Studies in Media and Communication
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc
<em>Studies in Media and Communication </em>(ISSN: 2325-8071; E-ISSN: 2325-808X) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal, published by Redfame Publishing. The journal is published quarterly in both print and online versions. The journal accepts article submissions <strong><a href="/journal/index.php/smc/about/submissions#onlineSubmissions">online</a></strong> or by <strong><a href="mailto:smc@redfame.com">e-mail</a></strong>.Redfame Publishingen-USStudies in Media and Communication2325-8071<p>Submission of an article implies that the work described has not been published previously (except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture or academic thesis), that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, that its publication is approved by all authors and tacitly or explicitly by the responsible authorities where the work was carried out, and that, if accepted, will not be published elsewhere in the same form, in English or in any other language, without the written consent of the Publisher. The Editors reserve the right to edit or otherwise alter all contributions, but authors will receive proofs for approval before publication.</p>Copyrights for articles published in Redfame journals are retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal. The journal/publisher is not responsible for subsequent uses of the work. It is the author's responsibility to bring an infringement action if so desired by the author.Accessibility Matters: Investigating the Usability of Social Media Platforms for Individuals with Motor Disabilities
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6615
<p>The present study seeks to deconstruct the realm of usability and accessibility of widely used social media platforms, with a specific focus on individuals with motor disabilities residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By examining the intricate interplay between these individuals and the aforementioned platforms, this research endeavors to shed light on the challenges they encounter and the potential barriers they face in effectively utilizing these digital platforms. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge surrounding the usability and accessibility of social media platforms, while also offering valuable insights into the experiences of individuals with motor disabilities in the Saudi Arabian context. Employing a thorough evaluation, juxtaposing analysis, and rigorous statistical examination, the research illuminates the diverse range of accessibility levels observed across various platforms. Moreover, it emphasizes the profound ethical and legal considerations that underlie the concept of digital inclusivity. The results underscore the criticality of acknowledging digital accessibility as an inherent entitlement, carrying substantial ramifications for societal integration, educational and professional prospects, and active participation in civic affairs. In the contemporary digital era, it is imperative to foster collaboration and encourage innovation as a pivotal means to address accessibility gaps. By doing so, we can effectively guarantee equitable access and active engagement for individuals with motor disabilities.<strong></strong></p>Mohamad Ahmad Saleem Khasawneh
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-01-212024-01-2112211110.11114/smc.v12i2.6615In Media We Trust - A Solution to Disinformation and Fake News in Albanian Audiences during the Russia-Ukraine War
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6583
<p>In this study we have analyzed the impact of disinformation and fake news in Albanian Audiences during the Russia-Ukraine war and we present the solutions given from the Albanian audiences and Albanian journalists in fighting these phenomena.</p><p>We have explored how the Albanian audiences have reacted to the information received from the international and national media during the Russia-Ukraine war, what media narratives were disseminated and how endangered these audiences were. We have investigated the role of Albanian journalists and their recommendations to minimize the spread of disinformation in times of crises. Do we trust the media? What is the main and immediate solution to disinformation and fake news during crises? What about other solutions?</p><p>Two hypotheses have been formulated: Hypothesis 1 (H1): Albanian audiences have been faced with disinformation and fake news, creating uncertainty about the accuracy of the events during the Russia-Ukraine war, and Hypothesis 2 (H2): To fight disinformation and fake news primarily it is needed that media and journalists increase their professional level.</p><p>By means of a qualitative content analysis in the Albanian media (mainstream and social) and two online questionnaires on Albanian audiences (N=387) and Albanian journalists (N=42) we find that Albanian audiences have been faced with disinformation and fake news and in order to fight disinformation and fake news primarily it is needed that the media and journalists increase their professional level.</p>Valmora Gogo
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-01-212024-01-21122122510.11114/smc.v12i2.6583Reading Culture of Teenagers in Social Media: A Study of Reading Habits and Perception of Online Literary and Educational Content by Teenagers
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6720
