Research and Insights

May 21-25
Virtual Conference 

Yewande O. Addie, doctoral student

African Story Time: An Examination of Narrative Storytelling in U.S. News Coverage of Nigeria’s Missing Girls

Abstract: News reports about nearly 300 kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls spread globally in April 2014. Ongoing updates on the tragic incident permeated social media through digital advocacy efforts. Though research on U.S. news coverage generally indicate underreporting regarding missing women of color and negative reporting on African current events, news of Nigeria’s missing schoolgirls managed to make waves in U.S. media and elicit longstanding compassion and interest among readers. This study explores the use of narrative storytelling by U.S. news outlets as a way to create commonality, engage audiences in public interest communication and encourage the story’s resonance among U.S. readerships.

Phillip Arceneaux, Ph.D. 2019
Osama Albishri, Doctoral student
Pamala Proverbs, Doctoral student
Spiro Kiousis, Executive Associate Dean

How Candidates Influence Each Other in Electoral Politics: Intercandidate Agenda-Building in Florida’s 2018 Midterm Election

Co-Author: Tianduo Zhang, North Carolina Central University

Abstract: This study investigates how the election campaigns in Florida’s 2018 gubernatorial and Senate races used information subsidies to influence each other’s communication strategies. Informed by agenda-building theory, the study investigates which campaign, and which political party overall, had the strongest transfer of issue and stakeholder salience, and tone, among campaign public relations messages across the two races. Data include issue statements, press releases, campaign tweets, and email blasts. Results of a computational content analysis show strong evidence for both unidirectional and bi-directional agenda-building influence of stakeholder salience. Further, the data suggest the gubernatorial campaigns engaged in more positive, self-promotion-based messaging while the Senate campaigns engaged more heavily in negative attacks on their opponent. Such research contributes theoretical, methodological, and practical applications to the study and practice of political public relations, primarily in electioneering contexts.

Huan Chen, Associate Professor, Advertising Department

A Trusted Friend Who is an Expert: The Role of Relational Credibility in Influencer Marketing 

Co-authors: Yang Feng, San Diego State University, Qian Kong, Communication University of  China

 Abstract: Through incorporating the roles of source attractiveness, source credibility, and influencer-follower parasocial interaction in the influencer persuasion process, we proposed a conceptual model entitled “social media relational credibility model” (SMRCM). To test SMRCM, we adopted a combined use of machine learning-based topic analysis and deep learning-based image analysis in order to examine the content of captions and photos contained in Instagram posts. These 7,745 posts were uploaded by the top ten young adult beauty and fashion social media influencers. Moreover, we analyzed the disclosure language in each post as well as the engagement performance (i.e., number of likes, number of comments) of the post. Results provided empirical support for SMRCM. In particular, based upon source attractiveness, source credibility, and the established influencer-follower parasocial interaction, a social media influencer develops one’s relational credibility in a particular domain of interest and this relational credibility is unlikely to be undermined by the sponsorship disclosure in the influencer’s posts. Implications and future research directions were provided.

Nili Cimand, Doctoral student
Yu-Hao Lee, Assistant Professor, Telecommunication Department
Brendan Martin, Center for Public Interest Communications
Yewande O. Addie, Doctoral Student

The Effects of Framing and Epilogues on Transportation and Identification Within Refugee Narratives

 Co-Authors: Kelly Chernin; Appalachian State

Abstract: For years, the UNHCR has published stories about refugees that seek to raise awareness and invoke support. Based on the narrative transportation theory, this study investigated the effects of framing (episodic vs. thematic) and epilogues (with or without) on readers’ transportation and identification, as well as behavioral intentions to support UNHCR’s efforts. The findings suggest that reading stories about refugees can elicit more altruistic behavioral intentions when readers were more transportive and had higher identification.

Rachel Grant, Assistant Professor, Journalism Department

“The Primary Contradiction We Live With. It is Not the Only Contradiction:” Feminist Media in Iowa City’s Ain’t I a Woman?, 1970-1974.

