Research Karolien Poels

Abstract

Online sexual harassment is prevalent on the Internet across multiple devices and platforms. It is perceived as equally or more distressing and harmful than the face-to-face form of bullying and harassment because of the enormous scale of online public space and the repetition and permanency of the event as a result of repeated electronic posting. The consequential harms of online sexual harassment include psychological trauma and continuing or re-emerging feelings of unsafe, distrust, and isolation. All those interconnected forms of harm breach an individual's fundamental rights to dignity, privacy, and freedom of sexual expression and autonomy, threatening gender equality in society. Addressing the problem of online sexual harassment requires multidisciplinary efforts. This project focuses on supporting victims from the ICT perspective, with an emphasis on online reporting systems. Following the Intervention Mapping Protocol and user-centred design principle, the first stage of this research is to define the problem (what is online sexual harassment, who are the victims, what are their needs, and find pitfalls of the current reporting systems). The second stage of this research is to explore the existing solutions by doing a scoping review of the technological tools for supporting online sexual harassment victims and summarizing users' (un) satisfying experiences of using those tools. Based on the insights from the first two research stages, we plan to create a chatbot reporting assistant for victims of online sexual harassment. In the third stage of this research, we will develop the chatbot and evaluate the efficacy of this chatbot through a survey research method. In collaboration with legal experts, we will assess the ethical issues related to the chatbot. The fourth year is essential for completing the third stage and crafting the final dissertation. We are very grateful to receive this SEP grant.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Fellow: Tan Sherry

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

From noise-sensitive areas to oases of silence: with the large-scale citizen science project De Oorzaak, De Morgen (DM), the University Hospital Antwerp (UZA) and UAntwerpen are focusing on noise and noise perception in an urban environment. In 2024-2025, we will investigate how residents of different neighborhoods in Antwerp, Ghent and Leuven appreciate the environmental noise present. By means of questionnaires (subjective), smart sound sensors (objective) and medical research (UAntwerpen and UZA) we will classify which sounds are heard, what sound level these sounds have, how these sounds are experienced and what impact they have on health, stress, sleep and quality of life.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vuye Cedric
• Co-promoter: Casas Ruiz Lidia
• Co-promoter: Couscheir Karolien
• Co-promoter: de Bruijn Gert-Jan
• Co-promoter: Dens Nathalie
• Co-promoter: Hellinckx Peter
• Co-promoter: Lembrechts Jonas
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Spacova Irina
• Co-promoter: Van Hal Guido
• Co-promoter: Vanoutrive Thomas

Research team(s)

