Journal of Communication, Language and Culture

One More Episode Won’t Hurt! How Stress, Social Interaction Anxiety, and Loneliness Relate to Binge-Watching Behaviours among University Students

2024-01-26T09:39:27+08:00

Abstract

Evidence on the relationship between binge-watching and stress, social interaction anxiety, and loneliness among university students is still scarce and limited to a few countries; thus, the findings remain largely inconclusive. This study fills this gap by examining whether binge-watching is associated with and predicted by stress, social interaction anxiety, and loneliness. Television series viewing patterns, binge-watching behaviour, and psychological states of 149 Malaysian undergraduate students (Male = 48; Female = 101) aged 18 to 25 years were assessed through the Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 in a cross-sectional online survey. The results show that most participants are moderately stressed, have high social interaction anxiety, and have high levels of loneliness. Although both genders report moderate binge-watching behaviour, female students have a higher frequency of binge-watching than males. Pearson correlational analyses show that binge-watching is significantly correlated with social interaction anxiety and loneliness but not with perceived stress. In multiple regression analysis, social interaction anxiety is the single predictor of binge-watching. These findings suggest that social interaction anxiety contributes significantly to explaining the extent of binge-watching behaviour. Watching television series consecutively seems to act as a strategy to satisfy certain needs and provide gratification to the viewers, confirming the applicability of the Uses and Gratification Theory. As such, higher learning institutions may consider designing and implementing interventions that address social interaction needs in relation to excessive consumption of television shows among students.

Topic Selection and Satisfaction in Communication between Taiwanese Senior High School Students and their Grandparents

2024-01-26T10:32:13+08:00

Abstract

As Taiwan's population ages, intergenerational communication has become more prevalent in daily life. To gain insights into this form of communication, the researchers conducted a survey to explore topic selections and satisfaction levels in conversations between senior high school students and their grandparents in Taiwan. There is a lack of existing literature derived from Chinese-speaking communities regarding this research topic. The questionnaire comprised two parts: one focusing on actual and anticipated communication topics, and the other assessing participant satisfaction levels with the discussed topics during intergenerational talks. The differences between the answers given by grandparents and grandchildren were compared using SPSS. Significant differences might compromise the possibility of creating satisfying grandparent-grandchild relationships. Convenient sampling method was adopted, yielding 76 sets of samples providing corresponding views on intergenerational communication regarding topic selection and satisfaction levels. Findings revealed that senior high school students preferred discussing family, leisure, and health topics with their grandparents. Conversely, grandparents were inclined to discuss health, occupation, and family matters with their grandchildren. Notably, family emerged as the most popular topic, and this topic generated the highest satisfaction levels in both generations.

However, the most significant disparity in topic selection between grandchildren and grandparents was observed in the area of occupation. Grandparents showed a preference for discussing occupation with their grandchildren, while the grandchildren tended to ignore this topic. The differences in age and generational perspectives could contribute to this gap and potentially lead to dissatisfaction in intergenerational conversations. The results of this study hold the potential for enhancing and promoting the quality of intergenerational communication within family contexts. By understanding the preferred topics and recognising potential sources of dissatisfaction, efforts can be made to bridge the intergenerational gaps and foster better communication between grandparents and grandchildren. Such improvements can strengthen family bonds and promote a positive and harmonious intergenerational dynamic.

The Influence of eHealth Literacy and Self-Efficacy on Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviour among University Students: Cyberchondria as a Mediator

2024-01-26T11:12:08+08:00

COVID-19 has seen an increased reliance on online health information, raising concerns over cyberchondria, a condition characterised by excessive worry about health based on online information. This quantitative survey study examines the prevalence of cyberchondria and its correlation with eHealth literacy among 168 university students and their online health information-seeking behaviour. The results showed a significant negative correlation between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria, revealing that individuals with higher eHealth literacy were less likely to experience cyberchondria. This study also found that demographic factors such as age, gender, and education level were associated with cyberchondria. The findings suggest that eHealth literacy is an important protective factor against cyberchondria as individuals with higher eHealth literacy may be better able to critically evaluate online health information and avoid becoming overly anxious about their health. Thus, public health interventions should focus on improving eHealth literacy, especially for those with a heightened risk of cyberchondria, through online health information literacy courses and training healthcare providers on how to discuss cyberchondria with patients.

