Research and Insights

August 5-9, 2018
Washington, D.C.

Faculty

Jordan Alpert, assistant professor of Advertising

A Content Analysis of e-Cigarette Brand Messages on Social Media

Co-authors: Alyssa Jaisle, doctoral student; Huan Chen

Abstract: Although rates of cigarette smoking in the U.S. are declining, E-cigarettes (e-cigs) are rapidly expanding. While there is no definitive conclusion yet on the dangers of e-cigs, data indicates that e-cigs can be addictive and dangerous since they contain nicotine. The FDA permits e-cig brands to market their products, but imposed restrictions on messages that promote flavors and claims that e-cigs are healthier than cigarettes. However, these rules can be circumvented within social media platforms like Twitter. The objective of this study was to perform a content analysis of tweets posted by the top selling e-cig brands on Twitter to identify and categorize the most frequently utilized communication strategies. Using the hierarchy of effects framework, over 500 tweets were analyzed, which resulted in behavioral messaging as the most often used messaging strategy, followed by affective and cognitive. Findings indicate that brands are creating messages in Twitter to engage with followers, offer discounts, and advertise flavors. However, tweets about the positive health effects of using e-cigs were minimal. Implications of unregulated messages within social media include attracting young adults to become part of the e-cig community, which can lead to trial and frequent usage.

Clay Calvert, director of Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project, professor of Journalism

Defamation Per Se and Transgender Status: When Macro-Level Value Judgments About Equality Trump Micro-Level Reputational Injury

Co-authors: Austin Vining, Ashton Hampton, graduate students

Abstract:  This paper uses the September 2017 defamation decision in Simmons v. American Media, Inc. as a springboard for examining defamatory meaning and reputational injury.  Specifically, it focuses on cases in which judges acknowledge plaintiffs have suffered reputational harm, yet rule for defendants because promoting the cultural value of equality weighs against redress.  In Simmons, a normative, axiological judgment – that the law should neither sanction nor ratify prejudicial views about transgender individuals – prevailed at the trial court level over a celebrity’s ability to recover for alleged reputational harm.  Simmons sits at a dangerous intersection – a crossroads where a noble judicial desire to reject prejudicial stereotypes and to embrace equality collides head-on with an ignoble reality in which a significant minority of the population finds a particular false allegation (in Simmons, transgender status) to be defamatory. The paper concludes by proposing variables for courts to apply in future cases where a dispute exists over whether an allegation is defamatory per se, rather than leaving the decision to the discretion of judges untethered from formal criteria.

First Amendment Envelope Pushers: Revisiting the Incitement-to-Violence Test with Messrs. Brandenburg, Trump & Spencer

Abstract: This paper examines weaknesses with the United States Supreme Court’s Brandenburg v. Ohio incitement test as its fiftieth anniversary approaches.  A lawsuit targeting Donald Trump, as well as multiple cases pitting white nationalist Richard Spencer against public universities, provide timely springboards for analysis.  Specifically, In re Trump: 1) illustrates difficulties in proving Brandenburg’s intent requirement via circumstantial evidence, and 2) exposes problems regarding the extent to which past violent responses to a person’s words satisfy Brandenburg’s likelihood element. Additionally, the Spencer lawsuits raise concerns about: 1) whether Brandenburg should serve as a prior restraint mechanism for blocking potential speakers from campus before they utter a single word, and 2) the inverse correlation between government efforts to thwart a heckler’s veto via heightened security measures and Brandenburg’s imminence requirement. Ultimately, the paper analyzes all three key elements of Brandenburg — intent, imminence and likelihood — as well as its relationship to both the heckler’s veto principle and the First Amendment presumption against prior restraints.

Panel: FCC v. Pacifica Foundation at 40: Is Its Legacy
an Enduring One?

Sylvia Chan-Olmsted, professor of Telecommunication

Comparing Online and Offline Media Engagement: A Triangular Measurement Approach

Co-author: Lisa-Charlotte Wolter, Hamburg Media School; Daniel McDuff, Microsoft

Abstract: Through an industry-academic research partnership among a research university, Google/YouTube, and Microsoft, the project conducted online-offline cross-platform comparisons of YouTube and TV video usage experience using both implicit and explicit measurements. Results from the comprehensive lab-based mixed-methods study shed light on whether the online- and offline-video platforms differ in terms of attention and engagement – measured triangularly (cognitive, affective, behavioral); if affective engagement has an impact on cognitive and behavioral media outcomes; the potential influencers of media engagement; and whether applicable implicit measurement tools contribute to capturing affective media engagement.

