Month: September 2011

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Social Network Analysis and the Dynamics of Web-Based Networking [Study]

September 26, 2011 coms 0

According to social networking researchers, the old saying “birds of a feather flock together” applies even in the vast realm of cyberspace. This is the topic of the recently published research findings of Dr. Cuihua Shen, an assistant professor at University of Texas Dallas. Her findings have been reported in a recent issue of the First Monday publication. Shen examined the community dynamics of users from SourceForge, a massive internet open source community. Shen conducted social network analyses on these users to determine the social motivations within the communities and the shaping of collaborations within these communities.

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The Ramifications of Social Media On Actual Social Interaction

September 18, 2011 coms 0

The adoption of social networking sites has been nothing less than spectacular. While once Google and other search engines reigned as kings, sites such as Facebook and Twitter attract more attention and more hours each day from nearly a billion users. Visits to Facebook and Twitter are at an all-time high. It has been reported that over 1 billion people are using social media sites, with Facebook in the lead.

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The Effect of Sexualized Lyrics on Adolescents [Study]

September 17, 2011 coms 0

The effects certain aspects of culture on children has been a subject of study for a number of years, and the effects of sexualized musical lyrics on adolescents is of particular concern. Researchers from Brigham Young University are examining the growing trend of including distinct explicit sexual lyrics in popular music. The journal, Sexuality & Culture, has published the results online to help educators develop plans to promote appropriate sexual development in today’s youth.

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Sexual Orientation and Race Affect Likability [Study]

September 13, 2011 coms 0

Psychological researchers at the University of Toronto have recently conducted a study about the effects of sexual orientation on impressions. The results of the study indicate that homosexual men may experience differences in likability based on race. Specifically, white heterosexual men are deemed to be more likable, but gay black men seem to have more likability.

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Social Connections in the Workplace Do Not Benefit Women [Study]

September 12, 2011 coms 0

Who you know might carry more weight in your hiring than your actual work knowledge and experience. Work experience in the field should result in meeting helpful social contacts, and these individuals might eventually give a helping hand in entering the workforce. Unfortunately for women, a North Carolina State University study found that women do not receive the benefits of work contacts made through experience. For one reason or another, only men enjoy the benefits of social connections.

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Fame Emphasized in Popular TV Shows, Say Psychologists [Study]

September 2, 2011 coms 1

Every January, a highly advertised event occurs in the U.S.: a new season of the hit reality TV series “American Idol” begins. On the show, hundreds of teens and young adults compete for a chance to sing before a national audience and possibly earn a record deal. Since its inception, the show has become the highest rated in the history of television, with more votes cast for the performers per season than for the nation’s president. Cue the lights, camera and—psychologists say—the skewed lesson on human values.