social media

Given a limited understanding of post-COVID customer behavior on social media, this paper seeks to identify consumer behavioral patterns on Facebook and Instagram in the post-COVID era. The research explores all the inner and outer features that might affect the way consumers think or act in the post-COVID era. Hence, a qualitative approach has been adopted to have a more comprehensive and current understanding. The research begins by identifying pertinent factors shaping consumer behavior through an extensive review of existing literature. To refine and validate these factors, the study employs the fuzzy Delphi method, a research technique that involves seeking consensus among a panel of experts. The findings of the research illuminate 24 distinct factors, organized into five main dimensions: contextual, social, content, technological, and product. Notably, the study underscores the significance of product-related factors, technological advancements, content quality, and social interactions in shaping post-COVID consumer behaviors. The product-related factors hold the most substantial influence over consumer behaviors, followed by technological considerations, content quality, and social interactions. Managers should prioritize quality assurance and strategic product categorization. Emphasizing these aspects in product positioning can significantly influence consumer behavior on social media platforms.

Heart disease has emerged as the foremost global cause of mortality. Enhancing awareness and understanding of this disease, along with preventive strategies, is pivotal in averting its onset and diminishing mortality rates. Today, social networks have evolved into paramount information dissemination platforms owing to their user-friendly nature and widespread adoption. Among these, Twitter stands out as a prominent source of rich data that can be leveraged for educational and awareness purposes. While existing studies have evaluated the impact of social media on increasing health-related knowledge, there is a gap in research regarding the role of Twitter in increasing cardiovascular disease awareness and prevention from different perspectives. This study employs a cross-sectional and descriptive methodology to quantitatively analyze over 50026 tweets.  This study seeks to investigate how Twitter users seek and disseminate information related to cardiovascular diseases. It aims to identify the prevalent topics shared about cardiovascular diseases and analyze the content of these messages.  Initially, 50026 tweets from 8,619 users were gathered over a one-month timeframe. English tweets have been selected due to the prevalence of the English language. Subsequently, the tweets were categorized and analyzed utilizing the LDA technique and the MALLET platform. Content analysis was conducted across various categories, focusing on topics, temporal trends, and geographical locations of the tweets. The results show that there was a significant relationship between the parameters extracted in the research and the most concern of users was in the field of heart diseases and prevention methods. Most user tweets (36,323 or 72.60%) contained specific information about heart disease. 9.33% related to cardiovascular issues, 2817 (5.63%) tweets were about heart attack, 2949 (5.89%) were about heart failure and 3267 (6.5%) about other cases related to heart disorders (cardiac arrest, cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart, etc.). The most concern of users in the group of heart diseases was related to the connection of topics such as cholesterol (4102 tweets (11.04%)), prevention (20348 tweets (56.01%)) and diet (1114 (3.06%)) with heart disease.

Dominating people’s lives, Social Media (SM) has gained a special place in every individual’s life in terms of becoming a tool to communicate with peers, families, and friends. Providing innovative functionalities, like forming groups, liking, reacting, and motivating, to modernize digital schooling, has made SM pervasive among students and teachers. The present paper tries to conceptually review and discuss the applicability of positive psychology in EFL education along with social-media-based language learning. Recently, in favor of distance learning, the world has witnessed a dramatic change in education, particularly in L2 learning, happening through social media (SM). However, there is a lack of a systematic study on the application of positive psychology in social media-based language learning, Therefore, it can be helpful to consider the effects of social media on L2 learning from a positive psychology perspective. As a first step in the field, the study aims to clarify how learners’ positiveness can bring about success and flourishment in social media-based L2 learning. Afterward, potential pedagogical implications and limitations are explained. With the hope of expanding the literature on PP in social-media-based Language learning, suggestions for future studies are proposed.  