<p>The article is devoted to the study of teenagers' reading culture on social media. The study aims to explore the reading culture of adolescents on social media platforms and assess the educational potential that these platforms (Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) offer for teenage reading and education. As part of an effective study of teenagers' reading habits, the authors surveyed respondents. The survey results revealed the adolescents' perception of literary and educational content online. The study outlines the main trends in the reading culture of teenagers. It defines the preferences of adolescents in the literary aspect and describes the main factors influencing the reading culture. The paper describes the specifics of social media's influence on adolescent reading culture. In particular, it describes the role of book bloggers and book communities in shaping teenagers' tastes in reading. This study aims to investigate the reading culture of teenagers on social media and to assess the educational potential of these media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) for teenage reading and education. The object of the study is the reading culture of teenagers. The study applied such research methods as description, analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization, modelling, and content analysis. The article examines the reading culture of adolescents on social networks. The authors describe the place of reading and social networks in teenagers' lives in the information society. The essence of blogging and digitalization in terms of book trends is described. The study of reading habits and perception of literary and educational content online by adolescents is analyzed. In addition, the authors summarize the main results of the study and assess the educational potential of social networks. The main age, gender, and social parameters of the respondents are determined.</p>Oleksandra KovalovaTetiana Shalman
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-01-302024-01-30122263610.11114/smc.v12i2.6720A Systematic Review on Social Media Health Communications and Behavioural Development among Indians in the COVID-19 Context
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6585
<p>Social media holds enormous power in directing the flow of health information during a health crisis and can tap into the individual and collective consciousness to make behavioural improvements. Being the third country with the highest number of COVID-19 cases reported worldwide, the magnitude of the pandemic was immense in the Indian context; timely health communications that prompt individuals to adopt preventive measures were crucial in the process of risk control. This systematic review consolidated evidence on the effect of COVID-related social media communications on the development of protective behaviours among the Indian population. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and CINAHL yielded 11 studies highlighting six themes related to social media and protective behaviours. The themes associated with the positive impact of social media include catalysing awareness, shaping psychological responses and perceptions at an individual level, behavioural changes at a community level and social media as the most influential media source for behavioural improvements. The negative effects comprise misinformation and disparities that emerge from social media health communications.</p>Maria BronyMumtaz Aini AliviMd Azalanshah Md SyedNasrullah Dharejo
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-01-292024-01-29122374910.11114/smc.v12i2.6585The Guiding Role of Social Media in the Socialization of Celebrity Fans
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6608
<p>This paper focuses on the role of social media in guiding the socialization of celebrity fans through qualitative research. Specifically, we explore fans’ choices of social media platforms and the navigating role of fan communities on fans’ personal identity, group identity and emotional labor. Through the analysis of social media platforms as well as in-depth interviews with fans, we find that the various features and functions of social media platforms have different impacts on the socialization of fans in China. At the same time, fan communities can also provide a place for fans to communicate and identify with each other, promote interaction and emotional exchange among them, and enhance the sense of belonging and pride. These findings have important theoretical and practical implications for understanding the role of social media in guiding the socialization of celebrity fans.</p>Xiaoyu FanRosya Izyanie ShamshudeenMohamad Saleeh Rahamad
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-01-292024-01-29122506410.11114/smc.v12i2.6608Virtual Learning Communication Behaviors In Natural Birth Support Communities
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6627
<p>Cesarean delivery rates are rising globally, presenting a growing concern, particularly in countries like Indonesia. Amidst this trend, the Cerita VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesar) on Telegram emerges as a crucial platform for pregnant women seeking insights and preparations for expected deliveries following Cesarean sections. This study, grounded in the constructivism paradigm, delves into the experiences of active speakers within the Cerita VBAC Community, aiming to understand the dynamics and impact of this virtual support network. Employing narrative ethnography methods, this research focuses on four prominent contributors within the Cerita VBAC Community. The constructivist paradigm guides the exploration of their experiences, emphasizing the role of narrative ethnography in unravelling the intricacies of this unique social context. Data analysis involves a manual modification process complemented by NVIVO 12 Plus, a comprehensive data processing application. The findings highlight that the learning delivery mechanism through Telegram aligns with Kolb's Experiential Learning model. Community members actively share concrete experiences, engage in reflective processes, formulate abstract concepts, and participate in experiential learning. Telegram serves as an information exchange medium and creates a positive and supportive environment, empowering pregnant women to navigate labor challenges.</p>Alifiah Ghaniyyu WidyaningrumAida Vitayala Sjafri HubeisSarwititi SarwoprasodjoKrishnarini Matindas
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-01-292024-01-29122657810.11114/smc.v12i2.6627Using Social Media as a Platform of Communication Between School Administration and the Local Communities to Promote Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6560