Abstract: Ain’t I A Woman? was a Midwest publication produced by a collective of all-white lesbian women during the 1970s. In the midst of Black Power, Women’s Liberation and Gay Liberation, members of the collective drew influences from other social movements to create content that addressed liberation on a broader framework. From June 1970 to May 1974, AIAW? tackled a variety of intersectional issues drawing from Black Power rhetoric, revolutionary feminism, and combating heteronormative norms. This study added to the historiography of queer feminist history and alternative media and print culture. It also addressed the understandings of social movements, activism, and the media. The women-only publication established a network with women across the country as they shared the personal experiences, community organizing efforts and conscious-raising ideas and theories.

Toward a Transnational Queer Politics of Visibility

Co-Author: Ayleen Cabas-Mijares, Marquette University

Abstract: Informed by transnational feminist sensibilities (Mohanty, 1988, 2003), we examine the work of members of the Undocuqueer Movement who through visual art and photography strive to constitute the racialized undocumented queer body as an entity worthy of respect, love and rights in the United States. This paper, therefore, contributes to the fields of visual communication, critical media studies and queer migration studies by centering the visual media output of a marginalized population that is seldom studied (Cisneros, 2018).

Jay Hmielowski, Assistant Professor, Public Relations Department

Misperceiving Risk: Media Attention, Perceptions, Concern, and Support for Smart Meters

Co-authors: Alex Kirkpatrick, Washington State University, and Amanda Boyd, Washington State University

Abstract: To examine the relationship between misinformation and support for smart meter technology, we analyzed a quota sample of 1,046 people living in the U.S. Results show that paying attention to smart meter stories is related to familiarity with false information about smart meters. Familiarity with false information is also associated with misperceiving risks regarding the technology (e.g., those who are aware of false information about health problems associated with smart meters are more concerned about health-related problems associated with this technology). Ultimately, reporting higher levels of concern about smart meters is associated with lower support for government and industry policies aimed at increasing smart meter installation. However, the relationship for misperceptions, which decreased support for smart meters, was only present among those with low knowledge levels of the technology.

Feeling the Distance: Applying Emotions to Construal Level Theory in Climate Change Communication

Co-author: Yanni Ma, Oregon State University

Abstract: Recent research has suggested that using messages focused on the proximal impacts of climate change could encourage the public to take steps to address this important issue. One theory examining the importance of proximity of issues such as climate change is Construal Level Theory (CLT). Within this area of research, the majority of studies have focused on the concept of psychological distance. However, few studies have examined other types of construals within the larger theory focused on this topic. Similarly, few studies have connected the extensive work on emotions with CLT. The purpose of this study is to map emotions onto Construal Level Theory and examine the relationships between psychological distance, emotions, and climate engagement. In addition, this study looks at different emotions serving as mediators in the process of encouraging the public to take-action on climate change.

Myiah Hutchens, Assistant Professor, Public Relations Department
Jay Hmielowski, Assistant Professor, Public Relations Department
Ekaterina Romanova, UF doctoral student

Environment or beliefs? The Roles of Media Use and Media Trust on Misperceptions in The 2016 U.S. Presidential Election.

Co-author:  Michael Beam, Kent State

Abstract: This study examines both the antecedents and consequences of partisan misperceptions. Both cross-sectionally and over time, this study examines the relationships between both partisan media use and partisan beliefs on misperceptions. In addition, it examines the relationship between misperceptions and avoiding partisan media sources that could correct partisan misperceptions. The results suggest that partisan beliefs are more central to fostering misperceptions and subsequent media avoidance than partisan media use.

Benjamin Johnson, Assistant Professor, Advertising Department

Online Products and Consumers: Partisan Ratings and Mechanisms for Affective Polarization

Co-Author: Rachel Neo, University of Hawaii

Abstract: Star ratings play an integral role in informing consumer decisions on major e-commerce sites such as Amazon.com. When people evaluate political books, for example, they might gauge whether star rating favorability scores align with their pre-existing political attitudes. The attitudinal stance of these types of online cues could invariably trigger responses that worsen the affective divide between partisans. To date, few studies have identified and explained the mechanisms underlying affective polarization. Using two online experiments, we thus examine the mechanisms through which ratings induce affective polarization. Findings support warranting theory by showing that counter-attitudinal ratings indirectly drive up affective polarization by increasing positive in-party affect and negative out-party affect via perceived manipulation. By contrast, pro-attitudinal star ratings polarize by increasing positive in-party affect through perceptions of in-party prototypicality. These findings challenge assumptions that affective polarization is solely characterized by negative out-party affect, and driven mainly by exposure to counter-attitudinal information.

