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Title: Social Media Effectiveness.
Creator: You, Ya, Joshi, Amit, Bhardwaj, Pradeep, Vadakkepatt, Gautham, Trusov, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Over the last decade, the advent of social media such as online product reviews (e.g., Amazon.com),blogs and other social networking sites (e.g., Facebook.com) has dramatically changed the way consumers obtain and exchange information about products. This dissertation investigates the impact of various types of social media on product performance and compares the effectiveness of social and traditional media under various conditions. Specifically, the first chapter performs a meta-analysis of...
Show moreOver the last decade, the advent of social media such as online product reviews (e.g., Amazon.com),blogs and other social networking sites (e.g., Facebook.com) has dramatically changed the way consumers obtain and exchange information about products. This dissertation investigates the impact of various types of social media on product performance and compares the effectiveness of social and traditional media under various conditions. Specifically, the first chapter performs a meta-analysis of consumer-generated WOM elasticity in social media to identify the factors that influence the impact of WOM on product sales and to assess the generalizability of the relationship. The second chapter examines how social media may influence product performance in different product contexts as compared with traditional media, which assists managers in making better media decisions. Taken together, this dissertation evaluates the progress in this field, and then takes a step further by applying past findings to understand how social media may perform at various stages in the product lifecycle.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005077, ucf:50759
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005077

Title: #BECAUSE I SHAVE MY ARMPITS...": A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF #WOMENAGAINSTFEMINISM ON TWITTER.
Creator: Brandman, Marina, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Because of the speed and convenience of Twitter, it has become one of the most widely utilized platforms for breaking news and is often used to raise awareness of current social issues, political happenings, and social injustices. As more women use Twitter and other social media to embrace the feminist label online, an array of criticism has come to surface. A new movement, #WomenAgainstFeminism, has become popular with Twitter users who reject feminism ideals and the feminism label. Research...
Show moreBecause of the speed and convenience of Twitter, it has become one of the most widely utilized platforms for breaking news and is often used to raise awareness of current social issues, political happenings, and social injustices. As more women use Twitter and other social media to embrace the feminist label online, an array of criticism has come to surface. A new movement, #WomenAgainstFeminism, has become popular with Twitter users who reject feminism ideals and the feminism label. Research has been done examining the presence of online feminism, "hashtag feminism," and online activism in general. Currently, there is no research analyzing the online reaction to feminism, #WomenAgainstFeminism. The purpose of this study is to analyze tweets containing #WomenAgainstFeminism to identify the salient reasons for rejecting feminism, stereotypes associated with feminism, and characteristics associated with feminists. This study broadens the current literature that analyzes attitudes towards feminism, stereotypes of feminists, and feminist identification. This study also adds to the growing body of literature that appreciates the impact Twitter and other social media networks have on members of society and social movements. This study differs from previous research because it focuses on the common stereotypes and characteristics associated with feminism that are prevalent in a social media campaign created to refute feminism.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004828, ucf:45475
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004828

Title: SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS EFFECT ON PRIVACY.
Creator: Adams, Brittney, Flammia, Madelyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: While research has been conducted on social media, few comparisons have been made in regards to the privacy issues that exist within the most common social media networks, such as Facebook, Google Plus, and Twitter. Most research has concentrated on technical issues with the networks and on the effects of social media in fields such as medicine, law, and science. Although the effects on these fields are beneficial to the people related to them, few studies have shown how everyday users are...
Show moreWhile research has been conducted on social media, few comparisons have been made in regards to the privacy issues that exist within the most common social media networks, such as Facebook, Google Plus, and Twitter. Most research has concentrated on technical issues with the networks and on the effects of social media in fields such as medicine, law, and science. Although the effects on these fields are beneficial to the people related to them, few studies have shown how everyday users are affected by the use of social media. Social media networks affect the privacy of users because the networks control what happens to user contact information, posts, and other delicate disclosures that users make on those networks. Social media networks also have the ability to sync with phone and tablet applications. Because the use of these applications requires additional contact information from users, social media networks are entrusted with keeping user information secure. This paper analyzes newspaper articles, magazine articles, and research papers pertaining to social media to determine what effects social media has on the user's privacy and how much trust should be placed in social media networks such as Facebook. It provides a comprehensive view of the most used social media networks in 2012 and offers methods and suggestions for users to help protect themselves against privacy invasion.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004242, ucf:44895
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004242

