Abstract: Media shape and reflect social imaginaries, influencing collective beliefs, norms, and aspirations. Video games and films frequently depict themes like urbanization, dystopian futures, and resource-driven expansion, often envisioning humanity colonizing new planets after depleting Earth's resources. Such narratives risk reinforcing exploitative attitudes toward the environment, extending them to new frontiers. Research has shown that media, especially video games, influence societal perceptions and shape future possibilities. While largely reflecting anthropocentric worldviews, these mediums also have the potential to promote ecocentric perspectives. In the context of biodiversity loss and planetary imbalance, media’s role in fostering non-anthropocentric values is crucial. This study introduces the 5D25Q Non-Anthropocentric Media Score Questionnaire, a tool designed to help creators assess whether their work aligns with ecocentric principles. Applying this framework to 138 widely distributed video games and films reveals a strong dominance of anthropocentric narratives. While some works incorporate ecocentric themes, they remain inconsistent. The findings underscore the need for a more deliberate and coherent representation of biocentric values in media, advocating for a shift in cultural narratives toward perspectives that recognize and respect the intrinsic value of the non-human world.

Abstract: This literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of framing theory in the context of digital media over the past 20 years by drawing on approximately 60 studies. Framing theory, which explains how media presentation influences audience interpretation, has evolved significantly with the rise of digital platforms, such as social media, online news, and user-generated content. The key themes explored included the participatory nature of framing on social media, the impact of algorithmic curation, the intersection of framing with misinformation, cross-cultural dynamics, and methodological challenges in studying digital framing. One notable aspect of the review is its examination of the role social media plays in public opinion formation, emphasizing how users not only consume but also actively contribute to the framing processes. Algorithmic framing, where automated systems influence the prominence and visibility of certain frames, is another critical area of focus. The review also delves into how misinformation can be framed to either enhance or undermine its credibility, presenting a complex challenge for researchers and practitioners alike. Additionally, the review highlights the cultural and methodological complexities involved in studying framing across different digital environments, noting that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient. By identifying critical gaps such as the need for more longitudinal studies and cross-cultural research, the review proposes future directions for advancing framing theory in an increasingly fragmented and digital media landscape.

Abstract: The Two-Step Flow (TSF) theory, developed in the mid-20th century, posits that mass media influence is mediated by opinion leaders who interpret and relay messages to wider audiences. This literature review synthesizes and critically analyzes approximately 60 studies published between 2005 and 2025, exploring the relevance, evolution, and limitations of TSF within the digital media ecosystem. The review evaluates the reconceptualization of opinion leadership (influencers, micro-celebrities, and networked individuals), the transformation of influence pathways (multi-step, networked, and algorithmic flows), and TSF’s application across political communication, health, marketing, and misinformation. While digital media's interactivity, user-generated content, and algorithmic curation challenge the original TSF model, key concepts such as mediated influence and the importance of interpersonal networks persist. The findings suggest that TSF’s enduring value lies in its foundational insight into social mediation, though future research must incorporate algorithmic influence, cross-platform dynamics, and the heterogeneity of digital opinion leadership. The review concludes with a critical discussion and actionable recommendations for future research.

Abstract: Climate change disinformation has emerged as a substantial issue in the internet age, affecting public perceptions, policy response, and climate actions. This study, grounded on the theoretical frameworks of social epistemology, Habermas’s theory of communicative action, post-truth, and Foucault’s theory of power-knowledge, examines the effect of digital infrastructures, ideological forces, and epistemic power dynamics on climate change disinformation. The meta-synthesis approach in the study reveals the mechanics of climate change disinformation on social media, the erosion of epistemic welfare influenced by post-truth dynamics, and the ideological and algorithmic amplification of disinformation, shedding light on climate change misinformation as well. The findings show that climate change disinformation represents not only a collection of false claims but also a broader epistemic issue sustained by digital environments, power structures, and fossil corporations. Right-wing populist movements, corporate interests, and algorithmic recommendation systems substantially enhance climate skepticism, intensifying political differences and public distrust in scientific authority. The study highlights the necessity of addressing climate change disinformation through improved scientific communication, algorithmic openness, and digital literacy initiatives. Resolving this conundrum requires systemic activities that go beyond fact-checking, emphasizing epistemic justice and legal reforms.

Abstract: In the era of post-truth politics, fact-checking has emerged as a crucial mechanism to safeguard democratic values, counter misinformation, and ensure accountability. However, the institutional and financial architecture of fact-checking initiatives remains entangled in the political economy of media and governance. This article explores the political economy of fact-checking through global case studies, examining ownership structures, funding sources, political affiliations, and institutional biases. It evaluates the implications of these dynamics for the credibility, neutrality, and sustainability of fact-checking enterprises. The study further considers future trends and challenges in fact-checking, including artificial intelligence, platform regulation, and transnational collaborations.