Examining Cord-Cutting Media Consumers: Usage, Perceptions, Motivations, and Segments

Co-authors: Hun Kim, Sungkyunkwan University; Kyung-Ho Hwang, Kyungnam University; and Byeng-Hee Chang, Sungkyunkwan University

Abstract: This study empirically analyzes the cord-cutting consumer behavior by investigating the various consumer segments involved in the phenomenon, the conditions that distinguish the consumer segments (i.e., cord loyalists, cord cutters, cord couplers, and cord nevers), and factors influencing the segmentation. The study is designed to understand how perceptions, motivations, and usage patterns play a role in the segmentation of different types of media consumers concerning the phenomenon of cord-cutting.

Substitutability and Complementarity of Broadcast Radio and Music Streaming Services: The Millennial Perspective

Co-author: Rang Wang, doctoral student

Award: Second Place Faculty Paper

Abstract: This study attempts to understand the interrelationships among broadcast radio, its main competing digital audio services – streaming music, and radio’s answer to the digital newcomer – radio mobile apps, by examining their perceived substitutability and complementarity. The study also investigates the listeners’ motivations for using the three types of audio media and how user motivations affect the perceived complementarity and substitutability of the three audio platforms. The focal population here is the Millennial audience as it represents the segment that is the first true digital natives and the group of listeners that are detrimental to the future of terrestrial radio.

Panel – Emotional Engagement: A Quality Indicator for Media and Brands?

Abstract: The panel discusses why and how media firms need to pay attention to emotional engagement when media consumption becomes more social and multiplatform is the norm. Different methods of assessing and measuring emotional engagement are presented and analyzed using actual case examples.

Huan Chen, assistant professor, Department of Advertising

Informing, Reinforcing, and Referencing: Chinese Young Male Consumers’ Interpretation of Social Media Luxury Advertising

Abstract: A qualitative study was conducted to explore Chinese young male consumers’ perception on luxury brand social media advertising. Online, in-depth interviews were used to collect data and the phenomenological reduction was used to analyze data. Findings revealed four themes regarding the socially constructed meanings of luxury, luxury brand, and luxury brand social media advertising. According to Chinese young male consumers, “luxury” is perceived as a dual-dimensional lifestyle; for luxury brands, although Chinese young male consumers consider the price to be a blatant index of luxury, they perceive brand meanings are a more important symbol to differentiate luxury brands from other brands; and, luxury brands are deemed as an expression of those consumers’ personalities and styles or extension of their identities. Findings further uncovered the meanings of luxury brand social media advertising among Chinese young male consumers. According to the participants, luxury social media advertising assists their luxury brand products purchase by informing them about products of new seasons, reinforcing luxury brands’ image, and offering them a referential source. Theoretical and practical implications were offered.

Watching AD for Fun: Native Short-video Advertising on Chinese Social Media

Co-author: Ruowen Wang

Abstract: Since 2016, given the popularity of social media marketing and Weibo short videos, companies have been cooperating with Weibo influencers to create attractive native short-video advertising to connect with consumers. The current study used phenomenological research method to explore Chinese consumers’ attitude and perception of native short-video advertising. Twenty Weibo short-video viewers were recruited and interviewed to understand their experiences of watching Weibo short-video advertising. The current study has theoretical implication on influencer marketing, native advertising, and social relationship study. Furthermore, the study also provides guidance for social media influencers and brands on how to create effective native short-video advertising.

Role of Immersive Characteristic, Emotional Engagement, and Consumer Responses in Virtual CSR Experiences: Drunk Driving Prevention 360 Degree Video by an Alcohol Company

Co-authors: Yoon-Joo Lee and Wen Zhao, Washington State

Award: Top Paper, Special Topics Category

Abstract: This study examined a unique context of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the format of virtual reality (VR) video sponsored by an alcohol company through quasi-experimental design.  The study aims to examine whether individual difference (immersive tendency) plays a role in perceiving the CSR initiatives in VR videos.  This study revealed that consumers with a higher level of immersive tendency are more likely to have a positive attitude toward CSR ads via emotional involvement than those with a lower level of immersive tendency.  However, consumers’ immersive tendency or emotional involvement with the VR video did not influence purchase intention.  Theoretical and managerial implications were discussed.

