Psychology of Digital Media Use

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor that influences attitude change through emotional heuristics?

Logical reasoning and factual support

Central route processing of persuasive messages

Attractiveness and presentation of cues (correct)

Frequency of exposure to the message

Which statement best describes the impact of good mood on persuasion?

It decreases the possibility of using the central route for persuasion. (correct)

It increases the likelihood of using the central route for persuasion.

It promotes defensive avoidance of persuasive messages.

It has no effect on the persuasion process.

What is the result of a lack of positive or negative reaction to a persuasive message?

Increased likelihood of changing one’s mind

Strong reliance on central route processing

Peripheral cues will be deemed insufficient (correct)

Immediate acceptance of the persuasive message

What might happen if fear or anxiety is either too low or too high in a persuasive situation?

It may lead to defensive avoidance of the message. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the persuasion timeline mentioned in the content?

Affective information gathering (A) Signup and view all the answers

What effect can idealized personas have on individuals?

Create dissonance between real self and online identity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of multimodal social media according to psychologists?

Increased cognitive load with managing multiple modalities (C) Signup and view all the answers

How might multimedia interactions impact communication?

Introduce ambiguity in communication (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what context did Walther and Whitty expand the hyperpersonal model?

Online romance scams (D) Signup and view all the answers

What psychological vulnerabilities do online romance scams exploit?

Trust and emotional investment (B) Signup and view all the answers

What criticism do some experts have regarding the hyperpersonal model?

It does not address all psychological factors in interactive media (D) Signup and view all the answers

What gap does the paper identify in the exploration of social media?

The mental health consequences of hyperpersonal communication (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential result of switching between various communication platforms?

Fragmented attention in interactions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily assessed when determining the relevance of information?

The intended audience and its needs (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT typically considered under the authority evaluation of information?

The language of the content (C) Signup and view all the answers

What makes close relationships particularly distinct from other types of relationships?

A sense of unity and fusion with the other person (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the proximity effect influence friendships?

Frequent interactions increase the likelihood of friendship. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common purpose of persuasive messages related to immunization?

To persuade people to recognize the need for vaccines (D) Signup and view all the answers

What typically signifies interdependence in close relationships?

Mutual influence on thoughts and actions (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is least likely to contribute to the attraction between individuals?

Length of relationship history (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does bias play in evaluating the purpose of information?

Bias can affect whether the information is perceived as objective and impartial. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does knowing that someone likes us influence our attraction to them?

It reinforces the idea of a self-fulfilling prophecy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is NOT commonly associated with female beauty according to shared criteria?

Broad shoulders (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about beauty is true?

There is a common consensus on certain physical characteristics that are universally attractive. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does reciprocity play in online interactions?

It provides a sense of validation through likes and shares. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic commonly associated with male beauty?

High cheek bones (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes microblogging and texting apps like Twitter and WhatsApp?

Messages diffuse very quickly. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the psychological concept of 'presence' in virtual reality?

The subjective feeling of being present in a digital environment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes augmented reality?

The layering of digital information over the real world. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of robots focuses on personality and social interaction?

Social robots. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of phygital robots?

They integrate seamlessly into physical environments. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of robots categorized as assistive?

Providing healthcare and support to individuals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which form of communication is characterized by a lack of specific knowledge needed to use?

Social networking sites. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of blogs in the context of Web 2.0?

They are centered around a single perspective or voice. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which technology is not considered an enabling technology?

Social media platforms. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical use of mobile apps in relation to browsing?

They serve as a substitute for browsing on larger screens. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'multimodal' in the context of communication?

Different modes of communication like text, images, and video (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do researchers describe the evolution from old to new technologies?

The introduction of hyperpersonal moments significantly shifted communication (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did Reid and Bruckman suggest about online identities?

Users create and experiment with various identities in different contexts (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of scientists moving from laboratory studies to real-life interactions?

Real interactions provide a more authentic understanding of online behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'multi mediated' refer to in communication?

The presence of multiple media options for the same group of people (C) Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon did researchers observe related to identity in digital environments?

Gender switching and code-switching among users (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role do identity workshops play in online environments?

They facilitate experimentation with features and characteristics of identity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'hyperpersonal moment' in online interactions?

It highlights the potential for deeper connections through online platforms (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge in measuring digital emotion contagion?

Tracking emotional states before and after exposure (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the strength of social ties impact emotional contagion?

Stronger ties enhance the spread of joy and positive emotions (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of user characteristics influences susceptibility to digital emotion contagion?

Personality traits like extraversion or neuroticism (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant finding regarding the nature of expressed emotions?

The impact of emotions can vary based on the context (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should future research in digital emotion contagion focus on?

