Social Commerce—When Social Media Meets E-commerce: A Swiss Consumer Study

Navigating Social Media in #Ophthalmology

Use of different social media platforms has increased radically over the past decade, emerging as an important part of adolescents and young people's everyday life. This might exert potential adverse effects on sleep quality and daytime performance of young adults. To assess the relation between use of social media platforms and sleep quality among public secondary school students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 961 students in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Students were asked to fill in a structured interview questionnaire covering personal data, pattern of social media use, sleep quality using The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and their mental health status using the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). Students' ages ranged from 15 to 20 years with a mean age of 16.7 ± 2.1 years old. A total of 570 (59.3%) students were females. Tiktok (80%), Snapchat (77.9%), Instagram (63.8%) and YouTube (58.8%) were the most reported platforms used. Regarding their sleep quality, 34.7% of students were poor sleepers. TikTok use (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.77), hours spent on social media (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.16-1.37) and having moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.19-2.40) were significant independent predictors of poor sleep among the studied sample. The present study emphasized the association between prolonged use of social media and poor sleep quality among Saudi adolescents. Awareness and behavioral change strategies and activities concerning the drawbacks of poor sleep and proper use of social media are urgently called for to control mental and physical health consequences of poor sleep and social media addiction.

Despite its innovative and avant-garde reputation, the luxury industry initially began showing a very low commitment to new online marketing tools and it held a conservative approach to selling when compared to other sectors. Nowadays, the context has dramatically changed and luxury brands are approaching with an increasing interest social networks as well as the online selling. This research aims to clarify the current strategic approaches of the players in the different luxury markets towards the social commerce phenomenon, from both a theoretical and an empirical point of view. The purpose is to test a framework that can be used to classify luxury companies’ strategies regarding social media adoptions based on actual theories on social media. Four strategies related to the social media adoption by luxury brands have been identified: the Social brand ambassadors strategy class (low promotional content percentage and low social commerce score) includes those brands that use social media for entertainment and user engagement; the Social showcases strategy (high promotional content percentage and low social commerce score) includes those brands that use their social accounts as online catalogues; the Social infotainers strategy (low promotional content percentage and high social commerce score) includes those brands that scored high in social commerce, mainly because of the provision of informative content and brand–consumer interactions, but they were linked to more entertainment-oriented actions rather than product-related ones. Finally, the Social sellers strategy (high promotional content percentage and high social commerce score) includes those brands that have integrated social commerce into their online strategies and have subsequently exploited the potential of social media to drive online and offline sales. The database is built using original data from a content analysis of 100 luxury brands’ postings on five different social media platforms – namely Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest. The total final sample included 12,132 Facebook posts, 21,216 tweets on Twitter, 1,105 YouTube videos, 10,138 Instagram pictures/videos, and 117,359 Pinterest pictures. The main findings are the following: luxury brands adopt at this stage the Social brand ambassadors and Social showcases approaches; brands belonging to the perfumery, cosmetics, jewelry and watches markets show a more developed attitude towards the social commerce; in other luxury markets, such as wine and spirits, brands still adopt a Social Brand Ambassador strategy, while managers should increase the promotional content in order develop the social commerce. The Fashion & Accessories brands show a positive relationship between the percentage of promotional content and social commerce score. This means that social commerce adoptions depend on the single brand’s strategic choices, ranging from low adoption to best practices. In general, social commerce is still not widespread; many luxury fashion brands, while presenting new collections during fashion weeks, focused on fashion shows, backstage events, and celebrities, rather than really promoting the new product lines with materials, availability, and purchasing indications. This social media approach is mainly focused on increasing brand awareness rather than increasing social commerce. If managers aim at increasing social commerce they should add direct call to action and link the contents to e-commerce market place. Automotive brands are concentrated in the Social showcases area; This sector encounters natural limitations in the introduction of social commerce due to the difficulty of selling products through the digital channel; many brands have, however, devised strategies to approach their users during the purchasing process prior to the actual transaction to take advantage of the increasing ROPO phenomenon. Conversely, the Perfumes & Cosmetics sector shows a highly fragmented approach to social commerce. The content analysis based on single post contents has shown that actually the contents are based on pictures of the products, or the brand, information on events, and a large and increasing presence of video posts based storytelling about the history of the product and the brand heritage; the most social commerce oriented posts are picture or video focused on the product. The commercial contents that aim at developing the see now, buy now approach are mainly based on video shows.