A Content Analysis of e-Cigarette Brand Messages on Social Media

Lead Author: Jordan Alpert; co-author Alyssa Jaisle, doctoral student

Abstract: ​ This research examined psychological determinants of consumer responses to social media ads to understand the effect of consumer personality traits, regulatory focus and product appeal on consumer responses to social media ads. To that effect, this study assessed the impact of openness to experience and neuroticism on consumer responses following exposure to social media ads that employed message strategies that manipulated regulatory focus (promotion vs. prevention) and product appeal (hedonic vs. utilitarian). Experimental results indicate main effects for openness to experience and neuroticism on responses to social media ads. Additionally, interaction effects were found between openness to experience, regulatory focus and product appeal, lending evidence to the influence of personality traits on message persuasiveness. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. ​

Kelly Chernin, adjunct professor of Journalism and manager, Journal of Public Interest Communications

Culture in the Classroom Panel: Focusing on Culture and International Education Programs in Today’s America 

Ann Christiano, professor of Public Relations, director of Center for Public Interest Communications

Advocacy Panel: Perspectives from Practice and Research on Public Interest Communication

Marcia DiStaso, chair and professor of Public Relations

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Elected Standing Committee on Research Panel

Harrison Hove, Multimedia News Manager

Hurricane Irma: Balancing Coverage and Safety During a Historic Storm

Abstract: Nearly 30 University of Florida students were sheltered in place at the university’s Innovation News Center at the College of Journalism and Communications during Hurricane Irma. They helped produce more than 48 hours of continuous coverage on TV, radio and online keeping the community informed during before, during and after the storm. We will share our coverage plan and explain how we used social media in our reporting, balancing content and safety. 

Sriram Kalyanaraman, professor of Journalism

Panel: AEJMC Elected Standing Committee on
Research

Eunice Kim, former assistant professor of Advertising

Influencer Marketing on Instagram: The Effects of Sponsorship Disclosure, Source Credibility, and Brand Credibility

Frank LoMonte, director of Brechner Center, professor of Journalism

Being an Effective Advocate for Legislations Panel

Mira Lowe, director of Innovation News Center

A White Supremacist’s Visit: How UF Students Prepared and Covered Richard Spencer

Abstract: State of emergency declared. Hundreds of law enforcement officers from all over Florida deployed. Roads and businesses shut down. School classes canceled. Gainesville residents witnessed the preparations and the expected protests for Spencer’s visit while nearly 20 University of Florida students covered the events. Join us as we reflect on the student-created multiplatform coverage.

Jasmine McNealy, assistant professor of Telecommunication

A Typology of Information Distribution Organizations

Abstract: This study investigates the ways in which Information Distribution Organizations create, use, distribute, and store information to create a typology. Over the past several decades these information distribution organizations (IDOs) have become the subject of social, ethical, and policy considerations. IDOs play a significant role in the communication of information to information/news seeking audiences. This typology advances information processing theory by grouping IDOs based on the action the firm does with or to information. These four categories, informed by Buckland’s (1991) conceptualization of information, are: hoarder, handler, bricoleur, and spy.

Panel: Newspaper and Online News Division and Graduate Student Interest Group 

Abstract: This PhD student/early career preconference will provide: 1) tips on how to increase your productivity as a researcher, 2) practical advice on how to get your scholarly work published, and 3) advice on surviving the job market. Pre-registration is required to attend.

Panel: How Robust Should a Company’s Social Media Policy Be? A Debate on Employee Privacy Versus the Need to Protect Corporate Reputation

Rita Men, associate professor of Public Relations

Creating a Positive Emotional Culture: Effect of Strategic Internal Communication and its Impact on Employee Supportive Behaviors

Co-author: Cen “April” Yue, doctoral student

Award: Third Place Open Competition Paper

Abstract: The study surveyed 506 employees in the United States to test the effect of strategic internal communication (i.e., corporate-level symmetrical and leadership-level responsive communications) on fostering a positive emotional culture characterized by companionate love, joy, pride, and gratitude. In addition, we tested the interplay between corporate internal communication and a positive emotional culture and its influence on positive employee behaviors, specifically, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and employee advocacy. Results indicated that symmetrical communication and responsive leadership communication cultivated a positive emotional culture in organizations. Such culture also fostered employee OCB and advocacy. Moreover, corporate symmetrical communication directly and positively influenced employee OCB. Finally, this study found that employee OCB positively affected employee advocacy. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings for public relations scholars and practitioners were discussed.

