Information and Organization

Blogpost written by Nguyen Thi Khanh Vy and Thedini Wickramasinghe

Key points:

• Technology and the economy influence how students learn and the job market.
• Flexible learning methods don’t harm student outcomes.
• Strong student-teacher interaction matters most.

---

„Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.“ – Nelson Mandela

Is the traditional classroom boring?

We, students, are way too familiar with the classroom because every 5 or 6-year-old kid must go to school. A classroom with one teacher explaining a lesson in 45 to 60 minutes to students is a common method worldwide. Where students sit still, listening, and learning from one-way interaction. And not much discussion, or sharing ideas, thoughts with other mates. Lack of interaction between teachers and students, or students to students has demotivated the learning atmosphere. Who likes to go to class just to sit and listen and obey?

Also, students are expected to absorb knowledge and receive homework from the teachers after class. Then in the next class, they will work on correcting answers for the homework, listen to the new lesson topic, and receive another new homework. The whole process has been going on and on for decades, from elementary to high schools, and universities.

It is not difficult to understand, because how can students learn effectively outside the classroom, such as at home or in a café? There are no blackboards at home, no math teacher, no chemical lab. No tools and instructors to guide them, to help them absorb the knowledge and practice that easily.

Busy adults want to go to school too

Not only young students, professional workers want to upgrade their skills with learning new things too. Moreover, after the pandemic, remote working has become more common, and that has pushed the demand for highly skilled workers who can work effectively and solve problems even in the remote working environment.

Furthermore, office workers who are already busy in the daytime with work, also want to pursue classes after work, for higher education, or upskilling. However, traveling from work to school, and catching up with evening classes or early morning classes consumes energy and concentration too. They would wish that classroom time was only for more personal interaction and other pre-reading activities or self-learning could be done at home, at their own pace. So that they can save time and energy.

Should we reduce classroom time?

As we can see, with the two above types of learners, there are demands for a better classroom method. Thanks to the internet, computers, and software; these are mediums to help teachers re-organize classrooms, where students can spend more time on self-learning and are expected to interact more in the class. And teachers can leverage software to distribute content or reading materials online, without having students sitting in the class. Therefore, they can use the classroom spare time to coordinate more discussion among students and teachers.

This new way to organize learning is mentioned in Müller and Mildenberger paper in 2021 under the term ‘blended learning’. However, there is some skepticism about the cost-efficiency and student performance between the traditional classroom and the reduced-time classroom.

Insights from Müller and Mildenberger paper in 2021

For a brief introduction on this paper, Müller and Mildenberger research digs into an important topic in modern education: what happens when we reduce classroom time and shift a part of the learning process to online settings? They have conducted experiments on reducing 30-79% classroom time and measuring the final performance.

As it turns out, it highlights that both traditional and blended learning methods are equally efficient if it is implemented properly. Plus, flexibility is useful for adult learners since it allows them to upskill or reskill with other responsibilities. However, the researchers highlighted that meaningful interactions: both between teachers and students and among peers, are the most important factors in successful learning, regardless of the format or the style of learning.

Challenges in reducing classroom time

Shifting to online learning appears to be a good idea, but there are some concerns. The study revealed a few important challenges:

• Lack of structure for students: Some students fail to maintain discipline and motivation in online learning environments. Without maintaining continuous interaction, some students can easily fall behind or get confused.
• Learning Gaps: Not every area or skills are easily learned online with limited classroom time due to longer hours for equipment setup. For example, doing science experiments, practising singing, sports, etc.
• Technology Barriers: Access to reliable technology and the internet is crucial for online education. Students without these resources may be left behind.
• Teacher readiness: Teachers sometimes face high barriers to learning while developing effective online activities and content. Without enough training and support, online content may fail to attract students or achieve the depth of classroom conversations.

Conclusion

Müller and Mildenberger study reminds us that while online learning offers flexibility and adaptability, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Replacing classroom time with online activities does not guarantee better outcomes, so its success solely depends on how it’s implemented.

Universities should focus on maintaining a balance. Online learning can benefit in-person teaching by offering flexibility and new tools for engagement, but it should not replace the invaluable interaction and support students get in physical classrooms.

The future of education depends on finding ways to combine the best of both worlds, keeping students’ needs and challenges in mind. By addressing the limitations highlighted, universities and other educational institutions can build learning environments that are effective, and adaptable for everyone.

 

Müller & Mildenberger (2021): Facilitating flexible learning by replacing classroom time with an online learning environment: A systematic review of blended learning in higher education. doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100394

 

Blogpost written by Elif Nur Öztürk and Mustafa Enes Gedikoğlu

Key Points:

• Taking notes on a laptop might impair your learning, as it often leads to passive transcription rather than active engagement with the material.
• Simply writing down exactly what the lecturer says doesn’t really help you understand the topic better.
• Failing to review your notes can make it challenging to retain and apply the information later.

---

Imagine walking into a classroom. How many people are taking notes longhand, and how many are using laptops? In today’s digital age, laptops provide easy access to the vast world of the internet. But does using laptops for note-taking genuinely enhance our learning, or does it hinder the process? With their potential for multitasking, laptops can often become a source of distraction, drawing attention away from the lecture. In this blog post, we will examine the effectiveness of longhand note-taking versus laptops, guided by insights from the study The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking.

