Search Results (2,322)

This study examined how exposure to constructive audiovisual news shapes people’s perception of societal issues in the Netherlands. An online experiment was conducted among 575 participants aged 18 to 90 years old. Participants were randomly assigned to watch an audiovisual news item, either constructive or nonconstructive news, about plastic waste in the ocean or the Dutch housing market. The study investigated how these different reporting styles affected participants’ perceptions of the main message, their awareness of the seriousness of the societal issue, and their evaluation of the journalistic quality of the news report. Results showed that, contrary to critics’ concerns, constructive news did not reduce perceived problem awareness: participants across conditions reported similarly high levels of awareness regarding the seriousness of the issues presented. Perceived journalistic quality also remained high in both constructive and nonconstructive conditions, indicating that incorporating constructive elements did not compromise credibility. Furthermore, constructive news appeared to encourage a broader, more solution-oriented perspective, prompting participants to consider opportunities and future prospects. Importantly, this broader perspective did not come at the expense of perceived problem awareness or journalistic quality. Overall, the findings provide empirical support for the value of constructive journalism in the Dutch media context. Full article

Trustworthy digital credential management is increasingly important in LMS-connected higher-education information systems, yet institutions still lack controlled implementation-oriented evidence on how cloud-native service decomposition and blockchain-backed trust services influence deployment performance. This study develops and evaluates a cloud-native architecture that combines containerized microservices with Hyperledger Fabric-based permissioned ledger services and a Polygon-linked public-chain anchoring path for credential issuance, learning-record verification, and record validation. Unlike largely conceptual prior work, it benchmarks four functionally aligned deployment paths in a unified Kubernetes-managed testbed: a monolithic baseline, a microservices-only baseline, a Hyperledger Fabric-integrated variant, and a Polygon-linked anchoring path. The credential-service paths were evaluated under stepped workloads from 1000 to 20,000 scheduled virtual users. Evaluation focused on service-path latency, throughput, tamper-detection accuracy, and resource utilization. The microservices-only architecture achieved the lowest baseline latency (182 ms), Hyperledger Fabric maintained stable response times for trusted institutional workflows (352 ms at baseline and 485 ms at 20,000 virtual users), and the Polygon-linked anchoring path reached the highest observed service-path throughput (228 TPS) in the tested prototype. Both blockchain-integrated variants detected tampered credentials in all successfully processed tamper cases. Overall, the results show that cloud-native decomposition and ledger-backed trust and anchoring can support scalable and trustworthy credential services when platform choice aligns with institutional governance scope, verification audience, and deployment constraints. Full article

Sports-based television formats combining competition, cooperation, and physical confrontation have long attracted large audiences. Since the 2000s reality television has increasingly adapted these elements, particularly through wrestling- and boxing-themed programs. This study examines the genre of celebrity boxing within the broader context of contemporary media culture, with the aim of interpreting its popularity through perspectives from communication and media theory. The analysis applies a qualitative approach drawing on concepts such as the media violence and Carey’s and Couldry’s ritual model of communication and includes an empirical case study of the Hungarian television program Sztárbox. The findings suggest that celebrity boxing operates as a pseudo-sporting spectacle that combines media violence with celebrity culture to maintain audience attention, while its dramaturgy—following Barthes’ and Jenkins’ interpretations—relies heavily on simplified moral oppositions and dramatized role-playing. These elements function as micro-rituals that structure viewer engagement and contribute to collective meaning-making beyond mere entertainment. The study concludes that the appeal of celebrity boxing lies not only in the display of physical confrontation but in its ritualized narrative framework, which reinforces social and cultural interpretations of conflict, identity, and spectacle within the logic of contemporary media environments. Full article