Selecting Spoilers: The Role of Challenge and Self-Control in Spoiling Entertainment

Co-authors: Kevin Kryston, Ezgi Ulusoy, Sara Grady, and Allison Eden, Michigan State University; Judith Rosenbaum, University of Maine

Abstract: Spoilers (i.e., premature information about media content) influence anticipated enjoyment and other aspects of audiences’ appraisal of entertainment. However, little is known about what influences spoiler selection and avoidance. An experiment allowed participants to select between spoiler and spoiler-free reviews after watching a movie trailer. We examined the role of perceived content challenge, self-control and trait variables as predictors of spoiler selection and spoilers’ subsequent impact on anticipated enjoyment, anticipated appreciation and intention to watch.

An Agenda for Open Science in Communication

Co-authors: Tobias Dienlin, University of Hohenheim; +35 others

Abstract: In the last 10 years, many canonical findings in the social sciences appear unreliable. This so-called “replication crisis” has spurred calls for open science practices, which aim to increase the reproducibility, replicability, and generalizability of findings. Communication research is subject to many of the same challenges that have caused low replicability in other fields. As a result, we propose an agenda for adopting open science practices in Communication, which includes the following seven suggestions: (1) publish materials, data, and code; (2) preregister studies and submit registered reports; (3) conduct replications; (4) collaborate; (5) foster open science skills; (6) im- plement Transparency and Openness Promotion Guidelines; and (7) incentivize open science practices. Although in our agenda we focus mostly on quantitative research, we also reflect on open science practices relevant to qualitative research. We conclude by discussing potential objections and concerns associated with open science practices.

Panel: Open Science Meets Digital Methods: Match Made in Heaven or Mutually Exclusive?

Co-presenters: Jakob Ohme, Theo Araujo, Claes de Vreese, and Jessica Piotrowski, University of Amsterdam (Session Organizers); +13 authors

Abstract:  Increasingly, the calls for open communication science are being echoed throughout the field. At the same time, the field is experiencing dramatic methodological growth. New digital communication research methods, such as the use of tracking data or high frequency measurements, are rapidly emerging in a media environment that is increasingly shaped by algorithms and personalized communication. But where is the overlap? This panel aims to discover how an open science perspective can be applied to these innovative, digital methods as well as identify the barriers that emerge in such “open methods”. The panel will highlight an open science approach to data collection, method, and model development. Issues of user privacy and identifiability – including adherence to GDPR – will be connected to the four pillars of open science: pre-registration, sharing data, sharing analysis materials, and sharing trained models.

Minji Kim, Doctoral Student
Yu-Hao Lee, Assistant Professor, Telecommunication Department

Watching Others Eat: The Effects of Mukbang Viewing on Psychological, Physiological, and Behavioral Responses

Abstract: Mukbang (“eating broadcast” in Korean) is a viral phenomenon around the world. In a typical Mukbang video, the host eats a large amount of food while facing a video camera to entertain viewers. Despite its popularity, the potential impacts of watching others eat on viewers remain unexplained. Through psychological, physiological (galvanic skin response, eye-tracking, facial emotion recognition), and behavioral measures, this study presents that food types and portion sizes affect how viewers feel and eat.

Donghee Lee, Doctoral student
Janice Krieger, Director, STEM Translational Communication Center

It’s Not Easy Being “Green”: How Social Identities Shape Communication Practices in Sustainability Communication Campaigns

