Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership , Franklin University, 2023, International Institute for Innovative Instruction

Declining student engagement has been an ongoing concern for educators, education researchers, school administration, and policymakers for the last 40 years (Axelson & Flick, 2011), with socioeconomically disadvantaged students being the most susceptible to disengagement (Finn, 1993; Jensen, 2013). The discourse surrounding declining student engagement includes exploring effective pedagogy as an intervention and influencing optimal academic development and successful school completion. Innovative pedagogical tools have been studied to provide a more engaging learning experience, evolving from chalkboards to tape recorders, projectors, computers, digital games, and the latest social networking sites (SNSs) (DeCoito & Vacca, 2020), such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Though the integration of SNSs into the curriculum in secondary education is still being fine-tuned, many educators have adopted them into their teaching strategies because of their growing popularity in society and, more recently, due to the pause in traditional learning caused by the coronavirus pandemic (Cavus et al., 2021; Iivari, 2020). However, concerns about a need for more guidelines on how SNSs should be integrated, their effectiveness, and teachers' preparedness are apparent (Pedler et al., 2020; Van Den Beemt et al., 2020). The study aimed to determine teachers' perceptions of the impact SNSs as pedagogical tools have on student engagement. A secondary purpose was to determine whether teacher perceptions of student engagement when SNSs were used as a pedagogical tool differed based on their years of experience, assignment integration, the type of SNS(s) used, and time spent per week using SNSs for varying assignments. Title 1 high school teachers were surveyed and answered a series of 5-point Likert scale questions rating their level of agreement with statements about SNSs as pedagogical tools and teachers' perception of their impact on different engagement indicators. The sum of the resp (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Donis Toler (Committee Chair); Matthew Barclay (Committee Member); Valerie Storey (Committee Member) Subjects: Education Policy; Educational Technology; Educational Theory; Secondary Education; Teaching

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2020, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

Through qualitative methodology, this dissertation aimed to explore adolescent girls' use of social networking sites (SNS) and the impact these sites could be having on girls' development of empathy and their ability to address conflict in their friendships. The topic is introduced by outlining the relevant statistics and through highlighting some of the negative and positive influences of SNS use on adolescent female life. Carol Gilligan's theory of moral development is explained and used to frame the research questions for this phenomenological research study. Section One of this dissertation reviews the current literature on this topic, including how social media use is impacting the sexual, emotional, and psychological heath of adolescent girls. In addition, this chapter outlines how certain developmental processes in adolescence such as acquiring empathy and socializing intersect with SNS in this digital age. The concepts of rupture and repair are explained as they relate to female aggression during the teenage years. The importance of empathy development and the potential impacts of SNS on brain functioning are discussed. Section Two of this dissertation outlines the qualitative methodology: Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Section Two includes a description of the study participants, interview process, procedures, data analysis and outlines the potential ethical concerns associated with this project. Section Three reports on the findings of the study, including a description of the demographic data and a presentation of clusters and themes. Section Four presents the results in detail and reports on the implications for clinical practice, limitations of this study, future directions for research, and researcher reflections.

Committee: Martha Straus PhD (Committee Chair); Kate Evarts Rice PsyD (Committee Member); David Arbeitman PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2019, Psychology

Given the growing presence of social networking sites (SNSs) in the lives of adolescents, and the need for research examining the association between female adolescents' motives for managing their online self-presentations and their subjective wellbeing, the current study examined the reasons behind female adolescents' tendencies to manage their photographic self-presentations on SNSs, and the potential outcomes for their social and psychological wellbeing. Ninth- through twelfth-grade students from an all-female, Catholic, high school (N = 180; Mage = 15.86, SD = 1.22) completed questionnaires measuring their narcissism, perceived appearance-based social pressure from peers, online photographic impression management strategies, social and psychological wellbeing, and social desirability. Results revealed that greater appearance-based social pressure, but not higher levels of narcissism, was associated with more online photo impression management strategies (OPIMS). Further, more OPIMS was negatively associated with both psychological and social wellbeing. However, the relationships between OPIMS with psychological and social wellbeing were not moderated by appearance-based social pressure nor narcissism. Future research should examine female adolescents' online self-presentations, and the implications for by psychological and social wellbeing, by monitoring or coding the adolescents' actual photographs on SNSs. Such research has practical implications for the development of social media literacy programs, which could promote healthy SNS use among teenage girls.

