Digital Commons Network^™

Social Media's Impact On Female Generation Alpha's Beauty Standards And Consumer Habits, Matisen O'Brien

Theses

This study examines how social media shapes beauty standards and consumer behaviors among female Generation Alpha (ages 7–13). As the first generation fully immersed in digital culture, these young girls face early exposure to influencer marketing, algorithmic promotion, and adult beauty practices, which influence their skincare routines and product preferences. The research highlights the decline of child-centered physical spaces, intensifying their engagement with digital platforms. Using a mixed-methods approach focused on a subgroup of female gymnasts, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative analysis to reveal how social media affects identity formation, consumer choices, and related mental health concerns. Results …

Communication And Privacy Management Between Female Veterans, Their Military Voluntary Kin, And Biolegal Family Members, Carol Lee Tschampl-Diesing

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Military voluntary kin (MVK) refer to relationships between Service members and/or Veterans that they consider to be “like family,” despite lacking blood or legal ties. The purpose of this qualitative/interpretive communication study was to explore how female Veterans, who are the largest growing population of U.S. Veterans, discursively construct MVK relationships, navigate communication, privacy management, and boundary turbulence with their MVK and biolegal families (BLF). The researcher undertook in-depth interviews with nine female U.S. Veterans who reported having at least one MVK. The researcher posed four research questions, engaging in an interpretive analysis.

Participants described three ways they navigated interactions …

Complete Volume 42

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

This is the complete Volume 42 of the Journal of the Association for Communication Administration.

Sex, Riots, And Holy Water: How Modern Society Desecrates And Reconsecrates The Sacred, Jodeyah J. Mills

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores how modern societies desecrate and reconsecrate the sacred through rhetoric, ritual, and visual performance. Using three case studies, Nazi Germany’s transformation of Quedlinburg Abbey, the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, and Sabrina Carpenter’s controversial church music video, “Feather,” this project analyzes how sacred meaning is violated and restored in religious, civic, and popular contexts. Drawing on Kenneth Burke’s dramatistic cycle and postsecular theory, it argues that desecration and reconsecration are dialogic acts that expose competing moral vocabularies within culture. Each event demonstrates that even in a secular age, people respond to ruptures of ultimate meaning …

Prostitution In Video Games: Stigma, Violence And Male Pleasure, Laura Aguilera-Ávila, Lara Escobar Hernández

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

Prostitution has traditionally been framed in society as a space significantly determined by patriarchal hierarchies, in addition to being affected on many occasions by stigmatisation and violence. The representation of prostitution and of those who practice it in the media is a topic of special interest, since the discourses and messages disseminated by the media play a fundamental role in socialisation. Video games are not exempt from this debate: with millions of players worldwide and a special reach among young people, they are among the most influential media outlets today. This qualitative research analyses a series of titles, both AAA …

Navigating The Storm: A Qualitative Metaphor-Based Analysis Of Resilience And Identity Reconstruction Among Displaced Professionals, Erhan Atay, Serkan Bayraktaroglu, Leo Johannesberg

The Qualitative Report

Building on previous management scholarship, this paper explains how Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and metaphorical expressions inform organizational resilience and leadership communication in employee support strategies. It tries to capture the interplay between personal sensemaking and collective adaptation. The study aims to provide practitioners with hands-on insights into developing inclusion, resilience, and identity reconstruction in organizational and societal contexts of disruption. The analysis identifies three critical metaphorical themes: resilience, which is likened to "climbing a mountain;" isolation, which is likened to being "trapped in a bubble;" and identity reconstruction, which is likened to "picking up the shattered pieces of a …

From Digital Divide To Equity-Enhancing Diffusion: Generative Ai And Writing Quality, Rebecca Tukachinsky Forster, Kerk Kee, Gabriel Miao Li

