Digital social interactions differ in many ways from face-to-face interactions. This study examines four preregistered hypotheses on the within-person interplay between interaction mode (i.e., digital vs. face-to-face interactions), interaction quality, and momentary well-being. Young adults from Spain ( N 1 = 216) and the Netherlands ( N 2 = 22)—provided 5,116 and 1,386 Ecological Momentary Assessments

Emotionally charged messages can distort truth perception, and recent research highlights the impact of emotional language on news beliefs. While past studies have focused on emotional valence, the role of emotional arousal in shaping beliefs remains underexplored, particularly regarding its long-term effects. This research investigates both immediate and delayed beliefs in response to headlines with

Youth perfectionism levels have increased significantly over the last decades. Given the dominance of picture-perfect content, social media are often designated as contributors of this rise. Accordingly, this study examined how exposure to positive social media content might increase adolescents’ perfectionistic dispositions and vice versa. Moreover, it was explored whether upward social comparison

People often learn about science from various sources including scientists, journalists, and friends. Many studies assume people pay different levels of attention to expert and non-expert sources. This foundational assumption has largely been tested with selective exposure and reading time measures. In Study 1, we used eye-tracking to measure attention and found that individuals paid more attention

In an era of increasing attention to media trust, some have argued that differentiating between media cynicism and media skepticism (as both attitudinal and behavioral concepts) can advance a more nuanced understanding of media trust and its implications. While previous efforts conceptualized cynicism and skepticism as separate discrete phenomena, this allows the seemingly illogical possibility that

Health information behaviors are situational and dynamic in nature. Being confronted with illness-related uncertainty in a specific situation, certain individuals might consistently or temporarily seek, scan, or avoid information and combine these strategies. Relying on an Experience Sampling Method Design study repeatedly querying N = 383 acutely or chronically ill individuals, the study provides

Research on communication in crises across individual, organizational, and societal levels has expanded significantly, with attribution theory frequently used to explain how people interpret these crises. However, research in the three levels of crises has developed independently, limiting theoretical advancement. This study systematically reviews 133 attribution theory based communication articles

Journalism quality has been examined primarily through a normative lens and investigated through descriptive methods that overlook news consumers’ actual responses to it. Taking a more empirical, media-effects approach, we explore how a particular index of journalism quality—the quantity of news sources—relates to audience engagement. The concept of multiple news sources inherently involves normative

This scoping review contributes an overview of recent research on effective media literacy interventions and recommendations relevant to cultivating critical mis/disinformation literacies for adults. The review examines articles published between 1 January 2016–22 November 2021 that report on or provide recommendations for media literacy interventions for adults suited to the emerging challenges of

Research consistently shows that while social media use does not enhance objective political knowledge, it increases users’ sense of being knowledgeable (subjective knowledge). However, it is unclear which specific modes of social media use lead users to an enhanced feeling of being knowledgeable. This work focuses on two factors that are believed to shape users’ subjective knowledge when using social

We experimentally manipulated social media affordances theoretically linked to cyberbullies’ anonymity using hypothetical scenarios taking advantage of the diverse ways people get bullied by someone they can identify versus an anonymous cyberbully. Nine different social media platforms–from TikTok, Twitter, and Tumblr to Instagram, iMessage, and Email–manipulated a cyberbully’s anonymity to uncover

A reanalysis of Bond and DePaulo’s meta-analysis of deception detection accuracy from the perspective of truth-default theory is reported, focusing on truth bias, the veracity effect, and the implications of the ubiquitous 50%–50% base rates used in primary experiments. Unlike Bond and DePaulo, we examine the relationships among truth bias, the veracity effect, and overall accuracy providing new insights

Guided by goal understanding theory, we investigated how U.S. patients evaluate communication strategies international medical graduates (IMGs) adopt to manage their lack of comprehension of patient idioms. Participants ( N = 569) watched a video of an IMG and a patient interacting in a 3 (verbal: being blunt, feigning comprehension, providing rationale) × 2 (nonverbal: higher, lower immediacy) × 2

This study examines geographic variations in the relationship between social media political curation and political trust. Analyzing survey data from the U.S. state of Michigan, findings reveal a positive relationship between social media political curation and internal political efficacy, which is stronger among rural residents compared to urban counterparts. Moreover, this geographic pattern extends