• Sustainable Pavements and Asphalt Research (SuPAR)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project deals with boredom as a very prevalent, yet understudied, emotion. The focus is on how using the smartphone and the selection of media content is used to regulate (or escape from) a situation in which boredom is experienced. Media use is one option to regulate emotions, yet a convenient one that does require less effort than other activities. Media literature documents the link between boredom and selective exposure to arousing contents to uplift stimulation levels. However, psychological research has shown that boredom can also stem from high arousal situations and includes 'meaning making' as an additional component. In three empirical studies, varying from lab to natural settings, this project investigates if and how boredom stemming from different contexts results in differences in the selection of interesting versus (mere) enjoyable media content through the smartphone use. Neurophysiological markers will capture the two underlying features of boredom (stimulation and meaning making) and the process of emotion regulation. Given the omnipresence of boredom and its influence on behavior, this research is utterly important. It is equally timely given the continuing worry about the role of smartphones due to their pervasive nature and 24/7availability. This project aims to provide pioneering and powerful tools in predicting everyday behavior during boredom, as well as opening insights on how to act in your best interest when using media to combat boredom.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become indispensable in our work, school, and family environments. Despite benefits, recent research points at risks following from being 'permanently connected'. Scholars and practitioners increasingly suggest 'digital disconnection' as a solution: By placing (temporary) limits on ict usage, people might reclaim control over productivity, social relationships, and well-being. While the industry is responding rapidly to the growing demand for digital disconnection, research on its effectiveness is remarkably scarce. Moreover, evidence shows mixed results, underscoring our lacking knowledge of which disconnection practices work, why, for whom and when. Thus, this project develops and empirically validates a digital disconnection theory - suitable for work, school, and family contexts. It addresses (a) what people do to disconnect (content-'how'), (b) why people disconnect (process-'why'), and (c) for whom (person-'who') and (d) under which conditions disconnection works (context-'when'). Model development occurs via a thorough literature review within the different research streams investigating digital (dis)connection. An innovative interview study refines the model by identifying commonalities and differences in digital disconnection strategies, the needs they address, and obstacles experienced across contexts. Next, drawing from a 'best fit' idea, an intensive longitudinal study tests whether digital disconnection is more successful when chosen strategies ('how') (1) are adequate and proportional to why individuals wish to disconnect ('how-why' fit), (2) align with their personal characteristics ('how-person' fit), and (3) conform to what their environment demands/encourages ('howenvironment' fit). Finally, we validate core findings with four field experiments. Findings aid stakeholders to support individuals in families, schools, and organizations in developing a healthier relationship with technology.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: DeSmet Ann
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project is geared towards discovering and developing new applications of state-of-the-art psychophysiological sensor technologies (using computational and AI techniques) to help people with different needs work, learn and play in our modern society, ensuring that this tracking is meaningfully and responsibly applied. To accomplish this, our consortium is suitably interdisciplinary. This undertaking requires well-controlled lab studies and (near-)continuous psychophysiological tracking in real-life settings 'in the wild'. The research infrastructure applied for enables flexible movement from lab explorations of promising markers to checking their robustness in realistic, ecological contexts, and back again.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Gijbels David
• Co-promoter: Daelemans Walter
• Co-promoter: DeSmet Ann
• Co-promoter: Jankowska Anna
• Co-promoter: Latré Steven
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Co-promoter: Van de Cruys Sander
• Co-promoter: Van den Bossche Piet
• Co-promoter: Van Waes Luuk

Research team(s)

• EduBROn

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Antwerp Social Lab originated in 2018 from the collaboration between the research groups MIOS and EDUBRON at the faculty of Social Sciences. It merges the expertise, networks, and a portfolio of research projects in which a wide variety of state-of-the-art psychophysiological and behavioral research measures are employed. Although social science research typically relies on selfreport as a way of collecting data from individuals, psychophysiological and behavioral methods allow to gain insights in more direct, spontaneous, and continuous reactions. This allows more fine-grained and complementary insights in complex human processes such as attention, learning and memory, which are important for all types of educational, training and communication domains. Moreover, having accurate and valid affective measures is necessary for the promising AI-field of 'affective computing' whereby an individual, group-based affective and cognitive states are fed into technological systems which then adapts accordingly, allowing for optimized experience or efficacies. The Antwerp Social Lab currently houses state-of-the art infrastructure such as eyetracking to study attention and cognitive processing and electrodermal activity (sweat reactions), facial EMG (activation of facial muscles) and heart rate to capture affective processes such as stress and interest. Topic-wise the Antwerp Social Lab has focused on applying these psychophysiological and behavioral methods to human interactions in interpersonal and mediated contexts, spanning a wide range of application domains (collaboration, learning, strategic communication, media use and effects). The Antwerp Social Lab has the strong ambition to scale up and to make more available its expertise to other groups, faculties, and external partners by facilitating research, providing advice and collaborations. We are convinced that research in the Antwerp Social Lab can provide essential and currently overlooked user insights in the context of acceptance, experience and adoption of a broad range innovations and technologies within various scientific domains, as such contributing to pressing societal and economical challenges.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: De Backer Charlotte
• Co-promoter: Gijbels David
• Co-promoter: Van den Bossche Piet