<p>This study aimed to explore the level of using social media as a platform of communication between school administration and the local communities in Saudi Arabia schools from the parents' perspectives. The descriptive method was used as a methodology to achieve the study objectives. The study involved 265 parents of students from different academic stages and different cities in Saudi Arabia to take part in an online questionnaire of ten items, which was sent to the participants online. The results showed that the best practices of school administration in electronic communication included creating WhatsApp groups with parents for informal communication and employing Twitter and Instagram accounts as a media interface for the school. These results reveal that male parents think more slightly that school administration uses social media to communicate with the local community. The findings also indicated that the age of the parents did not affect their views because the school uses similar platforms and parents are familiar with using the social media websites regardless of their age.</p>Maryam Ahmed AbualrishMohamad Ahmad Saleem Khasawneh
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-02-182024-02-18122798710.11114/smc.v12i2.6560Before the Court and in the Press: Newspaper Coverage of Creationism and School Prayer Movements' Legal Framing
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6636
<p>During the last century, social movement organizations have mobilized around what role religion should play in school. These struggles have focused on teaching creationism and evolution in the science classroom and the appropriateness of school prayer and Bible reading in public schools. Court cases like <em>Scopes </em>and <em>Engel </em>are infamous in American history, while others are much less well-known. This project explores media coverage of social movements that do not engage in typical protest activity and instead choose to operate in more institutional contexts. This paper will begin by presenting the coverage patterns of each movement across the twentieth century, illustrating how the media's focus is primarily influenced by movements either initiating legal action, being compelled to appear in court, or reacting to judicial proceedings. Next, it will present a typology of coverage that these legal-based movements received. A movement's legal framing is carried in and through the media, and sometimes, the framing is all that is reflected in media attention, making this type of reporting so attractive to movement organizations. The legal constraints over framing and legitimate actors account for some of the media exposure, which was likely to be equitable in tone and quantity to both the creationism and school prayer movements. To understand media coverage of social movements, scholars must begin to account for the cycles and patterns of coverage likely to occur when a movement ends up in court.</p>James E. StobaughSean Huss
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-02-182024-02-18122889910.11114/smc.v12i2.6636Virtual Idol and Youth Identity: The Impact of Mainstream Culture on the Virtual Idol Online Fanbase Community in China
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6658
<p>Virtual idols originated in Japan and are mainly composed of singing synthesizers, virtual reality technology, and ACG (anime-comics-games) cultural elements, which is a subcultural phenomenon. In recent years, the growing fanbase of virtual idols has attracted the attention of mainstream media and government in China. The state media in China have used virtual idols as a medium to promote mainstream culture to Chinese young people, and influence fans' youth identity by injecting mainstream culture into virtual idols' musical works, stage performances, and public opinion propaganda. This research will use a virtual ethnographic approach to explore the impact of the mainstreaming of virtual idols and their music on online fanbase communities. The study concludes that under the influence of mainstream culture, virtual idol subculture in China has gradually become mainstream, and its fanbase has also experienced a transformation from post-subcultural group identity to national identity. This study provides new insights into the musical phenomenon of the mainstreaming of virtual idols in China from the perspective of post-subculture theory and identity.</p>Liuyan SongOw Wei ChowMingyu NaS. Gill Sarjit
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-02-242024-02-2412210011510.11114/smc.v12i2.6658Analysis of Media and Information Literacy Definitions: A Qualitative Approach
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6659
<p>Rapid advancements in media and information technology have led to an increasingly complex and interconnected information landscape. Navigating this digital age requires critical thinking skills and a comprehensive understanding of media and information literacy (MIL). However, the definitions of MIL vary across contexts, disciplines, and cultures. This qualitative study described and analysed diverse definitions of MIL through an in-depth analysis of existing literature to shed light on nuanced perspectives within the field as well as the peculiarities and similarities of the terms ‘media literacy’ and ‘information literacy.’ By delving into qualitative dimensions, the article contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of media and information literacy. Study findings will contribute to the development of a unified and comprehensive understanding of MIL and facilitate the design of educational programs and policies to enhance media literacy skills among individuals across societies and age groups. This theoretical study was devoted to analysing theoretical and conceptual definitions of Media and Information Literacy to uncover the wide-ranging aspects of the umbrella term.</p>Azamjon O. Dadakhonov
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-02-242024-02-2412211612910.11114/smc.v12i2.6659Perceived Social Media Influencers’ Reputation of a Beauty Cosmetics Company: A Perspective of Customers
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6663
