Communication Commons^™

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 …

The Role Of Face Threats In Understanding Target’S Interpretation Of A Tease, Shawn M. Deegan

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Teasing is a common phenomenon used across the lifespan, but what teasing is and what makes it prosocial or antisocial is strongly contested. This study argues that viewing teasing as a communication strategy helps researchers focus on the content of the teasing message. Goffman’s Facework Theory was used to explore negative and positive face threats, redressive signals, and relational closeness to help explain why the tease is seen as prosocial or antisocial. In an experimental study, participants were asked to take turns engaging in a teasing game about elements of the other’s identity. The study found that negative face threat …

Exploring Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies And Solutions Of International Students In Academic Environments With Consideration To Communication Accommodation Theory, Wendy K. Yeboah

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

ABSTRACT

Yeboah, Wendy, M.A., Spring 2024 Communication Studies

Exploring Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies and Solutions of International Students in Academic Environments with Consideration to Communication Accommodation

Chairperson: Dr. Greg Larson

This study, exploring the communication challenges of international students within academic spaces may be particularly helpful due to the constant interaction that happens within the academic space. Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) was used as a guiding framework to ask eleven international students what their communication challenges are and subsequently what are the communication strategies they use to help alleviate these challenges. Analyses were conducted thematically, and international students' responses on what …

Pepperoni Roll Studios: Prototype Design For Creating And Operating A Podcast And Audio Production Student Organization At West Virginia University, Nicholas Kirk Kratsas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As technology and audience demand change the traditional media landscape, student organizations at the university level, such as West Virginia University’s Student Media, are looking for ways to expand experiential learning opportunities for their students. This professional project seeks to address this need at West Virginia University by proposing and developing a prototype for a stand-alone community of practice for podcasting and audio editing as a student organization under the management of an advisor and professional staff. This project will not only justify the importance and timeliness of an experiential learning environment centered on podcasting but also culminate in generating …

A Test Of The Extended Theoretical Model Of Communal Coping Among Graduate Students: Investigating The Influence Of Communal Coping On Graduate Students’ Psychological Well-Being, Rebekah M. Chiasson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this dissertation was to test the extended theoretical model of communal coping (T. Afifi et al., 2020) in a graduate student sample by exploring predictors and outcomes of communal coping processes among 554 graduate students. The extended theoretical model of communal coping specifies that communal coping occurs when individuals within a community—such as graduate students within an academic program—perceive stressors as shared and are willing to take joint action to overcome those stressors. Results of this dissertation provided evidence that graduate students’ academic stress and the severity of individual academic stressors negatively impacted their psychological well-being. The …

Communicating Socially Acceptable Risk Judgments: The Role Of Impression Information Insufficiency In The Risk Information Seeking And Processing Model, Timothy K.F. Fung, Po Yan Lai, Robert J. Griffin

College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty and controversy around risk-related issues such as vaccine mandates. People expressing their opinions on these issues to important others, such as employers, may face significant consequences, such as rewards or rejection. Therefore, people may try to find, avoid, or use information in a way that helps them express risk judgments that are socially acceptable in different social situations. This study investigated how people seek, avoid, and process risk information when they are concerned about their impression management. It also introduced the concept of impression information insufficiency (the perceived gap between the information one has …

Rectifying Harm Through Care-Based Practices: How Journalists Might Tend To Disengaged Communities, Sue Robinson, Patrick R. Johnson

College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications

Journalists struggle to engage with disengaged communities, especially conservative and BIPOC groups. In this research, we suggest that an ethic of care, born from developmental psychology, can be a strategy for trust building. Using a multi-phased, multi-method approach through interviews, surveys, and a focus group, we found that community members believe journalists must be more careful and intentional with cultural and political language relating to ideology, racial identity, and sexual orientation. This study shows that journalists must address harm by contending with negative news experiences, nuancing labels and language associated with their communities, and adopting a combination of five care-based …

Extending Athlete Reputational Crises: Theorizing Underperformance Crises And The Flip Appeal, Lillian B. Feder, Diana Zulli