Facebook’s Influence on the Effectiveness of Digital Advertising among Malaysian Youth

2024-01-26T11:28:07+08:00

Abstract

The growth of advanced technology has contributed to the digital advertising industry as Facebook's users are easily connected, and purchasing behaviours will be developed with the content of the products promoted in digital advertising. The older generation prefers traditional advertising due to technology's security and privacy aspects, leading to fewer choices in purchasing products. This study aimed to identify the relationship between the influence of Facebook and the effectiveness of digital advertising among Malaysian youth in Klang Valley. It was anticipated that this research would provide helpful information to the public and assist researchers in the future based on the findings of this topic area. Data was collected using a Google Form and distributed via social media like WhatsApp. The targeted respondents are between 15 and 34 years old and are located in the Klang Valley area. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 system was used to determine digital advertising characteristics electronically. T-test and ANOVA tests were applied in this study to examine the demographic factors that affect the relationship between the variables, as different backgrounds influence the perspectives and behaviours of the users. The findings show that the independent variable, the influence of Facebook, has a strong correlation with the dependent variable, the effectiveness of digital advertising among Malaysian youth in Klang Valley (r= 0.770). Socio-demographic factors such as age and educational level had an effect on the relationship between the variables. The effectiveness of digital advertising is influenced by the number of likes, comments, and shares by Facebook users.

Writing Anxiety: The Case of Law Students

2024-01-26T11:44:52+08:00

Abstract

Writing has been acknowledged as a key skill to law students and lawyers. In English as a Second Language (ESL) learning, law students form part of ESL learners. Multiple studies shed light on the unsatisfactory writing performance among ESL learners and link such poor writing performance to an affective construct, writing anxiety. Nevertheless, research on writing anxiety among law students, whose writing ability is requisite, is scarce. With the objectives of determining anxiety level and identifying anxiety types experienced by law students at a Malaysian private university, this study offers insights into their writing experience as ESL learners. A mixed methods approach, consisting of Cheng’s (2004) Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) and the semi-structured interview, is applied to achieve the research objectives. The key findings reveal that the highest percentage of the law students studied in this research encounter a high level of writing anxiety. While cognitive anxiety is the most predominant form of writing anxiety, avoidance behaviour is the least obvious form. Based on these findings and the conclusions drawn, this study draws attention to the necessity of addressing writing anxiety among law students in tandem with building strong basic writing skills.

Influencer Marketing to Youth: The Impact of Instagram Influencer on Healthy Food Choices Among Youth

2024-01-26T14:30:47+08:00

Abstract

Healthy food choices have become a trend among youth as they are more concerned about their health. The increasing role of social media in affecting the behavioural change of today's society can be seen as social media has become an integral part of most people worldwide. The rise of influencer marketing on social media platforms is affecting the consumer's eating behaviour. However, previous studies have shown contradictory results regarding influencers' impact on youth's healthy eating behaviour. Scholars suggest that Instagram has a definitive effect in encouraging healthy eating behaviour among youth, but there is a lack of research that mainly focuses on Instagram's influencer marketing and its impact on eating behaviour. This study aims to focus on the roles of influencer marketing on Instagram in influencing youth's healthy eating behaviour. The Healthy Food Promotion Model is reviewed to explain the underlying mechanism of healthy food promotion. A qualitative research method was applied to collect the data. Intensive interviews were conducted with six Instagram users in Malaysia via Zoom Meeting. The study concludes that Instagram influencer marketing plays a vital role in influencing the healthy eating behaviour of youth. Future researchers are advised to conduct longitudinal studies on this research to adapt it to the continuous evolution of social media platforms. It is also to explore other possibilities of social media influencer marketing in influencing youth's healthy eating behaviour.

