This year's conference theme, "Reclaiming Authenticity in Communication," provided a platform for researchers to delve into the evolving nature of authenticity in public discourses and popular culture, exploring its implications on various societal aspects. Among the many fascinating studies presented, our IRTIS members, Jana Blahošová and Natálie Terčová, presented their studies.
Jana Blahošová contributed to the conference by presenting her findings in a panel entitled "Adolescents' Media Use, Mood, and Life Satisfaction." Jana's study explored the relationship between social media use and perceived social support. Titled "Social Media Use and Perceived Social Support among Adolescents: A Smartphone Ecological Momentary Assessment Study," her research employed a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment method to gather real-time objective data on adolescents' social media usage and whether it impacts perceived social support. She also investigated whether social anxiety moderates this relationship.
In another panel titled "Stimulating Adolescent's Media Literacy," Natálie Terčová presented her research on the role of digital skills in adolescents' exposure to harmful online content. Her study, titled "Digital Skills' Role in Intended and Unintended Exposure to Harmful Online Content Among European Adolescents," sought to understand how adolescents' digital skills affect their intended and unintended exposure to potentially harmful content such as depicting drug use or promoting unhealthy dieting. Natalie's research aimed to provide insights also into the significance of risky and protective factors, thus building on Jessor's Problem Behavior Theory.
The 73rd ICA Conference in Toronto provided a valuable opportunity for scholars to present their research and network. Jana Blahošová's study shed light on the influence of social media on adolescents' social support, while Natálie Terčová's research emphasized the significance of digital skills in mitigating online harm. These studies contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics between adolescents, media use, and their well-being. By sharing their findings and engaging in meaningful discussions, researchers at the ICA conference played a pivotal role in advancing our knowledge in the field of communication studies.
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