Abstract: Technological developments and the integration of social media into journalistic practices have transformed the media landscape, changing the processes of information gathering, production and dissemination. This evolution poses challenges, including the lack of clear guidelines and tools for producing quality online news. To address these issues, IQJournalism, an intelligent quality prediction advisor, was developed. This paper outlines the methodology for the development of IQJournalism, a platform that leverages advanced AI technologies to process Greek news articles and provide real-time editing recommendations on various aspects, including language quality, subjectivity level, emotionality, entertainment, and social media engagement. First, a qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 experts, academic researchers and media professionals to identify indicators of perceived quality in journalism. These insights were then transformed into measurable features, which served as training data for explainable machine learning-based models for quality categorization and prediction. Finally, the IQJournalism platform was designed following a user-centered iterative process that included prototyping, testing and redesigning. The innovative approach aims to serve as a valuable tool for improving journalistic quality, contributing to more reliable and engaging online news content.

Abstract: This article explores the pervasive influence of social media platforms, particularly mobile phones, on children's lives, focusing on the consumption of "reels" or short-form videos. It critically examines the content of these reels—ranging from the "meaningless" to the "indecent"—and the broader implications they have on children's cognitive development, behavioral patterns, and societal perceptions. The research highlights the blurred lines between "decent" and "indecent" content in an increasingly digital world and offers a comprehensive analysis of the positive and negative consequences. This study also aims to understand how these media contribute to shaping the identities and worldviews of the younger generation, as well as their psychological and emotional responses. The study explores the influence of social media reels on children in Bangladesh, focusing on content, consumption patterns, and the psychological effects associated with regular exposure to short-form videos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. With children aged 6 to 17 being the primary users, this research examines both the positive and negative impacts, including shifts in cognitive development, emotional well-being, and social behaviors.

Abstract: The digital revolution has transformed genealogical research from traditional archives to online platforms. This study, grounded in knowledge co-creation theory, examines the role of social media communities and their managers as knowledge hubs in the genealogical ecosystem. The research key innovation lies in identifying two new actors in modern genealogical knowledge ecology: the online community as a knowledge hub and the community manager as a central figure in knowledge creation. Based on interviews with fifteen Facebook genealogical community managers, the study explores their perceptions of online genealogical communities and their roles as knowledge facilitators. The analysis revealed five predominant themes: two examining the community’s function as a knowledge hub for both non-members and active participants, and three investigating the community manager’s role through self-conceptualization, perceived member reception, and strategic knowledge initiatives. These findings enhance our understanding of community-based genealogical knowledge creation in the social media era.

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With the widespread adoption of social media worldwide, countries are increasingly using these platforms to manage potential risks and disseminate their content. This study examines the communication effectiveness of six Chinese external media outlets on Facebook during the Winter Olympics, focusing on their COVID-19 coverage. Using structural equation modeling, we analyzed how information presentation and dialogue intervention impacted communication effectiveness. The results indicated that scientific risk description, effective risk information dissemination, and heightened risk awareness in information presentation, as well as dialogue expansion in dialogue intervention, significantly enhanced communication effectiveness of Facebook. However, dialogic contraction had no significant effect. Technical functionality mediated the relationship between information presentation and communication effectiveness but did not show a significant mediating effect for dialogic intervention. Achieving optimal communication outcomes through social media requires a comprehensive consideration of contextual and motivational factors.

Abstract: Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) avoided is increasingly communicated to individuals through digital media. Too Good To Go – a food waste app – presents users with a personalised CO2e avoided figure. Each time they collect food from a supermarket, café or restaurant their number increases. How do users experience CO2e avoided on the app? We explore this question through a longitudinal research project with 10 households in Oxfordshire, involving three interviews, five self-report surveys and a 28-day trial of the app. In general, participants did not see the figure as particularly valuable – best demonstrated in how little it influenced their usage of the app. This was largely due to issues of truthfulness. Each time a participant travelled and collected a bag, the CO2e avoided feedback would increase by a fixed amount. This was at odds with the considerable variation in user experiences. Instead of CO2e avoided, participants put forward alternative impact data that was less individualised and more relatable. We use the concept of data experiences, as developed by Hoeyer et al. (2024), to think through the findings. In doing so, we provide empirical support to the utility of the four-part concept and put forward an additional cross-cutting theme of intensity. The paper also highlights how organisations cannot assume that certain metrics will influence peoples’ opinions and behaviours. To have an impact, their audiences’ data experiences need to be properly understood.

