Digital Commons Network^™

Appreciative Inquiry For A Supportive Climate, Ann Liao

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Most of the nonprofit organizations rely heavily on volunteers. In a service-learning course that works with nonprofit community partners, it is important to foster a supportive climate. Traditional problem-solving procedures typically involve identifying a problem, brainstorming for possible solutions, evaluating possible solutions, and implementation. With positive framing, a traditional problem-solving approach could be transformed by the method of appreciative inquiry. Traditional problem-solving approach is weaknesses-based, and appreciative inquiry is strengths-based. This paper demonstrates that appreciative inquiry is more effective in building a supportive climate when working with nonprofit community partners. Appreciative inquiry starts with discovering the successes of an organization, …

Communication Branches Out: Developing Interpersonal Skills Through Genealogical Research, Julian Costa, Gary Snyder

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Communication students of the twenty-first century must not only be able to interact in multiple formats but be able to express their ideas across varied platforms. A common deterrent faced by students conducting research is the lack of applicability of the subject matter to their lives. The integration of genealogical research can address this issue because it allows students to learn about, and celebrate, their family history. While engaged in such a pursuit, students will develop core communication skills, such as speaking and listening, online research, and message design.

Hong Kong’S Political Landscape From The Media Coverage In The Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement, Kexin Sun

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

The study aims to obtain a deeper understanding of the political landscape in Hong Kong by investigating agenda-setting and narratives that are being presented by media from Hong Kong and mainland China during The Anti-ELAB Movement in 2019. News stories about The Anti-ELAB Movement from five media outlets in Hong Kong and mainland China are collected to answer three questions. First, does their agenda-setting differ in the collected news stories? Second, what specific issues do those media navigate differently? Third, what do those news stories reveal about the political landscape?

Hong Kong is a complex blend of Chinese and Western …

Management Recommendations For Working With Journalism And New Media Unions, Christopher A. Badurek, Arien Rozelle

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Unions organization is increasingly of interest in the media today, particularly in the case of union organization efforts in New York state. In light of this trend, the ways informal organizations such as union membership impact formal organizations and businesses overall are explored through the lens of micro, macro, and macro levels of organizational behavior. In particular, the role of journalists as employees is considered in the context of large, established media organizations and in start-up new media organizations. A comparison of these two sectors provides context in developing managerial recommendations for leaders to consider when working with unionized labor …

Entering The Metaverse: Considering The Implications Of A Journey Into A Virtual World For Nysca At 80 Years, John Pavlik

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Meta’s Horizon Worlds is among the first Metaverse platforms. Through a digital ethnography, this paper examines the contours of Horizon Worlds. Drawing upon affordances theory, the paper considers the affordances of Horizon Worlds Metaverse within the context of the user experience. Findings suggest that storytelling is central to the nature of the meaning generated inside Horizon Worlds and perhaps the Metaverse in general. But it is not storytelling in a conventional sense. Stories inside the Metaverse are not linear and there is no plot. Metaverse stories do have characters, and they travel pathways and engage in activities and sequential events, …

When Cool Has Consequences: The Unintended Effects Of Facebook’S Most Popular Features, S. O. Jeffcoat

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

The aim of this work is not only to add to the literature analyzing the past and current impact that Facebook has on the more than 2.2 billion global users of the application (Wagner & Swisher, 2017), but also to synthesize the features of Facebook and offer reasonable solutions for reducing the occurrence of the unintended effects of the features of Facebook. Three questions are to be kept in mind: “What are the features of Facebook?”, “What have been observed as unintended effects of the features of Facebook?” and “What viable solutions exist in mitigating the unintended effects of the …

Introducing Double-Blind Peer Review In Teaching Communication Research Methods, Wei Shi

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

This proposal promotes the idea of using student double-blind peer review in assignment evaluation to improve learning outcomes in communication research methods classes. Scholarly peer review is widely used in academia to determine an academic paper’s suitability for publication. The double-blind peer review process not only improves the quality of the work but also helps reviewers practice unbiased critical thinking skills. Currently we have many forms of peer evaluations, but the double-blind approach is less emphasized. By assigning 2-3 reviewers for evaluating a student research design (e.g. survey questionnaire), the author will benefit from receiving diverse comments on the research …

Communicating Diversity, Equity And Inclusion: A Public Relations Class/Client Partnership With A Dei Focus, Arien Rozelle, Nicole Smith