Exploring Negative Peer Communication of Companies on Social Media and Its Impact on Organization-Public Relationships

Co-author:  Yufan Qin, doctoral student

Cynthia Morton Padovano, associate professor of Advertising

Investigating the Implications of Distinct Personality and Message Factors on Consumer Responses

Abstract: ​ This research examined psychological determinants of consumer responses to social media ads to understand the effect of consumer personality traits, regulatory focus and product appeal on consumer responses to social media ads. To that effect, this study assessed the impact of openness to experience and neuroticism on consumer responses following exposure to social media ads that employed message strategies that manipulated regulatory focus (promotion vs. prevention) and product appeal (hedonic vs. utilitarian). Experimental results indicate main effects for openness to experience and neuroticism on responses to social media ads. Additionally, interaction effects were found between openness to experience, regulatory focus and product appeal, lending evidence to the influence of personality traits on message persuasiveness. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. ​

Lead author: Naa Amponsah Dodoo, Emerson University and CJC Ph.D. graduate

Ronald Rodgers, associate professor of Journalism

All Pain is Anecdotal ((Invited Presentation on Teaching Literary Journalism to the International Association for Literary Journalism Studies sponsored session: “Literary Journalism and Truth: Odd Bedfellows.”)

Abstract:  I have long taught a graduate course in Journalism as Literature. But I have also discovered most of my undergraduates have no idea who Joan Didion is. Thus, when tasked with teaching an undergraduate Journalism Studies course, I decided to cover many of the elemental issues of the act of journalism – but through the lens of literary journalism. The class explores the discipline’s history up to the present and weighs how form and content work together to create great factual literature.  In the process the class attempts to:

• Reach some semblance of an understanding about the notions of objectivity and subjectivity and their relevance to the journalistic act because – and this is a mantra for this class: “All pain is anecdotal.” And therefore, the question is: “Can journalism employ the contested notion of “objectivity” to measure that pain – that is the straits, the troubles and the tribulations of complex and often marginalized lives lived at the periphery of our vision?
• Reveal – in relation to the notion that “all pain is anecdotal” – the intersubjective possibilities of this form of journalism and reach some conclusions about the significance to our world views and to democracy in general of empathetically revealing – through anecdote / narrative / metaphor / internal dialogue, etc. – “The Other.”
• Recognize that the field of journalism has pliable borders and how this genre stretches those borders into other fields. As one student of this class concluded after much discussion over many weeks about the subjectivity inherent in journalism as literature: “Literary journalism is journalism – but in another place.”

Ted Spiker, professor of Journalism

Award:  Educator of the Year in the Magazine Division.

Debbie Treise, senior associate dean, Division of Graduate Studies and Research

Why Aren’t We Talking About Weight? Information Underrepresented Women Receive about Weight Management During Pregnancy

Authors: Summer Shelton, doctoral student, Matthew Cretul, doctoral student; Amanda Kastrinos, doctoral student; Debbie Treise, professor; Amanda Bradshaw, doctoral student; Easton Wollney, doctoral student; Alexis Bajalia, masters student; Kendra Auguste, doctoral student 

Abstract: Excessive gestational weight gain is associated with a number of adverse health outcomes for mother and baby. This research assessed the patient-provider conversation about nutrition, exercise, and weight management from the perspective of the prenatal patient. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18, low-income, underrepresented women, living in the rural South. Findings revealed the majority of women’s providers had never discussed their gestational weight gain, even when particularly excessive. Recommendations for improving this conversation are provided.

