stylistic heteroglossia. Through the 4 cases in focus, the paper shows how young people's linguistically and textually sophisticated new media uses are geared by and express translocal affective, social, and cultural alignments and affinities.
TL;DR: This article examined how gender cues influence perceptions of credibility of informational blogs and found that male authors were deemed more credible than female authors, and main effects were found for information seekers who found the blogs more credible.
Abstract: This study examines how gender cues influence perceptions of credibility of informational blogs. Using 2 experiments for data collection, this study manipulated the gender descriptors of a Weblog authors and had participants rate the overall perceived credibility of 1 of 3 blog posts. Male authors were deemed more credible than female authors, and main effects were found for information seekers, who found the blogs more credible than noninformation seekers. Implications are discussed.
TL;DR: The findings indicate that respondents did practice selective exposure to blogs, predominantly those who are heavy blog users, politically active both online and offline, partisan, and highly educated.
Abstract: This study used an online panel of Internet users to examine the degree to which blog users practice selective exposure when seeking political information. The research employed a path analysis model to explore the extent to which exposure to offline and online discussion of political issues, and offline and online media use, as well as political variables and demographic factors, predict an individual’s likelihood to engage in selective exposure to blogs. The findings indicate that respondents did practice selective exposure to blogs, predominantly those who are heavy blog users, politically active both online and offline, partisan, and highly educated.
TL;DR: Using Szuprowicz’ (1995) typology of interactivity, different types of user-generated content (UGC) are distinguished: media, narrative, and metadata UGC, and results show a 20%–80% division between high- and low-frequency seeders.
Abstract: Several studies indicate that only a small minority of Web 20 users actively participates, while the minority do not contribute at all This article investigates whether a similar division applies for adolescents' Internet behavior Using Szuprowicz’ (1995) typology of interactivity, we distinguish different types of user-generated content (UGC): media, narrative, and metadata UGC Our results show a 20%–80% division between high- and low-frequency seeders Furthermore, we utilize the uses-and-gratifications paradigm to investigate how these high- and low-frequency seeders differ in their overall gratifications obtained by WWW use Although the gratifications' rank orders are identical for all groups, their magnitudes differ significantly Finally, this article focuses on how these WWW gratifications can predict seeding, while controlling for socio-demographics and usage frequency
TL;DR: Given Singapore’s estimated 90 percent literacy rate for above 15-year olds and highly developed information infrastructure with 99% connectivity, it can be argued that its populace is in a good position to take advantage of the new forms of social connectivity.
Abstract: Since gaining independence in 1965, the Singapore government has relentlessly pursued economic growth and prosperity, while at the same time exercising tight political controls, which has largely eroded traditional political participation among the citizens (George, 2003; Rodan, 1998). In the economic domain, Singapore’s performance has indeed been very impressive; the country was recently ranked as the second in the world regarding the Global Potential Competitiveness and rated as the Most Competitive Asian Economy, among numerous other accolades (Economic Development Board, 2007). At the same time, its democratic record has been less than stellar, earning Singapore a ‘‘partly free’’ rating in the Freedom in the World report (Freedom House, 2007) and a ‘‘noticeable problems’’ label regarding the state of media freedoms (Reporters Without Borders, 2007). Not surprisingly, several studies and reports have indicated high levels of political apathy in Singaporeans (e.g. Chan & Wong, 2001; Veloo, 2002; Yap, 2000). However, since Singapore has universal suffrage and all citizens over 21 are required to vote by law, this apathy has not been reflected in the election turnout rates. In recent years, researchers have suggested that the Internet may play an important role in reviving and rejuvenating civic and political participation in Singapore (George & Yee, 2007; Kluver & Soon, 2004; Tan, 2003; Yeo, 2003). Given Singapore’s estimated 90 percent literacy rate for above 15-year olds (U.S. Department of State, 2007) and highly developed information infrastructure with 99% connectivity (IDA, 2007), it can be argued that its populace is in a good position to take advantage of the new forms of social connectivity. Singapore’s
TL;DR: By defining and understanding the social value of young people’s online network use the authors can move toward a policy framework that not only addresses potential online risks, but also supports equitable digital inclusion for young people.
Abstract: This paper examines the ways nine teenage Australians—identified as being 'at risk' of social exclusion—are using online networks to participate in society. The research finds that online networks provided the participants with valuable opportunities for social inclusion. These findings are contextualized in relation to current Australian Government education and social policies which, on the one hand aspire to support young people’s social inclusion, and on the other restrict their ability to use online networks in public and private spaces because of safety and health concerns. This study contends that by defining and understanding the social value of young people’s online network use we can move toward a policy framework that not only addresses potential online risks, but also supports equitable digital inclusion for young people.
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TL;DR: This research argues that previous conceptualizations of alternative media, at least in relation to the political/current events blogosphere, might need reconsideration.
Abstract: It has been argued that blogs, as an extension of 1960s ‘New Journalism,’ have become an important form of alternative media. At their idealized best, blogs can report news without the constraints of censure or the pressures of advertising. This argument suggests that blogs can therefore offer a deeper analysis, based upon a diverse range of sources and contributing citizen commentators, which is not possible through modern corporate, mainstream outlets. This exploratory study uses both critical discourse and content analysis to examine 344 posts, 1,712 hyperlinks, and 10,401 comments from 4 political/current events blogs within a 7-day period. This research argues that previous conceptualizations of alternative media, at least in relation to the political/current events blogosphere, might need reconsideration.