College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications

Crisis management scholarship recommends matching crisis response with crisis type to repair reputational damage. However, focusing on the corporate context has limited our understanding of crisis types and available responses. One crisis context yet to be extensively explored is sport/fan interactions online, an increasing site for athlete crises. This article addresses this gap, developing a theoretical framework for underperformance crises, where online publics perceive athletic underperformance as a norm violation that merits excessive hate toward athletes. Using the crisis case of basketball player E. J. Liddell, whose underperformance during a 2021 March Madness game resulted in widespread online harassment, we …

The Loss Of An Enemy: Brooklyn Nine-Nine And The Five Stages Of Grief, Anna Drabik

Comm-entary

This essay examines how sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine explores what it means to grieve the loss of someone who wasn’t necessarily a friend or a foe through the theoretical lens of The Five Stages of Grief. It begins with a brief explanation of what the Five Stages Theory is, followed by an outline of the tumultuous history between Captain Raymond Holt and Acting Commissioner Madeline Wuntch, describing their rivalry and placing it into the larger context of the show. Then, the piece follows Holt through each of the five stages after Wuntch’s unexpected death in season 7, episode 7, titled “Ding …

Tap Taps And Fist Bumps: Embodied Movements In Skateboarding Sessions, Paige O’Neil

Comm-entary

No abstract provided.

Sexism, Racism, And Classism In Netflix’S Docuseries Formula 1: Drive To Survive, Grace Cushing

Comm-entary

This essay critically analyzes Netflix’s sports docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Netflix’s docuseries dramatizes Formula One, which is arguably the highest level of international motorsport. Through strategic portrayals of events in and surrounding the sport, Netflix creates an entertaining but incomplete narrative of different Formula One seasons. This analysis examines the sexism, racism, and classism that are not only present in Formula One, but which also undermine the docuseries. Formula One is known to be a male-dominated, primarily white, and economically elite sport. This essay evaluates the various features of Formula 1: Drive to Survive that perpetuate these traits …

The Power Of Action, Giavanna Fioretti

Comm-entary

This essay analyzes a constructive conversation me and my roommate Kaylee had with a friend of ours, Teddy. This conversation presented itself after Kaylee and I witnessing a form of a microaggression. It was not intended with harm, but the conversation was one that we felt we needed to discuss. This essay emphasizes the impact of action and how it can be put to very good use. It also discusses how Teddy felt after the conversation, as opposed to how Kaylee and I felt after discussing this issue with him. This conversation was handled with kindness, as well as attempting …

How Political Elite Leverage Twitter To Polarize America, Woodson Morris Hobbs V

Theses and Dissertations

While social media has changed how humans use the internet, Twitter has drastically reformed how individuals worldwide receive their news. As news outlets fail to keep up with the rapid dissemination of information online, Twitter has become a sounding board for the political elite who leverage the platform's immediacy and virality. This study, using Quantitative Ethnography's Epistemic Network Analysis, seeks to determine if the political elite, specifically members of Congress, are leveraging Twitter to spread polarizing information to strengthen their base. In this study, extensive coding of select members of the 118th Congress was completed and compared to Voteview.com's DW-Nominate …

Ban Of The Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate In Ukraine: Limitation Of Religious Freedom Or The Fight Against Russian Influence, Bohdan Synchak

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article reviews the activity of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine and abroad, particularly in the EU and the USA. The main problem this study deals with is the probable ban of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) in Ukraine, which is potential against the background of the consideration in the 2nd reading of draft law No. 8371, which refers to “impossibility of the activity of religious organizations in Ukraine, the management center (management) of which is located in the state that carries out armed aggression against Ukraine.” In the course of our review, the key question is whether …

Educational Technologies And Assessment Practices: Evolution And Emerging Research Gaps, Lim Ming Soon Tristan, Gottipati Swapna, Michelle L. F. Cheong