BACKGROUND:Social media platforms are progressively developing as a rich source of mass communication. Increasing mental health awareness with the help of social media can be a good initiative to reach out to a large number of people in a short time frame. This study was conducted to understand the usefulness of social media platforms for health promotion.MATERIALS AND METHODS:It was a qualitative study to evaluate the effectiveness of social media platforms in hosting health promotion campaigns in the field of mental health, which was observed over 5 months from May to September 2019 to reach more people for effective information dissemination. The campaigns were as follows (1) The Buddies for Suicide Prevention: an online campaign to create awareness about suicide prevention. The campaign included script writing, slogan writing, poster making, and short films making, organized for the general public who were interested to take part; (2) The #Iquitobacco was a 21-day campaign with an idea of tobacco cessation in the community, conducted among social media viewers who were willing to participate; and (3) #Migrainethepainfultruth was yet another campaign conducted among the social media viewers who were interested to participate. All the campaigns were conducted using two famous social media platforms commonly used by young adults. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and proportions were computed for the number of likes and shares.RESULTS:The Facebook and Instagram posts concerning all the campaigns brought about a considerable amount of reach to the targeted population. After the campaigns, the page reached to around 10.3 k people (both fans and nonfans).CONCLUSIONS:Use of social media to conduct mental health campaigns is an effective initiative as one can reach out to several people over a short time period. There is an increasing trend in the awareness of mental health with the effective use of digital media as a platform for disseminating information.

Social media and on-line interaction can be as significant as the offline environment in shaping youth health behaviour, possibly explaining the association between social media and alcohol use by youth. Social media also presents opportunities for new prevention and intervention strategies. Social media are inherently social, and people are inevitably influenced by the interactions therein [5]. Ng Fat et al. propose that the association between heavier social media use and higher likelihood of more frequent drinking by youth could be due to cultural norms of drinking which are transferred through the on-line context [1, 6]. Prior research work on norms concerning addictive behaviours [7-9] provide support to this notion, suggesting that observed norms are a powerful transferer of health behaviours. The challenge of social media is that they are likely to distort the user's perception of reality due to user activity, contacts and various algorithms [10]. Perceptions of alcohol norms or the impression of how much others are drinking are often over-estimated [2, 11]. This poses a risk to young people who are particularly susceptible to social norms and can lead to many unwanted and harmful behaviour patterns, such as increased drinking. Ng Fat et al. did not investigate the effect of social norms as such, although they discussed youths' sociability both on- and off-line as a potential factor influencing greater alcohol use. However, their results highlight where the gaps exist in understanding how social media and on-line relationships could impact the behaviour of developing youths. Emerging research in the field suggests that social media and virtual interaction in general can be as powerful as the off-line environment in terms of shaping youth behaviour [12]. Ng Fat et al. defined social media use as belonging to social media sites, including Facebook, Myspace and Bebo. However, social media are much more diverse and manifold, warranting wider and more nuanced consideration. Research indicates that social media platforms differ greatly when it comes to interface and content [13]. Social media such as Facebook and Instagram are more user-orientated and on these types of platforms, users typically have a visible identity. Interaction in these services is based on people's mutual relationships and content is mainly shared among a certain set of other users (i.e. friends, followers) [13]. It is possible that, on platforms such as these, social interaction is more meaningful and social influence and behavioural diffusion occur more easily. Social media such as YouTube and Twitter are more content-orientated where networks are established around users’ shared interests. Other users or audiences are more far-reaching and often anonymous [14]. Young individuals are likely to turn towards more interactional social media platforms where communication is mutual [15, 16]. This could also partly explain the clearer pattern between social media use and higher likelihood of more frequent drinking among the 10–15 age group. It is noteworthy that Ng Fat et al. conclude that no direct evidence was found indicating that the rise of social media platforms could be contributing to the increase in non-drinking among youth [17]. While social media use has been associated with adverse health behaviours, the opportunities to employ different on-line platforms for prevention and intervention strategies are abundant. However, future longitudinal research is needed, as social media are rapidly expanding and evolving. New forms of social media may present unforeseeable risks for youth alcohol use and other off-line risk behaviours, but also opportunities for prevention. None.

An entirely updated e-commerce platform referred to as Social Commerce was developed in response to the rise in social media use. Social commerce integrates interactions between buyers and sellers made possible by social media platforms and Web 2.0 technology. It is frequently seen as a subfield of e-commerce. Social commerce has been successfully introduced in developing countries. Many businesses around the world are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For instance, SMEs in Indonesia can contribute up to 60.34% of the country's GDP and have a substantial labor pool. Using social commerce as an e-commerce platform can significantly improve the operational efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, little empirical research has specifically examined how SMEs embrace social commerce. Given the high level of concern, further research is required. Therefore, the current study experimentally examined how local SMEs in rural Indonesia introduced social commerce. The study was modeled using the Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use (UTAUT) 2 model and several previous studies. SmartPLS 4 software was used to model and evaluate data using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings of the 114 samples showed that relative advantage, social support, facilitation conditions, and the government's support of social commerce influenced behavioral intention to use social commerce. Behavioral intention to use social commerce influences the actual use of social commerce. The findings of this study can help local governments and policymakers develop social trade promotion regulations to help potential SMEs and entrepreneurs gain long-term business support.