Pro-Vaxxers Get Out: Anti-Vaccine Advocates Influence Questioning First-Time, Pregnant, and New Mothers on Facebook

Lead Author: Amanda Bradshaw, doctoral student
Co-authors: Summer Shelton, doctoral student; Easton Wollney, doctoral student; Debbie Treise, professor; Kendra Auguste, doctoral student

T. Frank Waddell, assistant professor of Journalism

Do Press Releases about Digital Game Research Influence Presumed Effects? How Comparisons to Real World Violence and Methodological Details Affect the Anticipated Influence of Violent Video Games

Can Inspiration Cross Party Lines? How News Framing of Morality and Partisan Cues Influence Elevation, Disgust, and Moral Judgments of Political Actors

Kim Walsh-Childers, professor of Journalism

Developing Criteria for Assessing the Quality of News Coverage of Health Policy: Toward Improving Coverage to Better Inform Citizens and Policy-makers

Wayne Wanta, professor of Journalism

Panel: Newspaper and Online News
and Mass Communication and Society Divisions

Graduate Students

Yewande Addie, doctoral student

A Conceptual Model on Black Consumer-Brand Identity Congruence and Personal Care Purchase Intentions

Co-authors: Brett Ball and Kelsy-Ann Adams, doctoral students

Abstract: Nielsen reports black buying power is expected to increase nearly $1 trillion by 2021. Thus our research is rooted in offering intellectual support to exploring that economic contribution and filling existing gaps in academic literature on black female consumer relationship with brands. This study offers several hypotheses aimed at analyzing the potential impact of brand-consumer identity congruence between personal care brands and black female consumers and its influence on purchase intentions when deciding between black-owned or targeted brands.

Phillip Arceneaux, doctoral student

The West Africa We Were Shown: A Visual Content Analysis of the 2014 Ebola Epidemic

Abstract: Via content analysis, this study investigated what themes of West Africa were visually publicized by U.S. newspapers, and if such themes mirrored coverage of African groups. Data were collected from the New York Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Dallas Morning News. Quantitative findings suggest coverage favored victim-based frames which became significantly less negative once Ebola patients were in the United States. Such results contribute to literature regarding public perception of foreign affairs covered in the media.

Award: Second Place Student Paper, Markham Competition

Aqsa Bashir, doctoral student

Shall We? Let’s Move!

Abstract: Beyond her status as the wife of the first African American U.S. president, former First Lady Michelle Obama is famous for her commitment to health and fitness. In 2010, she launched the Let’s Move! campaign, aimed at combating childhood obesity in order to achieve a healthier future for America. Little research has examined the media coverage this campaign received. Hence this paper analyzes media coverage, using the framing analysis, of the campaign by two popular news sources, one conservative—FOX News, and one liberal—CNN. The analysis revealed three distinct frames: healthy future for American children, policy change, and exercise is trendy. Furthermore, the campaign received more positive coverage from the liberal news source as compared to more neutral coverage by the conservative news source.

Marketing to One Color: An Analysis of the Emergent Themes in Cancer Television Commercials from 2014- 2017

Award: Second Place, Student Paper Competition

Abstract: There is considerable amount of research available on cancer incidence and mortality; however, the role of the media in framing cancer as a health issue has not been analyzed. This paper uses framing analysis approach to analyze cancer television commercials to better understand how the social marketers are portraying cancer to the masses. Four themes emerged from a framing analysis of the ads: emotional appeal, empowerment, social support and research advancements. Additionally, this study explored whether racial disparities and underrepresentation of racial minorities exist in cancer advertisements. The findings revealed that Blacks, in particular, are underrepresented in cancer advertisement even though cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher in the Black population. This study provides practical implications for cancer organizations and social marketers by offering insights on the popular themes being applied in cancer advertisements

Lindsay Bouchacourt, masters student

The Effect of Endorser Body Type on Attitudes and Emotional Responses Toward Weight Loss Advertisements

Award: Top Paper, Student Research Category

Abstract: Weight loss advertisements are notorious for their use of deceptive claims and extremely thin, unattainable models. Despite research that shows using extremely thin models creates negative body image issues among women, advertisers continue using models with unrealistic body types, assuming that thinness sells. The purpose of the current study is to investigate whether using a realistic, average-sized model can be more effective at selling a product than using a thin model. The current study explores how the body type of an endorser in a weight loss advertisement effects a female consumer’s attitude toward the ad, attitude toward the brand, purchase intentions, and emotional responses toward the ad. Women between 18 and 35 years old were exposed to a weight loss advertisement with one of three endorser conditions–mediated (thin) body type endorser, a realistic body type endorser, and no endorser. When analyzing the results, factors that may have influenced the results were controlled, including participant race, BMI, body esteem, perceived physical fitness, and dieting intentions. The results showed there were no significant differences between the three types of endorsers, implying that using a realistic endorser is just as effective as using a thin endorser.

