Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2012"
TL;DR: Drawing on a range of communicative metrics, it is shown that thematic and contextual factors influence the usage of different communicative tools available to Twitter users, such as original tweets, @replies, retweets, and URLs.
Abstract: To date, the available literature mainly discusses Twitter activity patterns in the context of individual case studies, while comparative research on a large number of communicative events and their dynamics and patterns is missing. By conducting a comparative study of more than 40 different cases (covering topics such as elections, natural disasters, corporate crises, and televised events) we identify a number of distinct types of discussion that can be observed on Twitter. Drawing on a range of communicative metrics, we show that thematic and contextual factors influence the usage of different communicative tools available to Twitter users, such as original tweets, @replies, retweets, and URLs. Based on this first analysis of the overall metrics of Twitter discussions, we also demonstrate stable patterns in the use of Twitter in the context of major topics and events.
236 citations
TL;DR: An up-to-date literature review that frames available studies using Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as data sources, in the perspective of traditional approaches for social scientists: ethnographical, statistical, and computational.
Abstract: A growing amount of content is published worldwide every day by millions of social media users. Most of this content is public, permanent, and searchable. At the same time, the number of studies proposing different techniques and methodologies to exploit this content as data for researchers in different disciplines is also growing. This article presents an up-to-date literature review that frames available studies using Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as data sources, in the perspective of traditional approaches for social scientists: ethnographical, statistical, and computational. The aim is to offer an overview of strengths and weaknesses of different approaches in the context of the possibilities offered by the different platforms.
124 citations
TL;DR: The article discusses the merits and limitations of using social media archives in empirical social media research, and a theoretical examination of web archiving as a new method enabled by the web itself.
Abstract: This article discusses the method of web archiving in qualitative social media research. While presenting a number of methodological challenges, social media archives (i.e., complete recordings of posts and comments on given social media) are also highly useful data corpuses for studying the social media users' communicative practices. Through a theoretical examination of web archiving as a new method enabled by the web itself, and an example-based discussion of the methodological, technical, and ethical challenges of harvesting social media archives, the article discusses the merits and limitations of using social media archives in empirical social media research.
52 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the similarities and differences between online and face-to-face counseling with regard to general mental health, working alliance, and social presence were examined and the results indicated that online counseling clients perceived a significantly stronger working alliance on the total Working Alliance Inventory-Short Form as well as the Goal subscale than did those who received face to face only counseling.
Abstract: This preliminary study examined the similarities and differences between online and face-to-face counseling with regard to general mental health, working alliance, and social presence. Participants included 50 current counseling clients (37 face-to-face, 13 online) who all were recruited through online mediums. Results indicated that online counseling clients perceived a significantly stronger working alliance on the total Working Alliance Inventory-Short Form as well as the Goal subscale than did those who received face-to-face only counseling. No significant differences existed between the groups on general mental health or social presence. These results suggest that a more controlled study with a larger sample might find that a strong working alliance can be developed through online counseling.
44 citations
TL;DR: Community detection, a set of methods for the discovery of closely knit groups, is presented as an intermediary step that enables application of existing traditional and network analytical approaches in a smaller setting more suited to social scientific questions.
Abstract: As social media usage permeates people's lives, an increasing portion of their daily behavior leaves digital traces to be used by researchers. Social scientists can hope to gain new insight into the previously hidden but digitally recorded aspects of our digital social lives. Beyond aggregate and individual-level studies of user behavior, the digital traces also enable scientific examination of the structure of social interaction through networks. At the same time, the large scale and networked nature of social media data pose a new set of challenges to be overcome through the development of sound methodologies. We take stock of current methodological promises and challenges in social media analysis. Community detection, a set of methods for the discovery of closely knit groups, is then presented as an intermediary step that enables application of existing traditional and network analytical approaches in a smaller setting more suited to social scientific questions. In closing, we argue that this network p...
21 citations
TL;DR: A qualitative analysis of information technology innovation award applications submitted by a variety of nonprofits was conducted to explore two research questions: (a) in what areas of organizational functioning can information technology innovations be implemented, and (b) what are the expected benefits associated with the implementation of those IT innovations.
Abstract: This article investigated user perceptions of innovative information technology. A qualitative analysis of information technology innovation award applications submitted by a variety of nonprofits was conducted to explore two research questions: (a) in what areas of organizational functioning can information technology innovations be implemented, and (b) what are the expected benefits associated with the implementation of those information technology innovations? The results showed that technological innovations can occur in administrative, service, and marketing areas; and that the applicants believed that those innovations have a potential to provide numerous positive benefits. Those benefits were associated with clients and programs, internal and external functioning, fundraising and financial aspects, and public image and relationships with stakeholders. Human service organizations proposed the highest numbers of IT innovations in the administrative and technological areas.
