Digital Commons Network^™

Comm-Entary 2024 Author And Board Member Brochure

Comm-entary

No abstract provided.

Long Covid And Political Party, Renee Franzini

Comm-entary

The essay discusses how the two major US political parties use presence and framing to represent long covid, as well as if these representations differ over time. Through this, we can more easily see the similarities and differences between representations of the condition.

Burning Issues: An Analysis Of Penguin Random House's ‘The Unburnable Book' Campaign, Jacqueline Law

Comm-entary

This essay delves into the intricacies of a public relations endeavor launched by Penguin Random House LLC in collaboration with renowned author Margaret Atwood. The campaign, known as “The Unburnable Book,” aimed to spotlight the rising prevalence of book banning and censorship in America while supporting PEN America's mission to safeguard free speech. Through the creation and auction of a fireproof edition of Atwood’s iconic novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Penguin Random House supported its own corporate social responsibility initiatives as well as its mission and values. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of the campaign's conception, execution, and impact, shedding …

Savoring Memories: The Impact Of Ryan Vansylvong's Legacy On Sonny's Tavern And Its Publics, Ella Cox

Comm-entary

This essay explores the life and passing of Ryan Vansylvong, a dedicated chef at Sonny's Tavern in Dover, New Hampshire, whose untimely passing has dramatically influenced the restaurant's ethos and patrons. The narrative intertwines authentic anecdotes, tributes, and expressions of grief to inspire communal resilience and empathy, nurturing a culture that resonates with staff and customers. This paper analyzes how disseminating memories and stories can lead to the convergence of fact and fiction. Using fictional elements can make conveying factual information more compelling and relatable, enhancing audience engagement. The profound impact of Ryan's legacy is a testament to the power …

From Screen To Classroom: The Role Of Televised Narratives In Enhancing Educational Belongingness For Black American Students, Feyi Oshinyemi

Masters Theses

This creative thesis examines the influence of televised narratives on shaping the educational experiences of Black American students, exploring the interplay between media representation and educational belonging. It proposes how televisual narratives can better reflect and support the educational identities of Black American students, aiming to foster a greater sense of belonging and representation in educational media. This document serves as an accompaniment to the center of this work, a twelve minute pilot episode that explores the challenges and triumphs of students navigating their educational journeys. This work not only provides a detailed breakdown of the episode's narrative and production …

“What Planet Are You On” - Making Meaning Of Sustainability Through Storytelling, Nancy T. Ladeinde

Masters Theses

The term “Sustainability” has come to stay as it is deeply integrated into our everyday life, although it seems complex to understand and engage with. The purpose of this thesis is to know how Unilever, a global consumer goods organization, makes meaning of its sustainability efforts. The method used to achieve this is a thematic analysis of Unilever’s campaign “What Planet Are You On?” a brand campaign documenting their sustainability efforts. Building on storytelling as a theoretical framework, it delves into the strategic use of stories as a communication tool for sustainability efforts, emphasizing its impact on brand narrative, stakeholder …

The Influence Of Youtube Advertising Value On Consumer Responses, Ratanak Sophal

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The objectives of this research are to explore the values of YouTube advertising—namely entertainment, informativeness, credibility, and irritation—and their influence on consumer responses, including perceived advertising value, attitude towards YouTube advertising, and shopping intention. Additionally, the study examines the relationships between perceived advertising value, attitude towards YouTube advertising, and shopping intention. Data were collected via an online survey from 291 Thai respondents, aged 18–55 years, who had been exposed to YouTube advertisements. The results show that YouTube advertisements were perceived as neither highly entertaining (M = 2.75), informative (M = 2.99), nor credible (M = 2.89), and were viewed as …

User Generated Content (Ugc) On Douyin And The Great Wall Cannon Branding Strategy, Runzhi Shi

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study investigates the impact of User-Generated Content (UGC) on brand communication, focusing on the viral "Great Wall Cannon" case on Douyin, a leading short-video platform in China. Existing research predominantly emphasizes Western platforms and lacks in-depth analysis of UGC's role within China's unique cultural and regulatory framework, leaving a gap in understanding its potential for brand marketing. Using qualitative methods, including content analysis, semi-structured interviews, and secondary data review, this research examines how UGC enhances brand visibility, shapes consumer perceptions, and builds emotional connections. The proposed approach highlights the strengths of leveraging Douyin's algorithm-driven content dissemination and authentic user …

An Exploration Of Affective Influences Of Mediation And Instructional Delivery Styles In The U.S. Adult Media Literacy Learning Context, Joe Huber

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

This dissertation explores how varied delivery strategies may influence college student affective learning in a mediated setting. I employed a hybrid-grounded approach to the exploration of student-participant interviews wherein student-participants engaged with one of two online media literacy learning modules. The results of this study illustrate that students at varying points of their epistemological development (Perry, 1968) may face different affective hurdles depending on how media literacy curriculum is presented. We may anticipate that: (1) students who are less epistemologically developed (those featuring dualistic attitudes) may struggle to receive content, especially in the case where a teacher-centric delivery-style is employed; …

