Communication Commons^™

Everything Old Is Q Again: An Analysis Of The Resurgent #Pizzagate Myth In Social Media, Bond Benton, Daniela Peterka-Benton

College of Communication and Media Scholarship and Creative Works

On November 28, 2023, X CEO Elon Musk posted a meme suggesting that the #pizzagate conspiracy had been suppressed by powerful forces complicit in the exploitation of children. The #pizzagate conspiracy presumed that elites had organized a ring serving pedophiles in the basement of a pizzeria in Washington D.C. The conspiracy was debunked in major news outlets with social media platforms such as Facebook banning such content, as well (BBC News). These efforts ultimately did not prevent #pizzagate from morphing into the QAnon conspiracy that would galvanize multiple extremist political movements (Bleakley). Specifically, however, #pizzagate as a discrete narrative was …

The Swiping Desire: Intimacy, Libidinal Capitalism, And The Digital Subject In The Tinder Swindler, Chanif Ainun Naim

Masyarakat: Jurnal Sosiologi

This article examines how dating applications operate as libidinal infrastructures that restructure and commodify intimacy within platform capitalism, using The Tinder Swindler as a cultural case study. Employing a visual-narrative approach within the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis, the film is analyzed to reveal the structural exploitation of user affect and desire. Grounded in Lacanian psychoanalysis and Baudrillard’s simulation theory, the study argues that these platforms capitalize on the subject’s ontological lack (manque) which fuels desire as the desire for the Other’s desire. This psychic lack sustains a perpetual pursuit of recognition that can never be fulfilled. The swindler’s hyper-curated …

Gender Equality And Social Capital Empowerment Of Rural Women, Nuraedah Nuraedah, Syamsul Bahri -

Masyarakat: Jurnal Sosiologi

This study explores the role of social capital in empowering rural women, focusing on how social networks, trust, and community norms contribute to gender equality and women's decision-making. Despite the recognition of gender equality as a fundamental right, rural women continue to face structural barriers that limit their access to resources and opportunities. By examining the interaction between social capital and women's empowerment, this research aims to fill the gap in understanding the mechanisms that support women's empowerment in rural areas. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with 30 women from various villages in Indonesia, complemented by …

Implementing Gallup 12+ Employee Engagement Survey In A Critical Access Hospital, Catherine R. Hardwick

Honors Theses and Capstones

Objective: To utilize the Gallup Q12+ survey to assess baseline staff engagement among nurses and nursing assistants at a critical access hospital, implement direct education intervention, and evaluate its impact on staff engagement rates, with the goal of identifying micro and macro-problems.

Methods: This quality improved project was conducted at Littleton Regional Hospital, a level Ⅲ trauma center and critical access hospital. The PDSA cycle started on March 1 and ended May 10. The Gallup Q12+ survey was sent to Registered Nurses, Licensed Nursing Assistants, and Nursing Technicians to establish baseline staff engagement levels and areas that need improvement. Directed …

Lingering Legacy: The Impact Fan Reactions Had On Media Framing In The Rossi-Marquez Rivalry, Maryann Lozowski

Honors Theses and Capstones

This study examines the influence that fan commentary has on media framing in sports journalism, especially in times of intense rivalry. The rivalry chosen for this specific study was Marc Marquez-Valentino Rossi as seen in the MotoGP championship. This research discusses the cyclical nature between the interaction of fan and media while shaping popular narratives in sport. A qualitative analysis of media headlines and fan comments was conducted comparing those found at the start of the rivalry in 2015, with reporting at its height, to that of the legacy reporting seen in the years that followed. Findings in this study …

Portrayals Of Autism On Tv And Impact On Autistic Viewers’ Self Esteem, Sam Ryan

Scripps Senior Theses

Portrayals of autism on TV are frequently rife with negative portrayals and inaccuracies, but also contain positive portrayals (Jones et al., 2023). These inevitably both promote stigma and educate individuals about autistic individuals, and also serve to directly and/or indirectly impact their well being. The current study aims to explore how combinations of positive and negative TV portrayals of autism impact autistic viewers’ self esteem. Participants will be exposed to clips of fictional autistic characters on TV shows, and their self esteem will be assessed with the Self Esteem IAT. It is expected that participants who view higher ratios of …