Amanda Bradshaw, doctoral student

Pro-Vaxxers Get Out: Anti-Vaccine Advocates Influence Questioning First-Time, Pregnant, and New Mothers on Facebook

Co-authors: Summer Shelton, doctoral student; Easton Wollney, doctoral student; Debbie Treise, professor; Kendra Auguste, doctoral student

Amanda Kastrinos, doctoral student

No Country for Selfies: Privacy Concerns on Facebook and Instagram

Yufan Qin, doctoral student

Exploring Negative Peer Communication of Companies on Social Media and Its Impact on Organization-Public Relationships

Co-author: Rita Men, associate professor

Mila Khalitova, doctoral student

Title: Assessing the Role of International Broadcasters as Information Subsidies in the International Agenda-Building Process

Co-author: Sofiya Tarasevich, doctoral student

Abstract: This paper explores the agenda-building potential of government-sponsored international broadcasting (GIB) by focusing on the relationships between congruence of political culture and journalists’ practices regarding the use of foreign government-sponsored news content. The findings suggest that value proximity between a broadcaster’s home country and the host country increases the likelihood that the host country’s media a) will use the GIB as an information source b) and will accept frames promoted by the government that funds the GIB.

Sining Kong, doctoral student

Title: How Perceived Similarity Moderates Sympathy and Pride Appeal Organ Donation Messages

Co-author: Yu-Hao Lee, professor

Abstract: Existing research on organ donation has generally focused on message types but ignored how people’s innate preference (perceived similarity) orientated message type affects the effectiveness of organ donation messages. Through two factorial-design experiments (2×2: similarity vs dissimilarity, and sympathy vs pride), we examined how perceived similarity moderates emotional appeals in organ donation messages. Study 1 is an online experiment examining perceived similarity and physical similarity. Study 2 is a lab experiment with incidental similarity and demographic similarity. The results revealed that only perceived similarity has an impact on people’s emotional and behavioral intention. Furthermore, regardless of the emotional appeal message, perceived similarity induced both more sympathy and pride, which indicates a mixed altruistic and egoistic motivation in organ donation intention. These findings offer important theoretical and applied implications for future research.

Donghee Lee, doctoral student

Does Natural Mean Healthy? How Natural Label Contributes to Nutritional Self-Betrayal Among Health-Conscious Consumers

Abstract: Thanks to the recent surge of interest in health and well-being, American consumers are more health-conscious now than ever. Despite this awareness, however, even self-described health- conscious consumers still eat unhealthy food for pleasure. This study provides a conceptual model describing the process through which health-conscious individuals may justify unhealthy food consumption. Using the Cognitive Dissonance Theory, this paper argues that individuals rely on the loophole effect, which refers to the psychological process of engaging in active self- deceit. Individuals can use this effect to capitalize on the healthfulness commonly associated with the word “natural” that often appears on the labels of unhealthy food, convincing themselves that the food is actually good for them. Once health-conscious individuals recognize a natural label on the unquestionably unhealthy food package, they experience guilt from the conflict between their health and hedonic goals. This paper provides a counterargument to widely-accepted information deficit models in this field by arguing that the unhealthy food choices of consumers are founded neither on the lack of information nor their vulnerability to food manufacturers’ deceitful advertising. Rather, consumers are an active agent making self- serving choices, using a “natural” label as an excuse to attribute blame for their health and hedonic goal conflict. This paper attempts to advance Cognitive Dissonance Theory by presenting possible factors influencing one’s food-related dissonance process.

Paul Mena, doctoral student

Fact-checking and Facebook Users’ Engagement: Debunking Fake News and Verifying Trump’s Claims

Abstract: This study explores Facebook users’ engagement with fact-checking regarding categories of this journalistic activity and the authors of the claims being assessed. A content analysis of Facebook posts published by two major fact-checking organizations was conducted. The results show that the debunking of fake news by fact-checkers might produce higher levels of engagement. Additionally, this study found that fact-checking audiences on Facebook were significantly engaged with posts related to the verification of President Trump’s claims.