Title: Help me be healthy: Perceptions of social support in an online weight loss program.
Creator: Davies, Brittany, Sandoval, Jennifer, Neuberger, Lindsay, Hastings, Sally, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As technology changes, so do the ways in which we receive information, provide information and interact with one another. The exchange of social support is increasingly mediated by technology in the realm of health, nutrition, and fitness (Dahl, et al 2015; Wright et al 2011). Commercial weight loss and healthy lifestyle initiatives such as the Beachbody programs incorporate social media and web applications to reach a broader consumer base with individualized programming options. The present...
Show moreAs technology changes, so do the ways in which we receive information, provide information and interact with one another. The exchange of social support is increasingly mediated by technology in the realm of health, nutrition, and fitness (Dahl, et al 2015; Wright et al 2011). Commercial weight loss and healthy lifestyle initiatives such as the Beachbody programs incorporate social media and web applications to reach a broader consumer base with individualized programming options. The present study, guided by optimal matching theory and the helper theory principle, employed online participant-observation and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Beachbody coaches and participants to investigate how these individuals perceived social support to be enacted in these programs as well as the perceived benefits and challenges of participating in these online groups. The interview transcripts were coded using thematic analysis to identify significant topics based on Owen's (1984) process of identifying recurrence, repetition, and forcefulness. Major benefits for participants included accountability, around the clock access to feedback, and access to a wide range of information. Noted challenges included the lack of personal connection and a need to maintain face-to-face relationships, difficulty sustaining motivation, and financial concerns. Cultivating a genuine feeling of community to facilitate open discussion and sharing was often inconsistent and a challenge to maintain throughout the duration of the program. This study aims to expand our understanding of social support in the context of online fitness and nutrition programs with potential to guide further research in technology-mediated support and how it may affect health. By broadening our understanding of the benefits of online support and how individuals have overcome its challenges in this context, it may help provide direction for the development of future research and similar online health initiatives.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007567, ucf:52574
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007567

Title: EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG ADULTS.
Creator: Strickland, Amelia, Holladay, Sherry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health in the young adult population. Current research indicates that there is a connection between increased social media use and deteriorated mental health. Unfortunately, young adults, the most active social media users, have a predominantly high risk for developing mental health issues, making this connection particularly concerning. At present, it is unclear how social media and mental health are...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health in the young adult population. Current research indicates that there is a connection between increased social media use and deteriorated mental health. Unfortunately, young adults, the most active social media users, have a predominantly high risk for developing mental health issues, making this connection particularly concerning. At present, it is unclear how social media and mental health are connected; therefore this thesis explores the individual and social theories that may give reason for this connection. Theories that are discussed include: the impact of sedentary behaviors on mental health, displaced behavior, sleep interruption due to blue light exposure, social media's effects on romantic relationships, and social media's effects on platonic relationships.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004704, ucf:45405
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004704

Title: SOCIAL MEDIA AND TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS: OBSERVING SUCCESS OF RECRUITMENT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.
Creator: Cibra, Vincenzo, Powell, Jonathan, Farcau, Bruce, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Internet is an instrument that has revolutionized the world and the society since its introduction. Today, over 4 billion people around the world have access to it. While this technology comes with several positive innovations, it can also be used negatively by terrorist organizations to more efficiently spread propaganda messages. More so, the development of social media has fostered new methods of recruitment that allows to reach a broader audience anonymously and outside of the...
Show moreThe Internet is an instrument that has revolutionized the world and the society since its introduction. Today, over 4 billion people around the world have access to it. While this technology comes with several positive innovations, it can also be used negatively by terrorist organizations to more efficiently spread propaganda messages. More so, the development of social media has fostered new methods of recruitment that allows to reach a broader audience anonymously and outside of the geographical area of operation of a terrorist organization. The purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship between social media development and changes in terrorist recruitment strategies, discuss the main social media used for terrorist recruitment, and identify major targeted demographics. Further, the research seeks to analyze through case study examination whether the use of social media by terrorist organizations result in more effective recruitment. This is accomplished by comparing recruiting success of ISIS, which heavily relies on social media, with Boko Haram, which does not. After comparing data available on recruits based on their geographical location, gender and age, and economic status, this study finds that there is not a significant diversity between individuals recruited through social media or those recruited through a different method. This study finds that a significant difference only exists when recruiting individuals with different economic opportunities. While fighters from ISIS are recruited from any class of the society, including those with higher income and are more educated, Boko Haram tends to be more successful among individuals who experience economic hurdles.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000288, ucf:52904
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000288