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project we investigate how media - and smartphones in particular - can be used to regulate boredom. Boredom is characterized by a certain degree of negative valence, coupled with attentional issues, the perception of time passing slowly, and insufficient and dissatisfactory stimulation, challenge and meaning. In the field of communication sciences the Uses and Gratifications approach and the Mood Management Theory emphasize that media - and smartphones in particular - offer opportunities to regulate boredom and other emotions. In this project we depart from the most recent insights on boredom from the field of psychology, that emphasize that there are actually different types of boredom, to investigate the regulatory potential of different types of smartphone use (e.g. "enjoyable", "meaningful" and "challenging" activities). After a (systematic) literature review, we will formulate hypotheses that will be tested in different types of empirical studies (i.e. lab and field studies).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Fellow: De Schepper Jolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a public health problem and a social challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, despite mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel (PZQ) and health education and sensitization interventions, (re) infections persist, possibly due to behavioural and implementation factors. This study examined the application of a bottom-up community-led approach to behaviour change intervention in Kagadi and Ntoroko districts where a network of 25 citizen scientists (CSs) was created. A three-phase quasi-experimental mixed methods approach was employed. In the baseline phase, a cross-sectional survey assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices, and a qualitative investigation into lived experience and health-seeking behaviour. In the second phase, citizen science and participatory action research were utilised to implement contextualised behaviour change interventions. Finally, a participatory evaluation of the CS approach to behaviour change intervention was conducted. Kish and Leslie's formula and estimation were utilised to determine the sample size. Systematic random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select participants. Semi-structured survey questionnaires, in-depth and key informant interviews, focus group discussions, workshops and storytelling were used to collect data. Quantitative data underwent descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square tests for associations, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Almost all participants had heard of schistosomiasis, and knew its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, transmission modes and prevention. A majority recognised the disease's severity and the importance of avoiding contact with contaminated water and open defecation. However, barriers included misconceptions, and limited access to safe water and latrines, leading to the use of lake water and to open defecation. Inadequate drugs, health workers' negative attitudes, and poor infrastructure led some to go to witch doctors, herbalists, and prayers for treatment. Finally, stigma, isolation, loneliness, and domestic violence were faced by individuals suffering from schistosomiasis as identified by the CSs and community groups. Preferred information channels included door-to-door visits by community volunteers, community radios, dialogue meetings, drama, songs, and football. The CSs raised awareness about the disease in 18 villages directly reaching over 9000 individuals in just one week. CSs reported increased respect, trust, discipline, social status, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding schistosomiasis. They were also able to sample snails, and effectively communicate and engage with communities and stakeholders. The CS approach was appreciated by the communities for being participatory, transparent, engaging, and appropriate. However, the high expectations from the project by the communities and differences in priorities between what the community needed and what the project set out to do, alongside a slow response to the awareness messages by the communities posed a challenge to the approach. Despite adequate knowledge, and positive attitudes towards schistosomiasis preventive behaviours, limited access to safe water, open defecation, myths and misconceptions, inadequate drugs, and ineffective communication inhibit prevention and control efforts. Engaging communities in identifying socio-cultural risk factors and co-designing and implementing contextualised behaviour change communication intervention can yield sustainable outcomes. CS as a bottom-up approach, offers innovative communication possibilities fostering community empowerment, ownership, transparency, inclusivity, and local leadership. For better outcomes, there is a need to address communities' real needs and high expectations and to ensure timely and in-depth community engagement and involvement.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Fellow: Anyolitho Maxson