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This chapter examines the integration and trajectory of ubiquitous, adaptive, and immersive technologies in educational assessments, based upon qualitative predictions from Horizon Report and quantitative bibliometric analysis. Through network analysis, the authors identified key educational technological trends and their interconnectedness within the academic domain. These findings underscored the ascendance of adaptive assessments for personalized real-time feedback, the role of virtual immersive assessments adding layers of complexity, variability, and adaptability that a physical environment might not offer, and the pervasive reach of ubiquitous assessments in crafting contextually anchored evaluations. Grounded in pedagogical underpinnings, the chapter presents pressing research gaps, theoretical and …

The Effect Of Mere Presence Of Smartphone On Cognitive Functions: A Four-Level Meta-Analysis, Andree Hartanto, Verity Y. Q. Lua, K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Paye Shin Koh, Germaine Y. Q. Tng, Manmeet Kaur, Frosch Y. X. Quek, Jonathan L. Chia, Nadyanna M. Majeed

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

As smartphones have become portable and immersive devices that afford social, informational, and recreational conveniences unbounded by physical restrictions, most daily activities have become closely intertwined with the presence of smartphones. This constant presence of smartphones in daily activities, however, may be concerning as some studies have suggested that smartphones—even their mere presence—can be distracting and can impair cognitive outcomes. However, such findings have not been consistently observed. To reconcile mixed findings, the current meta-analysis synthesized 166 effect sizes drawn from 53 samples and 33 studies including 4,368 participants on the effect of mere presence of smartphone on cognitive functions. …

Social Media And Performative Parenting, Sun Sun Lim, Yang Wang

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

With the intensifying use of social media in many realms of everyday life, even parenting is manifesting a public dimension. Whereas one might regard parenting as a private activity undertaken within the home, the use of social media to highlight the joys and trials of child-rearing has put parenting under the digital spotlight. Parents are keen to showcase their children’s growth and development to family and friends. Significant achievements invite praise and social endorsement, as well as commendations for excellent parenting. The sharing of parenting struggles over social media can also elicit expressions of commiseration, sympathy and support. The ensuing …

Developing Resources To Foster Farmed Animal Agency In Sanctuary Education, Emily Tronetti

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Farmed animal sanctuaries provide lifelong care to formerly farmed animals. Many strive to educate their community about farmed animals and promote more compassionate lifestyles, such as veganism. Important to this is cultivating empathy and concern for the well-being of individual farmed animals. Essential to well-being is agency, which is the capacity of a living being to engage with their environments and to make choices for themselves. Farmed animals outside of sanctuaries have had their agency systematically suppressed and denied. Sanctuary educators can bring awareness to this and inspire alternative, agency-centered relationships with not only farmed animals but all living beings. …

Helicopter Teaching From The Student Perspective: An Application Of Rhetorical And Relational Goals Theory, Denise Victoria Lee

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Research on helicopter teaching from an instructor’s perspective has noted thatimplementing this type of teaching style comes with the potential harm to student learning and the value of education. Prior research, however, has focused on the instructor perspective of helicopter teaching. The purpose of the current study was to explore the student perspective of helicopter teaching behaviors through the lens of rhetorical and relational goals theory. Participants (N = 121) evaluated 17 helicopter teaching behaviors for frequency, negativity, clarity, caring, and positive impact on learning. Results indicated that students perceived helicopter teaching behaviors as strategies that enhanced their learning (i.e., …

Netflix As A Transverse Transnational Media In Southeast Asia: Exploring The Philippine Context, Lady Aileen Ambion Orsal

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This thesis examines how Netflix as a transnational Internet TV disrupted the media flow in Southeast Asia. As subscription to streaming platforms grew exponentially, the limited linear flow of contents in traditional TV was transformed into a more personalized viewing experience. Consumers binge-watching on a subscription video on demand service were given the agency to view diverse contents at a time and on a gadget they prefer while also being offered recommendations from the platform’s curated list. As Netflix expanded to over 190 countries around the world, it has employed localization strategies to provide culturally authentic contents through co-production with …

Amazing Or Awful? The Role Of Message Frames In Expectancy-Value Based Weight Management Intentions, Xuan Qian