Title: THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON SEXUAL COGNITIONS AND BEHAVIORS.
Creator: Duarte, Joshua, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Pop culture and social media have become a prime source of entertainment and communication. The current study focuses on the potential effects of consuming this form of media and how it affects our sexual cognitions and behaviors. A sample of nine hundred and two university students were given self-reporting questionnaires concerning demographics, sexual cognitions, and exposure to sexual content in music. An analysis of music artist's posts on social media was also performed. It was...
Show morePop culture and social media have become a prime source of entertainment and communication. The current study focuses on the potential effects of consuming this form of media and how it affects our sexual cognitions and behaviors. A sample of nine hundred and two university students were given self-reporting questionnaires concerning demographics, sexual cognitions, and exposure to sexual content in music. An analysis of music artist's posts on social media was also performed. It was hypothesized that artists who have sexual content published in their work will also have the same amount of sexual content on social media. However, there were no significant correlations found between these sources. This study found that exposure to sexual content on social media could increase the chances of acquiring certain sexual cognitions. The current study also aimed to analyze the common characteristics of artist's that post a higher frequency of sexual content on social media. This study found that female artists tend to post more sexual content on social media compared to male artists, as well as music groups containing both male and female artists.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000136, ucf:46062
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000136

Title: Social Media as a Healthcare Tool: Case Study Analysis of Factors Influencing Pediatric Clinicians' Behavioral Intent to Adopt Social Media for Patient Communication and Engagement.
Creator: Mustonen, Rachel, Hou, Su-I, Malvey, Donna, Gurupur, Varadraj, Wisniewski, Pamela, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Social media aids communication among users worldwide. However, a notable gap exist among social media users, healthcare professionals utilizing social media in the work place. While the concept of harnessing social media as a professional tool is not novel, healthcare professionals have yet to embrace the practice as standard workflow. This study identifies factors influencing clinicians' behavioral intent to adopt social media for patient engagement and communication. A new framework, the...
Show moreSocial media aids communication among users worldwide. However, a notable gap exist among social media users, healthcare professionals utilizing social media in the work place. While the concept of harnessing social media as a professional tool is not novel, healthcare professionals have yet to embrace the practice as standard workflow. This study identifies factors influencing clinicians' behavioral intent to adopt social media for patient engagement and communication. A new framework, the Healthcare Social Media Adoption Framework (HSMA), guided this mixed-method approach to assess 7 factors identified by theory and literature as adoption influencers. A custom, web-based survey collected data from 60 full-time, pediatric clinicians (47 quantitative) at the case institution (a pediatric hospital). Additionally, individual interviews of 6 participants provided their prospective on using social media for patient communications and engagement. Results: Privacy concerns were the only statically significant factor; with an inverse relationship to positive adoption intent, indicating higher privacy concerns influence lower behavioral intent to adopt social media for patient engagement and communication. The qualitative analysis revealed privacy concerns encompass two themes, personal privacy for patient and providers (boundaries), and cybersecurity. The qualitative inputs also uncovered perceived unprofessionalism as a new factor influencing clinician adoption. The implications for these findings indicate a need for both healthcare organizations and healthcare regulators to establish cyber-security defenses for security and use protocols for privacy to aid the diffusion and adoption acceptance of social media use by pediatric healthcare professionals. This research has contributed in four areas: 1) fill a knowledge gap by identifying new factors that influence the behavioral intent of pediatric clinicians to adopt social media; 2) confirm/reject behavioral intent influences found in the literature; 3) formulated a new HSMA framework that measures functional, cognitive, and social aspects of social media adoption; and 4) prioritizes policies and global standard focus.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007062, ucf:51998
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007062

Title: THE ROLE OF CONTENT MODALITY ON THE LIKABILITY OF AN ONLINE COMMUNICATOR.
Creator: Pharmer, Rebecca L, Whitten, Shannon, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the growing popularity of social media platforms like Facebook, human interaction in online environments is increasing. As a result, social perceptions of the individuals "behind the screen" has become a topic that needs to be explored. The present study explores how the media platform (specifically Facebook post versus Video) affects perceptions of an individual with a controversial opinion. Potentially, the same content in a video format may increase the likability of the presenter in...
Show moreWith the growing popularity of social media platforms like Facebook, human interaction in online environments is increasing. As a result, social perceptions of the individuals "behind the screen" has become a topic that needs to be explored. The present study explores how the media platform (specifically Facebook post versus Video) affects perceptions of an individual with a controversial opinion. Potentially, the same content in a video format may increase the likability of the presenter in contrast to reading the same opinions in Facebook posts. The present study examined the role of alignment of opinion (agree vs. disagree with presenter) and content modality (Facebook video vs. Facebook text post) on participants' perception of likeability towards the online persona. In this study, three hypotheses were tested. The first hypothesis is that video posts will generally yield more likability for the presenter about a controversial issue than the same content in a Facebook post. Second, people who agree with the presenter's position of a controversial issue will find the person posting more likable. Finally, an interaction is expected such that likability will be most affected for the participants who disagree with the presenter; specifically those participants who disagree will be more likely to like the presenter in the video condition, whereas format will matter less for those who agree with the presenter's opinion. The dependent variables of the present study are the Interpersonal Adjective Scale (IAS, Trapnell & Wiggins 1990) and scores on the Basic Empathy Scale in Adults (BES-A, Jolliffe and Farrington, 2006).
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000434, ucf:45717
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000434