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project explores transgressive behavior in the metaverse through a participatory project engaging young people to understand and address digital ethics and safety challenges in virtual environments. UAntwerp writes a white paper and organizes a symposium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Governance refers to the system through which an organization or network of actors is controlled and held accountable. The ability of groups or organizations to self-govern, at least to some extent, is essential in government, as well as in the relation of government with societal actors and the citizenry. Self-governance, autonomy, and accountability have been conceptualized and measured in political science, public administration, and law in many different ways. This project aims to develop measurement instruments that can measure the extent and dimensions of self-governance, autonomy, and accountability through text analysis of government documents. The project, which will run for 1,5 year (December 2022-May 2024), will systematically review existing work, integrate disciplinary views into new coding schemes and measurement instruments, test the latter by application to different government documents, and investigate automated data gathering and analysis using computer-assisted methods of extracting and organizing data from large quantities of unstructured text in government documents. The project will be led by Koen Verhoest (public administration and governance; main promoter), Peter Bursens (political science, co-promoter) and Patricia Popelier (law, co-promoter).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhoest Koen
• Co-promoter: Bursens Peter
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Popelier Patricia

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a technique of recording electrical activity of the brain. By using electrodes placed on the scalp the researchers are able to track the activity of cortical neurons. Despite the fact that EEG It is the most widely used way of studying cognitive processes in the current century, the University of Antwerp still does not have an EEG laboratory. EEG is used so widely because of the numerous advantages that it can offer researchers. It has a high temporal resolution, which means that it captures cognitive processes in real time, as they occur. This is a great feat, since cognitive processes are fast. They occur within tens to hundreds of milliseconds and other neuroimaging techniques (such as fMRI or PET) are only able to record the processes that last longer than a second. Furthermore, EEG is inexpensive, lightweight, and portable. It allows for ecologically valid experimental designs at an affordable rate. The price of a whole EEG system can be less than 30,000 EURO, while fMRI scanners cost millions. However, the biggest advantage of using an EEG system is the ability to study the unconscious drivers of human behavior. Our researchers at the The Social Lab, Media and ICT in Organizations and Society (MIOS), Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies (TricS), the Centre for Philosophical Psychology, and the Centre for Ethics are interested in investigating implicit attitudes, language comprehension, response inhibition and many other processes that are inaccessible to survey research. In this application we summarize several research projects which would greatly benefit from utilizing an EEG system at the University of Antwerp. We cite recent, world-renowned research which was made possible only thanks to EEG data collection and point out specific ways in which our scientists could use an EEG to achieve similar world-class results.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vercauteren Gert
• Co-promoter: Leuridan Bert
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Rudnicki Konrad
• Co-promoter: Schaubroeck Katrien

Research team(s)

• Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies (TricS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Gossip is a universal social behavior proposed to serve a central role in the evolution of human sociality. Gossiping promotes in-group cooperation, trust, formation of new social bonds and maintenance of the existing ones. As a result gossip was suggested to serve a similar role in humans that social grooming serves in other primates. Social grooming strengthens in-group ties, but also helps with the stress of group living by lowering the levels of stress hormones and alleviating the activity of stress-inducing physiological systems. The hypothesis that gossip serves similar functions as grooming is alluring, however, no research so far had investigated if it really has similar physiological effects. Gossip is often said to be stress-relieving, but there is no data to support that claim. The purpose of this study is to fill that gap and answer the question if gossip lowers physiological stress levels. In two experimental studies and one correlational study we will investigate relationships between gossip and: non-social stressors, social stressors and stressors in the workplace. Physiological stress levels will be measured with state-of-the art biological markers: cortisol levels, beta-endorphin levels, electrodermal activity and heart rate variability. Additionally, subjective perceptions of stress in the study participants will also be measured with psychometric questionnaires in order to gather a complete picture of psycho-socio-biological effects of gossiping.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Backer Charlotte
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Fellow: Rudnicki Konrad