Abstract: This study explores the thematic structure and editorial focus of the digital media land-scape in Bulgaria by analyzing one year of online news publications from eight major media outlets. The data were collected through a custom-built web scraping application developed in Java, which enabled the automated extraction and processing of full-text ar-ticles from publicly accessible news websites. The structured dataset, generated during the scraping process, records word-level occurrences in both article titles and bodies, along with publication dates and URLs. By applying lexical frequency analysis and temporal tracking, the study identifies the most frequently used words, their monthly distribution, and platform-specific usage patterns. The findings reveal clear distinctions in editorial focus between public broadcasters, private national media, and international outlets. Ad-ditionally, the analysis highlights how title construction and word prominence vary de-pending on platform type and media strategy. The study demonstrates the potential of web scraping and computational text analysis as scalable tools for investigating media systems in small and transitional democracies.

Abstract: Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) has significantly evolved to address the complexities introduced by digital media technologies. This literature review synthesizes empirical findings and theoretical advancements from the past two decades, emphasizing how digital platforms have reshaped user motivations, behaviors, and gratifications. Key themes explored include the adaptation of traditional UGT frameworks to accommodate new media affordances, platform-specific gratifications in social media, online gaming, mobile media, and video-on-demand services. Methodological critiques highlight the limitations of conventional survey methods, advocating instead of mixed-method approaches integrating qualitative, quantitative, and computational analytics. Critical perspectives underscore the need to incorporate cultural and contextual considerations into gratification research. Emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) present unique gratifications, prompting further theoretical expansion to capture immersive and embodied user experiences. Future research directions proposed include interdisciplinary studies, cross-cultural analyses, and ethical considerations surrounding algorithmic personalization. Ultimately, this review underscores the continuing relevance of UGT in understanding user engagement within rapidly evolving digital media environments.

Abstract: The ideal of the open society, based on rational deliberation and pluralism, faces significant challenges in the digital age. This study explores how affective polarization and populist sentiments among young Portuguese voters reconfigure the public space, conditioning democratic debate. Using a sample of 130 first-time voters in the April 2024 legislative elections, we analyze the relationship between populism, adherence to radical right-wing ideology and levels of affective polarization, considering the role of social networks as vectors of these dynamics. The results suggest that young people with populist sentiments show greater affective polarization and that the preference for certain digital platforms influences this tendency. The study contributes to the debate on the impact of social networks in an open society, highlighting their role in amplifying discursive fragmentation and eroding the foundations of democratic debate.

Abstract: The history of journalism in Ireland is complicated and has changed over a long time. Starting with the first newspapers in the early 18th century to the rise of digital media in the 21st century, journalism in Ireland has been important in influencing public views and keeping leaders in check. Early newspapers played a key role in the political struggles of the time, including the fight for Irish independence. As the field developed, so did its influence, with major newspapers like The Irish Times and The Irish Independent becoming pillars of Irish journalism. In recent years, the growth of online news websites and social media has drastically changed how news is made and shared. These changes not only changed how information spreads but also created significant ethical and professional issues for reporters. Digital platforms have made news more accessible, but they have also led to challenges such as misinformation and sensationalism.The effects of these changes on Irish society are deep, affecting public discussions, political choices, and community involvement. It is clear from the history and changes in journalism in Ireland that the field still significantly impacts the country’s cultural and political scene, shaping how citizens understand and engage with the world around them.

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This paper presents an integrative review of the history, developments, and social impacts of journalism in Saudi Arabia. It analyzes the industry's evolution from traditional forms to contemporary practices shaped by technological advancements and socio-political changes. The research examines the roles of governmental regulations, cultural influences, and economic factors in shaping industry. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the study assesses how Saudi journalism has navigated challenges and opportunities over time. Key developments in media laws, the rise of digital journalism, and consequent social impacts, including changes in public discourse and civic engagement, are critically examined. Findings reveal a complex interplay between state control, technological innovation, and journalistic practice, highlighting both constraints and progress within the Saudi context. This review contributes to the broader understanding of media evolution in non-Western settings, offering insights into potential future trajectories of journalism in Saudi Arabia. By providing a comprehensive analysis of historical and contemporary dynamics, this research underscores the significance of sustainable journalistic practices and informed public discourse for societal development. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and practical applications aimed at fostering an open and resilient journalism industry in Saudi Arabia.