Title: NAVIGATING AUTHENTICITY IN THE AGE OF THE INTERNET: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF THE EXISTENTIAL EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA.
Creator: Zimmerman, Douglas, Strawser, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Our world is a world of technology, and technology is part of what has made human beings so adept at survival. Yet, the 21st century has seen a new type of technology that is unlike anything ever seen before. This new information technology is known as social media (including such things as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.), and it has the power to influence our very being. However, we are seemingly uncritical and unconcerned about social media in relation to society. This project attempts to...
Show moreOur world is a world of technology, and technology is part of what has made human beings so adept at survival. Yet, the 21st century has seen a new type of technology that is unlike anything ever seen before. This new information technology is known as social media (including such things as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.), and it has the power to influence our very being. However, we are seemingly uncritical and unconcerned about social media in relation to society. This project attempts to analyze social media and its relationship to human beings from an ontological standpoint. I do so by exploring both the ontic and the ontological aspects of social media. In order to do so, I use a method of hermeneutical inquiry and phenomenological exploration. By using the works of several different thinkers, I attempt to get at the essence of the relationship between humans and social media. First, using the works of Martin Heidegger, I argue that there is an ethical dimension contained within the concept of authenticity. Then, using the works of psychologists, phenomenologists, and cognitive scientists, I show that social media has just as much control over us as we think we have over it. Lastly, I return to Heidegger's work in order to understand what the very essence of social media is, and I then explain what our relationship to social media ought to be in order to live authentically. In doing so, I attempt to explain how we can gain a free relation to social media in order to establish the ways in which it can be most helpful to us.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004303, ucf:45047
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004303

Title: Celebrities, Fans, and Queering Gender Norms: A Critical Examination of Lady Gaga's, Nicki Minaj's, and Fans' Use of Instagram.
Creator: Dieterle, Brandy, Vie, Stephanie, Brenckle, Martha, Salter, Anastasia, Pigg, Stacey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation used queer rhetoric as a lens for studying queering gender norms on Instagram by using Lady Gaga's, Nicki Minaj's, and fan posts as case studies. The research considers how celebrities may use social media, like Instagram, for queering gender norms, and what this might look like. This research also aimed to better understand if and how fans may take up celebrities' efforts at queering gender norms and, in turn, queer gender norms in their own Instagram posts where they tag...
Show moreThis dissertation used queer rhetoric as a lens for studying queering gender norms on Instagram by using Lady Gaga's, Nicki Minaj's, and fan posts as case studies. The research considers how celebrities may use social media, like Instagram, for queering gender norms, and what this might look like. This research also aimed to better understand if and how fans may take up celebrities' efforts at queering gender norms and, in turn, queer gender norms in their own Instagram posts where they tag Gaga or Minaj. To conduct this research, I took a multimodal methodological approach and collected and coded 1,000 posts from Gaga and Minaj, respectively, and 1,000 posts that used the hashtag Gaga and another 1,000 posts that used the hashtag Minaj. My findings suggested that Gaga and Minaj do not engage in the queering of gender norms as frequently as anticipated, and when they do it is often in relation to their public, staged performances as musicians. Furthermore, Gaga also spoke on issues relating to gender and marriage equality whereas Minaj also spoke on issues relating to racial equality. The data collected on fans was inconclusive in part because of the large number of spam posts and also because, without interviewing fans, it was difficult to discern whether they were taking up celebrity messages in their posts given information shared in the photo and in the caption. However, I was able to note that, most often, fans were engaging with celebrities by expressing admiration. This research is useful for considering how gender performance manifests on Instagram, and possible ways celebrities can utilize Instagram to queer gender norms as well as promote other messages. With regard to fan posts, I argue for continued research in ways to support fans becoming critical rather than passive consumers of celebrity culture.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0006996, ucf:51623
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006996