Differing perspectives on the ephemerality of performance have led to debates since the 1980s regarding its ontology. Sondra Fraleigh and Peggy Phelan, for example, believe that performance’s ‘only life is in the present’. Others have disagreed. For example, Rebecca Schneider believes that performance remains in the body of the spectator in a complicated manner and Miranda Joseph, drawing on Marxist theory, argues that performance is in fact material because it produces social relations which have material effects: they affect our thinking and behaviour. In alignment with Joseph, this text begins with the presupposition that performance, and, specific to this text, the object we might call dance performance—the dance performance event and its particular contours, in other words, the performance event as an entity which emerges in the space-time where/when the onlooker and the work meet—is material because it is social. I discuss two dance performance objects, my work Martyro (2011) and Jérôme Bel’s (2005) Veronique Doisneau, as (im)material affective objects. I examine each work individually, providing first a thick description of each in order to communicate how they used affect to connect to their spectators and to critique the contexts of their presentation, the worlds in which the Subject in each of these performances worked. Drawing on understandings and theories of affect (from Deleuze and Guattari, Gilbert Simondon, and Brian Massumi to Lauren Berlant) and political economy (including David Harvey, Cedric Robinson, Jeremy Gilbert, Ashok Kumar, and Katerina Paramana), I then argue that both works used affect to remind their audiences, their witnesses, of the power of revealing one own’s experience of ‘suffering’ as Subjects, whilst simultaneously critiquing the wider economies in which these works, these affective objects and their Subjects, are embedded. It is this production of affect, I suggest, that potentiated action for change, by affecting others’ perspectives and behaviours. Full article

Earthquake risk communication often remains centered on event parameters and structural collapse, while local site effects, building response and non-structural elements vulnerability shape how earthquakes are experienced and what people can do to reduce risk. This study examines whether a multi-modal, experience-based strategy focused on these dimensions, which are referred to as “last mile” of seismic risk, can improve public understanding and support actionable preparedness behaviors. The case study is the exhibition “Terremoti: Attenti agli Elementi!—Dettagli che salvano la vita” (Earthquakes: Beware of the Elements!—Details that Save Lives), designed for school audiences and the general public. Its effectiveness was assessed through five multiple-choice questions administered before (N = 183) and after (N = 174) the visit to the Genoa Science Festival; responses were analyzed overall and by topic and demographic group. Correct answers increased significantly from pre- to post-visit, with the largest gains concerning local site effects (+43.29%) and household prevention measures (+49.45%), whereas building vulnerability (+14.97%) and building dynamic response (+0.49%) showed more limited improvement. These exploratory results suggest that seismic risk communication is more effective when abstract concepts are translated into observable, manipulable, and everyday experiences, and support a shift toward a “last-mile” framework of seismic risk communication. Full article

In ecosystems of algorithmic visibility, Instagram bios operate as high salience microdiscourses of self-presentation and signaling. We examine whether observable bio attributes are associated with visibility and interaction among Brazilian sports journalists. We analyzed 151 public Instagram profiles (≥100,000 followers) and extracted bios and profile metadata via automated collection. Bio attributes (length, emojis, @mentions, hashtags, location, informational cues, and external links) were related to followers, average likes and comments, and engagement rate (primary outcome) using Spearman rank correlations under conservative interpretation. Emojis and mentions were near universal; links were common; hashtags and locations were rare. Associations were small and exploratory: personal information correlated negatively with followers; hashtags correlated positively with likes and comments but relied on five cases; and references to other platforms correlated negatively with engagement. Overall, bios appear to function mainly as signaling infrastructures, with any performance effects likely indirect and mediated by content practices and platform exposure within this ecosystem. Full article

This study aims to explore the role of digital public relations in enhancing the corporate image of educational institutions by focusing on Bayan College in the Sultanate of Oman. The study is based on a central question regarding the effectiveness of social media platforms in improving the institution’s image among its audience, particularly students. To achieve its objectives, the study employed the descriptive and analytical method using a questionnaire tool, with a sample of 662 students from various academic disciplines at the college. The results showed that Instagram was the most widely used social media platform and that digital public relations played an effective role in strengthening the college’s image. The findings also indicated no statistically significant differences attributable to gender or academic specialization, while differences were found based on academic year. The study recommends adopting effective digital communication strategies and enhancing the use of social platforms to build a positive and sustainable institutional image. Full article

Research on migration and digital media has expanded, yet empirical knowledge about how digital network communication structures public interaction in post-migration contexts remains limited. In particular, little is known about the communicative arenas in which interaction becomes visible, the actors who gain interpretive authority, and the recurring issues and narratives that stabilize meaning. This article addresses these gaps by examining Afghanistan-linked digital publics in Germany. Eight semi-structured interviews with key informants and a qualitative content analysis of selected TikTok accounts revealed that short-video platforms can function as central arenas of attention, where repeatedly recognized communicators become orientation points for audiences through sustained interaction. Communication stabilizes around recurring issues and narratives such as migration procedures, institutional encounters, Afghanistan-related political developments, and community conflicts, which connect everyday experiences in the country of residence to political, social, and cultural debates about Afghanistan—thereby bridging local and transnational references within shared communication networks. These environments function simultaneously as spaces of practical guidance, social orientation, and public dispute. Building on these insights, the article proposes a multidimensional model of digital diaspora communication that links communicative arenas, actors, and issues and narratives. Full article