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the effective message frames in improving individuals’ weight management intentions. Focus on gain-framed and loss-framed messages, their interactions with expectancy and value were unveiled in both weight loss and weight loss maintenance conditions. A 2 (message frames: gain-framed vs. loss-framed) x 2 (weight management: weight loss vs. weight loss maintenance) online experiment (N = 249) was conducted. Participants were asked about their weight management experiences, read manipulated messages, and answered questions about perceived expectancies and values toward future behaviors. Results showed that gain-framed messages are more effective in arousing individuals’ intentions and values in both weight loss …

Journalists’ Perception Of Artificial Intelligence: The Case Of Nigerian Newsrooms, Amaka Peace Onebunne

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Technological advancements have always influenced how news is sourced, produced, and disseminated. The emergence of AI technology fundamentally repositions human journalists, requiring them to work with non-human agents. Typically, the Global North leads in adopting such technologies, resulting in unequal technological diffusion and research between the Global North and South. This research thus takes a less-traveled path within a portion of the global south to understand journalists’ views of Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian newsrooms and how geographical and cultural factors influence AI usage. Grounded in the human-machine communication framework, semi-structured interviews with 18 Nigerian journalists revealed a double-edged view of …

Zoo Communication: A Study Of Stewardship With Animal Conservation In Zoos Across The United States, Abby Rachelle Lester

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis investigates the communication strategies employed by zoo professionals to promote engagement and advanec animal conservation education. Through in-depth interviews with zoo experts, the stidy explores the intricate connections between communication practices and stewardship princliples within zoo facilities. Findings from this study contribute to the understanding of effective communication in the realm of animal conservation, with implications for both zoo practitioners and conservation educators. The study delves into the effective strategies for identifying and fostering relationships with environmental stewards, alongside encouraging their involvement in zoo-based animal conservation initiatives. The theoretical implications highlight gaps in existing models, emphasizing the need …

Effective Communication Strategy During Crisis: A Case Of The 2010 Toyota Recall Crisis, Masud Mensah

Masters Theses

Crisis communication is an integral part of public relations and organizational management at large involving the timely and strategic sharing of information during a crisis or emergency. Its primary purpose is to ensure that organizations effectively manage and minimize the negative impact of the crisis on their operations and stakeholders, which invariably helps to maintain trust, credibility and restore their reputation. Based on an interpretivist standpoint, the study utilizes qualitative approaches and takes the form of a case study. It offers a comprehensive account of the crisis, including key occurrences, media representation, and public responses, showcasing its international impact via …

American Express: Small Business Saturday, Sean Surrick

Comm-entary

This essay discusses the public relations campaign Small Business Saturday. Originating in 2010 as a response to economic downturns and aimed at spotlighting local businesses, this annual event has transcended its corporate origins to become a celebrated national holiday. This essay delves into the evolution and significance of Small Business Saturday, tracing its trajectory from inception to its current status as a cultural fixture. It also examines how American Express has teamed up with many other businesses to promote the holiday and give resources to small businesses. The event has become so well known that the United States Senate has …

Artificial Intelligence And Human Creativity: A Delicate Balance, Grace Bell

Comm-entary

This essay discusses the ways that virtues, as well as their meanings and their applications, are changing as technology develops. It also describes the debate among creatives and artists regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative work, and the nuances that come with defining something as broad as 'creativity'. Artificial intelligence is new and frightening to many, and artists are unsure if this technology will make creative projects more accessible, or if it will take over human-designed creative projects entirely. Using Chat GPT as a tool and a creative partner, this essay investigates the ways that AI can …

The Cause And Effect Of Contemporary Science Communication, Dina Rathke

Comm-entary

No abstract provided.

The Countess Of Chester Hospital Whistle-Blower Case Study, Kaylie Efstratiou

Comm-entary

The following case examines whistle-blowing in the workplace and how it is treated in organizational culture, dealing with the varying ethical perspectives displayed when managerial staff are faced with a whistle-blower. In 2015, an alarming number of infants began to mysteriously pass away in the neonatal ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital. After a few staff members began to realize that one nurse, Lucy Letby, may have been a common denominator in the deaths, a report was made and brought to the attention of the unit manager. When nothing was done after several meetings, some of the staff took …

Epiphany After The Flood, Fiona Flaherty

Comm-entary

No abstract provided.