Committee: Tammy Sonnentag PhD (Advisor); Christian End PhD (Committee Member); Jennifer Gibson PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology; Social Psychology; Technology

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2017, Communication

Female body image concern has been widely studied in the literature, but fewer studies have examined the relationship between social networking site use and female body image concern. Using objectification theory as a framework, the present study explored how appearance comparison and feedback comparison influence body shame, disordered eating, and cosmetic surgery interest in the context of the social networking site Instagram. A national sample of female Instagram users (N = 245) completed an online survey. Results of the serial mediation model showed that body surveillance had an indirect effect on disordered eating and cosmetic surgery interest via appearance comparison on Instagram and body shame. Body surveillance, however, did not positively predict disordered eating and cosmetic surgery interest through the mediating variables of feedback comparison on Instagram and body shame. A significant positive relationship emerged between body surveillance and appearance comparison, as well as between appearance comparison and body shame. Body shame positively predicted disordered eating and cosmetic surgery interest. Feedback comparison, on the other hand, did not reveal significant direct relationships with any of the variables within the serial mediation model. These results suggest that objectification theory should be expanded to incorporate appearance comparison and cosmetic surgery interest within its framework. Furthermore, female Instagram users need to be aware of the negative consequences Instagram use could have on their body image. Media literacy programs on body image should develop sessions emphasizing the role Instagram use plays in the development of body image concern. Disordered eating clinicians and cosmetic surgeons must consider the potential influence of Instagram use and appearance comparison on their patients' body image concern or interest in undergoing cosmetic procedures.

Committee: Roselyn Lee Won (Advisor); Siyue Li (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication

PHD, Kent State University, 2016, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences

Public Service Announcements (PSAs) have had roots in American culture since WWII and are still used today to inform the public about current health, social, and environmental issues facing the population. In the past 70 years, traditional media outlets were used to spread PSAs, including print, television, and radio. However, newer technologies are starting to take shape as an alternative way to reach the masses, including social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Along with changes in the delivery of information, there have also been some changes with many Americans' bodies, specifically related to weight gain. The increase in the weight of many Americans is largely attributed to oversized meal portions and a sedentary lifestyle. This study gathered information from young adults (N=249) at a large Ohio public university to add to the current literature about PSAs disseminated through the social networking site Facebook, and email, to determine their effectiveness on changing people's awareness, attitudes and behaviors about daily food and exercise choices. The quantitative results provided evidence that a four-week intervention helped to create modest changes in both Facebook and email groups regarding awareness, behaviors, and attitude changes about healthy living. Contrary to the popularity of social media, the Facebook group did not perform better than the email group. In fact, the email group demonstrated statistical significance on two issues that the Facebook group did not. The qualitative results provided by the Facebook group demonstrated that SNSs can benefit people who read posted messages and comments and participate in discussion. In this study, 95% of the Facebook participants self-reported that they benefitted from discussions.

Committee: Drew Tiene Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Catherine Goodall Ph.D. (Committee Member); Chia-Ling Kuo Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication; Educational Psychology; Health Education

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2015, Communication

This study aimed to understand the role of positive and negative feedback on attitude, behavioral intention and shared reality. Through the lens of the social cognitive theory (SCT), grounding theory, social identity theory (SIT) and social identity model of deindividualization effects (SIDE), the study focused on memes that portrayed colorism (i.e., intragroup discrimination). African American participants viewed a meme portraying dark-skinned Blacks as poor on Twitter that received negative or positive feedback through comments and emoticons. Overall, participants who viewed memes receiving positive feedback reported more negative attitudes towards sharing the meme. Furthermore, when the meme received positive feedback, participants reported less identification with the commenter. Although the study provided a glimpse into colorism within social media, skewed data hinder external validity. Future research will address this issue.