The integration of technologies and social media into second/foreign language education has recently gained momentum in different contexts. Given their nature, social media have been empirically identified to improve different aspects of L2 teaching and learning. However, their facilitative role in enhancing EFL/ESL students’ language skills and academic engagement has been limitedly explored. To fill this lacuna, the present study intended to provide a theoretical analysis on the utility and power of injecting technologies and social media into L2 classes and improve students’ language skills and academic engagement. In so doing, the conceptualizations, definitions, dimensions, and empirical studies that provide evidence for the interplay of these constructs are presented. Moreover, a variety of implications are enumerated for EFL/ESL teachers, learners, teacher trainers, language policy-makers, curriculum designers, and scholars in L2 education, who can recognize the facilitative role of social media in English language teaching learning.  

Business-to-Business markets use the positive effect of sustainable measures to strengthen their brand. Because sustainable branding supports competitive advantage with a positive impact on customer perceptions and satisfaction, in this regard, the tools and platforms available in the online environment can be effective in sustainable B2B branding by facilitating interaction and dialogue in an informal way between the company and its audience. Therefore, the current research was conducted to provide a conceptual framework of sustainable B2B branding through social media using the qualitative method of theme analysis on Iranian ports. This is an exploratory research with an aim to be applicable. The statistical population is Iranian port managers, and to collect information, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 14 key informants (saturation limit) who were selected by a targeted method. To analyze the data, the text of the interviews was transcribed. Then, using Atlas software and the inductive thematic analysis method, data were coded, analyzed, and interpreted. In this research, the framework of sustainable branding from company to company was explained through social media with 117 basic codes, 10 sub-themes, and 3 main themes of social media management, brand mantra, and sustainability action.

Cyberbullying involves using hurtful or offensive language that goes against basic rules of respect and politeness. It harms the online environment and can negatively affect people by causing harassment, discrimination, or emotional pain. To combat this, it is crucial to develop automated methods for detecting and preventing the dissemination of such content. Deep learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, leverages neural networks to learn from data and perform complex tasks, effectively capturing semantic and grammatical nuances to differentiate between abusive and non-abusive language. This survey paper reviews current techniques and advancements in deep learning-based approaches for detecting cyberbullying content on online platforms, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of existing methodologies and identify potential avenues for future research to mitigate the spread and impact of such behaviors on the internet.

In the case of COVID-19, researchers have found a statistically significant improvement in public health protection against COVID-19 with social media platforms. Multiple studies suggest that evidence of social media's influence on health knowledge, behaviors, and outcomes indicates its potential benefits in meeting the needs of individuals and populations. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of social media on public health protections against COVID-19 in terms of public health awareness and behavioral changes. It adopted a quantitative research design to identify the relationship and used questionnaires to collect the data. Data was collected throughout Malaysia using convenience sampling. The results underscore the potential of social media as a valuable tool for disseminating crucial health information and promoting positive behavioral changes during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online review sites and social media platforms have become crucial sources of information for consumers, greatly influencing their purchasing behavior and decision-making, especially in the food and beverage industry. However, not many studies have been carried out to understand how social media influences customers’ purchase intentions at fast-food restaurants. This paper examines the growing influence of social media attributes on purchase intentions, with a focus on the Malaysian context. Previous studies highlight the increasing importance of social media platforms as marketing tools and their impact on customers’ purchase intentions. The research explores the relationship between habit and informativeness and their influence on purchase intentions among young adults in fast-food restaurants. A purposive sampling method was utilized to gather data from 142 fast-food customers through a cross-sectional online survey. The research hypotheses were analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling. Key findings found that habit and informativeness have a significant positive impact on customers’ intentions to purchase at fast-food restaurants. The study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the growing influence of social media on consumer behavior in the context of fast-food restaurants. It adds to our understanding of how social media platforms serve as effective marketing tools, particularly among young adults, and how they can influence purchase intentions. By understanding the interplay of habit, informativeness, and purchase intentions, businesses can develop more effective marketing strategies and foster stronger relationships with their customers.