The significance of social media in education has garnered heightened scrutiny in the contemporary digital era. Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, have transformed students' engagement patterns and exert considerable pedagogical influence. This research investigates the social media behaviours of undergraduate students of Odisha and their possible effects on their educational outcomes. Survey research method was adopted for this study. Using multi-stage random sampling technique, a total no of 540 undergraduate students were selected. Social Media Usage Scale (SMUS), a researcher standardised Likert-type questionnaire was employed to collect data regarding social media usage habits of undergraduate students. Academic achievement data were the Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) of students, obtained from college records. The data were analysed using percentages, frequencies, bar die-gram and Regression Analysis was carried out to assess the influence of social media use on the academic achievement of students. The results revealed that YouTube is the most popular social media platform among the students and maximum students use social media one to two hours daily. It is also concluded that utilization of social media platforms has a significant and positive influence on students' academic performance

Current Social Media Use Among Radiation Oncology Trainees

BackgroundThe prevalence of social media influence in education makes it necessary to investigate how it might affect nursing students’ academic achievement and sense of self. To our knowledge, the associations between academic performance, self-esteem, and social media usage among nursing students from Saudi Arabia remain understudied.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the relationships between academic performance, self-esteem, and the utilization of social media platforms by Saudi Arabian nursing students.MethodsThis descriptive correlational study employed a convenience sample of 220 nursing students (response rate 95.2%). An online survey with questions about demographics, students’ academic performance, social media usage, and self-esteem was used for data collection from 1 March to May 2023. Pearson correlation coefficients, independent t-tests, Analysis of Variance, and hierarchical regression were used for data analysis.ResultsSocial media use had an average score of 3.60 ± 0.66, self-esteem was 2.13 ± 0.27, and academic performance was 3.95 ± 0.58. The students’ academic performance related positively to the utilization of social media platforms (r = 0.210, p <0.01). There were statistically positive correlations between academic purpose and social motives domains of utilizing social media and academic performance (r = 0.304, p <0.01; r = 0.208, p <0.01) respectively. The amount of time students spent on social media was not related to their self-esteem (r = 0.047, p >0.05). The students’ self-esteem was unrelated to their academic achievement (r = 0.059, p >0.05).ConclusionsUtilizing social media channels can assist nursing students in improving their academic achievement. Therefore, nursing educators and decision-makers in nursing education have the opportunity to establish collaborative learning environments by integrating social media. This approach aims to improve communication, enhance the learning experience, and ultimately improve the academic achievements of nursing students.

The increased use of social media in Mexico has given rise to the "fear of missing out" (FoMO) phenomenon, especially among adolescents. This study aimed to measure the extent of FoMO among junior high school students in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Mexico, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this study explored the association between FoMO levels and demographic characteristics, as well as the type and frequency of social media use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 in four junior high schools. A total of 1264 students (656 females and 608 males) aged 11-16 years completed the Fear of Missing Out Scale, adapted to the Mexican context. Data on demographics, social media usage, and school shifts were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation coefficients. The mean FoMO score was 1.79 ± 0.64, with higher scores observed in females (p < 0.001) and students attending morning shifts (p = 0.001). Significant associations were found between higher FoMO scores and the use of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest (p < 0.001 for each). The most frequently used social media platforms were WhatsApp (1093), TikTok (828), and Instagram (583). Participants who used social media all week exhibited significantly higher FoMO scores than those who used it only on weekends (p < 0.001). FoMO is a significant phenomenon among junior high school students in Guadalajara, Mexico, particularly among females and those who use multiple social media platforms. The findings suggest a need for interventions to manage social media use and mitigate FoMO-related negative health outcomes in this population.

Spatial Patterns of Purposeful Social Networking and Socioeconomic Influences: Towards a Mature, Inclusive Networked Society in the U.S.

Abstract: The adaptation of social media to the socio-economic and cultural realities of the Senegalese population encourages the practice of e-commerce on these platforms. Indeed, social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsaApp and Tiktok are used by users as electronic marketplaces, where they advertise, sell and buy products and services online. This appears to be an innovation on these platforms, which were originally simple online communication spaces, hence the practice of social commerce. This article, the fruit of a qualitative survey, sets out to analyze the structuring of social media, Facebook, WhatsApp and Tiktok, and the use made of them by social commerce players in Rufisque. Thus, the online commercial activities of Rufisque's inhabitants on these platforms are described from a sociological angle, with the aim of analyzing and understanding the innovative capacity of Rufisque's e-commerce actors, users of social media. Keywords: E-commerce - E-merchant - E-buyer - Social commerce – Rufisque.