Committee: Roselyn Lee-Won (Advisor); Osei Appiah (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication

MS, Kent State University, 2015, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Health Sciences

This study examined the use of social networking sites (SNS) as tools for weight management in college students (n=1138), as well as the perceived credibility of these sites as information sources. An anonymous, online, self-administered questionnaire was emailed to 10,000 random students, both undergraduate and graduate, to examine their SNS use for weight management information. They also were asked about their perceived credibility of SNS as an information source, the types of weight management-related search keywords used on SNS, their posting and browsing habits, and their perceptions about social support available on SNS. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographics and total SNS usage. Fisher's exact tests were used to examine gender and age differences in SNS usage, and independent t-tests were used to examine gender differences between perceived credibility, search keywords, posting and browsing habits, and social support perceptions. Two-thirds (n=739) of participants reported using SNS to access weight management information. Female college students were more likely to be Instagram and Pinterest users (p≤0.001), while male college students were more likely to be Twitter users (p≤0.01). There were no gender differences in Facebook usage. The most frequently searched keywords on SNS pertained to healthy recipes and exercise information. Forty-six percent of participants reported that weight management information on SNS was trustworthy, and there were no gender differences in perceived credibility. There were no gender differences in posting and browsing habits and perceptions on social support.

Committee: Eun-Jeong Ha (Advisor); Natalie Caine-Bish (Committee Member); Karen Lowry Gordon (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication; Health Sciences; Mass Communications; Mass Media; Nutrition; Web Studies

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2014, Journalism (Communication)

This thesis examined the effects of social network sites (SNS) on users' social capital and privacy awareness and tested if differences existed in intensity of SNS usage and its relationship with students' social capital and privacy awareness between Chinese and the U.S. college students. An online survey conducted among Chinese Renren Network users and the U.S. Facebook users showed that the usage of SNSs was positively related to users' social capital (both bridging and partially bonding) and privacy awareness. Significant differences were found in the intensity of SNS usage and bridging social capital between the users of Facebook and Renren Network.

Committee: Jatin Srivastava (Advisor); Bernhard Debatin (Committee Member); Parul Jain (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication; Journalism

Master of Applied Communication Theory and Methodology, Cleveland State University, 2010, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Humans engage their environment through the combined effort of the mind, body proper and corresponding instinctual emotive devices (Damasio, 1994). These structures are a part of the same phenomena: human biology. Our emotive devices along with the brain and body act as an interwoven organism appraising the environment and making necessary adjustments for it survival and efficient functioning. Moreover, these structures actively engage socially complex signals like those that we experience daily in our social world. Plausibly, when these devices are not utilized the interwoven organism will be in a state of atrophy. Much like an antigen would trigger a reaction from the body to promote homeostasis, this same idea can be applied to a social agent of alienation viewed through four dimensions of negative social valence: envy, embarrassment, guilt, and shame. This exploratory research employed an Evolutionary Psychology perspective whereby the human mind is viewed through the lens of the physiological and psychological mechanisms that created the developmental programs we use today (Cosmides & Tooby, 1992). This theoretical framework was used to study the relationship between human behavior, the state of alienation, and SNS. Based on survey data from college students, there seemed to be a relationship between alienation and Social Networking Sites. Alienation dimensions were highest among those who had the lowest amount of contacts on SNS. The findings from this study will add to the body of knowledge on Computer Mediated Communication as well as afford an opportunity for further research in understanding human behavior engaged in SNS through the viewpoint of Evolutionary Psychology.