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

This study investigates whether generative AI can narrow the gap between stronger and developing writers and explores the mechanisms underlying these effects. In a within-subject experiment, students wrote two essays, with and without AI assistance. Computer-aided analysis of the writing quality confirmed that while all students benefited from AI, that less skillful writers gained more. There was also no evidence of skillful writers using AI in more sophisticated and beneficial ways. The study contributes to theorizing the digital divide and offers insights into maximizing the benefits of AI tools. Theoretically, we situate generative-AI use within Diffusion of Innovations, treating ChatGPT …

“It’S All Fun And Games Until Someone Loses An Eye (-Test): On The Presence And Consequences Of An Argument Scheme That Re-Works Our Notions Of Evidence And Support”, Matthew P. Brigham

Studies in Debate and Oratory

This essay explores an argument scheme commonly employed in sport communication, the “Eye Test,” which claims that a good faith watching of two teams or athletes, for instance, provides its own evidence as to which is superior. A distinction is drawn between a weak version of the argument, the earned eye test, and the strong version, the universal eye test. Focusing on the latter, which does not rely on expertise but claims that any individual should be able to see the proof of the argument, the essay explores a range of everyday and public sphere arguments that operate …

Digital Competence In Early Childhood Formal And Informal Education: Findings From A Systematized Review, Davide Cino, Claudio D’Antonio, Federica Ranzani, Silvia Demozzi, Cosimo Di Bari

Journal of Media Literacy Education Pre-Prints

This article reports on findings from a systematized literature review on digital competence in early childhood (age range, 0-6). Through a quantitative and qualitative analysis of 31 empirical studies, the article provides: 1) a mapping of key information contained in the dataset based on relevant variables inductively and deductively identified (i.e., children’s age, type of educational context, type of digital skill, caregiving actors, description of relevant activities, screen time discourse, risks and opportunities discourse, reference to wellbeing); and 2) a narrative in depth account of digital competence in early childhood in relation to the type of educational context investigated, i.e., …

Deaf Parents’ Infant-Directed Touch With Their Hearing And Deaf Babies: Intuitive, Cultural, Or In Need Of Instruction?, Brenda C. Seal Ph.D.

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

No abstract provided.

The Current - Volume 36 Issue 5, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

The Cowl - V. 89 N. 9 - November 20, 2025

The Cowl

The Cowl - student newspaper of Providence College. Vol. 89 No. 9 - November 20, 2025. 24 pages.

Leadership Communication, Heather Arlen, Eli Bruess, Mitchell Buerkle, Ali Gravelle, Magdalen Kramer

Leadership Education Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Emotional Communication In The Healthcare Industry, Brandon Dolan

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Through conducting interviews with healthcare professionals and the study of data that reviews the role of emotional communication in the healthcare industry, I can conclude that there are several challenges that healthcare professionals experience when communicating emotions. To begin, there is the existence of implicit and explicit feeling and display rules that are demanded by both clients, patients, and organizations. There are expectations and obligations that healthcare professionals must meet in terms of the emotions they experience and the behaviors they express to ensure the functionality of their industry. In response to these feeling and display rules, employees often find …

Love At A Distance: Exploring Perceptions Of Long-Distance Relationships Through Q Methodology, Ljubica Ivanovic Klobcic

Theses and Dissertations

With technology advancing and making it easier for individuals to connect and keep in touch, long-distance romantic relationships (LDRRs) have become increasingly common. While some people thrive in these relationships despite physical separation, others find the experience stressful and unsatisfying. This study explores how individuals perceive and navigate LDRRs and what their experiences are. Using Q methodology, participants sorted and ranked statements related to their experiences. Factor analysis revealed three unique groups: Traditional Romantics, who see their relationships in traditional terms despite technology use; Debbie Downers, who perceive distance as a burden and do not feel that technology improves their …

Budget And Collection Management Communication Strategies, Tools, And Methods, Evan Rusch, Heidi J. Southworth, Daardi Sizemore Mixon, Lisa Baures, Nat Gustafson-Sundell, Joe Holtermann

Library Services Publications

Many libraries face challenging budget situations. Communication with departments and administration about budget management and related changes to collections can be crucial to maintain constructive relationships and to improve cooperative planning. Academic libraries often rely on librarian liaisons to communicate directly with departments, but additional communication efforts are sometimes pursued. Libraries could learn from one another by sharing their communication strategies, tools, and methods. Our library has recently focused on collections communication across a range of projects and audiences. These projects have included a budget reduction plan and major print deselection project, as well as ongoing, prospective budget management. The …