In South Africa, social media usage has consistently increased over time, with young individuals being the most active users. However, there are concerns about mental illness, such as depression, as a result of the surge in social comparison. This study explored the relationship between social media usage and mental health among young adults in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. This study used a quantitative research approach and was based on the positivism paradigm. Data was collected from 127 young individuals aged 14 to 35 who live in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality through the use of structured questionnaires. The data collected was analysed using a descriptive statistical package for the social sciences. The findings of the study amongst others showed that the young adults spend an average of 6 hours per day on social media platforms. Also, the fear of missing out (FoMO) was identified as another major reason why young adults stay on social media platforms for long hours every day. Based on the results presented in this study, one can convincingly state that the excessive use of social media is negatively contributing to the mental health status of young adults. Some of these detrimental impacts include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, suicide and other mental health issues. The study recommends amongst others that an urgent and continuous well-structured awareness campaign be made to help sensitise the young adults on the danger of excessive use of social media platforms, both on their mental health status and life in general.

Social Media: Pedagogy and Practice. Kehbuma Langmia, Tia C. M. Tyree, Pamela O'Brien, and Ingrid Sturgis, eds. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2014. 274 pp. $34.99 pbk.Some studies showed that youths in many countries around the world today continue to spend hours a day on one form of social media or another. These digital natives are readily adopting the technology as the center of their learning, socialization, and communication. Yet, many faculty members remain wary of the academic benefits these new technologies bring to the classroom. Social Media: Pedagogy and Practice attempts to enlighten educators, scholars, and practitioners about social media and help them find the balance of technology and pedagogy to develop the first wave of college-level social media courses.Edited by Kehbuma Langmia of Howard University, Pamela O'Brien of Bowie State University, Tia Tyree of Howard University, and Ingrid Sturgis of Howard University, this collection is a product of the discussions and research presented at the 2011 and 2012 Social Media Technology Conference and Workshops, co-hosted by Howard University and Bowie State University. The volume collects thirteen chapters-each an article on its own-covering social media as pedagogical tools, social media practices in the United States, and international social media practices.The first six chapters are dedicated to discussing how social media can be brought into the classroom and research projects. Tia Tyree, in her article about creating social media courses for college students, highlighted the need for respecting the ways utilize new technologies to enhance their comprehension of certain subject matters and to acquire new skills. In the new millennium, she wrote, students have increased opportunities to determine the time and manner in which learning occurs. She urged educators to opt for a student-centered rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to working with in the online learning environment. Echoing Tyree's call, Kehbuma Langmia and Stella-Monica Mpande recommended critical evaluations of social media in terms of intercultural thinking, learning disparities, deconstruction of meaning, and identity formation over social media.To help scholars and practitioners incorporate social media data into communication research, William Hart and Erica Taylor in chapter 5 devised a step-by-step guide to writing a quantitative research paper on social media. From writing the introduction or problem statement to writing the discussion section, Hart and Taylor gave examples from a social media case study and highlighted aspects that are specifically relevant to communication research, such as using the #socialmediaresearch hashtag on Twitter.The second section of this volume seeks to examine the use of social media in the United States. Jayne Cubbage studied how the increasing use of new media and Internet technologies among African Americans helps to mobilize the community in taking steps to improve their social and living conditions, in political and economic ways. Her research concluded that community involvement may be bolstered with more use of social media. Following that, in chapter 9, Jamila Cupid and Lenise Wallace emphasized how various social media platforms, such as Google Plus, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, can be used as social branding tools for college to seek employment. …

Aim: This study aimed to assess dental students' social media (SM) usage and their perceptions of and attitudes towards e-professionalism. Materials and methods: This study used a paper-based questionnaire administered to undergraduate dental students (4th year and interns) at the University of Benghazi, Libya, in 2022. The questionnaire included closed-ended questions to recognize dental students' use of social media platforms, their privacy settings and their perceptions and attitudes towards e-professionalism. The responses were compared according to the study year and whether the participants received professionalism-related training. The chi-square test was used for all comparisons, with the significance level set at p˂0.05. Results: A total of 364 students were included in the analysis (response rate: 73.5%). Almost all participants used multiple SM platforms. However, the most frequently used platforms were Facebook (84.3%) and Telegram (76.9%). More than half of the respondents (57.5%) considered their online behaviour to be a personal activity that would not affect their job opportunities in the future (71.1%). On the other hand, a considerable proportion of the respondents described posting information about dental patients as unprofessional (70.9%). Overall, a small proportion of participants (6.4%) considered communication with patients on SM unprofessional. Interns, however, were more likely to report this as unprofessional (P = 0.026). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated the widespread popularity of SM platforms, notably Facebook and Telegram, among dental students at the University of Benghazi. The study also highlights concerns about students’ perceptions of what constitutes unprofessional behaviours when using SM platforms with blurred personal-professional boundaries. The study's findings underscore the necessity of creating guidelines for social media use among Libyan dental students and incorporating e-professionalism into the dental curriculum.