Committee: Gary Pettey PhD (Advisor); Cheryl Bracken PhD (Committee Member); Robert Whitbred PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication; Physiological Psychology; Psychology; Social Psychology

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2012, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

Online social networking sites have experienced a surge in popularity since their inception. Serving as a hub for communities of all ages, Web sites such as MySpace, Friendster and Facebook bridge geographic and time limitations and offer their members the opportunity to connect with anyone on the Internet at any time. The growing accessibility of technology for computer-mediated communication, outside of such Web sites offers similar opportunities. Although critics share concern over potential for the loss of intimacy, the possibility for increased levels of perceived social support through limitless networking options should not be overlooked. When we consider the strong connection between perceived social support and perceived stress, which are linked to physical and mental symptomatology, the possible benefits are worthy of inquiry. This study explores the constructs of perceived social support and perceived stress and examines the impact of online social networking sites and computer-mediated communication upon a person's experience of them. Results supported Cohen's Stress-buffering hypothesis. A significant negative correlation was found for the association between reported levels of perceived social support and levels of perceived stress. Facebook use was not significantly related to perceived social support. This finding failed the second step for establishing mediation and disproved the hypothesis that perceived social support mediates a negative correlation between Facebook use and perceived stress. Further exploration revealed a significant relationship between respondent preference for computer-mediated communication, perceived social support, and perceived stress, however. The more that respondents preferred online communication to face-to-face or telephone communication, the greater the level of stress they perceived. Also, respondents who reported a preference for computer-mediated communication reported lower levels of perceived social support. A r (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Susan Hawes PhD (Committee Chair); William Slammon PhD (Committee Member); Dean Hammer PsyD (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2013, Management

Social networking platforms, systems designed to provide digital content services specifically for social network sites (SNS), continue to develop through a rapid combination of components forming a service ecology that is much more than a single tool or service. These SNS have experienced tremendously rapid growth rates and traditional economic factors put forward to explain growth such as pricing are inadequate. Explanations offered by platform scholars for the exponential growth of SNS such as Facebook do not go far enough in explaining why some platforms such as Facebook grow while others such as Friendster do not, despite following somewhat similar growth strategies advocated in the literature. In this thesis I develop a theoretical model that offers greater power and detail than previous models – that focus on single user-tool technology adoption – in explaining the growth of SNS. It builds upon the work on two-sided economic models but seeks to expand them using social exchange theory to situations where the exchanged value is not monetary. The dissertation covers the motivation, prior research, theoretical foundations, research methodology, findings, and contributions. Following mixed methodology utilized a grounded theory approach by first conducting semi-structured interviews with technology executives and users of two SNS that have experienced dramatically different growth patterns to identify and explain user related behaviors that drive growth. Informed by this study, I next hypothesize a research model that draws upon platform processes of co-creation and co-production as well as user features of voyeurism and exhibitionism to explain SNS growth – measured by fan out and retention. The model posits that the growth of SNS is mediated through the participation in the co-creation and co-production processes. In a second study, I analyzed to what extent the ratios of user propensity towards either voyeuristic or exhibitionistic behaviors affect the fan (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kalle Lyytinen Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Dick Boland Ph.D. (Committee Member); Jerry Kane Ph.D. (Committee Member); Rakesh Niraj Ph.D. (Committee Member); Toni Somers Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Information Systems; Information Technology; Management; Marketing; Social Research

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Information Technology

Over the past ten years, cyberbullying has become a prevalent issue across various levels of education and society globally. This dissertation delves into the complex landscape of cyberbullying text detection. Through a thorough parametric analysis, it explores the intricacies of cyberbullying text detection research, presenting insights into potential solutions and strategies. A case study is conducted to investigate cultural variations and perceptions of offensiveness, particularly within Ghanaian culture, contributing to a deeper understanding of cyberbullying dynamics. The dissertation also explores strategies for prevention and fostering a safer online environment, along with examining cultural interpretations of technology features. Furthermore, this dissertation focuses on detecting cyberbullying in adversarial text content within social networking site, with a specific emphasis on identifying hate speech. Utilizing a deep learning-based approach with a correction algorithm, this dissertation yielded significant results. An LSTM model with a fixed epoch of 100 demonstrated remarkable performance, achieving high accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC-ROC scores of 87.57%, 88.73%, 87.57%, 88.17%, and 91% respectively. The LSTM model's performance surpassed that of previous studies when compared. Additionally, the dissertation offers recommendations for defense strategies against adversarial attacks on AI-based models, providing valuable insights for future research endeavors.