20 citations
TL;DR: This article investigated whether hypothesized cognitive mechanisms of change mediate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered online for treating depression and anxiety disorders by searching MEDLINE, PsychInfo and PsychArticles databases from January 1980 to March 2011.
Abstract: The present study investigates whether hypothesized cognitive mechanisms of change mediate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered online for treating depression and anxiety disorders Articles were included by searching MEDLINE, PsychInfo and PsychArticles databases from January 1980 to March 2011 The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) randomized clinical trials investigating the role of CBT delivered online, (b) patient sample had clinical or subclinical intensity emotional problems, (c) at least one measure of cognitions was included, (d) the inclusion of a control group, and (e) sufficient data provided to allow calculation of effect sizes Eleven articles were selected Results revealed a moderate overall effect size of CBT (d = 67, P < 05) on the combined cognitive and emotional outcomes A positive impact of online CBT on cognitive factors (d = 69, P < 05) and emotional outcomes (d = 63, P < 05) was independently demonstrated In conclusion, cognitive-behavioral the
20 citations
TL;DR: The approach is a complement for the analysis of large data sets enabling the examination and comparison of different discussions as a means of improving the authors' understanding of the uses of social media and other forms of online communication.
Abstract: This article outlines a method for studying online activity using both qualitative and quantitative methods: topical network analysis. A topical network refers to “the collection of sites commenting on a particular event or issue, and the links between them” (Highfield, Kirchhoff, & Nicolai, 2011, p. 341). The approach is a complement for the analysis of large data sets enabling the examination and comparison of different discussions as a means of improving our understanding of the uses of social media and other forms of online communication. Developed for an analysis of political blogging, the method also has wider applications for other social media websites such as Twitter.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Critical Systems Heuristics are introduced as a tool in developing policy recommendations for the use of social media by youth in foster care, which can serve as a guide for an agency or workgroup tasked with developing policy guidelines for social media use by youth.
Abstract: Although youth in foster care most likely use social media websites, there appears to be a lack of policy guidelines related to this use. When one considers youth in foster care, the state's mandate to provide safety, and foster parents' rights to exercise parenting responsibilities, the notion of privacy and the use of social media becomes complex. Critical Systems Heuristics will be introduced as a tool in developing policy recommendations. An application of this framework will be provided which can serve as a guide for an agency or workgroup tasked with developing policy guidelines for social media use by youth in foster care.
17 citations
TL;DR: Special attention is devoted to the dynamics of online media and online news in particular, data reactivity during research, algorithmic content production, and the impact of relationship-related information.
Abstract: The term “social navigation” (SN) refers to media use patterns that are driven by the previous media activities of others. This phenomenon is widely encountered in social media environments, which allow users to easily leave and receive information. However, investigating the variety of SN actions, such as rating, forwarding, and even producing media items oneself, increases the prevalent challenges of empirical research on web content. The article reflects on these challenges and offers possible solutions via the example of a pilot study concerning online news based on a multi-method design with a particular emphasis on online content analysis. Special attention is devoted to the dynamics of online media and online news in particular, data reactivity during research, algorithmic content production, and the impact of relationship-related information.
17 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored the experiences of social workers who used an online blog for reflection, describing different levels of engagement with reflection and the development of an online community of practice to support isolated social workers.
Abstract: Social workers are increasingly using social media for networking, peer support, reflection, and fun. Social media presents exciting opportunities for social work practice; however, social workers and employers of social workers need to understand the challenges and conflicts that can occur. This study explored the experiences of social workers who used an online blog for reflection, describing different levels of engagement with reflection and the development of an online community of practice to support isolated social workers. This study is significant because although there are many studies that describe the experiences of students using a blog for reflection, the author has been unable to identify another study that focuses on the ways social workers engaged with a blog for reflection.
TL;DR: The design of this new research methodology is described, the methodological advantages and challenges are shared and the methodology is applied in an innovative web-based entertainment-education series called SndBites.
Abstract: Internet technology in which social media play a central role offers new opportunities for health communication. The Center for Media & Health (CMH) in the Netherlands in collaboration with the University of Twente developed a methodology called Mark My Words (MMW) to detect and monitor interpersonal conversations on social media. The MMW methodology is based on the concept of “markers” and on data analysis via text mining techniques. MMW is applied in an innovative web-based entertainment-education series called SndBites. This article describes the design of this new research methodology and shares the methodological advantages and challenges.
TL;DR: The authors' experiences indicate that such an approach can be especially beneficial when working with young people, as it enabled us to observe the actual construction and usage of gender codes and norms, both in the offline peer group context and in an online setting.
Abstract: Employing Creative Research Methods with Tweens in Estonia and Sweden : Reflections on a Case Study of Identity Construction on Social Networking Sites
TL;DR: Factors associated with Internet use by informal caregivers assisting people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are identified using a logistic regression model.