Although many persuasive messages include imagery, relatively little is known about the potential for the visual components to induce reactance. This research examined the effects of three message variations—camera angle (low vs. eye-level), antithesis (vs. thesis) (i.e., the juxtaposition of contrasting images), and facial expression of emotion (anger vs. happiness)—on reactance and subsequent persuasion

Building on research on gender stereotypes and a parallel-constraint-satisfaction theory on impression formation, this project investigates the effects of gender stereotypical and counter-stereotypical visuals on voters’ evaluations of political candidates with two pre-registered experimental studies. Study 1 ( N = 1,225) is a conceptual replication of an online experiment on the effect of visual communication

The dual-process perspective in entertainment research differentiates between hedonic and eudaimonic entertainment experiences. Hedonic responses are thought to result from relatively effortless reception of non-challenging (or “light”) media fare. In contrast, eudaimonic entertainment experiences are theorized to depend on cognitively or affectively challenging content (e.g., tragedies) and effortful

Low statistical power undermines a credible scientific discipline. This paper presents a statistical power assessment of experimental communication research based on a random sample of 416 studies published in five central communication journals over the last two decades (2001–2023). Our analyses showed that there was a lack of attention to power and power analysis, with the majority of studies not

Several studies have reported algorithm aversion, reflected in harsher judgments about computers that commit errors, compared to humans who commit the same errors. Two online studies ( N = 67, N = 252) tested whether similar effects can be obtained with a referential communication task. Participants were tasked with identifying Japanese kanji characters based on written descriptions allegedly coming

How does media shape and reflect right-wing rhetoric in the U.S.? Theories of media effects have moved towards networked approaches to agenda setting and framing, but it remains uncertain how issue attributes or frames emerge in the U.S. media ecosystem in which users themselves can shape political rhetoric through discussion on social media. We provide the largest test to date of the different predictions

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded the potential for human-machine communication and collaboration in complex contexts, necessitating AI to exhibit human-like behavior in order to align with its human counterpart. Consequently, understanding human behavioral traits becomes advantageous for developing AI agents that resemble humans. This study investigated how individuals process

The Dunning-Kruger effect describes how poor performers overestimate their abilities while top performers underestimate their abilities. This study explores whether this effect explains the ineffectiveness of cross-cutting discussions in reducing affective polarization. We propose a moderated mediation model in which the relationship between cross-cutting discussion (wave 1) and affective polarization

Since Internet pornography (IP) is widespread and can become problematic for some users, investigating the personality traits which correlate with its consumption is important. Though many studies have been conducted on the relationship between IP, personality traits, and attachment, no meta-analysis has been conducted to synthesize this literature. We aimed to address this gap through a meta-analysis

The superdiffuser model predicts that the diffusion of a new behavior can be accelerated if superdiffusers (people who are connectors, persuaders, and mavens) are recruited to promote the behavior. We propose an expanded model where the importance of these traits varies by network structure and other network member characteristics. We assessed the plausibility of these proposed moderators using a simulation

Widespread concerns about the pervasiveness of misinformation have propelled one antidote to the center of scholarly attention: the journalistic fact check. Yet, fact checks often do not work as intended. While most fact checks are text only, a compelling theoretical argument can be made for using a video format instead. In this pre-registered experiment conducted in Germany ( N = 1,093), we investigated

Mass layoffs offer a unique and understudied context to understand how affected workers communicate the involuntary, collective nature of their organizational exit. In this study, we explored the communicative strategies that workers affected by mass layoffs in the technology industry used to engage in impression management by analyzing LinkedIn posts ( N = 362). Our findings showed that workers engaged

This study investigated the dilemmas faced by emerging adults serving as supporting siblings (SS) for their sibling with depression (SWD). A thematic analysis of 49 interviews revealed the family system as central to sibling depression. Family histories of dysfunction contributed to SWDs’ lasting symptoms, prompting SSs’ felt obligation to their sibling. SSs managed mental health communication in the

This paper provides a philosophical discussion of moderators and person-specific differences (referred to as “hedges”) in research on media effects. It is shown that while, historically, the reliance on hedges has been regarded as a sign of theoretical sophistication (the “hedges-as-progress-perspective”), it has left the field behind in a maze of epistemological problems. The paper therefore urges

Guided by relational turbulence theory (RTT), this intensive longitudinal study examined how within-person daily fluctuations in relationship uncertainty corresponded with individuals’ decisions to engage in daily enacted relationship talk. Using a person-specific approach, this study also examined how individuals’ attachment insecurity predicted within-person differences in month-long processes predicted