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The fires that ravaged Los Angeles in 2025 not only caused considerable material damage: they also triggered a parallel crisis of misinformation, fueled by the strong emotional and symbolic charge that fire carries in the collective imagination. Emblematic fires - whether the Great Fire of Rome (64 CE), the Great Fire of London (1666) or Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2019 - have acquired a metaphorical significance in human history that goes beyond their immediate context, highlighting profound social concerns. In Los Angeles, media coverage of the fires of 2025 intensified tensions around inequality, institutional failures and environmental justice, while the emotional dimension of the fire fostered the rapid rise of conspiracy theories. Fake news, such as the elite grabbing of resources, resonated with an American population already marked by distrust of institutions and its elites embodied by the billionaire duo Trump and Musk. What's more, the media's propensity to privilege emotional impact over factual information has only reinforced this phenomenon. To be truly effective, strategies to combat forest fire misinformation must therefore address both the emotional drivers of fire symbolism and the historical patterns that give these narratives their persuasive force. Concerted efforts by scientists (especially historians, sociologists and information and communication specialists), journalists and local players, combined with more factual communication, can help restore confidence and strengthen collective resilience. It seems essential to remember that fire in our civilization represents both an environmental threat and a powerful cultural symbol with deep-rooted roots and imagery, in order to better understand the dual crisis of fire-related ecological disasters and the misinformation that recurrently accompanies them.

Abstract: Immaturity, as a state of mind, is a subject that negatively affects social relationships and the individual’s life. It is a subject that has been studied in scientific literature as a defense mechanism. It is wondered whether immaturity is related to digital technologies. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable dimensional immaturity scale and examine its psychometric properties. For this purpose, data was collected from 320 people across Turkey on a voluntary basis. As a result of the studies carried out in the research, the 4-dimensional and 18-item Uskudar Immaturity Scale (USIMS) was developed. The dimensions of the scale are named as: (1) Hastiness, impatience and suggestibility, (2) Center of attention, (3) Impulsivity, (4) Tendency to stand out and emotional instability. The scale explained 57.57% of the total variance. The Cronbach Alpha value of the scale was found to be .87. In the confirmatory factor analysis study, the scale structure was confirmed. Some of the first results are: (a) The immaturity level of those who use social media for 4 hours or more a day was found to be the highest, (b) the immaturity level increases as the frequency of live chatting on social media increases, (c) they become happy when they receive likes on social media, (d) the immaturity level of those who stated that they had a relationship and ended their relationship by fighting on social media is observed. It was concluded that the developed scale needed to be applied to different samples in further studies.

Abstract: This paper is to explore the evolution of mass communication theories in the context of digital media, emphasizing the decline of traditional models and the rise of innovative paradigms. I argue that historical theories, such as the Hypodermic Needle Theory, fall short in explaining the complexities of modern digital interactions due to their linear and passive assumptions. Through a series of interviews and case studies, I analyze the transition to new theories, such as Network Society Theory and Algorithmic Media Theory, which better encapsulate the interactive and decentralized nature of contemporary media landscapes. My findings illustrate the urgent need for a reevaluation of communication models, supported by global examples that highlight the transformative impact of digital media on audience engagement and content dissemination. Ultimately, I advocate for future research to further investigate diverse methodologies that can enhance our understanding of digital communication dynamics.

Abstract: This paper analyses how the different forms of media communication used by the Mapuche in-digenous social movement, especially from the mid-1990s to date, have considered different strategies. (1) Background: Here we will review, first, the strategy of intervention in the agenda of the hegemonic media in Chile; and second, the plan of creating its own media to form an alter-native media agenda. (2) Methods: The study considered three methodological strategies: Anal-ysis of a total of 1033 news, 21 individual and group interviews, and review and documentary analysis. (3) Results: The study raises how the movement manages to configure an against-agenda, understood as an agenda built within the framework of a dispute for control of the semiotic-communicational code of society, its relationships, and its eventual transformations. (4) Conclusions: As we will see here, the against-agenda is only possible in conditions of so-cio-political crisis, with semantic consequences in social language and with a tendency to regress to the status quo.briefly describe the main methods or treatments applied.

Abstract: The traditions of authoritarianism have not disappeared from the practice of state-society relations with the independence of Central Asian states: liberal tendencies in these relations regularly encounter resistance from state institutions. The aim of this study is to identify the parameters of the volatility in the development of civil society using the example of public institutions such as journalism, media, and the blogosphere, as well as the causes and consequences of this volatility in the Central Asian region, particularly Uzbekistan, as well as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Methodologically, the study utilizes data from non-governmental organizations, such as Freedom House and Reporters Without Borders, consistently applied since 2013. The authors also employ the method of observation—monitoring specific events in the sphere of relations between the state, media, and representatives of the blogosphere in the three countries—as well as a survey method, which involved 275 respondents. The recommendations of the study include the need to denationalize the media and strengthen the accountability of officials for hindering the development of freedom of speech.