Is There Really A Difference? A Comparison Of In-Person And Online Qualitative Interviews, Kelly Anthony, Michelle Miller-Day, Monica Dupuy, Jarrod Ventura, Arielle Hodges, Denise Alonso-Pecora, Hannatu Dimas

Faculty Publications - Department of Communication and Cinematic Arts

During the 2020 worldwide lockdowns due to COVID-19, qualitative researchers were restricted to online communication (e.g., Zoom) to gather qualitative interview data. Since that time, qualitative researchers have increasingly transitioned from conducting interviews primarily in person to conducting interviews using online communication technologies such as Zoom, but little is known about how interview approaches may impact the interview experience or data quality. This study explores differences between face-to-face (FTF) and online (Zoom) interviewing approaches, data quality, and interviewee perceptions of rapport, empathy, and conversational involvement. Participants were assigned to an interview condition (FTF or Zoom) and randomly assigned to one …

The Triangle Of Social Media, Mental Health, And Activism: Lessons From July 2024 Anti-Discrimination Students Movement In Bangladesh, Md Belal Hossain

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This project explores social media, mental health, and activism as three interconnected avenues of academic inquiry in the context of a student movement called the Anti-Discriminatory Students Movement (ADSM), that took place in July-August 2024 in Bangladesh. The movement, also called July Revolution (Bangladesh), overthrew a 16-year-ruling autocratic government and propelled the nation towards significant structural and political reform efforts. Utilizing a mixed method approach, including key informant interviews (N=6) and an online survey (N=396), it investigates how the triangle of social media, mental health, and activism evolved during this movement. Interview analysis reveals five major themes: 1) Ambiguity in …

Cultural And Counter-Cultural Contexts In Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club And Cristina GarcíA'S Dreaming In Cuban, Melinda M. Ninewise

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This thesis explores the cultural and counter-cultural narratives presented in Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club and Cristina García’s Dreaming in Cuban, examining how these works impact the literary canon and redefine the immigrant experience through a distinctly female lens. Both novels share themes of generational conflict, fragmented identities, and the struggles of communication shaped by cultural and linguistic divides. While these works feature distinct cultural backgrounds, Chinese American and Cuban American respectively, the authors challenge patriarchal norms by privileging female voices and presenting nuanced portrayals of mother-daughter relationships. The analysis highlights shared literary techniques and thematic parallels, including identity …

Polarization On Campus: How Social Media Shapes College Students' Opinions On The Israel Hamas War, Jonah Lynne

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study examines the impact of social media on the polarization of opinions regarding the Israel-Hamas war, particularly among U.S. college students. Following the outbreak of the war in October 2023, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok have facilitated the spread of highly partisan narratives, fueling ideological divides. The study highlights how social media contributes to the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic sentiments, exacerbating societal tensions. Through 25 structured qualitative interviews with college students, the research explores how social media algorithms shape perceptions by reinforcing preexisting beliefs through echo chambers and filter bubbles. Taken as a …

Commercial Attention Spaces: A Century Of Discourses, Measurements, And Models Of Attention In The Construction Of U.S. Advertising Markets, Jacob Saindon

Theses and Dissertations--Geography

A vast assemblage of networked devices populate our everyday spaces. Concomitant with the increasing ubiquity of media devices are advertisements. Indeed, many networked devices, specifically the “free-to-use” software applications, websites, or platforms displayed through them, are advertising-dependent. An assortment of firms within the commercial media industry—brands, agencies, publishers, vendors—work in concert to sustain a market for advertising. The core operation of the commercial media industry, I argue, is the production and exchange of attention as an economic object. In this study, I approach the production of attention and the framing of its markets as spatial processes. The continued growth of …

Exploring The Mental Impact Of End-Of-Life Care Exposure On Neonatal Nurses: Perspectives And Insights, Kaith Monterroso