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Since pregnant women, fetuses and neonates are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases related morbidity and mortality, it of utmost important to understand barriers in the uptake of maternal vaccines to decrease vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination coverage in fertile, pregnant and lactating women. Therefore a multidisciplinary team of experts at the University Antwerp is created, to investigate the different aspects of social media communication and its impact on vaccine confidence, acceptance and coverage in fertile, pregnant and lactating women. To study this, five research objectives are formulated: - Study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased social media communication and search behavior on attitude toward and confidence in maternal vaccines. - Develop a social listening and monitoring tool, specifically for maternal vaccination, that contributes to the systems map with social media data by identifying influential factors and that can monitor trends in vaccine hesitancy over time. - Identify interlinkage between influencing factors by using systemic thinking which may detect the dynamics among the factors that may lead to increase in vaccine confidence. - Experimental evaluation of the impact of potential social media communication strategies on behavior towards maternal vaccination. - Comparison of influential factors in different countries.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Maertens Kirsten
• Co-promoter: Daelemans Walter
• Co-promoter: Jacoby Alexis
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Very specifically, our current findings show that there is an urgent need for: - Mapping of vaccination readiness and doubt in French-speaking Belgium. For this purpose, the same questionnaire that has already been administered in Flanders can be rolled out very quickly. - Mapping of the needs of 'intermediaries' (first-line care: doctors, pharmacists, but also healthcare professionals in the broad sense) and appropriate training and communication. All our surveys show that they play a key role. They are seen as the sources that people trust when it comes to vaccination advice. We need to identify their questions and concerns and provide strategic advice on communication and training materials. How can we ensure that these intermediaries are themselves sufficiently and correctly informed, and how can we support them in interactions with (doubting) patients? - Further refinement and development of an automatic early detection tool for vaccination messages on social media. We need to be able to detect messages early in order to fill information gaps quickly. The sooner questions and concerns are addressed, the smaller the chance of (a wide spread of) disinformation and unreliable sources. - Development of a communication plan and strategy for a vaccination crisis. There is a very real chance that crises will occur during the vaccination campaign. To avoid or anticipate these, the early detection tool can already help, but it is also necessary to have a crisis plan ready. From the scientific evidence on effective crisis planning and communication, it is necessary to look at what types of crises we can expect and what the most effective response strategies are depending on the type of crisis. - In view of the pandemic, it is useful to map out how the above-mentioned issues are already being researched and documented in our neighbouring countries and in other countries that may have a major cultural impact on Belgium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Daelemans Walter
• Co-promoter: Van Damme Pierre
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

the project focuses during the COVID-19 pandemic on the assessment of the attitude in Belgium (different regions), towards COVID-19 vaccination and the reasons for hesitancy and low vaccination coverage.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Damme Pierre
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The phenomenon of chemsex has gained scientific, clinical and societal attention in recent years. The impact of chemsex is substantial, on individual (severe health problems, social and psychological impact) as well as on societal level (i.e. increased risk of STI/HIV transmission and health care costs) We initiated the CHEMIFIED-project to address the current gap in evidence-based support tools, to mitigate, or where possible prevent, (potentially) problematic chemsex. The fastly developing field of digital interventions in health care currently offers new solutions. GBMSM engaging in chemsex carry their smartphone with them constantly and are most of the time online. The use of this digital pathway to reach this group therefore seems well suited. In this project we will develop a just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) for people engaging in chemsex in Flanders. The purpose of so called JITAIs is to provide the right support at the right time, using a digital pathway. After having identified the needs, desirability and acceptability of a mobile intervention for the target population; the objective of our proposed pump priming project is to finalize the preparatory project phase by completing the development of the proof of concept, and pilot-test and adapt this first version. This information will be used to focus a project application for the TBM-program of FWO. With this TBM-project we want to assess the intervention's effectiveness in real life situations, further optimize the intervention and take the first steps towards valorization of the JITAI.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The vision for the NETHATE (Network of Excellence of Training on HATE) ETN is to bring together an interdisciplinary team of world-leading European researchers to tackle a highly ambitious and relevant research project on the nature of hate. It will also examine the dynamics of its spread in both offline and online fora, mitigation and reconciliation strategies, and the impact on victims and bystanders. The research and training programme will deliver doctoral training of 15 ESRs and highimpact research outputs. The complementary research skills and training expertise within this inter-sectoral ETN will ensure that the ESRs trained will become Europe's next generation of researchers, teachers and practitioners in understanding the roots and impacts of hate, as well as mitigation strategies, which will support the development of a sustainable democratic culture across the EU. The participation of 10 universities and 1 NGO as the network Beneficiaries and 14 Partner organisations (2 Ministries, 2 companies and 10 NGO's) all deeply involved in this area will ensure that the ESRs acquire a broad and deep multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral training and experience that will make them highly marketable and sought after graduates.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Pabian Sara
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to investigate how the integration of narratives in didactic texts can optimize the processing of the information through the dynamic interplay of emotional and cognitive processes and thereby lead to desired learning outcomes. The first objective of this project is to develop valid and reliable dynamic measures of emotional processes during the reading of texts, relying on a multi-method approach (combining self-reports and think-aloud methods, with eye-tracking and psychophysiological measures). Building on the findings from the first research phase, the second objective of the project is to study the dynamic interplay between cognitive and emotional processing and during processing of texts augmented with narrative elements (in different formats). The third objective is to examine how the dynamic interplay between cognitive and emotional processes affects learning outcomes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Gijbels David
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Van den Bossche Piet