Title: #STORYOFMYLIFE: PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH ATTENTION SEEKING BEHAVIOR ONLINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE IN EMERGING ADULTHOOD.
Creator: Berryman, Chloe, Negy, Charles, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of this study was to explore to what extent loneliness, need for belonging, and parent-child relationships relate to time spent communicating via social media. The study also focused on predicting social media integration and vaguebooking, an attention seeking behavior on social media. Results from a sample of 471 college students indicated that need for belonging was related to more time spent communicating with friends online. Parent-child relationship, social anxiety, and...
Show moreThe intent of this study was to explore to what extent loneliness, need for belonging, and parent-child relationships relate to time spent communicating via social media. The study also focused on predicting social media integration and vaguebooking, an attention seeking behavior on social media. Results from a sample of 471 college students indicated that need for belonging was related to more time spent communicating with friends online. Parent-child relationship, social anxiety, and loneliness were not significantly correlated with social media use. Need for belonging predicted social media integration and loneliness predicted vaguebooking. Histrionic symptoms significantly predicted both social media integration and vaguebooking behaviors, indicating that for those with histrionic traits, social media may reinforce attention seeking behaviors.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004706, ucf:45407
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004706

Title: A Snapchat Marketing Perspective: Examining the Personality Traits and Motives that Predict Attitudes Toward and Engagement with Non-Sponsored and Sponsored Content in Snapchat.
Creator: Sousa Garnica, Tiany, Kinnally, William, Rubenking, Bridget, Sellnow, Deanna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Social networking sites (SNS) have revolutionized the communication between consumers and brands, publishers, and marketers. These platforms have become a way for advertisers to communicate directly and engage users with content that is innovative and less intrusive. The aim of this research is to examine the personality traits and motives (based on the uses and gratifications theory) that predict attitudes toward and engagement with non-sponsored and sponsored content in Snapchat. An online...
Show moreSocial networking sites (SNS) have revolutionized the communication between consumers and brands, publishers, and marketers. These platforms have become a way for advertisers to communicate directly and engage users with content that is innovative and less intrusive. The aim of this research is to examine the personality traits and motives (based on the uses and gratifications theory) that predict attitudes toward and engagement with non-sponsored and sponsored content in Snapchat. An online survey with 606 participants showed that the main motives of using Snapchat were social information seeking, entertainment, and impression management. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine what personality traits predict the motives for using Snapchat. Finally, hierarchical multiple regressions were used to examine the models that predict attitudes toward the non-sponsored and sponsored features in Snapchat as well as the engagement with them. Recommendations for practitioners were given to help them develop marketing strategies in Snapchat.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006799, ucf:51825
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006799

Title: UNDERSTANDING NEWS MEDIA VIEWING AND SELECTION PATTERNS: FOMO AND USER CONSUMPTION OF NEWS CONTENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA INTERFACES.
Creator: Christopher, Nicolette D, Bagley, George, Armato, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The current study employs a regional sample in order to investigate the phenomenon of fear-of-missing-out (FoMO), the awareness associated with the fear that other individuals are having a more pleasurable experience that one is not a part of. The current study uniquely examines the role that FoMO plays in viewing patterns associated with news content on social media interfaces. The 10-item scale created by Przybylski, Myrayama, DeHaan, and Gladwell in 2013 was used as a basis to discover the...
Show moreThe current study employs a regional sample in order to investigate the phenomenon of fear-of-missing-out (FoMO), the awareness associated with the fear that other individuals are having a more pleasurable experience that one is not a part of. The current study uniquely examines the role that FoMO plays in viewing patterns associated with news content on social media interfaces. The 10-item scale created by Przybylski, Myrayama, DeHaan, and Gladwell in 2013 was used as a basis to discover the degree of FoMO participants experience while online, while other questions of the survey serve to collect data about participants sociodemographic's, engagement with soft and hard news content, and overall social media usage. (Przybylski, Myrayama, DeHaan, Gladwell 2013). The objective is to demonstrate the influential effects that FoMO poses on media consumer viewing patterns and behaviors.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000413, ucf:45763
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000413