Examining The Effects Of Restorative Narratives On Prosocial Behavioral Intentions: A Sem Analysis, Mehroz Sajjad

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Society grapples with an array of intricate and intertwined social challenges, often characterized as wicked problems due to their multifaceted, persistent nature. The refugee crisis and food insecurity stand as poignant examples of these complex issues, with millions affected worldwide. In response to these challenges, there is a pressing need for individuals to engage in prosocial behaviors, aiming to alleviate the impacts of these crises.Against this backdrop, this dissertation delved into the realm of narrative persuasion to examine the effectiveness of restorative narratives and framing strategies as potential drivers of greater behavioral intentions. To address the hypotheses and research question, …

Breaking The Silence: A Mixed Methods Study On Opioid Education, Overdose Risks, And Treatment Education Among College Students, Anita Silwal

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The opioid crisis is a national public health emergency in the United States. Opioid education, naloxone training, and medication for opioid use disorder treatment (MOUD) are evidence-based practices to mitigate opioid overdose. The opioid crisis is affecting people of all ages, including college students. Research indicates the gap in research among college students on how they perceive this public health emergency and how it is affecting them; thus, this dissertation aims to address the gap by examining college students' knowledge, attitude, and behavioral intentions toward opioid education, naloxone training, and referral to MOUD to those struggling with opioid addiction. The …

Unlv Title Iii Aanapisi & Mcnair Scholars Institute Research Journal 2024, Jesica Godinez-Paredes, Kian Hassankhan, Apia Hickman, Robin Ruth Kee, Kevin Ayala Pineda, Briana Melendez, Kalli Ramos, Saturn L. Reyes, Fabian Leija, Selena Pepe, Silva Topchyan, Celeste Ainsley, Mayra Arzate, Jessica Balistreri, Zantana Ephrem, Mirella Jasso, Karl Panou, Nichole Pelaez, Miklo Alcala, Akshay Dave, Mey Mey Heng, Michael Finkle, Janessa Montenegro, Reynafe Naol Aniga, Victor Mejia, Angelica G. Diaz, Anayeli Flores-Garibay, Kari Lee Joe Goold, Samantha Hernandez, Lianelys Cabrera Martinez, Caitlin Reynolds, Kimberly N. Usbeck, Abdulrahman Alahdal, Angelica Diaz, Willaine Mae Kahano, Raquel Jackson, Cecia Ruiz-Hernandez, Kers Ung-Watson, Yessenia Henriquez, Vanessa Marie Booth, Alexia Brown, Darlyn Magana, Bianca Navarro, Nicholas Pereira, Gia Renemae Calip, Lucky Heng, Ralph Sagun, Lucas Abreu, Alexandra Maria Acosta, Tristan Benally, Cosset Hernandez Pena, Adrian Montenegro, Cierra Paaaina-Daquioag, Nicole Torosian, Tracy Fuentes, Julissa Martinez, Medina Mcallister, Michal Newhouse-Van Vlerin, Tiria Carr, Nima Abkenar, Isabella Aceituno, Yuhan Bi, Victoria Campos, Melika Cummings, Zachary J. Johnigan, Alexis Sotolongo-Marin

McNair Journal

Journal articles based on research conducted by undergraduate students in the AANAPISI, LSAMP, and McNair Scholars Program.

Table of Contents

About AANAPISI

Dr. Chris Heavey, Interim President

Dr. Keith Rogers, Vice President for Student Affairs

Ms. Zhanna Aronov, Associate Vice President for Retention & Outreach

The Impact Of Political Content Consumption From Tiktok On Civic Engagement And Online Political Participation Among Gen Zs - A Case Study In Cambodia, Menghieng Ngov

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: TikTok has grown as the foremost platform for short-form videos in Cambodia, widely recognized for its entertainment and showing activities like dancing and singing. This study aims to explore the amount of political and civic content on TikTok, produced by general users, news outlets, or politicians, and examine its influence on Generation Z's online political participation and civic engagement. This research investigates how exposure to those contents affects these Gen Zs, specifically addressing two main questions: (1) "How does TikTok influence Gen Z's understanding and engagement in political and civic topics in Cambodia?" (2) “How does the level of …

Divided Crowns: An Ideological Criticism Of Self-Black Determination And Conflicting Visions Of Wakanda In Black Panther, Alaya E. Hubbard