Research team(s)

• EduBROn

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to extend our current knowledge on online hate speech interventions, by investigating how technological tools can be used to 1) prevent or counter online hate speech and 2) reduce the impact of online hate speech on victims.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The digitalisation of news has put the news ecosystem under pressure. External stakeholders (e.g. readers, advertisers) are redefining their relationship with the news medium, destabilizing the dominant revenue model. Readers are no longer willing to pay for news and advertisers are turning to other digital players (Facebook and Google) to spend their ad dollars. These changes create tensions and many news media consider scale as the only way to survive, but most news media won't be able to reach this. Therefore, this multi-method project wants to investigate stakeholder marketing as a strategic framework for the news industry to deconstruct the dominant business model, resolve tensions and help build strong and lasting relationships with key stakeholders (readers and advertisers) to help keep news sustainable in the long run. We use both qualitative (interviews, case studies, focus groups) and quantitative (experiments, survey) methods to study the ecosystem, the relationships between stakeholders and the effect of stakeholder marketing on multidisciplinary teams at the news organisation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Paulussen Steve
• Fellow: Luyckx Dorien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

News media are being challenged by the rapidly changing digital environment. Traditional online banner advertisements are nowadays often being avoided, or disabled by ad blockers. To counteract advertising avoidance, and create new revenue streams, so-called 'native advertising' is on the rise. Native advertisements are advertisements with the look and feel of editorial news articles. Although native advertising is the fastest growing advertising format in online news media, little is known about how news readers perceive and evaluate native advertising. Native advertising may be problematic if readers are not able to recognize that they are influenced. Also, the credibility of news media is at stake. In order to implement native advertising in a sustainable and ethically responsible manner, more research is needed. Therefore, this project will investigate native advertising by taking a unique multi-stakeholder approach, integrating theories from the fields of advertising and journalism. A series of experiments will be conducted to investigate how readers process and evaluate different types of native advertisements and news media. In addition, news media's perspective will be explored by conducting interviews at news organizations. The main objective is to unravel when and how readers recognize native advertising and how they deal with it. This will result in a theoretical and practical framework for implementing native advertising in news media, in a responsible manner.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Paulussen Steve
• Fellow: Krouwer Simone