Title: Message Prioritization in Computer-Mediated Communication: A Study of Mobile Device Use in the Classroom.
Creator: Wills, Paul, Malala, John, Hastings, Sally, Miller, Ann, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: College students are using their mobile devices during class and this research investigates different aspects of why college students feel so inclined to use these devices during class as well as by what means are students using to participate in computer-mediated communication while simultaneously engaging in classes. This research surveyed 146 students on their perceived use of their own mobile device use during class. The study compared how often different types of devices, such as mobile...
Show moreCollege students are using their mobile devices during class and this research investigates different aspects of why college students feel so inclined to use these devices during class as well as by what means are students using to participate in computer-mediated communication while simultaneously engaging in classes. This research surveyed 146 students on their perceived use of their own mobile device use during class. The study compared how often different types of devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, and different types of social media outlets, like Facebook, Twitter, and other social media websites, were used during class. The study compares these devices and media outlets to students' perception of the levels of incivility of using these various means of communication during class and their perceptions of how they impact their ability to focus on the class. Mobile phones, Facebook, and Twitter use were negatively associated with the perception of the incivility of use in the classroom. This research found phone use was viewed as more uncivil than tablets and tablet use was viewed as more uncivil than laptop use. In addition, students' perceptions of instructors' tolerance of mobile phone and laptop use was negatively associated with their perception of the incivility of using those devices during class. All three tested mobile devices and all three tested social media outlets were positively associated with students' perception that its use affects their ability to focus on the class. This research found mobile phones use as more distracting than laptops and laptops use as more distracting than tablets. ?
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005073, ucf:49958
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005073

Title: The Darkside of Stereotypes: The Effects of Crime in the Media on Racial Identity and Emotions.
Creator: Campbell, Shantel, Rubenking, Bridget, Kinnally, William, Neuberger, Lindsay, Signorielli, Nancy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigated how the image of Black criminality in the media affects the racial identity and emotions of Blacks. It also examined how the image of White criminality affects the racial identity and emotions of Whites as a point of comparison. These effects were studied through the lens of self-categorization theory and inter-group emotions theory. SCT posits that a person's biases are a result of how relevant their social identity is to their self-concept. IET posits that the...
Show moreThis study investigated how the image of Black criminality in the media affects the racial identity and emotions of Blacks. It also examined how the image of White criminality affects the racial identity and emotions of Whites as a point of comparison. These effects were studied through the lens of self-categorization theory and inter-group emotions theory. SCT posits that a person's biases are a result of how relevant their social identity is to their self-concept. IET posits that the emotions a person feels are derived from the social group they belong to.This study analyzed 369 responses from participants who were presented with Twitter news pages that presented all Black crime stories, all White crime stories, or negative (no race) stories. Findings showed that both Blacks and Whites decreased self-categorization with their race after viewing same-race criminality news stories. It also found that emotions were affected by content of the newsfeed. Lastly, the study found significant differences in self-categorization based on level of identification.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005769, ucf:50111
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005769

Title: Social Media Usage by Municipal Elected Officials for Open Government Community Engagement.
Creator: Stoeckel, Sarah, Bryer, Thomas, Mitchell, David, Hu, Qian, Brown, Tim, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As public administration has evolved with the technological advances in today's society, it can be challenging to ensure the demands of the public are being met in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement. Nonetheless, a focus on community remains at the forefront of public administration. When looking at technology and the community, the tool known as social media emerges. Social media has allowed people to interact in new ways and therefore, has allowed the government to interact...
Show moreAs public administration has evolved with the technological advances in today's society, it can be challenging to ensure the demands of the public are being met in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement. Nonetheless, a focus on community remains at the forefront of public administration. When looking at technology and the community, the tool known as social media emerges. Social media has allowed people to interact in new ways and therefore, has allowed the government to interact with citizens in ways they have not been able to in the past. In addition to attempting to modernize public administration, there has been an increased focus on building citizen trust through providing a more open government structure. The Open Government Directive issued by President Barack Obama focused on three tenets, which included transparency, participation, and collaboration. One of the ways government entities within the United States are strengthening these areas is through the implementation of various social media sites as a means to stay connected with citizens. With an increase of users utilizing social media tools for both information and connection, many government departments and agencies have incorporated social media use into their workplace as a function for their department. However, it is elected officials that are the ones who represent the citizens from their governmental role and thus, can aid in bridging the gap between citizens and government. Yet, there is little research on how elected officials, specifically in municipalities, are utilizing social media to connect with their constituents. This study discusses social media use by municipal elected officials and how it relates to open government community engagement. Open government community engagement is defined in terms of the three tenets of the Open Government Directive: transparency, participation, and collaboration encompassing the rungs of Arnstein's ladder of citizen participation. For this qualitative study, fifty-seven Florida municipal elected officials were interviewed regarding their social media use or lack thereof in terms of engagement with citizens. The interviews are followed-up with content analysis of social media sites. An ethnographic approach is utilized to uncover and develop common themes related to open government community engagement. The findings suggest while some municipal elected officials are utilizing social media well in terms of open government community engagement, there is a lack of clear understanding of social media use within the context of the Sunshine Law, as well as other barriers prohibiting utilizing social media for more of the participation and collaboration components. There are several reasons municipal elected officials opt to avoid social media altogether, while additional concepts related to open government limited engagement and closed government community engagement are explored. The concept of avoidance was addressed, especially as it pertained to the practical implications for both city administrators and elected officials.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007377, ucf:52083
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007377