Committee: Nelly Elsayed Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Amanda La Guardia Ph.D. (Committee Member); Zaghloul Elsayed Ph.D. (Committee Member); M. Murat Ozer Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Information Technology

PHD, Kent State University, 2021, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration

This study had two overarching goals: (1) to develop scales with acceptable psychometric properties and (2) to contribute to the growing body of literature on the spiral of silence theory (SoST) in the context of Social Networking Sites (SNSs). These goals were addressed with findings from two manuscripts, both of which leveraged data from a survey distributed to faculty at a large, public university in the U.S. (N = 256). Goal 1 was addressed with results from Rasch Principal Components Analysis (PCA), Rasch Rating Scale Model (RSM), and indices of Internal Consistency Reliability: (1) Contextual Fear of Social Isolation (CFSI; α = .85 and α = .69), (2) Contextual Fear of Reprimand (CFEAR; α = .88), (3) Fear of Reprimand (FEAR; α = .96 and α = .81), and (4) Willingness to Express Opinions (WTEO; α = .91 and α = .94). Goal 2 was addressed with results from a series of Two-Group Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVAs) and Conditional Process Analyses. Using Noelle-Neumann's (1974; 1993) SoST as a foundation, a moderated mediation model was used to describe the relationship among opinion congruence, contextual fear of social isolation, issue involvement, and willingness to express opinions (Fear of Isolation-Consequences and -Perceptions Models). This study also addressed a criticism of the SoST by testing an alternative catalyst (Fear of Sanctions Model). The MANOVAs were significant, while the Index of Moderated Mediation was not for any models. Additional research with a topic that can elicit a wider range of reactions is needed.

Committee: Aryn C. Karpinski PhD (Committee Chair); Jason Schenker PhD (Committee Member); Anthony Vander Horst PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Higher Education

Master of Science (M.S.), Xavier University, 2020, Psychology

This study investigated applicant reactions to and perceived organizational attraction with the use of LinkedIn in the recruitment and selection process. Participants completed both phases of a two-phase survey. Phase One investigated applicant reactions and perceptions of organizational attractiveness based on the use of LinkedIn, Facebook, or no social networking site (i.e., resumes) in the recruitment and selection process from a dimensional perspective. Phase Two explored overall applicant reactions and perceived organizational attractiveness with different types of LinkedIn recruitment (i.e., active, passive, absent). Participants preferred LinkedIn to Facebook in the recruitment and selection process but did not show a consistent preference when comparing LinkedIn to no SNS. Results also indicated that participants preferred active LinkedIn recruitment too passive LinkedIn recruitment in terms of overall applicant reactions and perceived organizational attractiveness. These results suggest that if organizations are going to use social networking sites in recruitment and selection, they should use LinkedIn. However, organizations may want to be cautious regarding the use of LinkedIn as it appears that applicants still prefer the use of no SNS in the recruitment and selection process in regards to opportunity to perform and invasion of privacy.