A Textual Analysis of Creative Multimedia Approaches in Tamil Movie Title Posters

2024-01-26T14:44:14+08:00

Abstract

Creative multimedia refers to integrating different media elements, such as text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and interactive elements to convey a message, tell a story, or evoke emotions in a visually compelling and engaging way. Formation of Tamil movie titles is a crucial process of moviemaking because the director intends to reveal the essence of the movie itself, like a title of a journal article. Tamil cinema, also known as Kollywood, has faced a lot of controversies, and one of them is choosing the title of a film. These days, directors concentrate on movie titles with creative ideas to reach audiences. Therefore, this study intends to 1) analyse creative multimedia approaches in Tamil movie title posters and 2) reveal the meaning and storyline of the film from Tamil movie title posters. This descriptive qualitative study used Tamil movie titles (English version posters) using purposive sampling from the production’s official pages. The data support the findings of the formation of Tamil movie titles collaborating with creative multimedia approaches using textual analysis. Lately, directors or designers have been using creative multimedia approaches to attract the audience’s interest in the movie’s title from pre-production until release. The study disclosed that symbols and creative multimedia approaches became interesting domains to keep the titles intact. The findings help to extract the storyline by inserting creative multimedia into the titles so that the audience can presume the storyline, which attracts their attention and draws them into the theatres.

Blended Learning Approach in Developing Metacognitive Strategies in Group Writing

2024-01-26T14:58:01+08:00

Abstract

Evolving technology has rapidly changed the scenario of education. Many universities in Malaysia are moving towards blended learning. This learning environment combines teaching methods, delivery methods, media formats or a mixture of all these. It also refers to integrated learning activities like online and face-to-face learning. This study examines how metacognitive strategies were developed during group work in an intact class comprising 21 first-year undergraduates in an expository writing course. It also seeks to determine the students’ perceptions of their blended writing experience. Data were collected from face-to-face group interactions and Wikispaces over eight weeks. Two sets of questionnaires were distributed to elicit the students' metacognitive knowledge and perceptions of blended learning. A semi-structured interview was also conducted. The study's findings revealed that an online learning platform is essential for students to plan their outlines, monitor and assess their progress in their work, and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in writing. In order to engage the students in the writing process, both face-to-face and online methods should work in tandem to develop students’ metacognitive strategies and writing skills. The findings concluded that blended learning through Wikispaces helps make learning more efficient, meaningful, and beneficial because the students become more autonomous in their learning process as they interact in groups. There was a limitation, which was the slow internet connection, but it could be rectified because Wikispaces could be used synchronously and asynchronously.

A Need Analysis of Incorporating A New Teaching Approach via Technology

2024-01-26T15:24:22+08:00

Abstract

English plays a vital role in our lives as it helps communication. There are four major English skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. However, it has always been a huge problem when it comes to writing among students in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of using the 4Cs, which are collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creative thinking of the 21st-century learning skills, to foster students' narrative writing skills using online learning platforms via mobile learning. A need analysis was conducted using a questionnaire through Google Forms. The respondents for this study were 100 teachers who teach the English language among Form 4 students in Malaysia and have different teaching experiences. The findings revealed that integrating the four main skills (4Cs) of the 21st-century skills and online learning platforms via mobile learning has great potential to foster narrative writing skills among upper-secondary students. This study was significant as it explored the potential and requirement of the 4Cs and online learning platforms via mobile learning in developing students’ narrative writing skills. The outcomes from this study could enable future researchers or policymakers to provide specific guidelines by incorporating the 4Cs, using online learning platforms via mobile learning and preparing appropriate online writing modules for students in Malaysia to progress in their writing skills. Such initiatives align with the Ministry of Education’s blueprint that promotes the integration of new teaching and learning approaches, especially by using technological features in the Malaysian education system (Education Blueprint 2013-2025).