The widespread dissemination of misinformation has become a global concern. A recommended solution is to improve people’s ability to discern true from false information through appropriate media literacy education programs. This meta-analysis quantitatively synthesized the results of 49 experimental studies ( N = 81,155) that examined the efficacy of media literacy interventions in mitigating misinformation

Message fatigue is a state in which people believe they have received too many similar messages conveying redundant information and feel a sense of exhaustion and boredom with those messages. A growing body of work suggests message fatigue inhibits persuasion, and a meta-analytic review can help to evaluate the strength and direction of the relationship between message fatigue and persuasive outcomes

This study examines the effects of geographical variations in diversity on political communication within the context of partisan media and audiences. Partisan heterogeneity, as an indicator of political diversity, was conceptualized as a geographical context of the distribution of party preferences within a county. Using a set of nationwide panel survey data with county-level statistics, we conducted

This experiment (N = 1,241) investigates the impact of code-mixing, defined as the use of more than one language, on processing fluency, narrative engagement, and cross-cultural attitudes. Using a sample of native English speakers located in the United States, we found that narratives that include code-mixing, a common feature of intercultural communication, felt more difficult to process and, in turn

Given growing interest in the potential importance of news literacy around the world, a theoretically grounded and empirically validated measure of news literacy is essential. Building on existing theory, we developed and validated a 15-item true/false measure of news literacy knowledge. This measure comprehensively operationalizes the five C’s of news literacy—context, creation, content, circulation

Sexualization is a prominently studied dimension of how media content contributes to problematic outcomes for women (e.g., self-objectification). In video game contexts, scholars have debated whether portrayals of powerful characters may disrupt undesirable outcomes of sexual objectification. In two studies, we experimentally manipulated sex appeal cues and strength cues in female characters. Participants

This essay explicates a middle range theory to predict and explain the propagation and magnification of hate messages on social media. It builds upon an assumption that people post hate messages in order to garner signals of social approval from other social media users. It articulates specific propositions involving several constructs, including signals of social approval, disapproval, and sufficiency

The present research draws from the work in narrative transportation to examine the impact of problematic news consumption (PNC) on increased political hostility among partisans. Because individuals with high levels of PNC tend to become absorbed and fixated on the mediated political world, which is filled with exaggerated depictions of political conflict, they should be more prone to view those who

The smartphone occupies a substantial part of adolescents’ daily life, from the moment they wake up to, for some, well beyond their bedtime. The current study compared the impact of adolescents’ daytime, pre-bedtime, and post-bedtime smartphone use on their sleep quality. In addition, it explored the differential effects of lean-back and lean-forward smartphone apps. We collected data from 155 adolescents

Communication research has long explored the association between media trust and news consumption. However, the strength and direction of this relationship have remained elusive. This study suggests a new approach for investigating these complex relations, differentiating between usage and trust associated with different sources over time. Focusing on the 2022 French election and drawing on data from

Based on interviews with app-based gig workers, this study uses Ganesh’s managing surveillance framework to explore relentless visibility and sousveillance (e.g., resistance, activism) to understand how app-based gig workers are being watched, watch others, and experience the economics and authoritative powers of gig work. Findings demonstrate how the intentionally designed technological aspects of

Do existing social inequalities translate into social media privacy management? This study examined racial/ethnic differences in privacy concerns and privacy management behaviors on social media to evaluate empirical evidence for an online privacy divide in the U.S. In addition, we tested two prominent theoretical perspectives–resource-based and identity-based explanations–for such divides. Results

Could a subtle shift in the language used by chatbots improve service interactions? This research suggests that a chatbot’s use of interjections (e.g., “wow” and “hmm”), can shape consumer attitudes and behaviors. Four experiments demonstrate that consumers are more satisfied, more willing to purchase, and more likely to remain loyal when chatbots use interjections. The studies find support for a sequential

How do we know when someone knows us? Does it matter whether the knower is a human or a machine? Following the theory of interpersonal knowledge, a between-subjects experiment investigated whether a doctor’s incorporation of individualized knowledge about a patient’s social or medical history enhances doctor-patient relationships in online conversations. Patients in this study conversed with either

Do people trust journalists who provide fact-checks? Building upon research on negativity bias, two studies support the hypothesis that people generally trust journalists when they confirm claims as true, but are relatively distrusting of journalists when they correct false claims. In Study 1, participants read a real fact-check that corrected or confirmed a claim about politics or economics. In Study