Laptops are particularly appealing for note-taking in lectures, as they enable students to take note of content with ease. Mueller and Oppenheimer explored whether laptops or longhand note-taking is more effective for learning.

Their study explored two main ideas about how note-taking helps with learning. One idea is that taking notes helps you process and understand the material better as you write. The other idea is that having notes to review later is useful, even if you didn’t write them yourself. The researchers designed their approach around these ideas, running three different studies to dig deeper into them.

Exploring the Impact of Note-Taking Methods on Learning and Retention

• Laptop vs. Longhand: Which Note-Taking Method Wins?
  Students using laptops for note-taking tended to produce higher word counts, often transcribing lectures verbatim which means laptop users tend to type lectures word-for-word. In contrast, those using longhand notes recorded fewer words but thought more deeply about the material. While both groups performed similarly on factual questions that required basic recall, longhand note-takers significantly outperformed their laptop-using peers on conceptual questions, which demanded a deeper understanding of the material.
• Typing vs. Thinking: Does Transcribing Notes Hurt Your Learning?
  Longhand note-taking, which naturally resulted in fewer words and less verbatim copying, led to better outcomes on tasks which requiring deeper understanding, like analyzing and applying ideas compared to other methods. On the other hand, instructing laptop users to avoid word-for-word transcription had little effect. They still copied notes verbatim, showing no significant performance difference from uninstructed participants, which might be due to the nature of laptop note-taking that encourages fast, word-for-word transcription over thoughtful summarization.
• Does Your Memory Prefer Reviewed Longhand Notes Over Typed Ones?
  When people reviewed their notes before a test, those who wrote by hand were more successful than laptop note-takers. This demonstrates that longhand notes offer greater benefits, making them more effective tools for learning.
• Unreviewed Notes: Do They Actually Help You Learn?
  Interestingly, without studying, no significant differences between laptop and longhand note-taking were observed. This highlights the importance of not only how notes are taken but also how they are made use of.

What’s the Plan: Back to Pen and Paper?

Not necessarily. The key takeaway isn’t to stop using laptops for note-taking, but rather to be mindful of potential drawbacks. To improve learning process:

• Avoid Word-for-Word Transcription: When taking notes on a laptop, focus on capturing the main ideas rather than taking word to word notes. This encourages better engagement and understanding.
• Use Generative Note-Taking Methods: Instead of simply writing down what you hear, try to summarize the content in your own words. Techniques like drawing diagrams or visualizing concepts can also enhance learning.
• Be Intentional: Whether using a laptop or pen and paper, being conscious of your note-taking style and its impact on your learning can help you retain and apply information more effectively.
• Study Your Notes: Last but not least, the act of studying your notes is crucial for retention. Notes that aren’t reviewed don’t fully contribute to the learning process.

In today’s world, we often embrace what technology offers without questioning its drawbacks or benefits. But sometimes, traditional methods may be more effective than we realize. This study shows that learning isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about how we engage with it. When using a laptop, approach note-taking with intention and focus on capturing key ideas instead of transcribing everything word by word. And if you’re drawn to modern tools, perhaps a tablet with a pen could offer the best of both worlds: the flexibility of digital notes with the cognitive benefits of hand-written engagement.

What do you think? How do you approach note-taking, and are there ways you could make it work better for you?

References

 Paper notebooks vs. mobile devices for note-taking Mueller, P. A., and Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The pen is mightier than the keyboard: advantages of longhand over laptop note taking. doi.org/10.1177/0956797614524581

Blogpost written by Shubham Shrestha and Robert Georgies

---

Imagine you are sitting in a lecture and it’s the stuff you really need to know for your future career. Your professor is explaining something very important, and then-buzz-a notification goes off on your phone. Suddenly, your mind is anywhere but in that classroom. Sound familiar?

Two researchers, Evren Sumuer and Duygu Nazire Kasıkcı, went deep inside the problem that we face with every single step and speak little about: how smartphones hijack our learning ability. Their research in *Computers & Education* is not an ordinary research paper but a wake-up call for every student who has ever felt his or her attention slip away.

Key points

• Notifications distract 78% of students, harming focus and learning.
• Distractions lower retention which affects the abilities for absorbing information effectively leading to poor academic performance.
• Recommending disabling alerts, creating phone-free zones, and using smartphones in a conscious way can improve students’ academic performance.
• Smartphones are not the problem—smart use is key. Protect your focus!

---

What Exactly is Mind-Wandering?

A brief observation to begin with, as regards what this phenomenon is all about: Mind-wandering is a mental drift, the floating away of thoughts from the current task-you can guess what it is-one minute you are listening to a lecture, and the next thing you know, you’re mentally planning your weekend or wondering what your friend just posted on Instagram.

The Study: What Happens Behind the Scenes

The researchers tested 402 university students with an average age of 20.7 years. All these students were smartphone users and brought with them an average of 7.76 years of experience with these digital devices.The study goal was to find out how smartphone addiction affects focus during learning and how smartphones cause mind-wandering. The result showed that about 26% of mind-wandering is connected to smartphone addiction. Additionally, 78% of students get distracted by notifications, 64% of students by social media and 50% by expecting calls. These stats show how much smartphones can disrupt focus and learning.

Why are we tempted to use our phones?