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Purpose: This research investigates education interventions aimed to improve neonatal nurses’ knowledge in End-of-Life Care (EoLC), with a goal in improving their mental health using coping strategies. This study seeks to, in the end, deliver effective sensitive and comprehensive care during EoLC. Improved education in this area is expected to enhance higher quality of care while fostering better mental health outcomes for nurses themselves. Methods: The proposed research utilizes a pre- and post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of education and training in nurses who have a minimum of 3 to 4 years of experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care …

Amplifying Extremism: Small Town Politicians, Media Storms, And American Journalism, Nik Usher, Jess Hagman

Communication: Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Digital Community Policing: Using Social Media To Engage Students And Enhance Campus Safety, Dathan C. Jackson

Dissertations of Practice

Campus police increasingly rely on social media to reach students, yet little is known about how these efforts influence trust, collaboration, and perceptions of safety. This qualitative case study examined how one public research university’s police department uses social media to support community-policing goals. Data came from student interviews, departmental policy analysis, and a review of social media content.

Findings showed three central patterns. First, top-down, compliance-oriented messaging limited connection and failed to meet students’ expectations for open, two-way communication. Second, consistent and authentic engagement, online and in person, helped build shared responsibility and strengthened trust in campus safety efforts. …

Apoyando A Nuestra Gente: Latino/A/É Staff Testimonios Of Mentorship, Cultural Wealth, And Resistance At Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Alex Torres

Dissertations of Practice

APOYANDO A NUESTRA GENTE: LATINO/A/É STAFF TESTIMONIOS OF MENTORSHIP, CULTURAL WEALTH, AND RESISTANCE AT HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS

Alex Torres, Ed.D. Department of Counseling and Higher Education Northern Illinois University, 2025 Quortne R. Hutchings, Director

Latino/a/é students are one of the fastest-growing student populations across universities and colleges in the United States. Understanding the experiences of the Latino/a/é support staff who work with these students, as well as the challenges they face at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), can be beneficial in finding where they can best be supported to fully serve students. This study explored the testimonios of Latino/a/é staff at HSIs in …

Sample Instructions For Generating Topics For A Final Master's Thesis Or Capstone, Elizabeth Minei

Open Educational Resources

Courses that require the execution of project planning for students spanning the semester often require the instructor to teach students to engage with the “devil’s advocate” as a means of challenging cognitive bias and avoiding groupthink, especially since the tendency to fall into groupthink results in poor outcomes and decisions that are made too quickly in favor of keeping the peace. Sometimes, challenging cognitive bias requires assigning other students the role of critical thinker of a proposed plan, allowing for review and feedback in dyadic settings. Other times, such as group or team situations, this method is carried out as …

A Geopolitical Economy Analysis Of China And India’S Approaches To Transnational Data Governance, Yujia He, Ka Zeng

Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce Faculty Publications

Recent literature on the behavior of rising powers in digital trade and data governance highlights their discourses of data sovereignty and desire to preserve domestic policy autonomy. This article contributes to the literature by employing a political economy lens that shifts the focus from the nation-state/inter-state framework towards the dynamics of state–capital relations, allowing for a more historical and contextual understanding of the geopolitics of data governance in emerging economies. Using China and India—two of the largest emerging economies—as comparative cases, and drawing on secondary data from government documents and other sources, the article argues that the interplay between the …

Gen Z Voter Turnout: An Analysis Of Barriers To Participation In State And Local Elections, Avery Allen

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This study examines the factors contributing to the generational gap in civic participation, with a focus on smaller-scale elections. Using both quantitative and qualitative data, the research identifies barriers to local and state electoral participation among Generation Z and provides recommendations for civic organizations seeking to increase youth voter turnout.