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Using an ideological criticism of Hollywood’s Black Panther (2018), this paper analyzes the differing portrayals of the self-Black determination of the film’s main characters, T’Challa and Killmonger, as it relates to their backgrounds, cultural connections, racial identities, power dynamics, and their fights for social justice. Aspects of the film that were analyzed included characters’ actions, dialogue, lore, and presence. Digging deeper into the film’s story once key themes were revealed. This examination included parallels to the real-world, including locations, social movements, and social reformation leaders. The goal of the paper is to show how the film offers insights into broader …

News Media Coverage Of Court Matters Involving Children In Kenya., Lenox Omondi Otieno

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The pivotal role of news media as the fourth estate in society cannot be overstated; it profoundly influences public opinion, shapes perceptions, and mirrors a nation's values. Much like in other countries, in Kenya, media assumes a central role in reporting legal proceedings, especially those involving children. The manner in which these events are covered carries significant consequences, directly impacting the welfare and rights of the children concerned. This study critically examines the news media's coverage of court proceedings involving children in Kenya, focusing on mainstream television channels, namely Citizen TV, NTV, and KTN News, owing to their substantial viewership. …

Examining Audience Perceptions And Role Of Cookies In Select News Websites In Kenya: A Case Of Nation Africa And The Standard, Isabel Mwendwa Radoli

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This thesis investigates the audience perceptions and the role of cookies in the user experience of selected news websites in Kenya. In an era dominated by digital media consumption, understanding how users interact with online news platforms is crucial for media practitioners and technology developers. The study focuses on the Kenyan context, exploring the unique dynamics that shape user engagement with news content and the impact of cookies on their online experience. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a quantitative survey focused on audience perceptions of cookies and interactions with cookie consent notices and in-depth interviews with commercial website …

Investigating The Impact Of Digital Transformation On Legacy Media In Uganda: The Case Of New Vision Newspaper., Francis Kagolo

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

This study sought to investigate the impact of digital transformation on legacy media in Uganda, using the leading English newspaper, New Vision, as a case study. Employing qualitative methods, including documentary analysis and interviews with 13 senior editors, circulation and finance managers, and media scholars, the study evaluated the impact of digital transformation on New Vision, examined revenue streams, and assessed the newspaper’s content strategy effectiveness. Findings reveal that while digital technology enhanced news gathering and distribution efficiency, it diminished the newspaper's ability to break stories, leading to declining sales and revenue. New Vision's attempts to monetise digital content face …

Promoter Or Barrier? Assessing How Social Media Predicts Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance And Hesitancy: A Systematic Review Of Primary Series And Booster Vaccine Investigations, Christopher J. Mckinley, Yam Limbu

College of Communication and Media Scholarship and Creative Works

Abstract

Rationale

Prior research indicates that social media is primarily a negative contributor to Covid-19 vaccine outcomes.

Objective

The current systematic review of Covid-19 primary series and booster vaccine investigations provides a more nuanced and comprehensive assessment of this association by exploring a) how distinct social media judgmentsand actions predict different vaccine-related outcomes - perceptions and intentions/uptake, b) both primary series and booster findings, c) types of social media, and d) comparisons across different populations.

Method

We conducted a systematic reviewof published research examining the link between social media and COVID-19 vaccine outcomes – judgments, intentions, and uptake. …

A Rhetorical Analysis Of 13 Going On 30, Brynn Olverson

Schultz-Werth Award Papers

The film 13 Going on 30 is an iconic and nostalgic film for many, but more specifically for young women emerging into adulthood. This film is best classified as a coming-of-age film. Thirteen-year-old Jenna goes through the process of turning thirteen years old and emerging into middle school. Jenna craves to be accepted by the cool girls and is blinded by the idea of popularity which in turn ruins her lifelong friendship with her neighbor and best friend Matt. Jenna’s life was turned upside down when she woke up thirty years old, living in her thirty-year-old body, and working her …

External Funding Bulletin, January - June 2024, Uno Office Of Research And Creative Activity

Sponsored Programs Bulletins

No abstract provided.

Trust Relationships: Tales From The Web, Magdoleen Ierlan

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Trust is an important component of any purchasing situation. In an online setting, trust becomes even more important as buyer and seller are not able to directly interact with one another. Compounding the situation is the fact that the consumer cannot directly experience the product under consideration. Organizations have attempted to address this shortcoming by allowing third parties to offer reviews of the product in question. This paper addresses how consumers process these product reviews.