Decoding The Future: African Parliaments, The 4ir, And The Ai Revolution, Bravin Onditi, Immanuel Mwendwa Kiilu

Young African Leaders Journal of Development

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (41R), propelled by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), is ushering in a profound transformation across Africa's economies, governance systems, and societies. For African parliaments, there is an incredible challenge on the governance front, but the opportunities are unprecedented. This paper examines the range of biases, data insecurities, and inequalities the democracies of the continent face, while detailing how African legislatures can instate frameworks to govern and design AI function within the democracies of the continent. As seen in the examples of Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, this paper outlines the disparity between the astounding rates …

From Prompt To Prejudice: Visual Evidence From Ai Image Generation Platforms, Jinu K. Varghese, Padma Rani

Markets, Globalization & Development Review

This study examines how AI image generation systems perpetuate digital orientalism through systematic cultural representation patterns that increasingly shape global digital markets and international development discourse. Using visual social semiotics methodology, we conducted comparative analysis of Midjourney and ChatGPT platforms across nine culturally specific prompts examining religious imagery, contemporary social dynamics, and power structures in Indian cultural contexts. Our findings reveal that both platforms consistently reproduce colonial-era representational frameworks despite culturally sensitive prompting and advanced technical capabilities. The analysis identifies three systematic patterns: temporal displacement strategies that acknowledge modernity while containing it within orientalist categories, institutional validation requirements that privilege …

The Cowl - V. 89 N. 8 - November 13, 2025

The Cowl

The Cowl - student newspaper of Providence College. Vol. 89 No. 8 - November 13, 2025. 20 pages.

People Living With Hiv Became Influencers On Social Media: Breaking The Stigma, Charisma Asri Fitrananda, Yogi Muhammad Yusuf, Qisthy Rabathy, Yusuf Bahtiar

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

This study examines the differences in stigma experienced by people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) on social media and in broader Indonesian society. When PLHIV disclose their HIV-positive status on social media and attempt to break the stigma by becoming social media influencers, they receive both supportive and critical responses. Negative reactions arise when they are perceived as promoting risky activities, as burdens to the state, or when they face challenges securing sponsorship for their initiatives. This research employs a case study approach to explore the experiences of PLHIV use social media influence as a means to counter HIV-related …

Reframing Women’S Football Through Digital Journalism: The Case Of Kumparanbolanita In Indonesia, Nesia Qurrota A'Yuni

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

The global rise of women’s football has opened new opportunities for media industries worldwide, including in developing countries such as Indonesia. In response to this trend, Kumparan launched kumparanBOLANITA in 2023, the country’s first digital media channel dedicated to women’s football. Drawing on media economy theory, this study examines how globalization, regulation, technology, and audiences shape the dynamics of kumparanBOLANITA as both a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative and a strategic move within Indonesia’s media ecosystem. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and observations, including insights from editorial team managing the channel. Findings …

Storytelling Technique For Peer Group Communication About Reproductive Health On “Bacarita Kespro”, Irene Aprilya Meok, Ana Nadhya Abrar

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

This study examines storytelling techniques for adolescents in group communication as a medium for reproductive health education in the “Bacarita Kespro”, a program organized by Tenggara Youth Community. The use of new educational methods is essential as traditional lecture-based approaches have proven ineffective in educating adolescents about reproductive health. Guided by narrative communication theory and symbolic convergence theory, this study employs a qualitative approach combining observation and interview data. The results show that storytelling practices in group communication involve adolescents alternating roles as storytellers and listeners, focusing on the theme of changes during puberty. From the perspective of narrative understanding, …

Securitizing Kinmen: China’S Gray Zone Strategy And The Evolution Of The Kinmen Model, Ian Murphy