Award: Top Student Award, Intergroup Communication Division

Abstract: Despite pressing environmental concerns, little attention has been paid to how to accommodate to the communication needs of diverse populations to create more sustainable lifestyles. Recycling coordinators in the United States often bear responsibility for shaping the communication practices employed in their municipality, even when they have little formal training in how to do so. The goal of this study was to examine municipal recycling communication patterns guided by Communication Accommodation Theory, specifically focusing on the content and delivery of messages. We collaborated with recycling coordinators from a large and diverse state to understand how experts (i.e., municipal government) perceive the lay public (i.e., residents) and their motivations to (not) accommodate communication. Results yielded accommodative, over accommodative, and underaccommodative communication types regarding sustainable practices. One way that recycling coordinators demonstrated accommodative communication practices was when they actively engaged participants and adapted elements of campaigns to meet the diverse audience characteristics as a result of that engagement. A common cause of over accommodation was recycling coordinators who overestimated the educational needs of their residents. Underaccommodation occurred when recycling coordinators viewed residents as “the ignorant public,” whose behavior would improve if they were more educated. Our findings suggest that using personal identity through forming emotional bonds with one’s community leads to accommodative communication; in contrast, social identity reinforced through emphasis of one’s expertise and authority leads to non-accommodative communication.

Yu-Hao Lee, Assistant Professor, Telecommunication Department

Video Streamers’ Mental Health Disclosure and Viewers’ Health Perceptions

Co-Authors: Chien Wen Yuan, National Taiwan Normal, Donghee Yvette Wohn, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Abstract: Celebrities’ self-disclosures about their personal mental health issues can enhance public awareness of mental illness such as depression. As live streaming becomes a popular choice for media consumption, micro-celebrities such as video streamers may have similar potential influence over their audience. Using an online survey (N = 474), this study examined how exposure to streamers’ depression disclosures affected the viewer’s perceptions toward the streamer and depression. We also examined how parasocial relationships, parasocial interactions, and identification with streamers are associated with viewers’ perceived authenticity and credibility towards the streamers, as well as increase the viewers’ risk perceptions about mental health, including perceived prevalence, risk susceptibility, and risk severity. The study demonstrates a strong association between streamer’s health disclosure and public awareness regarding depression. The results examine the influence of micro-celebrities in a new media context that advances theoretical understanding of mass personal influence and extends previous studies around celebrity influencers as a promising opportunity for reducing social stigma around mental health discussions.

Norman P. Lewis, Associate Professor, Journalism Department
Eisa Al Nashmi, Ph.D. 2011, Kuwait University
Frank Waddell, Assistant Professor, Journalism Department

 Social Media Produsage and its Influence on News Consumption

 Abstract: A representative U.S. survey (n = 1,179) affirmed the produsage hypothesis: production and consumption of news and information on social media are correlated. The association persisted when controlling for age, gender, education, general social media use, and propensity for online interaction. Importantly, the correlation existed for both active and passive forms of news consumption. The findings extend communication theory of identity and show that social media can contribute to a more aware and engaged citizenry.

Journalism’s Age(Less) Problem

Co-authors: Khin Wee Chen and Albaraa F. Altourah, Gulf University for Science and Technology in Kuwait

Abstract: ​Ageism, under-explored in journalism studies, was made salient in 2018 when Malaysia elected the world’s oldest leader, at age 92, who in turn appointed to his cabinet the youngest in Asia, at age 25. The purpose of this study is to measure whether international news coverage treated either end of the age spectrum differently.

Fanjue Liu, Doctoral Student

Observations on Failure of Communication in China’s Social Media Field: Case Analysis Based on Interactions Between Government’s and Public Discourse

Rita Men, Associate Professor, Public Relations

Cultivating Relationships With Startup Employees: The Role of Entrepreneurial Leadership Communication

Co-authors:  Zifei Chen, University of San Francisco, Grace Ji, Virginia Commonwealth University

Awards: Top Faculty Paper, PR Division

Panel Chair: Social Media Communication: Brands, Campaigns and Collaboration Networks

Panel Chair: Internal Communication: Employees as Communicators and Publics

Frank Waddell, Assistant Professor, Journalism Department
Ann Christiano, Director, Center for Public Interest Communications
Annie Neimand, Research Director, Center for Public Interest Communications

Can Paddington the Bear Improve Refugee Attitudes? Testing the Exemplification Effect of Refugee Exemplars on Refugee Attitudes and Stereotype Reversal

Co-author:  Kelly Chernin, Appalachian State

Abstract: An online experiment (N = 1, 749) was conducted that tested the effect of refugee portrayals that were either nonhuman in appearance but sympathetic, non-human in appearance and hostile, or human in appearance and sympathetic relative to a no exposure baseline. Results revealed that a non-human portrayal that was hostile increased negative attitudes towards refugees, while real world portrayals that were sympathetic increased positive attitudes and reduced stereotyping of refugees.