By rooting this paper in trust and uncertainty reduction theory, a testable model was developed. The model was tested, and in general, more helpful reviews, …

The Impact Of Demographics And Cause Related Marketing Participation In The Black Lives Matter Movement On Company Image, Jerome Christia, Joseph Njuki

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Cause Related Marketing is an impactful marketing strategy for companies concerned about improving or maintaining their company image. This study examines the effect of cause related marketing participation Black Lives Matter movement and demographics of supporters on company image. Questionnaires from 106 respondents were collected, analyzed, and results presented. The paper reviews cause related marketing, the Black Lives Matter movement, and company image. In addition, demographic characteristics are investigated for respondent perspectives on company image. Our research indicates that there is a positive and significant relationship between cause related marketing participation in the Black Lives Matter movement on company image. …

Nbc Peacock North Winter 2024 Newsletter, Peacock North Staff

NBC Peacock North Newsletter

Highlights include: Marilyn's Page -- History of the National Association of Black Journalists -- Al Roker Returns to the Macy's Parade -- Joe Klimovitz Hosts Photo Exhibition -- Martin Fletcher at Sacred Heart University -- Silent Microphones

Mental Health Challenges And Resilience Among International Graduate Students In The United States, Md Rejaul Haque

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research examines the experiences of international graduate students in the United States. It focuses on the challenges they face that can lead to mental health issues. I conducted in-depth focus group interviews through Zoom. Participants shared their stories, highlighting the stigma around mental health. I transcribed the interviews and analyzed them for themes. The findings show that international students deal with various difficulties, such as cultural differences and homesickness. They often find better support from informal peer networks rather than from institutional resources. The study highlights the importance of community engagement and cultural exchange in helping these students build …

Audience Perceptions Of Social Issues In Contemporary Theatre, Gabrielle Reilly

Honors College Theses

The following study identified ways in which social issues were present in contemporary theatre and the subsequent productions designed for an audience ranging in identifying demographics through a collegiate production of Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood. Participants involved in the show through technical roles or onstage roles (N - 6) were interviewed about their experiences with the social issues presented in the play prior to and as a result of their involvement. Participants that were in attendance of the show over the course of four production dates (N - 67) were anonymously surveyed and answered questions on …

Social Media News Consumption By College Students Using The Elaboration Likelihood Model, Colin Horning

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Social media usage has become a cornerstone of the everyday lives of Americans. From the years 2012 through 2021, the percentage of U.S. adults who say they use the social media platforms of YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, X/Twitter and Snapchat have grown exponentially, according to data from the Pew Research Center (Auxier & Anderson, 2021). Primarily among young people (those age 18-29) social media growth share has been the most prevalent, with this age range being mostly made up of Millennials and Generation Z (or Gen Z). The same Pew Research study found stark differences in the social media …

A Phenomenological Study On University Students’ Perceptions And Attitudes Of The Effectiveness Of Mobile Apps On Communicative Competence, Leveth Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study is focused on understanding how university students who are learning English as a foreign language (EFL) perceive and experience using mobile application on their speaking abilities. The primary goal was to examine the perception and attitudes of EFL learners towards using mobile apps for independent English-speaking practice and creating a customized learning experience outside of the classroom.

The researcher also investigated the participants’ views on the challenges and advantages of incorporating mobile apps into university speaking courses. The findings of this investigation may inform language educators at universities on the potential benefits of using mobile apps in …

Caring Cloth Praxis: Ethics Of Loss, Practices Of Remembering, Suzanna James

Textile Society of America: Symposium Proceedings

This research, in continual development as a part of early PhD study, is currently entitled ‘Ethics of Loss, Practices of Remembering’ and locates itself within the field of cultural sustainability. It is foregrounded by my MA thesis entitled ‘Caring Cloth’ and works in response to the words of Louise Bourgeois: ‘the needle is used to repair damage, its claim to forgiveness.’ My own socially and environmentally regenerative textiles practice considers the way in which personal practices of remembering can be developed in response to cultural sustainability.

This textiles practice develops explorative visual textile art and social textile practice research which …

Textile As Cultural Technology: The Evolution Of Robert Rauschenberg’S Jammers, 1975–6, Katya Oicherman

Textile Society of America: Symposium Proceedings

Robert Rauschenberg suggested that any material has a “humanitarian reportage” or a history built into it, that opens art to the “strange and unpredictable” experience only comparable to everyday reality. Developing this idea, I will focus on the Jammers, a series of works with significant textile presence produced in 1975–76, and discuss how Rauschenberg’s relationship to textiles evolved from treating them as “materials” to recognizing them as cultural technologies. In 1975 he was on a fellowship in Ahmedabad, India, a period of intense experimentation.

Textiles were already a significant presence in his art, playing a subservient role of materials …

Knowledge Is Power…To Misinform: Examining How Knowledge Gaps Affect Engagement With Covid-19 Misinformation, Ben Wasike

Communication Faculty Publications

This study examined how the knowledge gap hypothesis (KGH), the belief gap hypothesis (BGH), partisan media use, and interpersonal discussion affected COVID-19 knowledge and social media engagement (SME) with related misinformation. The KGH partially affected knowledge and reduced SME with misinformation regarding income. The BGH increased knowledge and reduced SME with misinformation among Liberals. Right-leaning media use and interpersonal discussion increased SME with misinformation respectively. Overall, knowledge was inversely associated with SME with misinformation.