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

This paper examines the evolving dynamics of cross-strait relations through the lens of securitization theory, focusing on China’s strategic deployment of what it calls the Kinmen Model and its implications for regional security. While existing discourse predominantly concentrates on a potential full-scale invasion of Taiwan, this study shifts attention to the strategic significance of the outlying islands and the nuanced employment of securitization to exert indirect control. Utilizing Vuori’s (2008) framework for analyzing securitization in non-democratic contexts, this research conducts a discourse analysis of nineteen Chinese language media sources to dissect the speech acts employed by Chinese media and their …

A Socioecological Needs Assessment Of Alternative Learning Environments: Implications For Occupational And Mental Well-Being In School Settings, Glenda Hux, Sydney Rice, Lexus Brettell Wicinski, John V. Rider

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Alternative learning environments (ALEs) support students with complex behavioral, emotional, and social needs, yet only a small amount of research has examined their occupational and mental health needs using a socioecological approach. This study aimed to demonstrate the process of conducting a socioecological needs assessment in an ALE and identify needs from multiple stakeholder perspectives. A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 24 stakeholders, including students, educators, counselors, administrators, and a dietitian. Data were analyzed thematically by stakeholder group. Four overarching themes emerged: This School is a Shelter, We Believe in Resilience, We …

Communicating The Truth-Telling And Space-Making Of Black Women In Higher Education: A Trap Feminist Study, Chazman Deira Mckoy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation adopts a “for Black women, by Black women” approach to examine how Black women’s lived experiences and performances of racialized gender become communicative acts of agency as they navigate the intersecting challenges of race and gender within pedagogical contexts.

Grounded in Black Feminist Pedagogy and expanded through Trap Feminism, this study celebrates the complexity of racialized gender performances and theorizes them as intentional communicative acts of resistance. These acts not only confront dominant ideologies but also create ongoing spaces for truth-telling, spaces where Black women can reframe how their stories, labor, and brilliance are recognized in academic contexts …

The Cowl - V. 89 N. 7 - November 6, 2025

The Cowl

The Cowl - student newspaper of Providence College. Vol. 89 No. 7 - November 6, 2025. 16 pages.

Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …

Fraggin’ The Superhero Genre: Parody And Carnival In Dc’S Lobo, Ryan L. Johnson

Dialogue: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Popular Culture and Pedagogy

This essay examines the DC anti-hero Lobo as an ideal example of the constructive, creative power of parody and Bakhtinian carnival. Unlike Bakhtin’s assertion that carnival since the Renaissance has lost its spirit of play and become purely destructive, Lobo uses grotesque violence to create just as much as he destroys social norms. Ultimately, the mini-series under consideration provide a valuable tool for students to understand carnival, parody, and its power as criticism.

Chinese Women’S Rising Refusal Of The Family : The Problems, The Resistance, The Post-Family And Post-Capitalist Work Imaginaries, Peier Chen

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

A new generation of Chinese women is questioning the family by examining internal contradictions in parent-child relationships, particularly in how intimacy and care are enacted, while also challenging the legitimacy of the family institution that underpins gendered divisions of labor and hierarchies. Some of them are revealing the problems within the family and refusing patriarchal marriage and family as their daily act of resistance. Their resistance extends beyond the family, into their workplaces, where gender division and hierarchies are also at work. This emerging phenomenon presses us to theorize today’s family problems, especially concerning those related to women’s gendered oppression, …

"I Come From The Witches You Weren't Ableto Lynch And Burn": Metaphysics And The Rise Of Black Women's Online Spiritual Activism, Blake Montgomery

Theses (2016-Present)

From ancient Black gods to field women who conjured and worked the land. Ancestral griots to church mothers, magicikal practitioners, spell workers, healers, and supernatural rebels. From evil Black witches persecuted and lynched, to dark-skinned devotees, these powerful femmes emerge from centuries of Black metaphysical labor. They are the women we know, may have been raised by, deeply love, yet often fail to acknowledge. If the title of this thesis hasn’t already scared you off—or at worst, confirmed your biases—then you may already know that Black women’s spiritual experiences have long been central to literature, as vividly portrayed by fiction …