Water Justice, Emily Ann Senkosky

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

My portfolio will be centered around the theme of “Water justice,” which aims to unpack people’s manipulation of riverways and the environmental costs of this practice. Rivers, and their watersheds, have served as lifeblood for human and ecological populations the world over since the dawn of man. Derived from these watersheds is a multitude of ecosystem services and freshwater necessary for the sustainability of life. But freshwater makes up only 3% of the globe’s total water supply, making it a limited and dwindling resource. As the world’s population accelerates, climate change quickens, and societal needs for freshwater advance, the manipulation …

“Take Eight Bits And Call Me In The Morning” Video Games, Well-Being, And The Psychology Of Nostalgia, Nicholas Bowman

Media Studies - All Scholarship

For nearly 60 years, video games have arrested the attention of players, inviting us to interact and interface with on-screen content. More than just short-term entertainment experiences, video games are part of a broader cultural milieu—they are the most profitable media entertainment sector (global revenues nearly $400 billion USD in 2023) with more than 3.5 billion players globally (Clement, 2023). Similar to other entertainment media, some video game intellectual properties have transcended generations and, in many cases, grown beyond the medium itself: common cultural touchstones include Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog, along with seemingly endless subcultures of devoted …

Passengers’ Perceptions, Attitudes, And Willingness To Fly With Southeast Asian Low-Cost Carriers During Routine Disruption Communication, Aqilah Filzah Binti Ahmad Ridwan

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The objective of this research was to examine how passengers perceive crisis communication during routine operational disruptions (RODs) within Southeast Asian low-cost carriers (LCCs), and to determine whether perceived communication quality predicts passenger attitudes and willingness to fly. This study also aimed to assess the relationship between passengers’ attitudes toward airlines’ disruption management and their subsequent willingness to fly after experiencing RODs. A total of 201 respondents who had previously flown with LCCs completed an online self-administered questionnaire. Simple linear regression analyses revealed that perceived crisis communication had a significant positive effect on passengers’ attitudes toward disruption management. Attitude, in …

The Role Of Food Influencers On Consumer Attitudes And Purchase Intention Towards Local Food And Beverage Brands In Myanmar Amid Foreign Product Scarcity, Ei Phyu Phyu Khaing

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This qualitative study examines the role of food influencers in shaping consumer attitudes and purchase intentions toward local food and beverage (F&B) brands in Myanmar during a period of foreign product scarcity. Framed by influencer marketing strategy, framing theory, and the source credibility model, the research explores how influencers navigate authenticity, credibility, and identity while promoting domestic brands amid the “empty void” left by the scarcity of foreign products. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with five Myanmar-based food influencers active on Facebook and Tik Tok. Thematic analysis revealed that influencers strategically construct authenticity through personal brand alignment, …

The Influence Of Seventeen As A Celebrity Endorser On Brand Attitude And Purchase Intention Toward Indomilk Products In Indonesia, Francesca Diva Rachmaputri

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study aims to examine the influence of the K-pop group SEVENTEEN as celebrity endorsers on consumers’ brand attitudes and purchase intentions toward Indomilk among Indonesian consumers. A quantitative survey was conducted with 266 respondents who were familiar with both SEVENTEEN and the campaign. The results indicate that the credibility of SEVENTEEN significantly affects consumers’ brand attitudes, with trustworthiness and attractiveness being the most influential dimensions. Moreover, consumers’ brand attitudes significantly impact their purchase intentions. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of using K-pop artists to influence consumer behavior and highlight the importance of selecting highly credible endorsers to enhance the …

The Influence Of Social Media Influencer Credibility On Chinese Gen Z’S Attitude And Travel Intentions Toward Thailand, Haijing Shen

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This research uses Stimulus-Organism-Response model and source credibility framework to examine the influence of social media influencer perceived credibility on Chinese Gen Z’s attitude and travel intention toward Thailand after Wang Xing kidnapping crisis. Via utilizing Pearson correlation coefficient and Regression analysis to analyze the data collected by an online survey with 277 respondents as valid sample size, the perceived credibility of social media influencers, especially perceived trustworthiness, has significant influence on affecting Chinese Gen Z’s attitude. Meanwhile, attitude is the strongest factor on influencing Chinese Gen Z’s intention. Noticeably, the result is indicating the mediating role of attitude between …

The Influence Of Butterbear Mascot Attractiveness On Brand Attitude, Huyen Phuong Do