Understanding the mechanisms behind contagion under varying conditions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which case illustrates how online emotions can lead to collective action?

Khaled Mohamed's death (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a debated topic regarding the contagion of emotions?

Both positive and negative emotions can be equally contagious (D) Signup and view all the answers

What complicates the analysis of emotional changes in users?

The vast array of variables influencing emotions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key belief about relapse in the context of behavior change?

Relapse serves as an opportunity for learning. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies supports recovery after relapse?

Analyzing triggers and adjusting strategies. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario can the Transtheoretical Model most effectively be applied?

In both personal and professional environments. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the Transtheoretical Model emphasize regarding change?

Each stage supports the foundation for subsequent stages. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can healthcare providers use the Transtheoretical Model effectively?

By customizing support strategies based on individual readiness. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes self-compassion in the recovery process?

Emphasizing self-compassion aids in overcoming setbacks. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of the Transtheoretical Model in personal growth?

Promoting understanding and navigation through behavioral change stages. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does acknowledging the inevitability of relapse play in the recovery process?

It fosters resilience and prepares individuals for long-term success. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary implication of clearly communicating personal expectations during initial interactions?

It enhances compatibility and connection with potential partners. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can mentioning relationship alternatives affect dating prospects?

It signals indecision and may deter potential partners. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does incremental self-disclosure promote in online dating?

Building trust and reducing uncertainty about compatibility. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the extension of the Hyperpersonal Model suggest about online dating?

It highlights how online communication shapes interpersonal dynamics. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What gendered communication pattern did the study find among online daters?

Men tended to utilize specific types of initial messages more than women. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should individuals avoid during discussions about potential partners?

Using language that implies exploring multiple options. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the study conducted by Sharabi and Dykstra-DeVette?

The intricacies of online dating and communication strategies. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the research imply about the effectiveness of communication in online dating?

Adjusting communication strategies can improve dating outcomes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does online identity construction primarily occur on social media platforms?

Through selective self-presentation of curated aspects of the self (A) Signup and view all the answers

What psychological impact can digital media have on users?

It can have both positive effects, like social support, and negative effects, such as anxiety (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of digital media allows for its content to be altered and combined?

Variability (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) focus on in relation to media use?

The psychological needs that individuals satisfy through media (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Hyperpersonal Model as proposed by Walther?

It highlights the potential for selective self-presentation to enhance intimacy in communication (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role do online groups play in shaping user behavior?

They reinforce group norms that can significantly influence behavior (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects (SIDE)?

The influence of online anonymity on social identity cues and behavior (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'transcoding' refer to in the context of digital media?

The merging of digital technology with cultural elements (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the pre-contemplation stage in the Transtheoretical Model?

Individuals are unaware of the need for change. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the contemplation stage?

Individuals acknowledge harmful behaviors but feel uncertain about changing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason individuals remain in the contemplation stage for an extended period?

Fear of the change and its implications. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does self-reflection play in the pre-contemplation stage?

It is essential for recognizing the need for change. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which context can the Transtheoretical Model be particularly valuable?

Adopting healthier lifestyles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Individuals in the pre-contemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Model often exhibit which behavior?

Downplaying the positives of potential new habits. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the contemplation stage?

Feeling resolved to change immediately. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the Transtheoretical Model suggest for moving from the pre-contemplation to the contemplation stage?

Understanding the harms associated with current behaviors is critical. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor that influences online group dynamics?

Virtual anonymity reducing conformity (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the Elaboration Likelihood Model, what defines the central route of persuasion?

Engagement through thoughtful message processing (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does self-disclosure in online communication typically affect interpersonal attraction?

It fosters attraction through shared experiences (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes echo chambers in digital media?

Environments reinforcing users' pre-existing beliefs (D) Signup and view all the answers

What impact does disinformation have on social behavior according to heuristics?

It can manipulate behaviors through perceived authority (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative effect of digital media on mental health?

Greater exposure to cyberbullying (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of online dating platforms' algorithms?

They may lead to deception such as catfishing (C) Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon can result from users' engagement with confirmation bias within communities?