Committee: Mark Nagy Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Dalia Diab Ph.D. (Committee Member); Morrie Mullins Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Labor Relations; Management; Occupational Psychology; Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2019, Communication

Loneliness is a negative emotional experience that occurs due to perceived deficiency in social relationships (Peplau & Perlman, 1982). Self-disclosure of lonely feelings can facilitate coping. However, disclosing loneliness contains potential risks, especially in the contexts of social networking sites (SNSs). This dissertation aims to investigate how people perceive and interpret loneliness disclosure on SNSs, using the path model of blame as a framework (Malle, Guglielmo, & Monroe, 2014). An online experiment (n = 117) was conducted to look at: 1) the ways in which context collapse and relational closeness could predict perceived appropriateness of disclosing loneliness on SNSs, 2) how the perceived appropriateness of disclosing loneliness on SNSs impacts blame judgment, 3) the moderating effect of reason justification on the relationship between appropriateness and blame judgment, and 4) the effect of blameworthiness on subsequent support provision. Findings suggested that context collapse and relational closeness did not predict perceived appropriateness of disclosing loneliness on SNSs. The moderating effect of reason justification on the relationship between appropriateness and blame judgment did not work out. However, results showed that the perceived appropriateness of disclosing loneliness on SNSs was negatively associated with blame judgment. More blame attributed to people who disclosed loneliness on SNSs, the less willing recipients were to provide emotional, informational , and tangible support. Implications and limitations are discussed.

Committee: Jesse Fox (Advisor); David DeAndrea (Committee Member); April Li (Committee Member); Teresa Lynch (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication

MA, University of Cincinnati, 2018, Arts and Sciences: Communication

This study explores how adjunct faculty and staff use social media among a converged mixed audience. With social networking sites (SNSs) serving as digital spaces where various social spheres often converge, the result can dramatically impact how an individual presents oneself and can even negatively impact one's behavior culminating in self-withdrawal. Specifically, through in-depth interviews, the present research seeks to understand how adjunct faculty and staff self-present among a collapsed audience, or “context collapse” (Marwick & boyd, 2011); the different concerns and challenges they face; and how a collapsing of audiences can lead to self-withdrawal. Results of the present study suggest that context collapse is occurring frequently on adjunct faculty and staff members' social media accounts—particularly the blurring of personal and professional boundaries. However, SNS platforms are found to not only serve as sites of context collapse but also afford tools to restore context by allowing users to segment audiences. This study finds support for audience segmentation strategies covered in existing literature, but also expands overall methods to include Facebook groups and lists. In addition, participants were classified along a continuum into four different behavioral categories, including: Strict Separators, Savvy Segmenters, Positive PG Posters, and Reluctant Participants. Future avenues for further research around adjunct faculty and staff, the blurring of personal and professional boundaries, and self-withdrawal are also discussed.

Committee: Nancy Jennings Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Pamara Chang Ph.D. (Committee Member); Eric Jenkins Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2018, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education

This dissertation consists of two studies. Study one explored qualitatively the uses and perceptions of fitspiration pages on social networking sites in college women. Study two examined relationships between exercise behaviors, body dissatisfaction, use of fitspiration pages on social networking sites and appearance motivation for exercise. Study One Abstract Background. Social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) are a popular way of spending time online, and “fitspiration” pages, or pages dedicated to fitness inspiration, are becoming increasingly present. This exploratory study sought to learn more about the ways in which college women used fitspiration pages on social networking sites, and their perceptions of these pages. Methods. A focus group of six female college students discussed fitspiration pages. Results. Four themes emerged from the data: fitspiration pages are not always believable, fitspiration pages can promote body acceptance, fitspiration pages can be motivating or de-motivating, and there are many reasons for using fitspiration pages. Discussion. Participants reported that pages could be useful. They placed trust in pages that depicted models who looked “real”, presenting women of many body types. Results provided insight into the ways fitspiration is used by college women. Future studies should explore ways in which viewing fitspiration pages influence health behaviors. Study Two Abstract Background. Previous research has identified a relationship between viewing fitspiration pages, body dissatisfaction and appearance-motivated exercise. This study explored the relations among demographic factors, use of fitspiration pages, body dissatisfaction, BMI, number of days exercised in a week, and appearance motivation. Methods. A survey was developed and administered to college students. Results. About half (n = 204) of the students viewed fitspiration pages, typically for about one to ten minutes daily. Those s (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Laura Nabors Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Amy Bernard Ph.D. (Committee Member); Rebecca Vidourek Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Education