Think about the human brain as a high-performance sports car, with a smartphone as the speed bumps in the road that always disrupt a smooth ride. The scientists isolated something they call „Control Failure x Concern Theory“ Evren Sumuer and Duygu Nazire Kasıkcı describe Control Failure x Concern Theory as how failing to control a behavior and worrying about that failure work together to shape a person’s stress and actions.that describes why: Immediate wanting from an alert. This curiosity defeats the concentration power of an individual. Essentially, it is like being cognitively hijacked with all the possible things that could be in that notification.

Literally, your brain is battling between two impulses:

1. Keep the spotlight on learning
2. Responsiveness to digital stimulation

And most of the time? The notification wins.

Effects of Distractions and Remedies to Improve Concentration

Distractions during studying and attending lectures have real-life consequences. The very moment attention is being given to other things-for instance, a smartphone-it becomes even harder to retain and recall information. When one loses focus, lessons are not easily comprehended, and over time, such effects will yield poor academic performances.

 Some scholars have come up with practical solutions for the digital era, such as switching off notifications while studying to reduce diverting one’s concentration toward less useful activities. One other good approach could be the establishment of phone-free zones, for example, classrooms and libraries, where using smartphones shall not be allowed. Smartphones could be put to more thoughtful use as a means of education in the accessing of apps and resources which enhance learning rather than those which actually take away from it. This also helps fight distraction; it involves one’s complete awareness of the present moment and the realization of the beginning of wandering of one’s mind. By gaining such awareness, the students are then able to deliberately set their focus back onto the work.

Another recommended strategy is using smartphones in a conscious way: ask yourself if its use is supportive in learning or results from mere habit. This helps improve the ability to focus, refreshes the mind, and makes one less prone to distractions while studying. These overall solutions greatly improve retention, understanding, and performance and will keep students on task in an ever-digital world.

A Personal Challenge
Try this next time during studying or even in class: Switch your phone on „Do Not Disturb“ and log the change in your focus. You might be quite surprised by just how much it increases and how big a chunk of mental bandwidth you really get. It is not technology that shall interrupt learning; technology will enhance it. Thus, when we understand how our brains interact with smartphones, we can find better ways of focusing and participating. Keep in mind that your attention is a rare resource. Protect it,

Want to learn more? Check out “The role of smartphones in college students’ mind-wandering during learning” by Evren Sumuer and Duygu Nazire Kasıkcı (2022). doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104616

 

Blogpost written by Hümeyra Kisa and Hilal Yesilirmak                                                    

Key Points:

• TikTok transforms online learning by boosting participation with entertaining features and personalized recommendations.
• Virtual rewards in Tiktok-based learning supercharge student engagement but also spark anxiety if challenges become overwhelming.
• Interactive tools like bullet-screen not only ease that anxiety, they actively pull students into active learning.

---

In this digital age, many videos are shared on social media platforms. But as you might think, there are not only dance trends on Tiktok, educational videos are also taking over the application! The educational videos are usually short, emphasizing important points, interactive and very easy to understand. Are these educational videos really useful for learning? The recent study by Wang and colleagues (2023) says „yes“! It shows how Tiktok’s features, such as intelligent recommendations, playfulness and virtual rewards, can change students‘ learning experiences. Could short videos be the next big step in education? Let’s take a look at the findings.

 How Does TikTok Support Learning?

TikTok is a platform with a strong user base that provides interaction in all areas and contains entertaining content. This feature is also very prominent in the field of education. In the study by Wang and colleagues (2023) surveyed 502 undergraduate students in China about their experiences with features like intelligent recommendations, playfulness and virtual rewards in TikTok videos and investigated the impact of TikTok on students‘ learning engagement. According to the research with intelligent recommendation systems, interactive features and short, creative content, TikTok attracts the attention of students and thus increases their participation. Here are some tools on how TikTok supports in education:

• Intelligent Recommendations: As is widely recognized, social media platforms operate using algorithms that prioritize content similar to what users engage with most frequently. This principle applies to TikTok as well. TikTok offers personalized lessons and content to users. Thus, students‘ interest is attracted more and the time spent on the platform increases in this context.
• Short and Fun Contents: Today’s students now prefer short educational videos instead of watching lecture videos, such as reading dozens of pages of books or watching lessons for hours. Who wouldn’t prefer to watch a 60-second lesson video with fun content!
• Virtual Rewards: TikTok offers students reward opportunities such as badges, points, digital tokens, as long as they are successful! For example, when you watch and complete a lesson video, you can earn badges or points. These rewards make students put more effort into the learning process and they approach it with positive emotions. In addition, the recognition of achievements through rewards and the feeling of achievement helps them to put in more effort.
• Interactive Tools (Bullet-Screen): For students, social interaction is a method of reducing anxiety. For this purpose, instructors can plan live lessons on a topic that students are interested in, and use bullet-screened films to improve communication.

Do These Tools Have a Negative Impact?

Attention! While tik tok improves learning with these tools, it can also cause negative effects. For example, Wang et al. (2023) found that virtual rewards have a negative moderator effect on the relationship between interaction and anxiety. This means that if a task that achieves a reward is too difficult and exceeds the student’s skills, this situation will not provide motivation to the student, it will only cause stress and anxiety. As the student thinks that he does not deserve this award. And, accordingly, increased anxiety can reduce the students‘ desire to interact.

What Can Be Done?