<p>In the digital age, social media influencers (SMI) have become a pivotal promotional strategy to persuade and influence consumers. However, many of the previous studies only focused on the characteristics and traits of the influencers, but lack of studies was examined on the reputation aspect of the influencer. Thus, this study aims to examine the consumers’ perception of SMI’s reputation of a beauty company, which comprised of Communication Skills, Influence, Authenticity, and Expert. The study applied a quantitative design through a survey method to solicit 190 usable responses via purposive sampling. The findings demonstrated that the four dimensions of SMI’s reputation are positively perceived by the respondents, where the Expert dimension was highly perceived by the consumers of the beauty company, followed by Influence, Communication Skills, and Authenticity. Thus, the beauty brand and marketing managers should examine the qualities and reputation of the SMIs before allowing them to endorse or promote the products, to ensure they have favorable images in the public eye. Conclusion, implications, and future research were discussed.</p>Tak Jie ChanSurug Saleh TaherMiew Luan NgAsmaul Husna Haris Fadzilah
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-02-242024-02-2412213013910.11114/smc.v12i2.6663The Crisis of Journalism and the Health of Journalists
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6765
<p>The greatest public health emergency of recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, economic and climatic crises at local level have threatened to "wipe out" many of the journalistic newsrooms present throughout the world, causing feelings of psycho-physical discomfort among journalists. Events that have a strong impact on media behaviour and the effectiveness of building clear narratives while controlling personal problems, stress and anxiety. The study will analyse, through qualitative methods, a local Italian case on how difficult it is to work for those who provide information during a natural disaster.</p>Giacomo Buoncompagni
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-02-252024-02-2512214014710.11114/smc.v12i2.6765Multimodal Social Network Analysis: Exploring Language, Visual, and Audio Data in Online Communities
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6666
<p>This research investigates the complex dynamics of online communities in Saudi Arabia by analyzing textual and visual data. This study reveals a mutually beneficial association between technological discourse and visual representation, highlighting the dynamic narrative of a society that is profoundly involved in technological progress. Furthermore, the analysis uncovers the existence of a participatory culture wherein active discussions regarding cultural elements actively contribute to the formation and collaborative development of visual depictions of cultural events within the online community. Moreover, this study presents a challenge to prevailing perspectives on entertainment by emphasizing the wide range of cultural manifestations, surpassing the notion that humor is the exclusive portrayal within this intricate sphere. The study places its primary emphasis on textual and visual modalities, but it also recognizes the potential importance of audio dynamics. It encourages further investigation into the auditory aspect of online interactions. This study makes a valuable contribution to the scholarly understanding of the dynamic cultural identity, integration of technology, and various modes of expression found within the digital realm of online communities in Saudi Arabia.<strong></strong></p>Khaled Khamis NserRakan AlhrahshehNahla AlshalabiHani Yousef JarrahMohamad Ahmad Saleem Khasawneh
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-02-252024-02-2512214815610.11114/smc.v12i2.6666The Influence of Perceived Risk Factors on Emerging-Market Consumers’ Attitude Towards Shopping for Clothes Online
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6786
<p>Engagement in online shopping by specific emerging-market consumers in South Africa is on the rise. Nevertheless, the online usage rate remains low. Online retailers need to understand the perceived risk factors influencing consumers’ attitudes and intention in relation to online shopping for clothing products. To that end, an online survey was conducted among emerging-market consumers in Soweto, with 300 respondents being targeted and reached. Convenience sampling was adopted to collect data from the respondents. An independent research company collected data, and various statistical analyses were conducted. The findings revealed that perceived financial, convenience and security risks significantly influenced emerging-market consumers’ attitude towards online shopping. None of the perceived risks were found to influence consumers’ intention to shop online. The perceived financial, convenience and security risks were found to be mediated by attitude. The findings are significant for e-commerce merchants seeking to develop targeted online marketing strategies for emerging-market consumers. <strong></strong></p>KM MakhithaKM Ngobeni
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-03-052024-03-0512215717110.11114/smc.v12i2.6786Emotional Design of Packaging: A Bibliometric Analysis
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6698
<p>This study aims to explain the present research status and trends in the field of Emotional Design of Packaging (EDOP). A total of 129 scholarly articles were selected from high-quality journals in the Web of Science (WoS) database, and a systematic review of the EDOP field was undertaken, utilising a combination of CiteSpace and VOSviewer for bibliometric analysis. The findings reveal substantial advancements over the past two decades, with prospects for continued expansion. There exists a pressing requirement for enhanced collaboration across countries, institutions, and authors within this field. The core research themes in this area are Emotional Communication of Brand Packaging, Emotional Triggers for Packaging Design, Emotional Experience and User Satisfaction, and Emotional Design and Consumer Behaviour. It is worth mentioning that these four research themes correspond to the evolutionary trend of EDOP research history, with crossovers between periods arranged in an overlapping relationship. Additionally, Sensory Characteristics of Food Packaging and Emotional Measurement of Users, Modelling the Relationship between Packaging Design, Branding and Consumer Behaviour, and the Role of Cigarette Packaging Design in Tobacco Marketing collectively form the fundamental knowledge base in this area. This study not only addresses the current research gap in this field but also provides valuable references and guidance for future researchers.</p>Chang LiuMat Redhuan SamsudinYuwen Zou