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

DeTACT – Detect Then Act – will deploy artificial intelligence to monitor online hate speech and generate insight which can fuel compelling, data-driven campaigns. MIOS (UAntwerp) will perform a literature review and sketch the main findings with regard to online hate dynamics and possible evidence-based ways to counter them.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Behavioral economics provides a relevant theoretical framework that can explain and predict individuals' seemingly irrational choices with respect to their health. By understanding individuals as non-rational actors with predictable biases, individuals can be guided or "nudged" toward wiser choices without restricting their choice freedom or significantly changing their economic incentives. The current project focuses on two complementary health risk behaviors, (un)healthy eating and physical (in)activity, and analyses how persuasive cues or 'nudges' can be applied to interactive, 'just-in-time' (JIT) interventions that are adapted to an individuals' unique characteristics, needs and context. To date, a major gap still exists between the technological capacity to deliver adaptive communications, existing theoretical behavioral frameworks and current applications. The main goal of the project is to close this gap by developing and testing an integrative theoretical framework on how just-in-time adaptive interventions affect individuals' health risk behaviors, by (i) adopting an interdisciplinary perspective, (ii) developing the main technological building blocks that enable these JIT adaptive interventions and (iii) testing the effectiveness of different interventions for different individuals in different contexts.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dens Nathalie
• Co-promoter: De Pelsmacker Patrick
• Co-promoter: Latré Steven
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Marketing

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The meat industry is confronted with challenges in the areas of health, food safety and the environment. Consumers increasingly distrust the meat industry. A number of crises within the sector, negative attention in the press, increasingly louder voices to choose vegetarian alternatives and repeated messages that "eating meat" is unhealthy have caused concern and confusion among consumers. The general aim of this project is to analyze and optimize the communication skills of small and large-scale meat industries. How can they optimally communicate correct information about their product? And can we restore consumer confidence where necessary?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Backer Charlotte
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Adolescence is a life phase characterised by increased stress and negative emotions. Therefore, developing the right skills to cope with this stress is vital for adolescents. This research project seeks to uncover how sharing, reading of and responding to online personal narratives enable adolescents to better cope with stress. We conduct an online survey with adolescent users of online support group fora to investigate how online personal narratives can help adolescents to cope with stress, and to determine which adolescents benefit the most from these online personal narratives. Moreover, we set up three experimental studies to examine how the interface design of an online support group forum can increase the beneficial effects of online personal narratives. This research project provides a theoretical contribution to the field of health communication, by combining insights in the power of narratives and the design of communication technologies. Results from this project also provides youth helpline and mental health organisations with recommendations in order to empower adolescents in coping with stress.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Fellow: Mariën Sofie

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project revolves around two types of advertising used in online news media - banner advertising and native advertising. Online banners are widely used and a significant part of the online (news) media profits rely on them. Online banners are not massively viewed or clicked on, however. Also, readers are increasingly using ad blockers to actively avoid them. In response, advertisers have shifted their focus to native advertising in which commercial content is blended with the editorial content. The embedded nature of such ads decreases the distinction readers can make between news versus advertising. This puts both consumer protection and journalistic autonomy at risk. Even more, when readers are aware of the disguised commercial nature of native advertising, credibility of news media and the advertiser may decline. Taking an innovative approach by integrating insights from advertising research, journalism studies and adopting a stakeholder perspective, we aim to investigate the perceptions and behavior related to native advertising and banners. We will first explore perspectives from three stakeholders: readers, advertisers and news media professionals. We will then test several situations in which readers of online news media are confronted with (combinations of) online advertising. We will investigate causal relations between the type(s) of online advertising, readers' critical reasoning, brand and medium credibility and related behaviors.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Paulussen Steve

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In many situations, teams of experts are made responsible to react accurately and swiftly to critical situations. Examples are command-and-control teams during crisis-situations, management teams, or flight crews. Given the evident importance of effective teamwork in these circumstances, there is a pressing need to understand behaviors and abilities of teams when solving problems that are time-compressed and high-stake, supported by complex, ambiguous data. What did remain mostly out of sight in this line of research, is the specific influence of stress. This does not mean that 'pressure' is not acknowledged, but it is mainly considered a contextual issue, and it is seldom questioned how stress impacts the processes studied. Only actual and continuous measurement of stress in these situations can provide insight in the dynamics of stress within these teams and its effect on information processing. The current project proposal forwards research that applies the measurement of physiological markers of stress via wearable sensors in the context of teamwork. This allows questioning the effect of dynamics of stress on information processing in teams under pressure. It does so by applying both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to study the interrelationship between stress, as measured through Electrodermal Activity, and information-processing. We start with rigorous work under controlled conditions, and conduct thereafter studies in ecological valid team-settings.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bossche Piet
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Fellow: Sassenus Steffi