To make TikTok-based learning more effective, the following can be done:

• Increase motivation and sweet ambition by offering rewards in accordance with the students‘ knowledge levels, not stress.
• Observe students‘ stress levels and avoid challenging tasks.
• Prepare short and entertaining content that students can easily focus on.
• Ensure student participation with tools such as bullet-screen and increase social interaction.

Big Picture

Now over to you: Based on the results of this research, would you incorporate TikTok into your own learning or teaching?

TikTok’s short video format makes learning accessible and engaging by using creative and interactive features. These tools enhance communication between students and teachers, creating a fun and personalized learning environment with great potential to boost student engagement. However, if not managed properly, they can increase anxiety, so careful planning is essential to balance technology use and minimize stress. With the right strategies, TikTok can foster a creative and interactive educational experience.

Do you think TikTok and similar platforms will improve education or create more risks?

 

References:
Wang, C., Liu, Y., Zhou, X., & Zhang, Q. (2023). Exploring effects of intelligent recommendation, interactivity, and playfulness on learning engagement: An application of TikTok considering the mediation of anxiety and moderation of virtual reward. Computers in Human Behavior, 145, 107951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107951

 

Blogpost written by Furkan Uruk & Daniil Naidenov

Nowadays, social media has changed how we communicate, bringing us closer together than ever. But there is also a darker side to always being connected – cyberbullying. This form of online harassment is a growing concern, affecting people of all ages and leaving a lasting impact on the mental health of those affected. In this post, we’ll break down what cyberbullying is, why it happens, how it affects us, and what we can do to prevent it.

Key Points

• Cyberbullying is a Growing Concern: Social media platforms have become the main stage for online harassment, affecting people of all ages.
• Risk Factors: Oversharing, excessive screen time, and certain personality traits can increase vulnerability to cyberbullying.
• Serious Mental Health Impact: Victims often experience anxiety, depression, social isolation, and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
• Adults Are Not Immune to It: Cyberbullying not only affects children online, but it also affects grown-ups, which can lead to workplace stress, reduced job satisfaction, and damaged relationships.
• It Is Possible to Prevent It: AI tools, education, and community efforts are key to combating cyberbullying.
• The Road Ahead: Ongoing research is needed to improve prevention strategies and address cyberbullying on emerging platforms.

---

The Monster Under Our Digital Beds

There were times when bullies were just those mean kids in school. But now, in our hyper-connected world, there is a new type of bully, the virtual bully, who doesn’t need physical proximity any more to be able to hurt people – he lurks in our phones, tablets and laptops, ready to attack at any given moment.

Cyberbullying happens when someone uses the internet, especially social media, to repeatedly hurt, embarrass, or threaten another person. This could be through nasty messages, spreading lies, or sharing private photos without consent.

Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying doesn’t end when you walk away. There’s no safe haven, you cannot take refuge at home. It’s like having someone who wants to harass you steal a spare key to every room in your life. A person can spread vicious rumours, share embarrassing photos or outright reveal your personal information without you even knowing who it is. A threatening message can even pop up as you’re having dinner. Cyberbullying follows victims wherever they go, making it even more damaging.

Why Good People Turn Into Digital Devils

Let’s be honest – the internet can turn people who appear to be normal in their real life into monsters online. But why? The research by Giumetti & Kowalski suggests that it’s not just about bad people doing bad things. The digital world provides a fertile ground for the worst human traits to come out because of anonymity, distance and instant gratification. When you cannot see the person on the other end of the screen, it becomes frighteningly easy to forget that they, too, are human, and really exist out there somewhere.

The Silent Scream: Mental Health in the Digital Age

The damage being done isn’t just virtual – it’s physical. Imaging having a troubling weight pull you down with every step that gets ever heavier with every notification, every ping, every refresh. That is what cyberbullying victims experience. The research shows that this isn’t just about feeling angry or sad; we’re talking about deep and lasting psychological wounds. Depression doesn’t just visit; it moves in, permanently. Anxiety becomes a lifelong companion of those affected. And for some, especially for the younger people online, the weight becomes unbearable as cyberbullying continues, which leads to darker thoughts than any parent wants to imagine.

Fighting Back: More Than Just Hitting ‚Block‘

But there are good news, too: we’re not powerless in a fight against cyberbullying. The digital world can still at times feel like the Wild West, but we’re getting better at taming it. AI spots and stops harmful content from spending before it can do any damage. But trusting technology alone isn’t the answer, we need human solutions to this very human problem. Schools need to become battlegrounds – but not for bullying, for education about the life online. Parents need to learn how to become digital guides to their children and not just guardians.

Forward The Revolution

Social media is not going anywhere anytime soon, but neither is our humanity. The research discovered an urgent need for action, but not just from tech companies or school. We need a cultural revolution. Every time that we choose kindness over cruelty online, we are fighting back. And every time we call out digital harassment instead of scrolling past it, we are making a difference.

Conclusion

The current prevalence of cyberbullying online is a wake-up call. The research makes it clear: we are facing a crisis that outpaces our solutions.

Social media is a double-edged sword. While it connects us and opens up opportunities, it also creates spaces for harmful behaviour like cyberbullying. The effects are real and often devastating, impacting mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

The good news is that we can fight back. By using technology wisely, educating ourselves and others, and fostering supportive communities, we can create a safer online environment. It’s up to all of us—parents, educators, policymakers, and everyday users—to take action and make social media a place that uplifts rather than harms. Every one of us who’s ever posted, shared, or commented online is either part of the problem or the solution. Which will you be?