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-03-052024-03-0512217218810.11114/smc.v12i2.6698The Social Responsibility of Political Talk Shows in Dealing with Parliamentary Performance
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6787
<p>The article aimed to identify the social responsibility dimensions of political talk shows in dealing with the parliamentary performance of the 19th House of Representatives of Jordan. It adopted the content analysis methodology and applied it to the "Kingdom Voice" (Sawt Al-Mamlaka) program. Thirty-one episodes have been analyzed, of which they dealt with the parliamentary functioning of the House of Representatives during its second ordinary session, which began on 13 November 2022 and ended on 7 May 2023. The results of the study showed that the (Sawt Al-Mamlaka) program was committed to all dimensions of social, moral, and professional responsibility the dealing with parliamentary performance but was more committed to the media performance dimension (ethical standards), with a mean of (2.80), then the roles and functions of social responsibility with a mean of (2.76), then the professional standards with a mean of (2.55). The study concluded that talk shows should uphold the principle of serving the public and society, raising the level of freedom of opinion and expression, ensuring that talk shows serve as a platform for thought and criticism within their social responsibility, their role as constructive and positive critics in society, and their oversight function in expressing public opinion.</p>Ramez AbuhasirahRasha Salameh
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-03-062024-03-0612218920010.11114/smc.v12i2.6787Reading Hoax: Measuring Students’ Critical News Literacy
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6669
<p>Media literacy has become increasingly crucial in today’s digital age as it is essential for students to learn how to critically evaluate news sources to identify hoaxes and make informed decisions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a media literacy course that had been running for 20 years on students' critical news literacy skills and critical thinking. Students were divided into two groups and asked to assess media texts. The results revealed that critical thinking was more significant for news literacy than media literacy. The study found that students’ critical news literacy skills were at a moderate level, with many struggling to recognize hoaxes in media texts. This finding suggests that further study is necessary to identify the factors influencing this, as well as how students interact with hoaxes in their daily lives.</p>Ratri Rizki KusumalestariAtie RachmiatieFerry DarmawanSeptiawan Santana KurniaYenni YuniatiMaya Amalia Oesman Palapah
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-03-112024-03-1112220121410.11114/smc.v12i2.6669Entity's Communication Strategy in the Selected Segment Targeted at Gen Z
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6807
<p>Generation Z has many attributes and if we were to sum them up in one word, it is certainly specific. Although we also discuss few commonalities with Millennials in our article, Z generation presents a big challenge for brands to reach them, as their expectations of brands, as well as their own lifestyle, are diametrically opposed. At the same time, Generation Z is entering the labour market, so they are also starting to become economically active, although their behaviours and expectations in this area are also different. In our article, we looked at reaching Generation Z via the communication strategy of brands. Thus, based on the characteristics of Generation Z and primary and secondary research, the aim of the article is to look at the possible methods of reaching this target group via communication strategy in specific segments. The primary research focuses on how the representatives of Generation Z perceive brands, why they pay their attention to them and what is their approach to advertising. We will point out the results of secondary research on marketing communications and consumer behaviour of a generational cohort of young people and the impact of marketing communications and communication strategy on their lives. At the same time, with the partial results of our own survey, we will point out the preferences of factors in purchasing decisions.</p>Alena KusáJana Galera MatúšováLadislav Pátík
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-03-132024-03-1312221522610.11114/smc.v12i2.6807Social Media Marketing at Islamic Higher Education: Reactions, Posts, and Brand Post Contents
https://www.redfame.com/journal/index.php/smc/article/view/6687
<p>Social media have used by Higher Education Institution (HEI) for marketing communication and promotion purpose. Thus, some studies show that social media as a marketing tool in universities has not been widely practiced in predominantly Muslim countries. This paper aims to show Islamic universities in Muslim countries in various regions use social media as marketing tools, with focus on platforms utilization, engagement with users, and content analysis based on brand post categories. The data collected from the number of social media followers, reactions, and posts from top 12 Islamic universities in Muslim countries based on rank released by UniRank in 2021 and analyse with the software FanpageKarma. The time frame (2021) was chosen because the pandemic Covid-19 at that time has risen the social media usage by users. This papers also offers information about content analysis for social media posts on Instagram and Facebook, and describe it based on the experience brand posts, brand community, and brand resonance.</p>Nadia Wasta UtamiRizqi Anfanni FahmiNarayana Mahendra Prastya
Copyright (c) 2024 Studies in Media and Communication
2024-03-262024-03-2612222724010.11114/smc.v12i2.6687