Title: Understanding Crisis Communication and Mobility Resilience during Disasters from Social Media.
Creator: Roy, Kamol, Hasan, Samiul, Eluru, Naveen, Wu, Yina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Rapid communication during extreme events is one of the critical aspects of successful disaster management strategies. Due to their ubiquitous nature, social media platforms offer a unique opportunity for crisis communication. Moreover, social media usage on GPS enabled devices such as smartphones allow us to collect human movement data which can help understanding mobility during a disaster. This study leverages social media (Twitter) data to understand the effectiveness of social media...
Show moreRapid communication during extreme events is one of the critical aspects of successful disaster management strategies. Due to their ubiquitous nature, social media platforms offer a unique opportunity for crisis communication. Moreover, social media usage on GPS enabled devices such as smartphones allow us to collect human movement data which can help understanding mobility during a disaster. This study leverages social media (Twitter) data to understand the effectiveness of social media-based communication and the resilience of human mobility during a disaster. This thesis has two major contributions. First, about 52.5 million tweets related to hurricane Sandy are analyzed to assess the effectiveness of social media communication during disasters and identify the contributing factors leading to effective crisis communication strategies. Effectiveness of a social media user is defined as the ratio of attention gained over the number of tweets posted. A model is developed to explain more effective users based on several relevant features. Results indicate that during a disaster event, only few social media users become highly effective in gaining attention. In addition, effectiveness does not depend on the frequency of tweeting activity only; instead it depends on the number of followers and friends, user category, bot score (controlled by a human or a machine), and activity patterns (predictability of activity frequency). Second, to quantify the impacts of an extreme event to human movements, we introduce the concept of mobility resilience which is defined as the ability of a mobility infrastructure system to manage shocks and return to a steady state in response to an extreme event. We present a method to detect extreme events from geo-located movement data and to measure mobility resilience and loss of resilience due to those events. Applying this method, we measure resilience metrics from geo-located social media data for multiple types of disasters occurred all over the world. Quantifying mobility resilience may help us to assess the higher-order socio-economic impacts of extreme events and guide policies towards developing resilient infrastructures as well as a nation's overall disaster resilience.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007362, ucf:52090
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007362

Title: Virtual Interactions with Real-Agents for Sustainable Natural Resource Management.
Creator: Pierce, Tyler, Madani Larijani, Kaveh, Wang, Dingbao, Jacques, Peter, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Common pool resource management systems are complex to manage due to the absence of a clear understanding of the effects of users' behavioral characteristics. Non-cooperative decision making based on individual rationality (as opposed to group rationality) and a tendency to free ride due to lack of trust and information about other users' behavior creates externalities and can lead to tragedy of the commons without intervention by a regulator. Nevertheless, even regulatory institutions often...
Show moreCommon pool resource management systems are complex to manage due to the absence of a clear understanding of the effects of users' behavioral characteristics. Non-cooperative decision making based on individual rationality (as opposed to group rationality) and a tendency to free ride due to lack of trust and information about other users' behavior creates externalities and can lead to tragedy of the commons without intervention by a regulator. Nevertheless, even regulatory institutions often fail to sustain natural common pool resources in the absence of clear understanding of the responses of multiple heterogeneous decision makers to different regulation schemes. While modeling can help with our understanding of complex coupled human-natural systems, past research has not been able to realistically simulate these systems for two major limitations: 1) lack of computational capacity and proper mathematical models for solving distributed systems with self-optimizing agents; and 2) lack of enough information about users' characteristics in common pool resource systems due to absence of reliable monitoring information. Recently, different studies have tried to address the first limitation by developing agent-based models, which can be appropriately handled with today's computational capacity. While these models are more realistic than the social planner's models which have been traditionally used in the field, they normally rely on different heuristics for characterizing users' behavior and incorporating heterogeneity. This work is a step-forward in addressing the second limitation, suggesting an efficient method for collecting information on diverse behavioral characteristics of real agents for incorporation in distributed agent-based models. Gaming in interactive virtual environments is suggested as a reliable method for understanding different variables that promote sustainable resource use through observation of decision making and behavior of the resource system beneficiaries under various institutional frameworks and policies. A review of educational or "serious" games for environmental management was undertaken to determine an appropriate game for collecting information on real-agents and also to investigate the state of environmental management games and their potential as an educational tool. A web-based groundwater sharing simulation game(-)Irrigania(-)was selected to analyze the behavior of real agents under different common pool resource management institutions. Participants included graduate and undergraduate students from the University of Central Florida and Lund University. Information was collected on participants' resource use, behavior and mindset under different institutional settings through observation and discussion with participants. Preliminary use of water resources gaming suggests communication, cooperation, information disclosure, trust, credibility and social learning between beneficiaries as factors promoting a shift towards sustainable resource use. Additionally, Irrigania was determined to be an effective tool for complementing traditional lecture-based teaching of complex concepts related to sustainable natural resource management. The different behavioral groups identified in the study can be used for improved simulation of multi-agent groundwater management systems.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005045, ucf:49953
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005045