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2017, Communication

Colorism, or skin tone discrimination, manifests in the form of a general denigration of dark-skinned individuals. Black Americans, who are only one of many groups affected by this international bias, are impacted in many ways, but its influence in the realm of employment is of particular consequence to day-to-day existence. Modern technology, such as social network(ing) sites (SNSs), has amended facets of the employment process, granting employers access to an abundance of online applicant data; however, the array of information located online and the many self-presentation options available via SNSs could hurt the job prospects of Black applicants. As such, the current study investigates the effect of skin tone and cross-platform self-presentation upon evaluations of Black employability utilizing the theory of uncertainty reduction. An online experiment using a 2 (applicant skin tone: dark vs. light) x 2 (applicant sex: male vs. female) x 3 (cross-platform congruency: congruent, incongruent, control) between-subjects design was conducted with a sample of 757 Whites. Each participant was told to evaluate the applicant according to the materials provided (resume, LinkedIn profile, and Facebook posts). Results indicated that skin tone and congruency impact evaluations of Black applicants. Both dark-skinned applicants and applicants with incongruent self-presentations across Facebook and LinkedIn were evaluated less favorably concerning certainty, perceived job suitability, perceived hireability, and salary deserved. The implications of these results and limitations are discussed therein.

Committee: Roselyn J. Lee-Won (Advisor); Osei Appiah (Committee Member); David R. Ewoldsen (Committee Member); Lanier F. Holt (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2015, Communication

Previous research on interactivity has focused on active engagement with a source and feature-based aspects of online platforms. This study seeks to clarify how merely viewing the interactions of others can meaningfully influence impressions of the source. Specifically, this study explores responsiveness and tailoring as key facets of interactivity. The results indicate that viewing specific types of interactions impact perceptions of interactivity. In addition, there is a significant indirect effect of the source providing responses to existing messages, through participants' perceptions that they could receive a response, on attitudes toward the source and behavioral intention. There is also a significant indirect effect of the source providing tailored responses to existing messages, through participants' perceptions that they could receive a tailored response, on assessment of quality of future interactions with the source, attitudes toward the source, and behavioral intention. The implications of this study's results for interactivity, interactivity perceptions, and further research are discussed.

Committee: David DeAndrea Ph.D. (Advisor); Roselyn Lee-Won Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication

PHD, Kent State University, 2014, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration

Research has shown since 2008 that social networking site (SNS) use comprises the majority of time spent on the Internet. The age distribution and large amount of time spent on SNSs evoke a new research era: How students use SNSs and how the uses of SNSs impact their academic performance. The main objective of the pilot study was to investigate the relationship between time spent on SNSs, frequency of SNS use, multitasking with SNSs, time spent studying, and Grade Point Average (GPA). In the first part, the cross-cultural differences between the United States (US; n = 444) and European college students (n = 346) were examined using path models. After examining the path models, a new survey was administered with additional items (with existing reliability and validity evidence). The purpose of the main study was to define new constructs using observed variables. These constructs were Facebook® addiction, multitasking with SNSs while studying, using SNSs for school work, the amount of time spent on SNSs, college self-efficacy, and academic performance. A structural equation model (SEM) was developed using the above constructs. SEM has many advantages compared to path analysis, and it was used to compare two countries: the US (n = 226) and Turkey (TR; n = 200). This exploratory investigation focused on the following main goals: (a) testing if Facebook® addiction and intensive SNS use impact academic performance, (b) identifying the variables that directly or indirectly impact SNS use and academic performance, (c) understanding the impact of Facebook® addiction on general SNS use and academic performance, (d) indicating relationships between the variables, and (e) probing the differences between university students from different cultures (i.e., the US and TR).

Committee: Tricia Niesz (Committee Co-Chair); Jian Li (Committee Co-Chair); Christopher A. Was (Committee Member); Aryn C. Karpinski (Committee Member) Subjects: Educational Evaluation; Educational Technology; Technology