Despite overwhelming scientific consensus that human activity drives climate change, public opinion in the United States remains sharply polarized along political lines. This project tests whether a theory-driven narrative intervention can reduce divergence between individuals skeptical of climate change and those who accept the scientific consensus. Guided by narrative transportation theory, we hypothesize that an inclusive, character-driven video grounded in the authentic language of skeptical audiences will reduce polarization and increase civic engagement. The study proceeds in three phases. Phase 1 uses focus group discussions to identify words, phrases, and perspectives used by skeptical and accepting participants. Phase 2 integrates these findings into the production of a 2–3 min narrative short film, refined through iterative audience testing. Phase 3 employs a stratified online experiment assessing climate attitudes, policy support, and activism behaviors before exposure, immediately after, and one week later. Mediators include narrative transportation, perceived similarity, and character identification. We test whether pre-exposure divergence narrows over time and whether engagement mechanisms explain observed changes. Findings will inform climate communication policy, intervention design, and broader research on depolarization in polarized public issues. Full article

As AI permeates daily life, algorithmic platforms increasingly function as complex sociotechnical systems that shape public perception and societal attitudes. Addressing concerns that AI text-to-image models and search engines reinforce stereotypes, this study focuses on China, a context marked by traditional gender norms and a vast technological ecosystem, examining how algorithmic systems perpetuate gender power structures through occupational representations. Using algorithmic audits of 60 occupations, Z-tests, and QAP network analysis, this study compares platform gender representations with national census data, systematically distinguishing “generative bias” in AI platforms (Doubao Seedream 3.0, Jimeng Image 3.0) from “retrieval bias” in search engines (Baidu, Sogou). Findings reveal that search engines reinforce stereotypes by over-representing dominant genders and obscuring non-mainstream ones. Generative AI exhibits more radical distortions. The specialized AI Jimeng shows a strong gender polarization feature, while the general AI Doubao shows an ideal balanced gender presentation tendency, balancing representation yet creating an equally false reality. Compared to search engines, AI platforms have greater creativity in representing occupational gender. This study reveals a mutually reinforcing bias cycle among audiences, media, and algorithms, offering a crucial non-Western perspective for feminist technology studies and significant implications for equitable AI governance. Full article

Science Festivals are public events focused on showcasing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a celebratory and engaging setting similar in atmosphere to an arts or music event. Aimed at the general public, science festivals vary widely in form and duration, lasting from anywhere between a day and several weeks, and featuring interactive activities such as hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, lectures, and performances. Many include dedicated programming for schools, but they differ from school-based science fairs, which are aimed primarily at students and parents and are typically held on school premises. Their aims include sparking curiosity, promoting scientific literacy, enabling visitors to interact with working scientists, and making science fun and accessible. Festivals are distinct from other informal science engagement formats due to their temporary, joyful nature and diversity of offerings. The modern science festival concept originated in Edinburgh in 1989 and has since experienced rapid global spread. Hundreds of events now take place annually throughout Europe and North America, and to a lesser extent other parts of the world, supported by associations such as the UK Science Festivals Network, the European Science Engagement Association, and, in the USA and Canada, the Science Festival Alliance. Some of the largest festivals see attendance figures in the hundreds of thousands, and across the world, millions of people participate every year. An emerging body of research literature, situated within a variety of social science disciplines and lenses, suggests that festivals are greatly enjoyed by their attendees, and succeed in boosting science interest, increasing knowledge, and improving perceptions of science among visitors, making them a potential asset for societies that place a high value on scientific activity among the population. However, the events have also attracted criticism for their limited audience diversity, with visitors being disproportionately drawn from highly educated and affluent groups, prompting suggestions that they are ‘preaching to the converted’. In response, some festivals have introduced targeted initiatives such as community outreach and partnerships to attract audiences from underrepresented communities. Despite these ongoing challenges, science festivals continue to evolve and grow as platforms for inspiring curiosity and fostering meaningful public dialogue around key scientific topics. Full article