Together, we can ensure that social media remains a tool for connection, not division. The future of our digital world isn’t written in code – it’s written in our choices. Let’s make them count.

 

References: Social media and cyberbullying
Giumetti & Kowalski (2022): Cyberbullying via social media and well-being. doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101314

Image link: https://www.bitdefender.com/en-gb/blog/hotforsecurity/fur-ein-besseres-und-sichereres-miteinander-im-internet-aktionstag-gegen-cybermobbing

Why It Happens and Why It Hurts

Blogpost written by Alex Essel and Andrej Ditler

Highlights:

• Anonymity on mobile dating apps has turned ghosting into a familiar phenomenon, making it effortless for people to disappear without explanation.
• Even though ghosting is common, ghostees often experience significant emotional pain which can sometimes even have long term effects.
• More frequent mobile dating app users surprisingly tend to ghost less often, showing that experience encourages empathy.

---

Some of you might have experienced it, the burning sensation in your chest. Simultaneously, question after question streams through your head: “Why? Did I do something wrong? Did I write something inappropriate? Maybe s/he is just having a long day and will text back tomorrow?”.

Slowly but surely, the denial of what has happened phases out, and the realization sets in: It seems like you have been ghosted. But why, though? Everything seemed fine–right?

You saw that one person on Tinder, beautiful, the pictures exude charisma, and s/he is a dog person just like you! Everything seems to be spot on; you swipe right. You get a match. Both of you exchange some text messages for the next few days and you get to know each other a bit. Every time you text the person, you have a smile on your face. And then it happens; the person is not replying anymore…

This or similar experiences are not a rare occurrence. Since the dawn of mobile dating apps, it seems that ghosting has become an integral part of it. But how is it that behavior, which would be considered highly inappropriate in a face-to-face setting, has become a normal thing to do on mobile dating apps?

This leaves us with a big question: How do we even begin to understand something as personal and painful as ghosting? That’s exactly what a group of researchers set out to uncover, diving deep into the world of mobile dating to figure out what drives people to ghost and what happens to those left behind.

How do you study ghosting? Here’s what the researchers did!

You might wonder: how can something as emotional and personal as ghosting be studied scientifically? It’s not like people leave behind a trail of evidence when they ghost someone. So, how did the researchers decode this mystery?

They started by reaching out to 328 active dating app users, all of whom had firsthand experience with ghosting—either as ghosters or ghostees. Through a mix of questions, from simple multiple-choice to open-ended “spill your heart out” types, the researchers collected real stories about ghosting—why people do it, how it feels to be ghosted, and how they cope.

The researchers didn’t just collect data—they uncovered emotions, motivations, and coping strategies. Some participants talked about why they ghosted, others about how it felt to be ghosted, and many shared the ripple effects it had on their confidence and mental health.

But it didn’t stop there. The real value behind these stories lies in the patterns researchers can detect and turn into insights. This mix of personal stories and hard data gave them a clear picture of why ghosting happens, how it affects people, and what we can learn from it.

In short, they didn’t just study ghosting—they really decoded it. Now, let’s look into their findings!

Why do people even ghost in the first place?

There are multiple reasons why people resort to ghosting on mobile dating apps.

From the perspective of the ghosters (the ones who ghosted), it might have been that your personality wasn’t up to snuff, you came off as weird while texting, or perhaps you were just plain obnoxious. Maybe your physical appearance played a role—those filtered selfies on your profile could have set expectations you didn’t quite meet. Or perhaps the date itself was lukewarm at best. We also shouldn’t forget the possibility that your end goals didn’t align: maybe you were looking for a serious relationship while they just wanted something casual.

But don’t take it all personally—some ghosters actually blamed themselves. A portion confessed to feeling emotionally unprepared or afraid of not meeting your expectations. Others might have found a new flame and simply forgotten about you. Then there are those who ghosted to preserve a sense of control, feeling they didn’t owe you an explanation.

Ironically, a small number of ghosters said they ghosted to avoid the discomfort of verbally rejecting you, believing this would spare your feelings. I’m sure you can appreciate the effort.

Now, let’s turn the tables. Let’s look at you for a moment—or, more precisely, at people like you: the ghostees. What did ghostees believe was the reason for you being ghosted? According to your fellow ghostees, it’s not your fault. They believed the ghoster’s own issues—like disinterest, a fear of commitment, or even already dating someone else—might have led to the sudden disappearance. But even among ghostees, some pointed the finger inward, saying they felt they just weren’t good enough.

Still, let’s not kid ourselves—these apps make it incredibly easy to leave someone on “read.” Both ghosters and ghostees seem to agree on that.

What are the consequences of ghosting, and how do ghostees cope?

As anyone who has experienced ghosting can attest, the consequences often included sadness, anger, disillusionment, or shame. Interestingly, some participants reported feeling relieved, realizing that the other person was not a suitable match. Unfortunately, others suffered long-term effects on their mental health, such as lowered self-esteem or even depression.

To cope with being ghosted, some participants deleted the mobile dating app or sought comfort by talking to their friends. A few attempted to get in touch with the ghoster through social media in their pursuit of closure. However, many tried to rationalize it–trying to make sense of what had happened.