TL;DR: This article analyzes both a series of 2007-8 U.S. TV ads that humorously deploy the language of text messaging, and the subsequent debates about the linguistic status of texting that they occasioned.
Abstract: Exploring the close relationship between poetic language and metalanguage, this article analyzes both a series of 2007-8 U.S. TV ads that humorously deploy the language of text messaging, and the subsequent debates about the linguistic status of texting that they occasioned. We explore the ambivalence of commercials that at once resonate with fears of messaging slang as a verbal contagion and luxuriate in the playful inversion of standard language hierarchies. The commercials were invoked by monologic mainstream media as evidence of language decay, but their circulation on YouTube invited dialogic metalinguistic discussions, in which young people and texting proponents could share the floor with adults and language prescriptivists. We examine some of the themes that emerge in the commentary YouTubers have posted about these ads, and discuss the style of that commentary as itself significant.
TL;DR: Preteen British children's use of text messaging, particularly the abbreviations and characteristic language used within text messages, is looked at, not only at the language style used by the children, but at the ways in which it relates to their traditional literacy skills, as measured through standardized tests and assessments.
Abstract: This article focuses on preteen British children's use of text messaging, particularly the abbreviations and characteristic language used within text messages. We look not only at the language style used by the children, but at the ways in which it relates to their traditional literacy skills, as measured through standardized tests and assessments. We have found repeated positive relationships between use of text register language and traditional literacy skills, and we give here a preview of our latest, longitudinal work, which allows those relationships to be studied directionally, enabling us to draw causal conclusions.
TL;DR: This study attempts to present how one's electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intention is shaped by 2 key factors—the valence of product-related information and the social coherence of the communication network in which s/he belongs.
Abstract: A widely accepted notion in diffusion literature is that individuals’ word-of-mouth behavior is constrained by the properties of social structures (e.g., tie strength, positions in a network) they belong to. Although many studies have indeed confirmed the existence of such social influence, little is known about how the social structural effects are produced and work at a psychological level. This study attempts to present how one's electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intention is shaped by 2 key factors—the valence of product-related information and the social coherence of the communication network in which s/he belongs. To understand the process through which the network structures moderate the impact of information valence on eWOM intention, 2 different moderation processes—a) mediated moderation and b) moderated mediation—were tested in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. The experimental results supported the moderated mediation model, and the implications of the results were discussed.
TL;DR: The survey shows that the opportunity to use the Internet to reinforce the social functions of journalism has not been fully recognised and practitioners believe that the quality of Journalism has been raised or lowered.
Abstract: This study investigates how European journalists evaluate the changes that have occurred in their profession since the Internet has been integrated in newsrooms. How do journalists perceive the features and innovations associated with the Internet? What are the principal changes in the profession? Do practitioners believe that the quality of journalism has been raised or lowered? To answer to these research questions, we carried out a survey across 11 European countries–Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden–of 239 journalists, working for 40 of the most-read print/online news outlets in these countries. The survey shows that the opportunity to use the Internet to reinforce the social functions of journalism has not been fully recognised.
TL;DR: Results indicate that use of interactive features is positively associated with perceived satisfaction with the exception of forums and Q&A features, and customization features are the sole significant positive predictor of perceived satisfaction toward community news sites.
Abstract: Using a statewide, Web-based survey, this study examines the associations between online community news audiences' uses of interactive features offered in various news presentations and the perceived satisfaction of community news sites. In addition, the study aims to identify associations between different types of interactive news presentation styles and levels of satisfaction. Results indicate that use of interactive features is positively associated with perceived satisfaction with the exception of forums and Q&A features. Results also reveal that customization features, such as content submissions, letter-to-the-editor, and e-mail byline links, are the sole significant positive predictor of perceived satisfaction toward community news sites.
TL;DR: Analysis of individually generated content of a typical first-person-shooter game with high temporal resolution and physiological response measures collected during the game play indicates varying gaming experiences in the users and distinct arousal levels over time and for different game events.
Abstract: Multiple studies have been addressing effects of playing violent video games. However, most such studies neglect users' individual experiences. In fact, each player's gameplaying choices creates his or her own specific game content. Within this study we analyzed the individually generated content of a typical first-person-shooter game with high temporal resolution and associated them with physiological response measures (heart rate, skin conductance) collected during the game play. Thirteen experienced game players played the multiplayer first-person-shooter game “Tactical Ops: Assault on Terror” for 50 minutes on average. Playing phases and events in between were analyzed on both an intraplayer and interplayer level. Results indicate varying gaming experiences in the users and distinct arousal levels over time and for different game events.
TL;DR: Survey data was used to examine RTV consumption, authoritarianism, and users’ offline social context as potential antecedents for nondirected self-disclosure via blogs, online photo sharing, and online video sharing.
Abstract: This research explores traditional mass media as an antecedent to nondirected self-disclosure online. New Internet-based tools allow users to communicate with global audiences, and to make intimate personal information available to this audience. At the same time, a culture that rewards the public performance of private thoughts and emotions is increasingly evident in ‘‘reality’’ television (RTV) programming. This study used survey data to examine RTV consumption, authoritarianism, and users’ offline social context as potential antecedents for nondirected self-disclosure via blogs, online photo sharing, and online video sharing. RTV consumption correlated with blogging and video sharing, but not photo sharing. Social support network size was a significant correlate of photo sharing, indicating that photo sharing may be a more relational activity.