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

In an effort to enhance the typical semester-long class/client campaign partnership, students in COMM472 PR Research & Planning (a campaigns style course) partnered with their campus library as a “client” to communicate about on-campus diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Throughout the semester, students researched, planned, implemented and measured campaigns to help make the library a more inclusive environment for students of diverse backgrounds. Students were introduced to and applied a variety of research methods and public relations theories to guide their strategy. In addition, students developed a greater understanding of the necessity of DEI both on-campus and in the field …

Forming Strategic Service-Learning Partnerships, Douglas C. Strahler

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Service-learning is a “form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs, together with structured opportunities for reflection designed to achieve desired learning outcomes” (Jacoby, 2014). For many service-learning courses, the quick shift to online learning disrupted or halted some experiences as students, partners, and instructors adapted to COVID-19 and restrictions. As we re-enter the classroom, instructors and community partners are seeking to re-engage in service-learning opportunities. This GIFTs session will discuss some strategies and approaches you can use to facilitate and develop mutually-beneficial partnerships in your service-learning communication course.

“Your Pettiest Hill” Journal Assignment, Christopher R. Ortega

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

The purpose of this assignment is to have students feel comfortable discussing difficult topics in a low stake’s manner. Getting students engaged in the material allows everyone to feel comfortable in the class space. This assignment allows students to focus on the “trees” in their journal entries. They are then primed and more comfortable discussing the “forest” (i.e., tougher topics) in class.

Demystifying Operational Definition And Levels Of Measurement, Arvind Diddi

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Teaching mass communication research methods at the undergraduate level attains an increased challenge because students at this stage seem to be more focused on skill-based courses in order to work in various media-related professions. Most of them have difficulty in comprehending that learning research methods is beneficial to them as it helps build their analytical and logical thinking. Among various aspects of research methods such as trying to figure out the link between theory and method, a constant struggle for beginners is to understand what is an operational definition and the levels of measurement. The key lies in demystifying research …

Experiencing Cinematic Vr: Where Theory And Practice Converge In The Tribeca Film Festival Cinema360, John V. Pavlik

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Cinematic virtual reality (VR) production has reached enough capacity to support a festival. This paper offers a theoretical framework of VR narrative structure to critically examine one such festival in cinematic VR. The spotlight here is on the fifteen entries in the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival Cinema360. Findings suggest that although the field of cinematic VR has advanced substantially in recent years in terms of narrative design and user experience, there is still a considerable distance for VR storytellers to travel to fully utilize the nature and potential of the developing medium of virtual reality.

Pepsi-Cola's Number Fever Fiasco: How The Media Portrays The Actors Of A Crisis, Rick Pulos

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

In 1992, Pepsi created a marketing ploy to increase interest in its products in the Philippines. The game was aptly called “Number Fever,” and participants had to look at the number printed underneath the cap of their soft drink bottle and listen to the announcement of the winning numbers on the radio and evening news. Filipinos “went crazy for Number Fever. Everyone was trying their luck. Winners were announced daily and suddenly Pepsi seemed to be everyone’s favorite drink” (Radeska, 2018, para. 3). The number “349” was announced for the jackpot and unfortunately thousands held the winning bottle cap. This …

The Effect Of Barriers On How Entry-Level Female Professionals In China Navigate Organization Assimilation, Kexin Sun

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

This study focuses on how recent female graduates navigate organization assimilation at their entry-level positions in China. This group of people could encounter more hardships when building up their careers, given that the workplace is full of gender biases in general. By interviewing five young women, who possess an entry-level position and graduated recently from university, the study attempts to uncover how young female professionals understand issues such as inflated expectations for the workplace, interactions with supervisors and colleagues, and work/life balance. In the analysis, the dilemmas they often face could be categorized into three dimensions: lack of professional skills …

The Interplay Of Experience And Social Structure: Adaptation Through Media, Steven Hicks

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

In this investigation, I explore the tensions which self-referentially emerge within our constructed ‘nature’. I begin by exploring the origins of our contemporary media environment as discussed by McLuhan. I then interrogate the challenges of digital life through a close reading of the work of technology critic Giles Slade. I then conclude by situating these seemingly competing views of mediated existence within the framework of social systems theory. Through the lens of social systems theory, I reframe our contemporary technologies as adaptations to past challenges which also shape our experience of the potential choices and challenges of the future.