Social media platforms are vital repositories of user-generated content, reflecting a range of emotions, interests, and discussions. Among these interactions, hate speech has emerged as a significant issue, influencing user behavior. While prior studies have attempted to analyze user characteristics to understand hate attitudes, they often rely on simple statistical comparisons and lack robust methods for causal effect estimation. This study investigates the causal effects of hate speech on user behavior on Twitter (now known as X) during the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by heightened online discourse and harmful rhetoric. We focus on users who broadcast hate speech to determine how such expressions affect emotional responses. Using a Bayesian structural time-series modeling approach, we isolate the effects of hate speech from confounding factors, providing a solid framework for causal inference. Our findings indicate a significant shift in user emotions following instances of hate speech, demonstrating a measurable impact on user dynamics. We also analyze hashtag usage during this period, emphasizing their role in shaping online discourse. This study enhances understanding of the relationship between hate speech and user behavior, offering insights crucial for researchers, policymakers, and social media platforms in developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of online hate speech.

Background: Misinformation has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades, evolving from relatively simple text-based fake news articles to highly sophisticate AI-driven content such as deepfakes and other forms of manipulated media.Aims: This paper traces the historical development of misinformation, its increasing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the potential future trajectories of disinformation as AI technologies advance.Methodology: We begin by examining the shift from traditional text-based disinformation campaigns, often propagated via social media platforms, to more immersive and persuasive forms of AI-generated media.Discussions: We discuss how AI techniques, such as Generative Adversarial Networks and Natural Language Processing, have revolutionized the landscape of false information, allowing for the automation of misinformation production and its widespread dissemination at an unprecedented scale. Furthermore, this paper investigates the role of social media algorithms in amplifying disinformation, demonstrating how these platforms, originally designed to prioritize user engagement, inadvertently aid in the spread of false information by promoting sensationalized or emotionally charged content. Through an in-depth analysis of case studies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. elections, this paper highlights the dangers posed by AI-generated misinformation, particularly deepfakes, which are becoming increasingly difficult to detect, even by advanced AI systems. The implications of this shift for democratic processes, public trust, and societal cohesion are profound. This paper also explores the ethical dilemmas posed by AI-driven misinformation and presents potential solutions through the lens of AI-enhanced detection technologies and policy interventions. Lastly, this paper emphasizes the urgent need for interdisciplinary cooperation between policymakers, technologists, and media organizations to mitigate the harmful impacts of AI-driven misinformation while preserving the integrity of information in the digital age.Conclusions: By exploring both technological and regulatory approaches, a comprehensive framework for understanding the evolving threat of AI-driven disinformation is essential and pathways for future research in this critical area is suggested.

Background: In the digital age, the expansion of social media platforms has profoundly impacted various aspects of life, including family relationships.Aim: This article addresses the complex dynamics of family communication, particularly focusing on Iranian families. In this article, we study the perceptions of users and followers of family blogger pages regarding the representations of family life on Instagram.Methodology: Through interviews with users, we seek to understand their understanding of concepts such as love, intimacy, home, and marital relationships. To study how followers perceive and interpret family-oriented pages on Persian Instagram, approximately 29 qualitative interviews were conducted with three groups of respondents. These groups included users, informants, and family psychologists and counselors (couple therapists).Findings: The concept of family display helps us understand what practices are defined as "family practices" from the perspective of users and followers of family pages on Instagram. On the other hand, Hall’s theoretical model helps us understand the category of readings that users’ interpretations and perceptions of the family representation on these pages fall into. The findings reveal the evolving nature of family relationships in the digital age, particularly concerning Iranian families. The findings show that the readings of users following these pages are generally hegemonic and can be divided into three main axes: family rituals, marital relationship, and feminine power, each of which has its own sub-themes. In addition, some interviewees mentioned contrasting and negotiating perceptions.Conclusions: The results indicate that readings are complex processes shaped by the cultural contexts and lived experiences of the readers, leading to a combination of interpretations rather than a wholesale acceptance or rejection of media representations. Additionally, followers with preferred readings expressed dual emotions ranging from idealization and beautiful aspirations to feelings of alienation and dissatisfaction with their relationships.