Kun Xu, Assistant Professor of Emerging Media, Telecommunication Department

Language, Modality, and Mobile Media Use Experiences: Social Responses to Smartphone Cues in a Task-Oriented Context.

Abstract: With people’s growing use of virtual agents and voice assistants on smartphones, researchers have noticed that mobile phones are not only acting as communication devices that connect users from different places, but also communication terminals that present different combinations of social cues. This study builds on the Computers are Social Actors paradigm and investigates the interaction effects between individual differences and the social cues of smartphones. Based on a lab experiment using a between-subjects factorial design, this study suggests that although anthropomorphic language and voice-based information did not have main effects on users’ social responses, people’s mobile media usage and intensive phone use interacted with these cues in their social responses to the smartphones. In addition, this study implies that it is the combination of social cues, individual differences, users’ perception, and communication contexts that contributes to people’s direct interactions with the smartphones.

Using Machine Learning to Learn Machines: A Cross-Cultural Study of Users’ Responses to Machine-Generated Art Works

Co-authors: Fanjue Liu, doctoral student, Yi Mou and Yuheng Wu, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Jing Zeng and Mike S. Schäfer, University of Zurich

Abstract: The advancement of artificial intelligence has allowed machine-generated content to be perceived as not only objective and trustworthy but also creative and transformative. Built upon prior literature on machine-generated news, this study seeks to expand the research scope to machine-generated art works in a cross-cultural context. This study combines machine learning approaches with online experiments and investigates how different genres of art works and different authorship cues influence participants’ open-ended responses to machine-generated works. Results suggest that while participants developed different topics and used different words when reacting to poems and paintings, the cues of machine agency versus human agency did not affect their discussion of the art works. Additionally, cultural value affects users’ description and perception of the art works. This study tests the explanatory power of machine heuristics and demonstrates the feasibility of combining machine learning with experimental methods in future human-machine communication research.

My Teacher Is a Machine: Understanding Students’ Perceptions About Artificial Intelligence in Online Education

Co-Authors: Jihyun Kim and Deanna Sellnow, University of Central Florida, Kelly Roy Merrill, the Ohio State University

Abstract: An increase in demand for online education has led to the creation of a new technology, machine teachers, or artificial intelligence (AI) teaching assistants. In fact, AI teaching assistants have already been implemented in a small number of courses in the United States. However, little is known about how students will perceive AI teaching assistants in their own classrooms. Thus, the present study investigated students’ perceptions about AI teaching assistants in higher education by use of an online survey. Primary findings indicate that perceived usefulness of an AI teaching assistant and perceived ease of communication with an AI teaching assistant are key to understanding an eventual adoption of AI teaching assistant-based education. These findings provide support for AI teaching assistant adoption. Based on the present study’s findings, more research is needed to better understand the nuances associated with the learning experience one may have from an AI teaching assistant.

Perceiving Ai-Generated Content: A Comparison Among American, Chinese and German Respondents

Co-authors: Ekaterina Novozhilova, Yi Mou, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Jing Zeng and Mike S. Schäfer, University of Zurich.

Abstract: Guided by the heuristic-systematic model, this study aims to investigate the processing of AI-generated content. An experimental survey was conducted with a 2 (author: AI vs. human) X 3 (genre: news vs. poetry vs. painting) factorial design in the US, China, and Germany, as those three countries greatly reflect different stances in the spectrum of attitude toward AI. This study demonstrated that American responses were more skewed toward negative estimations of the AI version of content; Chinese responses were significantly more positive with the higher assessment of AI-authored content; and German responses reflected a conservative favour toward AI-generated content. Respondents’ attitude toward AI and perceived novelty of AI cast positive influence over their appraisals of AI-generated content; while the perceived threat negatively predicted the perceived quality, competence and intent to share the AI-generated content.