The Virtualization Of Schooling During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jared Brown, Kaila Folk, Jenna Swerdlow

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Schooling is driven by economic, political, societal, and cynical inclinations. Education has no rest, and it is continuous, even outside of the classroom. One thing that interconnects these terms together is a narrative. The narrative gives meaning to the world and exerts an end goal of success and happiness. Yet, the only way to reach this shared goal is through intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. Undoubtedly, the technological landscape in the 21st century is robust and evolving. When a natural force beyond human control corrupts every aspect of society, such as a pandemic, these technologies are relied upon for human interaction. …

The Pragmatic Interplay Between Media And Political Policy: An Analysis Of The Day After And Its Implications On American Cold War Nuclear Policy And Opinion, Claire Dawkins

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

On November 10th, 1983 the TV movie, The Day After aired in the living rooms of homes across America. This dramatic portrayal of a nuclear attack on the citizens of Kansas and Missouri, scared Americans watching. Depicting the desolate landscape of a post-nuclear-attack world, paired with the feeling of inevitability of nuclear destruction, the American people began to change their feelings about nuclear weapons. But why does this movie matter? And how can we trace any meaningful influence this movie had on American Culture and understanding of nuclear war? This paper intends to expose the ways The Day After changed …

Throgs Neck: Anatomy Of An Urban Underground Music Scene, Lou Guarneri, Paul Ziek, David Freeman

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Among the many contributions of The Bronx, one that does not receive as much academic attention as it should is the borough’s long tradition of fostering local music scenes. Beyond being the birthplace of salsa and hip-hop, for the past 20 years, the Throgs Neck section of The Bronx has also been home to a vibrant independent, hyperlocal, underground music scene. The current paper uses case study as a strategy to understand the dynamics of this hyperlocal music scene. More specifically, the case study takes an inductive approach and tells the story of a scene that is very different from …

Visual Storytelling In The Context Of Marshall Mcluhan’S Media Theory: Rita Leistner And Her Socially Engaged Photography, Kalina Kukielko-Rogozinska, Krzysztof Tomanek

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

The main character of our story is Rita Leistner, one of the most famous Canadian war photographers in the world. She studied at the International Center of Photography (New York) and has a Master of Arts degree in French and English (University of Toronto). For six years Rita taught the history of photojournalism and documentary photography (UoT). She is the co-author of several books, such as Unembedded: Four Independent Photojournalists on Iraq, and The Edward Curtis Project: A Modern Picture Story. Her first monograph, Looking for Marshall McLuhan in Afghanistan, a work on photography, technology and war, was …

Content Analysis Of Athletic Brand Posts On Instagram, Pallavi Khurana, Thora Knight

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Social media has enabled brands to share marketing content and interact with their customers. This research aims to understand the online brand communication strategy by analyzing the posts of fitness brands Nike and Lululemon on Instagram. Through content analysis, both the visual and textual content of an overall 300 brand posts were be examined. The concepts used for analysis include message appeals, photo characteristics, and engagement. The study provides insights into the message characteristics, and persuasive appeal strategies fitness brands use to engage with customers. The results indicate that there are similarities as well as differences in how the athletic …

Putting The Social In Social Media: How Human Connection Triggers Engagement, Stephanie Adomavicius

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Social media has become the preferred channel of information and has altered patterns of interaction and connection. As a result, society now revolves around a two-way form of communication with constant dialogue and instant responses. Public relations practitioners have had to adapt and change their strategy in order to keep up with the times, and because of this, engagement is now considered to be a measurement of success.

In terms of social media, engagement is how users interact with content and participate in online conversations. This study will uncover what causes people to engage on social media and identify the …

“Don’T Touch My Hair”: An Examination Of The Exercise Of Privilege And Power Through Interracial Hair-Centered Communication Interactions, Zakiya Collier

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

The black body, including skin color and hair texture, has served as markers of Otherness separating Black people from people of other racial groups. Because of this, the black body especially that of the female, is frequently subjected to the interrogation by non-black people. This study examines the effects of that interrogation as it relates to black women’s hair. Two critical questions are explored: 1) What role does white privilege play in the questioning and touching of Black hair? and 2) Do these questions signify the innocent quest of information for understanding and coexistence or are they assertions of power …

Will Women Return Home? Changing Gender Dynamics In Urban China Under The Two-Child Policy, Fengmei Li

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Abstract

Examining online discourses concerning the recent policy shift in China from the One-Child Policy to the Two-Child Policy, this study organizes the online discussions on Zhihu.com and analyses how those posts reflect the changing gender norms in urban China. Data collected from Zhihu.com under the topic of “the second child” address family conflicts and parental concerns stimulated by the policy shift as well as worries about whether the new policy will intensify gender discrimination. Based on the data, the study comes to two conclusions: firstly, the “son preference” tradition is dwindling as generations pass on, and secondly, urban women …