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This research examines the influence of mascot’s perceived attractiveness on the brand attitude towards Butterbear. Data were collected via online survey from 220 male and female respondents (aged 18-26) residing in Bangkok, who had been exposed to content from Butterbear brand within the past three months. Overall, participants perceived Butterbear mascot as highly attractive (M = 4.39) and reported positive attitudes towards the Butterbear brand (M = 4.30). Furthermore, the findings revealed that all six dimensions underlying mascot attractiveness (Brand Impact, Brand Expertise, Mascot Uniqueness, Mascot Anthropomorphism, Mascot Intimacy, and Mascot Consistency) showed statistically significant correlations with the brand attitude. …

The Image Of Transnational Universities In Vietnam And The Enrollment Decision Of Prospective Students, Khanh Huyen Pham

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study examines how Vietnamese applicants perceive the image of transnational universities (TNE) and how these perceptions influence their college choice decisions. Focusing on RMIT Vietnam, BUV, and Swinburne Vietnam, the research explores university image through functional cues, personality cues, and perceived value, and analyzes decision-making across predisposition, search, and choice stages. Twelve applicants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews, and data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings show that applicants build university image gradually as they compare curriculum, teaching quality, facilities, and accreditation with emotional cues such as friendliness, professionalism, and campus “vibes.” Perceived value (degree recognition, employability, and alumni …

Social Media Use And Personal Branding Identity Of Myanmar Freelancers, Lin Htet Thway

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study examined social media use, self-expression, professionalism, self-efficacy, self-disclosure, and personal branding identity among Myanmar freelancers, and investigated how these factors influence their personal branding identity on social media. An online survey of 200 freelancers aged 18 to 45 years was conducted. Respondents reported high levels of social media use (M = 4.07), self-expression (M = 4.13), professionalism (M = 4.16), self-efficacy (M = 4.17), personal branding identity (M = 4.30), and a moderately high level of self-disclosure (M = 3.95). Regression results showed that the five variables together explained 24.4 percent of the variance in personal branding identity …

The Influence Of Short-Video Content Marketing On Chinese Consumers' Perceived Value And Usage Intention On Duolingo Brand, Meitong Li

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The objective of this research was to examine how short-video content marketing on Douyin platform influences Chinese Generation Z consumers’ perceived value of Duolingo and their intention to continue using the application. A total of 252 respondents aged between 18 and 29 years old, who had used Douyin in the past three months and viewed Duolingo’s short-video content at least three times in the last month, completed an online questionnaire survey. The study reveals that all three dimensions of short-video content marketing (i.e. entertaining content, functional content, and social-interactive content) significantly influenced consumers’ perceived value, with social-interactive content demonstrating the …

The Influence Of Social Media Advertising Features On Brand Engagement And Purchase Intention Towards Local Cosmetic Brands In Vietnam, Ngoc Khanh Linh Tran

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study investigates the effects of social media advertising features on brand engagement and purchase intention for local cosmetic products among Vietnamese Gen Z consumers. Data were collected through an online survey from 211 Vietnamese respondents aged 18–28 who follow and have been exposed to local cosmetic brand advertising on social media. The results indicate that social media advertising features significantly influence brand engagement, with informativeness being the most influential factor, and brand engagement positively affects purchase intention. These findings highlight the importance of well-designed social media advertising features in enhancing brand engagement and increasing purchase intention within Vietnam’s cosmetic …

Vietnamese Gen Z'S Perception Of National Brand Identity Through Cộng Cà Phê Packaging Design, Ngoc Thao Chi Nguyen

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study examined how Vietnamese Gen Z perceive national brand identity expressed through Cộng Cà Phê's packaging design. Through online questionnaires, 247 Gen Z respondents aged 18-27 evaluated the packaging design across four dimensions: cognition, emotion, language, and action. Results showed strong recognition of cultural design elements, particularly the color palette and retro typography that reference Vietnam's subsidy era. Emotionally, the packaging evoked national pride in Vietnamese identity among respondents. Linguistically, participants rated the design as highly authentic in conveying national character. Behaviorally, many respondents indicated they would choose Cộng Cà Phê to introduce Vietnamese coffee culture to international friends. …