Does frequent use of mobile dating apps increase the likelihood of ghosting others?

No. The analysis actually showed the opposite: the higher the usage of mobile dating apps, the lower the odds of ghosting others. At first, the myriad of dating opportunities on these apps can feel overwhelming. One exciting person after another appears, while countless others who don’t spark your interest bombard you with “Hi” or “Wassup.” Let’s be honest—most of us would struggle with that and might ghost one, two, or maybe even ten people in the process. But over time, users tend to become more selective with their choices, leading to fewer instances of ghosting.

What can we learn from this study?

After diving into the fascinating results of the study, one big question remains: What can you, as a possible dating app user, take away from all this?

Ghosting happens because it’s easy. Dating apps make it simple to disappear, and ghosters often avoid confrontation or think it’s kinder to vanish than to reject someone outright. But for ghostees, the impact is real—especially when the ghosting is unexpected or after a meaningful connection. Sadness, anger, and self-doubt are common reactions.

People cope differently. Some rationalize it as part of dating, while others seek closure or even delete their dating apps altogether. Surprisingly, frequent app users are less likely to ghost, suggesting experience leads to more considerate behavior.

The takeaway? Ghosting may seem convenient, but it leaves emotional scars. A little honesty and empathy could make online dating a kinder place.

 

References:
Timmermans, E., Hermans, A., & Opree, S. J. (2020). Gone with the wind: Exploring mobile daters’ ghosting experiences. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(2), 783–801. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407520970287

Blogpost written by Reyhan Göç and Baraa Othman

Key Points

• Emojis influence the perceived emotion of the message and enhance communication in digital interaction.
• If emojis match the content of the message, they improve clarity, if don’t, they cause confusion and slow understanding.
• Positive emojis support warmth and connection.

---

Have you ever thought about the effects of emojis, which have become an essential part of our messages in daily life? Do emojis negatively affect our language or communication? Emojis play an important role in the emotional tone of our messages. For example, a simple text like “Good job” might seem neutral, but adding an emoji like a thumbs up 👍 or clapping hands👏, strengthens the enthusiasm and makes the message feel more personal and engaging. A recent study highlights the fundamental impact of emojis on our emotions, perceptions and understanding of digital messages.

How Emojis Enhance Emotional Communication

Emojis, these small digital icons, have become a vital part of modern communication. They’re everywhere, adding color and emotion to the way we connect with others. While facial expressions help us understand people’s emotional states in face-to-face interactions, emojis play a similar role in digital messages. A single ‘I’m sorry’ text may not show how deeply we are sorry, so we can solve this by adding a crying emoji: ‘I’m sorry😭’.

The study found that emojis are like mood boosters for messages. Negative emojis can totally change the vibe, making a message feel negative, even if the message is positive or neutral. On the other hand, positive emojis can make a message feel positive, but they don’t have the magical power to erase the bad mood in the negative messages. Neutral emojis tend to be seen as slightly negative, probably because the one used in this study (😐) is a bit more on the “meh” side than completely neutral.

How Emojis Help You Seem Warmer and More Approachable

Emojis also influence how people think about the sender socially. People who use positive emojis are perceived as warm, friendly and reliable while those who use negative emoji make a more unpleasant impression.

Let’s not forget that this study focused on daily messaging, and the use of emoji in professional context such as e-mails, is not very preferred. In fact, a separate study shows that smiling expressions in professional settings don’t make people seem warmer but can make them seem less competent.

Processing Made Easy: Emojis as Cognitive Boosters

Besides making communication easier to read and understand, emojis can be used to convey emotions. The study shows that using emojis that match the tone of a message, like a happy emoji with a positive sentence, makes the message easier to understand and less mentally taxing.

People can understand messages faster and more easily when the emoji matches the tone of the text. But if the emoji doesn’t fit, like a sad face with a happy message, it can be confusing and harder to read.

For example, sending „Congratulations! 😭“ might confuse the reader because the sad emoji doesn’t match the positive tone of the text, making the message unclear.

What This Means for You

Emojis fill the void left by the lack of gestures and facial expressions in digital communication, making them indispensable tools. Boutet et al. (2021) say that emojis copy facial expressions, making it easier to share emotions, connect with others, and understand messages by matching visuals to the message’s tone.

When used thoughtfully, emojis make digital interactions more engaging, relatable, and effective.

Here are some tips to maximize their impact:

Match Emoji Tone with Text: Make sure the emoji matches the tone in your text message because it improves clarity. Otherwise, it might be taken in a different direction altogether!

Leverage Positive Emojis: To increase your warmth and likeability, use positive emoticons like 😊 or ❤️. This will make the sender appear more approachable and kinder.

Be Cautious in Professional Settings: Although emojis can bring individuality, excessive use or poorly chosen emojis may detract from views of expertise. no more than minimal and neutral emojis, like 👍 or 😊, if necessary.

Conclusion

Emojis, however, are more than just adorable icons; they are potent representations of who we are online. By carefully choosing your emojis,

Boutet et al. (2021) suggest that thoughtfully using emojis can make communication clearer, help build meaningful relationships, and support users in adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape.

