Science communication with DASDING [20.12.22]
"Generation Z addicted to mobile phones", "Unsocial Social Media" – headlines like these are published almost every day. Social media is portrayed as harmful and manipulative, a threat to well-being and society. The scientific evidence is different.
Source: Open AI, Dall·E
Social media might reinforce existing functional or dysfunctional contexts and behavioral patterns, but not direct effects of social media use on dysfunctional behavior has been found in previous research. If teens are dissatisfied while looking into in the mirror and comparing themselves to others, Instagram posts of flawless fitness models will leave them even less satisfied. If use social media are used without the intention of social comparison and envy, they have significantly fewer dysfunctional effects.
The goal of our science communication is to share and discuss a complex perspective on social media with the public. Our research findings are intended to reach both a scientific and a broader target audience. We would like to contribute to political and social decision-making processes. An important part of our active science communication is being interviewed by the radio station DASDING. The SWR youth radio program has been a fixture in the media industry for 25 years and appeals to a target group that is sometimes described as difficult to reach, namely teenagers and young adults. More than half a million people in Baden-Wurttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate tune in to DASDING and listen to humorous, entertaining and music programs as well as social and political topics. The moderators regularly bring in experts as interview partners. Sometimes they found studies, for example on hate comments online, or report on current media trends and ask for our assessment. We then reflect on these topics against the backdrop of media psychological theories and empirical evidence and try to bring our perspective closer to the listener in a clear, understandable and entertaining way.
Regine Frener from the Media Psychology department spoke with DASDING about the gender pay gap among influencers, gave tips for a digital detox and better sleep quality, explained why many social media stars are suddenly leaving industry, and why users are tremendously loyal to TikTok, Instagram and Co. despite of their distrust of the service providers. Further, Regine Frener talked about scientific results on other psychological topics such as patience or the subconscious in the program.
For us, the benefit of this form of science communication lies not only in making our knowledge accessible to a wider audience, but also in reflection our research topics in light of their impact on society. In addition, working with DASDING is fun and offers a nice change from everyday scientific work.
For contact inquiries, please send us an e-mail. The addresses of the experts can be found on the respective profile pages of the department https://medienpsychologie.uni-hohenheim.de/team; general inquiries can be sent to christine.wolff@uni-hohenheim.de