Strengthening of group-specific ideologies (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course will be 50 hours in total
75% participation (including participation, homework and signatures)
60-question exam (60 minutes, 0.5 points each, no penalty for wrong answers)
Optional oral exam after written exam with a possible higher grade
Aim: Develop theoretical knowledge about the psychological bases of digital media use

Topics

Concepts:
- Identity (how we portray ourselves online)
- Relationships (building and maintaining relationships online)
- Groups (belonging to groups online, ex. friends, family, colleagues)
- Health (how technology affects health)
Media:
- Mobile
- Social Media
- Augmented/Virtual Reality
- Wearables
- Internet of Things
Psychology:
- Psychology as a science
- Difference between everyday life psychology and scientific psychology (using scientific methods)
- What is Psychology?: (science of behavior and mental processes)
- Why science?: (uses scientific methods to study objects, comparative tests on hypothesis; a hypothesis that cannot be wrong is dogma) -Example: complexity of the self grows with age. How to measure? To whom? Population to study?
- Psychology of how people perceive, understand, respond and interact within digital media environment. Evaluation and design of digital artifacts, interactions, cognitive vs. behavioral psychology
- What is a medium?: (physical, symbolic, and pragmatic dimensions)
Psychology of Digital Media: Studying the interactions in today's media saturated world. How people perceive, understand, respond to, and interact within media.
Features of Digital Media: Discussing the key features of digital media. (Ex. numerical representation, modularity)
Most media are made of modules: can be deconstructed into discrete parts.
Automation: Digital media operate on their own contents automatically without user knowledge. (examples from iPhone and Teams)
Variability: Media content can be reused and modified. (example of memes)
Transcoding: Two levels are mixed in digital media: cultural and digital levels. A medium can be transformed into another medium.
Interactivity: Active consumption of online content and interaction with other users.
How media and context shape behavior: Examines how context and use of online media influence behavior. (Ex. How a phone on the table affects engagement / communication)
Digital Media and Communication: How digital media are used to communicate and interact with others.
Presence: Being present online, sense of belonging/community (synchronous/asynchronous).
Utterance presence: Feeling of being able to communicate with another person in spite of distance and time.
Types: text-based, video-based, audio-based, and mixed.
Sources of info: websites, search engines (deep web), etc.
Community moderation: Influences how online platforms work internally.
Why social media?: reinforcing identity, getting good feedback, overcoming personal limitations.
Social media as a device: Different media are made for different devices ( ex: Instagram on smartphones) but they can be accessed from different devices (ex: Laptop).
Social Media: segmentation, big part of social media yet never perfect; examples: using Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Technical vs. conceptual definition of internet: technical elements; characteristics of internet classification.
Digital vs. physical reality: Augmented reality, augmented virtuality, and mixed reality.
Different forms of moderation: Chat, email, blog, micro-blogging and text-based messaging apps (Twitter, WhatsApp).
Online communication categories: Chat, email, blogs, virtual reality, and text-based apps.
Virtual Reality (VR) and types (immersive [ex. HMD, Cave, IMAX], non-immersive [ex. desktop, VR])
Physical, symbolic, and pragmatic dimensions of media: How are these characteristics represented within specific media? (Ex. Reddit)
Psychology of digital media: Study of how people perceive, understand, and interact with media.
Social identity: Self-perception and the desire to belong to groups. Identity as traits and qualities and social identities (groups user belongs to ex. sports teams).
Intersubjectivity: explains that our identity is shaped by interacting with others; we don't have a fixed identity but one that evolves over time;
Identity negotiation: Individuals create and manage identities in online context. The way we present ourselves online and how others react to us through language, symbols and expressions.
Interpersonal communication online vs. face-to-face: How they differ in terms of cues and communication, and how it affects interactions.
Situated action theory: any interaction in a given time and space involves a specific context and local interaction with things/artifacts.
Flaming: Communication (especially text-based) can be violent.
Online conformity: Social pressure happens online too.
Why do people use social media?: Social media (also webpages/online contexts) create and strengthen “places”. The meanings and connections give a “sense of community”.
Social Comparison: People compare their opinions, attitudes and views to those of others online. How does this play out online vs. face-to-face?
Group norms creation: How do groups form norms digitally? How do these norms change our behaviors/interactions compared to offline contexts?
Identity: The way we represent ourselves/others online. Online representations of oneself vary depending on audience, content or context. How do individuals portray them in different online contexts?
Social Identity and Disinhibition effect: How anonymity shapes our behaviour in virtual environments. What are the consequences of this (ex. aggressive behaviour)?
Mental mechanisms influencing social behaviour: How do things like memory, attention, emotions affect our online behavior?
Social psychology: Social interactions, relationships, implications, and how situations impact others.
Importance of context: Context is important, what, who and where affects what we say and how we act. How does context shape interactions online vs offline?
Online dating/relationships: How online contexts have different norms than physical (F2F) interactions.
Humor: How is humor expressed and understood online? How does the context and medium affect humor?

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Description

This quiz explores the theoretical knowledge of psychological bases related to the use of digital media. Topics covered include identity, relationships, group dynamics, and health effects of technology. It assesses your understanding of psychology's scientific principles as applied to digital interactions.