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Parents, Peers and Pot: An Exploratory Study of Adolescents’ Social Media Sharing of Marijuana-related Content

Parents, Peers and Pot: An Exploratory Study of Adolescents’ Social Media Sharing of Marijuana-related Content

Primary author: Jessica Willoughby
Co-author(s): Stacey Hust; Jiayu Li; Leticia Couto; Soojung Kang; Shawn Domgaard

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Adolescents often post content related to risk behaviors online, and social media posting related to substance use has been found to be associated with intentions to use and substance use. However, there is a dearth of research about what may motivate an adolescent to share marijuana-related content. This study aimed to examine the types of content related to marijuana that adolescents are posting on social media and what may influence such sharing. We conducted an online survey in Washington state (N=350), a state in which recreational marijuana use is legal for persons aged 21 and older, and examined adolescents’ social media sharing of marijuana-related content. Thirty-one percent of adolescents in our study reported sharing marijuana-related content on social media, with 24% of adolescent participants sharing marijuana-related memes. Peer marijuana use and perceived parents’ approval of marijuana were positively associated with the likelihood of posting marijuana-related content on social media. Increased perceived parental monitoring was negatively associated with posting marijuana-related content on social media, however, increased parental media monitoring was not. Our research highlights the factors that may influence adolescents’ decisions to share marijuana-related content on social media. Internal factors, such as personal beliefs, were not associated with sharing such content in the final model, whereas external factors, such as perceived peer use and parent approval, were. Our results have implications for communicators, who may want to address adolescents’ norm perceptions, and parents, who may want to informally monitor their children instead of monitoring their social media.

Implementation of Active Learning Techniques in an Undergraduate Public Relations Course: Comparing Individual Social Networks and Brand Communities

Implementation of Active Learning Techniques in an Undergraduate Public Relations Course: Comparing Individual Social Networks and Brand Communities

Primary author: Corrie Wilder

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Everett

Abstract:

This paper describes an in-class social network mapping activity that serves as an overview of social identity and social objects—the building blocks of a social network. Active learning techniques were used to introduce the concept of personal networks, brand communities, and the role of public relations professionals in fostering relationships. The social network mapping activity illustrated the application of the following theories: Travers and Milgram’s (1969) “the small world problem,” Tajfel’s social identity theory (see Tajfel & Turner, 1979), and Granovetter’s (1973) “strength of weak ties.” It prompted students to consider which individuals are in their networks and how they are connected through unique social objects. Furthermore, they determined where audiences overlap and weaker network ties reside and related these connections to the development and nurturing of a brand community. Through active learning exercises that included quick-writes and manual social networking mapping, students visualized how various connections use social objects to create communities. They ultimately learned that messages spread further and faster when shared through weak ties that bridge otherwise unconnected communities.

“The Bed We Made For You”: Earth’s Average Surface Temperature as a Baby Quilt

“The Bed We Made For You”: Earth’s Average Surface Temperature as a Baby Quilt

Primary author: Lisa Waananen Jones

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The use of textiles as a form of storytelling and documentation extends to the earliest human civilizations. “Cloth relates to humanity is its mortality and transience—both cloth and our body can be cut, stitched, age, and decay. … It evokes memory. The child clings to their comfort blanket, and in times of crisis we too still reach for cloth and its human connections” (Nickell, 2015). As numerical data has grown as a form of documentation, recent textile projects shared and popularized on social media have incorporated climate and weather data.
This work of data art visualizes a widely used NASA dataset of Earth’s annual average surface temperature, 1880-2018, in this textile tradition as a half-square triangle baby quilt with color encoding. A diverging blue-red color scheme is common in temperature visualizations for a public audience, such as annually published news graphics using this dataset by The New York Times and Bloomberg News. This project makes use of the dual symbolism of blue and pink for temperature data and the symbolic colors used for babies. Each year in the dataset is represented by a half-square of fabric, with color representing the degree to which that year was warmer or cooler than the preindustrial average. The entirely hand-stitched quilt shows the distinct pattern of rising temperatures and invites contemplation about the role of generational traditions and heirlooms in a changing world.
Karen Nickell (2015) “Troubles Textiles”: Textile Responses to the Conflict in Northern Ireland, TEXTILE, 13:3, 234-251, DOI: 10.1080/14759756.2015.1084693

Youth’s Proximity to Marijuana Retailers and Advertisements: Factors Associated with Washington State Adolescents’ Intentions to Use Marijuana

Youth’s Proximity to Marijuana Retailers and Advertisements: Factors Associated with Washington State Adolescents’ Intentions to Use Marijuana

Primary author: Stacey Hust
Co-author(s): Jessica Willoughby; Leticia Couto; Jiayu Li

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The current study explored the influences of advertising exposure, numbers of marijuana retailers, distance to retailers, and constructs from the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction, including outcome beliefs, perceived norms, and efficacy, on youth’s intentions to use marijuana in a state in which the use of recreational marijuana is legal. A state-wide online cross-sectional survey of 350 adolescents ages 13-17, residing in Washington state, was conducted in June 2018. The results of the regression analysis suggest that exposure to marijuana advertising, positive and negative outcome beliefs, and perceived peer norms were associated with intention to use marijuana. Distances to retailers moderated the relationships between exposure to advertising and intentions as well as between positive outcome beliefs and intentions. States that have legalized recreational marijuana may want to consider the location of retailers in relation to neighborhoods and advertising regulations to reduce appeal to youth. Additionally, prevention efforts could aim to influence outcome beliefs and norms in an attempt to reduce adolescents’ intentions to use recreational marijuana.

The bet of a loyal fan: the role of online sports communities in sports betting behavior

The bet of a loyal fan: the role of online sports communities in sports betting behavior

Primary author: Leticia Couto
Co-author(s): Mina Park
Faculty sponsor: Mina Park

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Sports betting is a common topic one can be exposed to in any online sports community. Sports fans are frequently sharing information about sports betting and their betting experience with community members. Interactions among bettors are easily observed in online sports communities as well. This paper examines the role of online sports community participation as a mediator between fan loyalty and sports betting attitude and behavior. A web-administered survey was conducted and a total of 135 participants were included for the analysis. Results of the analysis show that the effects of fan loyalty on sports betting behavior is mediated by online sports community participation and perceived fun of sports betting. In specific, fan loyalty is positively associated with online sports community participation and level of online sports community participation is positively associated with perceived fun of sports betting and sports betting behavior. There is no direct relationship between fan loyalty and perceived fun of sports betting, or between fan loyalty and sports betting behavior. Results highlight the role of online sports communities in understanding sports fans’ betting behaviors. Implications and future directions of online sports community research are discussed.