References

• Boutet, I., LeBlanc, M., Chamberland, J. A., & Collin, C. A. (2021). Emojis influence emotional communication, social attributions, and information processing. Computers in Human Behavior, 119, 106722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106722

Blogpost written by Vandana Wuluvarana Manmatha and Tushar Chanchlani

Key Points:

• Stronger connections can be built through texting.
• The key isn’t just in the words – it’s in the emojis!
• When both sides align their emoji use, conversations feel warmer and more engaging.

---

Do emojis really matter?

Imagine texting a friend about exciting news, and they respond with “cool.” Feels flat, right? Now add a 🎉 or 😊 – suddenly, their excitement feels real. Emojis are more than cute add-ons; they’re emotional amplifiers in our digital lives. But do they truly make conversations better? A recent study dives into how emojis influence perceptions of connection and responsiveness in text-based conversations.

The context

Texting is convenient, but it lacks the nonverbal cues – tone, facial expressions, gestures – that make face-to-face (FtF) conversations emotionally rich. Emoji aims to fill that gap, acting as visual stand-ins for emotional signals. However, their impact isn’t as straightforward as it seems. This study by Maureen Coyle and Cheryl Carmichael breaks new ground by asking: When do emojis actually make us feel closer?

How did they figure it out?

The researchers conducted a simple yet clever experiment. Participants disclosed personal stories – one positive and one negative – via text. Their “conversation partners” (actually trained responders) replied with either plain text or emoji-enhanced messages. The participants then rated how responsive and warm their partner seemed.

What did they find?

Here’s where it gets interesting:

• Matching is key: When participants and responders both used emojis – or neither did – the conversation felt more connected and in sync.
• Positivity matters: Emojis made a difference during positive conversations, enhancing warmth and engagement.
• For serious talks? Not so much: Emojis had little impact during discussions about negative events. These include situations like sharing personal struggles, bad news, losses or frustrations, where emojis might come across as insincere or trivializing. Positive conversations, on the other hand, such as celebrating achievements or sharing exciting news, benefited greatly from emoji use. Emojis in these contexts added warmth and enthusiasm, making the exchange feel more supportive and engaging.

Why does this matter?

This isn’t just about sending smiley faces – it’s about understanding how communication works in the digital age. The study shows that alignment in communication styles (like emoji use) creates harmony, much like mirroring body language in FtF chats. But it also warns against overusing emojis in serious or sad moments, where they might come across as inconsiderate.

An interesting Outlook

Wondering when emojis are appropriate to use? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

• Casual & Positive Conversations: Emojis are perfect for light, fun chats, like sharing good news or expressing excitement. They add warmth and make your message feel more engaging.
• Mirroring the Other Person: If the other person uses emojis, it’s a good idea to match their style. This creates a connection and makes the conversation feel more in sync.
• Serious or Negative Topics: Emojis can seem out of place when discussing tough or sensitive matters, such as personal struggles or loss. In these cases, stick to words that show empathy and support.
• Keep It Balanced: Don’t overuse emojis. A few well-placed ones can enhance your message, but too many can make it feel cluttered or unclear.

Emojis are a great tool but use them thoughtfully. Match the mood of the conversation and the preferences of the person you’re talking to for the best effect!

Conclusion

So, should you sprinkle emojis everywhere? Not quite. Emojis are powerful tools for building connections, but only when used thoughtfully. Matching your emoji use to your texting partner’s style – and the tone of the conversation – can make your messages feel more personal and engaging. Next time you text, remember: it’s not just what you say, but how you say it. 😎

 

Want to dive deeper? Check out the paper by Coyle & Carmichael (2019) – Perceived responsiveness in text messaging: The role of emoji use. doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.05.023

Image link: https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-884378360.jpg

Blogpost written by Amrutha Maliyekkal Murali and Leon Lindner

Key points:

• The effects of being social media and revealing interesting psychology factors.

• Is your mind playing tricks on you? What is the actual reason?

• Conducted an experiment and their results.

---

Have you ever thought about why you choose to share certain song or movies with your friends online? In today’s world sharing media like music and film on social media is more than just entertainment; it’s a powerful way to express yourself and shape how others see you. Research shows that our motivations for self-presentation play a big role in what we share and how we share it on social media platforms. In this blog, we’ll dive into fascinating findings of this study and explore what they reveal about our social media behaviour regarding our identity and social interaction in the digital age. Let’s unpack how your media be saying more than you thought.

Surprising Psychology Behind Your Social Media Shares

Have you wondered why you carefully choose movies and songs you share on social media? It’s not random; there’s some interesting psychology behind that says a lot about who we are or want to be. This study aimed to uncover why people share certain music or movies on social media and how these choices reflect their personalities. To explore this, they asked participants to imagine different situations, like wanting to be authentic, wanting to look good to others or wanting to belong to certain groups and then list songs or films they’d share on social media. By analysing the types of media shared, the researchers revealed patterns in how people share and use media to shape their online image and connect with others.

A closer look into selective media sharing

In today’s digital age, media isn’t something we just consume, it’s a big part of how we connect and how we shape our identity. Whether it’s movies or music, people are finding new ways to engage with content, privately and publicly. This leads to social media being a platform where we kind of strategically choose what to post to please others. For example, if you’re trying to impress someone you might share critically acclaimed movies and songs rather than “simple comedy movies”. On the other hand, sharing guilty pleasure songs could let seem more relatable or genuine. Like this, sharing content Is not just about self-expression it’s also about building connections. Sharing mainstream or prestigious content can boost your social standing and help you bond with others over shared interests. So, next time you post a favourite song or must-watch movie, remember that it’s not just entertainment. It’s a way of saying: This is me.