Title: Curating culture through social media in the 21st century: Orlando as a case study for arts participation and engagement among millennials.
Creator: Givoglu, Wendy, Applen, JD, McDaniel, Rudy, Vie, Stephanie, Krick, Stephanie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The American non-profit arts sector is faced with challenges including shifting audience demographics, competition for patrons due to evolving new media and entertainment technologies, changes in donors, and the discontinuation of federal and state funding sources. Savvy arts organizations are rebooting for long-term sustainability and relevancy to their communities, while some organizations adhere to unchanged practices and modes of operation. Amidst the 21st century digital landscape, arts...
Show moreThe American non-profit arts sector is faced with challenges including shifting audience demographics, competition for patrons due to evolving new media and entertainment technologies, changes in donors, and the discontinuation of federal and state funding sources. Savvy arts organizations are rebooting for long-term sustainability and relevancy to their communities, while some organizations adhere to unchanged practices and modes of operation. Amidst the 21st century digital landscape, arts engagement that yields personal and community impact and sustainability for the future is indeed attainable. Characteristics of participatory culture and democratization rooted in emerging digital entertainment and social media communications technology, coupled with the power of the millennial generation, the first generation with access to digital technologies since birth, are two forces that can be non-profit arts organizations' biggest resources and are inherently a part of the arts. Using a mixed method approach, this project examines discourse surrounding arts engagement, focusing on the millennial generation, social media as a catalyst for potent arts participation, and Central Florida as a region demonstrating significant innovations and opportunities for growth in the arts. A survey was completed by Central Florida millennials, and with permission from Americans for the Arts, select questions replicated their 2016 National Arts Engagement survey, situating Central Florida alongside National data. Qualitatively, interviews were conducted with six executive directors of Central Florida non-profit arts organizations. Grounded theory practices yielded a synthesis of perspectives and strategic action plan for arts organizations to consider. Resulting recommendations for organizations seeking to further arts engagement with millennials via social media include: incorporating transmedia storytelling elements, considering how the arts convene and create around causes, programming with consideration of the life cycles and interests of millennials, considering diversity and cultural equity in the arts, and creating experiences that define engagement in the digital and physical worlds.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007460, ucf:52675
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007460

Twitter (3)	+ -
twitter (3)	+ -
digital rhetoric (2)	+ -
engagement (2)	+ -
facebook (2)	+ -

identity (2)	+ -
media (2)	+ -
#orlandostrong (1)	+ -
Arnstein (1)	+ -
Boko Haram. (1)	+ -
English (1)	+ -
Facebook (1)	+ -
FoMO (1)	+ -
Heidegger (1)	+ -
ISIS (1)	+ -
LIWC (1)	+ -
Pulse shooting (1)	+ -
Snapchat (1)	+ -
aboutness (1)	+ -
activism (1)	+ -
advertising (1)	+ -
agent-based model (1)	+ -
ambiguation (1)	+ -
artist (1)	+ -
arts engagement (1)	+ -
attachment (1)	+ -
attention seeking (1)	+ -
attitudes (1)	+ -
audience viewing patterns (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (13)	+ -
Honors Collection (9)	+ -

University of Central Florida (22)	+ -
Vie, Stephanie (3)	+ -
Hastings, Sally (2)	+ -
Kinnally, William (2)	+ -
Neuberger, Lindsay (2)	+ -

Rubenking, Bridget (2)	+ -
Salter, Anastasia (2)	+ -
Adams, Brittney (1)	+ -
Applen, JD (1)	+ -
Armato, Michael (1)	+ -
Bagley, George (1)	+ -
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Campbell, Shantel (1)	+ -
Christopher, Nicolette D (1)	+ -
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Costello, Anthony (1)	+ -
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Dodd, Melissa (1)	+ -
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Duarte, Joshua (1)	+ -
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