Background: Social media platforms are increasingly used in healthcare to provide psychosocial support to cancer patients. Despite global enthusiasm, concerns about misinformation and emotional vulnerability persist. In Iran, cultural and regulatory contexts add complexity to this dynamic, necessitating a localized understanding of healthcare providers’ perspectives. Aims: This study aims to explore Iranian oncology nurses’ perceptions of the benefits and risks associated with hospitalized cancer patients' use of social media, and to identify factors influencing these perceptions. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 131 oncology nurses from various hospitals in Iran, primarily in Tehran. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, life satisfaction, personal social media use, and perceptions of social media's impact on patient morale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and path analysis. Results: Overall, nurses held a positive view of social media’s role in enhancing patient morale, with a mean perception score of 7.1/10. Younger nurses and those with junior professional ranks exhibited more favorable attitudes. Personal social media usage positively correlated with optimistic perceptions, while life satisfaction showed a weak but significant positive association. Path analysis indicated that daily social media usage and younger age were the strongest predictors of positive perceptions. Some nurses, however, expressed concerns about misinformation and patient vulnerability. Conclusions: The findings highlight the generally favorable yet nuanced attitudes of Iranian oncology nurses toward social media use by cancer patients. Efforts to enhance digital literacy among healthcare providers and culturally sensitive strategies are recommended to maximize social media’s psychosocial benefits while mitigating associated risks.

This study investigates the influence of sustainability-focused social media narratives on the travel decisions of Millennials and Generation Z (Gen Z), two generations known for their environmental awareness and digital engagement. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research examines the impact of social media campaigns, engagement levels, user-generated content (UGC), and sentiment analysis to assess perceptions of eco-tourism. Findings indicate that exposure to sustainability campaigns increases awareness but does not directly lead to behavioural changes. While Millennials and Gen Z show similar engagement patterns, Gen Z demonstrates a higher tendency to share sustainability content, aligning with their digital activism. Although user-generated content did not produce statistically significant results, trends suggest that authentic peer-driven narratives may influence preferences for eco-friendly travel choices. The sentiment analysis reveals mixed emotional responses, with neutral and skeptical tones reflecting uncertainty about the practical impact of sustainability efforts. These findings highlight the need for interactive, emotionally engaging campaigns and emphasize the potential of shareable content formats to promote eco-conscious tourism behaviours.

Human beings employ different forms of linguistic politeness to ease communication and reduce the likelihood of conflict. With the rise of technology and social media platforms such as Email, Telegram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram, the concept of politeness has faced new challenges. The present study focused on Instagram comments and analyzed politeness strategies based on Leech’s grand strategy of politeness. The study examined a 20043-word corpus developed based on 696 posts across various topics on Instagram. The results revealed that Instagram users predominantly utilized negative politeness strategies (63.3%). Among the positive strategies, agreement constraints were the most frequently employed (32.7%), while tact constraint violations (32.1%) were the most common within negative strategies. The study utilized repeated measures of ANOVA and Tukey post hoc analysis via SPSS to examine differences among various constraints and their violations. Significant differences were found among most constraints, except for tact and modesty, generosity, and feeling reticence. In terms of constraint violations, no significant differences were observed between approbation and obligation of the speaker to others constraint violation, between agreement constraint violation and generosity constraint violation, between agreement and obligation of others to a speaker constraint violation, between agreement constraint violation and opinion reticence constraint violation, between sympathy and modesty constraint violation, between sympathy and feeling reticence constraint violation. The findings underscore the importance of analyzing language in specific media, providing insights into politeness and impoliteness in a specific medium. The results can enhance students' pragmatic skills and improve their online communication, prompting materials developers to consider such pragmatic dimensions.