Katy Robinson, doctoral student

Understanding the Influence of Employee Communication Behavior: How Job Board Reviews Impact Millennial Perceptions of Organizational Reputation, Relational Trust and Intent to Apply

Co-authors: Patrick Thelen and Cen “April” Yue, doctoral students

Abstract: Employees are seen as important contributors to an organization’s strategic communication efforts. Using experimental design, this study evaluates the impact of responsive leadership communication and rewards-based culture on corporate reputation, relational trust and overall intent to apply. Results indicate employees’ communication behaviors, specifically employee-generated job board reviews using responsive leadership communication and a rewards-based culture information, have separate effects on organizational reputation and relational trust, but collective effects on overall intent to apply.

Summer Shelton, doctoral student

Why Aren’t We Talking About Weight? Information Underrepresented Women Receive about Weight Management During Pregnancy

Co-authors: Matthew Cretul, doctoral student; Amanda Kastrinos, doctoral student; Debbie Treise, professor; Amanda Bradshaw, doctoral student; Easton Wollney, doctoral student; Alexis Bajalia, masters student; Kendra Auguste, doctoral student 

Abstract: Excessive gestational weight gain is associated with a number of adverse health outcomes for mother and baby. This research assessed the patient-provider conversation about nutrition, exercise, and weight management from the perspective of the prenatal patient. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18, low-income, underrepresented women, living in the rural South. Findings revealed the majority of women’s providers had never discussed their gestational weight gain, even when particularly excessive. Recommendations for improving this conversation are provided.

 

Do disabilities belong?: Exploring non-disabled consumer attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities in advertising

Award: Fourth Place Paper, Student Research, Advertising Division

Abstract: In advertising, which relies heavily on visual stimuli, what place do persons with disabilities (PWDs) hold? Through focus groups with non-disabled consumers, this research asked if advertisements featuring PWDS are encountered, assessed attitudes toward PWDs in advertising, and perceived reasons brands use PWDs. Findings revealed disability/health related advertisements encountered frequently and a desire for “normalization” of disabilities. Print or social platforms are presumed best, and larger brands are proposed leaders in improved disability representation.

Sofiya Tarasevich, doctoral student

Donald Trump in Visual Dimension: Content Analysis of Cross-National Intermedia Agenda Setting

Co-authors: Mila Khalitova, doctoral student; Osama Albishri, doctoral student; Spiro Kiousis, professor; and Barbara Myslik, doctoral student

Abstract: This study analyzes the visual framing of Donald Trump’s image in the international media during the 2016 presidential campaign in the context of intermedia agenda setting. As emotion recognition software was used in the coding process, it expands the body of literature on computer evaluation of tonality in visual framing. The quantitative content analysis of 801 images from 16 media revealed differences among eight counties in tonality, Trump’s image reflection and display of social distance.

Patrick Thelen, doctoral student

Supervisor Humor Styles and Employee Advocacy: A Serial Mediation Model

Award: Second Place Student Paper, Public Relations Division

Abstract: This study examines how supervisor humor styles influence employee advocacy by building the linkage between affiliative humor, aggressive humor, supervisor authenticity, employee-organization relationships, and employee advocacy. Through a quantitative survey with 350 employees who work for a variety of organizations, this study’s results indicated that the relationship between supervisor humor style and employee advocacy is fully mediated by supervisor authenticity and employee-organization relationships.

Stephenson Waters, doctoral student

Whistleblowers, Encryption, and Mass Surveillance Panel: Protecting Sources and Press Freedom in a Digital Age

Easton Wollney, doctoral student

Feminine, Competent, Submissive: A Multimodal Analysis of Depictions of Women in U.S. Wartime Persuasive Messages

Abstract: This analysis used Peirce’s triadic approach to interpret 58 public depictions of wartime women from 1914 to 1918 and from 1941 to 1946. The images appeared in government posters or as ads and illustrations in U.S. magazines and newspapers. Aligned in five thematic clusters, many invited polysemy through discrepant visual and verbal cues aimed at different audiences. Women as viewers and as objects of representation were addressed in the context of both citizenship and consumption.

Cen “April” Yue, doctoral student

How Employees Perceive Organizational Change? An Investigation into Change Management from an Internal Communication Perspective

Award: Fourth-Place Paper

Abstract: Organizations are experiencing constant changes in an unstable business environment. Organizational changes pose challenges to management and the success of change initiatives depend on employees’ support. A conceptual model is proposed to illustrate how perceived transparent communication can foster employee openness to change by decreasing change-related uncertainty. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the change management scholarship from the internal communication’s perspective. Implications on public relations scholarship and practice are discussed.