What to keep in mind

In the era where social media dominates our lives, our profiles are a snapshot of who we are, so the things you share might matter more than you think. Media sharing is not just about showing favourite songs or movies, it’s about shaping your identity and connect with others. When you share media on social platforms, you’re not just revealing your preference; it’s just a version of yourself for others to see, and sharing popular or trendy media helps you fit in with the crowd, showing you’re in tune with the collective taste of your peer group. Essentially, sharing media is a humble yet effective approach to connect with a group and share your narrative. Every meme, song, or film you share represents who you are or who you want to be while strengthening your bonds with those around you.

 

Read more
Johnson & Ranzini (2018): Click here to look clever: Self-presentation via selective sharing of music and film on social media. doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.01.008

Blogpost written by Yasa Defne and Duc Tung Luu

Key Points:

• Social media platforms use design and algorithms to create habits that unnoticeably influence our behavior and use of time.
• These habits can help us to stay in touch with others, but they can also lead to us paying less attention to ourselves – and this can affect our well-being.
• A conscious approach to social media helps to recognize and adapt these habits to promote a healthier relationship with technology.

---

Have you ever wondered why you lose track of time while scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat? What starts as a quick glance often turns into an unnoticed hour. This isn’t by accident—behind our behavior on social media are sophisticated mechanisms that shape our actions without us realizing it. In this blog post, we’ll explore how our social media habits form and the positive and negative effects on our lives, drawing on insights from the study „Building and Breaking Social Media Habits“ by Joseph B. Bayer, Ian A. Anderson, and Robert S. Tokunaga.

How do social media habits develop?

Social media habits are the routines we unconsciously repeat every time we open an app, scroll, like, or share. These actions follow patterns that are shaped by platform interfaces and algorithms. Algorithms analyze our preferences and usage habits to provide targeted content that captures our attention – be it through personalized recommendations, endless feeds or notifications that keep us coming back.

These habits are important because they influence our decisions, our productivity and even our wellbeing. Research shows that social media use is not just a leisure activity, but often becomes an automated routine that shapes our daily lives and time management. Consciously or unconsciously, habits often cause us to spend much more time on social media than originally planned, which in turn can affect our personal quality of life.

The five levels of social media habits

The study divides social media habits into five levels that show how deep and structured these behavior patterns are. These levels cover different factors that influence our behavior on social media. To better explain these levels, we use the example of liking a funny TikTok video:

1. Platform – Each platform influences our interactions in different ways. On TikTok, a new video appears as soon as you swipe up, which encourages you to keep watching and see more and more videos – including the funny video you just liked.
2. Device – The device plays a role in how we use social media. With a smartphone, for example, you open TikTok while waiting for the bus. You scroll through funny videos in short intervals, while on a computer you stay longer and interact more intensively.
3. Interface – The design of the app influences how we interact with it. On TikTok, the funny video plays directly and the “Like” and “Share” buttons are clearly visible, making it easy for you to like or share without much thought.
4. Behavior – This is about our interactions such as liking, commenting or sharing. If you see a funny video and like or share it, you may get other similar videos suggested to you. The social validation you get from the likes and shares reinforces the behavior.
5. Motor – Motor habits are about physical movements such as swiping or tapping. When watching the TikTok video, you will instinctively swipe up to see the next video without thinking about it. These movements become habitual over time.

These levels intertwine and lead to social media becoming a daily routine – without us consciously realizing it.

Spiraling out of control

Now that we can know what constitutes a social media habit, we can begin to understand how they interact with each other.

Fig. 1 Social media habit spiral

Habit formation involves repeatable patterns of context, cue, and response. For example, being home on a Saturday night (context) may trigger feelings of loneliness (cue) and lead to checking your phone for notifications (response). If rewarded with new notifications, this reinforces the habit. If not, you might check another app, potentially spiraling into automaticity – a “mental autopilot” where behaviors become reflexive. These habits can unknowingly eat up our time and distract us from our goals.

Finding the balance

That’s not to say that social media is all negative – it also has the potential to enrich our lives. They help us stay in touch with loved ones, find support in difficult times and discover opportunities for self-expression and further education. The key is to create balance.

How can we take back control?

For social media to do us more good than harm, it’s important to recognize how platform designs influence our habits. Small steps can go a long way:

• Check your screen time. This will help you understand how much time you spend and recognize patterns.
• Set yourself clear intentions. Think about what you want to achieve before opening an app. Do you want to exchange ideas with friends, find inspiration or learn something new?
• Use app tools. Features such as time limiters can help set boundaries and better control your usage.

With these measures, we can ensure that our time and energy are aligned with our personal goals, rather than being dictated by endless scrolling.

The big picture

Social media habits have the potential to impact our lives both positively and negatively. The good news? It’s up to us how we use these technologies. A conscious approach to social media can improve our wellbeing and promote a healthier relationship with technology. Remember: habits are not fixed. They can be changed.

Have you rethought your social media habits today?

 

 

 

References
Bayer, J. B., Anderson, I. A., & Tokunaga, R. S. (2022). Building and breaking social media habits. Current Opinion in Psychology, 45, 101303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101303