Abstract: The Internet is used to help informal caregivers provide assistance to people with chronic illness and disability. We identified factors associated with Internet use by informal caregivers assisting people with multiple sclerosis (MS) using a logistic regression model. Duration of MS in the person receiving care and caregiver age predicted lower Internet use. More hours per week providing care and higher caregiver educational level increased odds of Internet use. The Internet can be a low-cost service delivery option to provide education and support to caregivers assisting people with MS.
TL;DR: For instance, the authors found that practitioners in even the most interpersonal of specialist areas in counseling, psychology and social work, such as social welfare, can be found using information technology.
Abstract: Ten years ago, books on information technology were written for computer nerds. Now, practitioners in even the most interpersonal of specialist areas in counseling, psychology and social work, such...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used Erahoneybee's story as a case study in the application of multimodal analysis with digital media story texts, which highlight meanings made from the multiple communication modes and the convergence of these modes as present in this digital story.
Abstract: Tuber Erahoneybee's digital media story Song About a Child Welfare Agency provides YouTube audiences with a glimpse into a student intern's experience of human service work. This article uses Erahoneybee's story as a case study in the application of multimodal analysis with digital media story texts. Application of multimodal analysis in this way supports multiple and open readings of these texts, which highlight meanings made from the multiple communication modes and the convergence of these modes as present in this digital story. The analysis suggests the complex and political nature of personal stories of human service work and the need for additional research into the possibilities of digital media stories in the field.
TL;DR: Social media can be generally understood as web-based services that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of User Generated Content.
Abstract: Social media are becoming increasingly attractive for users. It is a fast way to communicate ideas and can be a key source of information about how people interact. Today it is among the most influ...
TL;DR: The Love Is Not Abuse application as discussed by the authors is an educational resource that provides information about teen dating violence and simulates the dangers of digital dating abuse, simulating online dating abuse and stalking.
Abstract: The Love Is Not Abuse application is an educational resource that provides information about teen dating violence and simulates the dangers of digital dating abuse.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on an initial alumni survey of distance education graduates in Hawai'i, suggesting that the DE program has been successful in its mission to address workforce shortages in the number of social workers in rural areas.
Abstract: Many schools of social work have targeted rural communities as critical regions for distance education (DE) facilitated degree delivery. This article reports on an initial alumni survey of DE graduates in Hawai'i, suggesting that the DE program has been successful in its mission to address workforce shortages in the number of social workers in rural areas. Not only are the majority of alumni still living and working rural areas, but they are also pursuing licensure at high rates. This study proposes that distance education not only transforms individuals, but can also be a tool of community change.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a formalized social-media theoretical tools and systematic measurement for underrepresented and underresearched populations, where YouTube exemplifies the tension between an empowered user and powerful commerce-driven creators in the battle for media control.
Abstract: YouTube has surpassed other social media platforms on a massive scale in application and influence, and has recently begun to impact the way people seek out and use information, learn about the world, and share their own unique perspective often with an international audience. However, this ubiquitous form of social media is perhaps the least scholarly researched form of social media, particularly when it comes to so-called underrepresented and underresearched populations. Generally speaking, formalized social-media theoretical tools and systematic measurement have been lacking as well. YouTube exemplifies the tension between an empowered user and powerful commerce-driven creators in the battle for media control and demands scholarly analysis.
TL;DR: This article examined 86 social service agency websites that were previously examined in 2000 and found that complex reading and comprehension levels and a lack of language opportunities on the websites are the main reasons for poor reading comprehension.
Abstract: This follow-up longitudinal study examined 86 social service agency websites that were previously examined in 2000. The websites were examined on dimensions of the language, readability, and disability access over a 10-year period. Data were gathered in 2000, 2005, and 2010. The results indicate that agencies are not creating websites that are user-friendly for diverse populations. This is due to complex reading and comprehension levels and a lack of language opportunities on the websites. Agencies may be able to better serve clients by a decrease in the sophistication of the agency website, namely reading comprehension levels.
TL;DR: The OCD Challenge as discussed by the authors is an online self-help website for those living with OCD without access to an effective intervention such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure with response prevention (ERP).
Abstract: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a neurobiological illness characterized by unwanted thoughts and/or images followed by repetitive rituals. About 5 million Americans live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. OCD is a manageable illness when proper interventions are utilized. Treatment for OCD is limited due to the lack of adequately trained professionals and the high costs of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in conjunction with exposure with response prevention (ERP) is the most effective intervention modality available for OCD. To address the treatment gap, an online, interactive self-help website was developed for those living with OCD without access to an effective intervention. This report will explore development of the OCD Challenge website and future implications of its use.