The Language Of Political Genres: Inaugural And State Speeches Of New York City Mayors And Us Presidents, David C. Hoffman, Tiffany Lewis, Don Waisanen

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

This study provides empirical evidence for the predictions of genre theorists concerning two genres of political speech: inaugural addresses and state addresses (state of the union and state of the city speeches). Using a combination of computer-aided textual analysis and regression analysis, we analyzed 132 speeches from US presidents and NYC mayors to see whether nine dependent variables varied according to genre. The results of our regressions indicated significant differences between the genres: inaugural addresses are more inspirational and unifying than state speeches and state speeches use more policy-related language and language concerned with the past than inaugurals. This paper …

Normalizing The Topic Of Menstruation Through The #Prideintheperiod Campaign, Amanda K. Molina Ms.

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Since shame is embedded in the discourse of menstruation, the researcher chose to naturalize the conversation of menstruation since it is an innate bodily function that menstruators should not be embarrassed about. Granted the improper sex education and the continuous genderization of menstruation promoted societal menstrual shame, the researcher found that both genders needed to be re-educated on menstrual stigma and be included in menstruation conversations. Through a needs assessment, the researcher created five campaign messages that allowed participants to see varying perspectives on periods. Both a questionnaire and a survey evaluated if the campaign changed the participants’ perceptions of …

Nonverbal Mashups: Exploring Metacommunication In Mediated Interpersonal Contexts, Evelyn Plummer

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Contemporary communication is highly mediated, whereas much of the extant research in nonverbal communication derives from studies referencing face-to-face contexts. This teaching activity explores the continued relevance of this foundational knowledge about communicating without words and the ways it continues to be manifested in new ways and in new contexts. For example, although the dimensions of his findings often are misrepresented, Albert Mehrabian's (1972, 1981) initial findings indicated that the nonverbal channel is a primary tool in the communication of emotions and feelings. Similarly, the emotional messages within mediated communication often are accomplished with non-word tools, providing a metacommunicational functionality--reflecting …

Effects Of Television Content On Children’S Development Of Traditional Gender Role Schemata: A Literature Review, Molly Shilo

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Despite the progress television has made since its creation, the medium unfortunately still portrays subtle, and not so subtle, gender stereotypes, especially in children’s television shows. Content analyses have documented the pervasive stereotypes set forth on TV that not only portray strict behaviors for both males and females, but that also often depict the female behaviors and characters as inferior (Calvert, 1999). In a wave of advocacy and regulation, parents, teachers, and children have demanded shows that better promote inclusivity and appropriate, family-friendly values. The Children’s Television Act of 1990 required broadcasters to provide educational children’s programming that would teach …

Are Gender Portrayals Of Children In Advertisements Stereotypical?, Monica Brasted

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Advertising directed at children has been the topic of considerable research and debate. Several researchers have discussed the various concerns and criticisms of children's advertising, while attempting to sort out the factors likely to contribute to young readers/viewers responses to advertiser's persuasive attempts (Kolbe & Muehling, 1995). One of the main criticisms of advertising has been concerned with the use of stereotyped gender role portrayals by advertisers. This paper seeks to answer the question of whether or not gender role portrayals in advertisements featuring children are stereotypical. A review of the literature from the past couple of decades reveals that …

In A Network, All Concerns Are Your Concerns: Applying The “Dual Concerns” Conflict Management Model To Communication Networks, Evelyn Plummer

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

The core premise of general systems theory (summarized by Bertalanffy, 1968) establishes that the elements within a given system have an interdependent and reciprocal relationship that creates a system-specific pattern of function. For some time, this analytical perspective of interconnectedness has been applied in many disciplines, including the study of human interaction (e.g. Ruesch & Bateson, 1951). Conflict situations, as with all systems, are not static and manifest with changing linkages and relationships. A more holistic attention to the structural complexity and the ever-changing features of conflict in systems can provide a more pragmatic, network-based understanding of group operations in …

Music? Yes, Music!, Evelyn Plummer

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Question: "Do you like music?" Response: " Doesn't everybody?" This recent exchange with a college student characterizes a familiar pattern whereby popular music infuses the lives of our society's youth. Through targeted song selections, this teaching activity guides students to examine explicit and implicit messages found in the lyrics. Two structural options are offered. Students explore and compare either (1) specified types of expressed and/or implied statements in reference to the interpersonal values and the persuasive (rhetorical) goals reflected in the language (i.e. lyrics) of contemporary popular music, or (2) the messages and social reality reflected in the language (i.e. …