While recommendation algorithms have significantly empowered human communication process, there is an emerging scholarly and societal concern regarding the potential discrimination inherent in algorithmic decision-making. The present study employs a novel agent-based testing approach to conduct an automated audit of the Douyin algorithm’s recommendations for health-related videos, aiming to investigate

This study examined the psychological mechanisms underlying the persuasive effects of moral reframing—matching message content to recipients’ core moral foundations—by focusing on processing fluency, message processing depth, and self-affirmation as mediators. An online experiment conducted in South Korea demonstrated that, across two policy issues, moral reframing promoted processing fluency and self-affirmation

Latina/o/x/e families who experience migration-related separation face the heart-wrenching decision to live apart from each other, often to obtain better life opportunities for the entire family. In these situations, children live in a country separate from one or more parents, while a primary caregiver (e.g., the other parent, a grandmother, an aunt) looks after the children. Utilizing semi-structured

Four studies examine the appeal of protagonists who are sometimes immoral in real-world (Studies 1 & 2) and fictional (Studies 3 & 4) settings. In both, character appeal is influenced by the combination of moral/immoral behaviors a protagonist performs and their moral/immoral behavior relative to another person’s (i.e., their moral superiority/inferiority). Additionally, Study 2 examines the effect

Media use varies between persons (person-specific variation) and within persons (situation-specific variation, that is, the same individual uses media differently across situations). Understanding the relative importance of these two levels of variation in media use is fundamental to theory building as it helps determine whether theories of media use should focus on person- or situation-specific factors

There has been much debate about how cultural differences between ethnic groups may affect the cohesion of multicultural societies. Still, we know little about the extent to which cultural differences between groups also materialize into behavioral differences, especially in online settings. To study this, we conducted an experiment in which second-generation Moroccan and Turkish Dutch participants

Integrating theories from relationship management, organizational socialization, and leadership communication, the current study examines how an essential component of internal communication—leaders’ use of motivating language—can facilitate newcomers’ socialization, strengthen their relationship with the organization, and promote psychological well-being over time. Our findings, based on a two-wave

Psychological reactance theory suggests that the higher the threat-level of persuasive messages, the higher the reactance. Previous research has revealed ways to manipulate messages to either arouse or reduce psychological reactance. By contrast, the current work compares people’s reactance across different target actions while keeping the threat-level of the message consistent. We propose that reactance

The aim of this article is to present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the relationship between immersive media and prosociality, specifically in the discipline of social issues. The search was conducted in January 2023 and included research published up to and including 2022. Both parts of the review consider 43 studies. For the meta-analysis, by combining these studies we

The COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental impact on adolescent mental health, but few studies have explicitly compared adolescents’ mental health across countries, nor have they explored how different uses of media by adolescents in different countries may serve as protective or detrimental factors. To explore these associations, we use data collected from 958 South Korean adolescents and 1,253 United

Meaningful movies can serve as an anxiety buffer against the fear of death, unless death plays a central role in the movie. This invites the question what happens when death is central to a movie storyline. The present research introduces and tests the so-called fear transcendence route, a second terror management route in which meaningful movies about death invite viewers to virtually confront and

This mixed-methods study investigates whether online vigilance promotes mental fatigue, and whether this effect is greater when under pressure to be available online. Additionally, it examines whether passively sensed smartphone behavior can serve as a digital proxy for online vigilance. Data were collected from 1,315 adult participants, who received 84 experience sampling questionnaires over 14 days

Risk information avoidance (RIA) has become an increasingly ubiquitous behavior for people to deal with massive volumes of information. Given its detrimental impact, abundant studies were conducted to explore its antecedents. Nevertheless, the results are scattered and, in some cases, inconsistent. We thereby conducted a meta-analysis to present a synthesis of the current findings by identifying the

This study analyzes survey data from 206 trans workers to test the premises of crystallized self theory by exploring how perceived authenticity and identity communication (i.e., explicit outness, implicit outness, and covering) relate to job and life satisfaction. Perceived authenticity was positively related to explicit outness (overt communication sharing trans identity) and implicit outness (advocacy

While social media is assumed to exacerbate adolescents’ depressive symptoms, research findings are ambiguous. One way to move the field forward is by looking beyond time spent on social media and considering subjective experiences. The current three-wave longitudinal panel study examines the within- and between-person relations between adolescents’ self-worth dependency on social media feedback and