Environmental science communication has become a core competence for addressing global challenges such as climate change, glacier recession, and hydrometeorological risks. Yet university curricula often prioritize technical knowledge over communicative skills, limiting students’ ability to engage with diverse audiences. This study proposes a structured three-level framework (i.e., micro-, meso-, and macro-communication) for teaching environmental science communication. The framework is explored across six applied case studies, including glaciological thematic trails, dual-training programs, a climate-education game, an international higher-education project, immersive 360° field experiences, and an AI-enhanced scientific exhibition. Drawing on qualitative and descriptive evidence, the cross-case analysis suggests that communication competencies may develop progressively from synthesis and clarity (micro-communication), to multimodal visualization and structured argumentation (meso-communication), to stakeholder-oriented and intercultural dialogue (macro-communication). The findings indicate that multimodal, immersive, and AI-supported approaches may support accessibility, engagement, and inclusivity, while authentic learning environments contribute to the development of transferable communication skills. This study provides an exploratory and practice-based framework that may inform curriculum design and pedagogical innovation, suggesting that communication could be more systematically embedded across environmental science programs in order to strengthen evidence-informed societal engagement and support sustainable environmental governance. Full article

While digital communication is critical for business growth, there is a notable lack of research concerning the specific digital and corporate strategies of bio-health start-ups in regional ecosystems like Andalusia. This article addresses this gap by analysing the corporate and digital strategies of the leading bio-health start-ups at the Andalusian Health Technology Park. The research focuses on innovation in the health sector and builds on the broader discourse surrounding science communication as applied to Andalusian companies. Health innovation companies are implementing their digital corporate strategies to raise their profile and reach their target audience. For Andalusian bio-health start-ups, the main focus is on their websites; this is why they are analysed here from different perspectives, with the aim of evaluating the information they share and its effectiveness. To this end, a mixed approach combining quantitative and qualitative content analysis is proposed, and data analysis tools are applied to web traffic and performance factors, as well as to the analysis of corporate culture and brand identity. The results indicate that these companies are consistent with digital communication strategies typical of B2B models, that is, emerging and highly specialised companies. In the corporate sphere, there is generally a strong focus on positioning within a framework that fosters organisational culture, employee recognition and the key elements of effective brand architecture. Full article

Empathy toward animals has received increasing attention because of its relationship to prosocial attitudes, conservation engagement, and environmental concern. Despite growing interest, the way empathy toward animals is measured varies widely across disciplines and applied contexts, making it difficult to compare findings or assess the strength of existing instruments. This paper examines the measurement landscape of empathy toward animals by identifying and describing tools used in both academic research and conservation practice. A search of Web of Science yielded 2155 unique records, resulting in a final sample of 65 peer-reviewed studies with empathy assessment instruments published between 2000 and 2025. These were supplemented by 42 instruments shared by members of the Advancing Conservation through Empathy for Wildlife (ACE for Wildlife^®) Network, one of the largest known networks of professionals focused on enhancing and evaluating empathy toward animals. Across these sources, we observe substantial variation in how empathy is operationalized, including differences in construct emphasis, focal species, intended audiences, and attention to reliability and validity. Academic studies primarily use surveys emphasizing affective empathy toward mammals, whereas practitioner-developed tools are more diverse and often assess cognitive and motivational dimensions across cohort groups. In mapping differences in approaches, we identify persistent gaps and provide suggestions to better align scholarly and applied assessment tools. Full article

This study examines audience reception of two implementations of an interactive theatre-based scam-prevention program developed to raise awareness of scams targeting older adults. The 2023 and 2024 implementations differed in cast composition, pacing, length, audience interaction, and scenario structure. Rather than treating these differences as the basis for causal comparison, this article uses the two implementations as programmatic cases for identifying how audience members made sense of theatre-based cybersecurity education. The study is guided primarily by andragogy, with geragogy used as an age-specific extension for interpreting older participants’ comments about accessibility, pacing, repetition, and instructional support. It uses a qualitative, multi-method design based on post-performance surveys with open-ended questions (N = 332; n = 164 in 2023, n = 108 in 2024) and follow-up interviews (N = 27; n = 15 in 2023, n = 12 in 2024). Findings show that participants valued practical scam-prevention information, emotional resonance, humor, accessibility, and opportunities for reflection, while also identifying design tensions around pacing, interactivity, repetition, and emotional tone. Age-group patterns were directional rather than categorical: interviews suggested stronger contrasts in how older and younger adults interpreted the program, while survey responses showed more mixed and overlapping forms of learning and engagement. The study contributes design-oriented insights for theatre-based cybersecurity education and suggests that andragogy, supplemented by geragogical attention to later-life accessibility and support, offers a useful framework for future program development. Full article