Research team(s)

• EduBROn

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

News media are being challenged by the rapidly changing digital environment. Traditional online banner advertisements are nowadays often being avoided, or disabled by ad blockers. To counteract advertising avoidance, and create new revenue streams, so-called 'native advertising' is on the rise. Native advertisements are advertisements with the look and feel of editorial news articles. Although native advertising is the fastest growing advertising format in online news media, little is known about how news readers perceive and evaluate native advertising. Native advertising may be problematic if readers are not able to recognize that they are influenced. Also, the credibility of news media is at stake. In order to implement native advertising in a sustainable and ethically responsible manner, more research is needed. Therefore, this project will investigate native advertising by taking a unique multi-stakeholder approach, integrating theories from the fields of advertising and journalism. A series of experiments will be conducted to investigate how readers process and evaluate different types of native advertisements and news media. In addition, news media's perspective will be explored by conducting interviews at news organizations. The main objective is to unravel when and how readers recognize native advertising and how they deal with it. This will result in a theoretical and practical framework for implementing native advertising in news media, in a responsible manner.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Paulussen Steve
• Fellow: Krouwer Simone

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

As everyday devices are being connected to the Internet, research on large-scale wireless sensors networks specifically and Internet of Things (IoT) generally are becoming more and more important. There is a considerable research and innovation effort related to the deployment of smart cities using this IoT technology. However, there are still plenty of hurdles to move from R&D to implementation and real mass-scale deployment of wireless sensors networks. Moreover, the city itself is a treasure of data to be explored if the right sensors can be installed. Testbeds are the preferred tools for academic and industrial researchers to evaluate their research but a large-scale multi-technology smart city research infrastructure is currently the missing link. The City of Things research infrastructure will build a multi-technology and multi-level testbed in the city of Antwerp. As a result, 100 locations around the city of Antwerp and its harbour will be equipped with gateways supporting multiple wireless IoT protocols. These gateways will connect with hundreds of wireless sensors and actuators, measuring smart city parameters such as traffic flows, noise, air pollution, etc.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Blondia Chris
• Co-promoter: Blust Ronny
• Co-promoter: De Backer Charlotte
• Co-promoter: Goethals Bart
• Co-promoter: Hellinckx Peter
• Co-promoter: Latré Steven
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Samson Roeland
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Walrave Michel
• Co-promoter: Weyn Maarten

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project we will develop evidence-based tools to tackle cyberbullying amongst adolescents. A first tool will be aimed at parents of adolescents and consists of online narratives. The second tool will be aimed at school teams, and promote discussion, evaluation and planning of a whole-school approach.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Walrave Michel

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

'Personalised advertising', consisting of custom-made messages, addressed to the individual user, is getting extremely popular on social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook. Governments struggle with the possibilities and implications of this new phenomenon. Policymakers and advocacy groups are increasingly expressing concerns on privacy in SNS. The present project examines how SNS, and personalised advertising on SNS in particular, raise concerns about personal data privacy. The central research question is: "What is the impact of different forms of personalisation of SNS advertisements on the SNS users' privacy concern and on the advertisements' effectiveness?" Three subprojects approach this research question from different angles. (i) The first subproject hypothesizes that the effectiveness of personalised ads in follows a curvilinear relationship with the degree of personalisation. Thus, an optimal level of personalisation, in which privacy and effectiveness are balanced, exists. (ii) The second subproject aims to clarify, through a factorial survey, the impact of specific factors (i.e. position of the ad, level of personalisation, data sensitivity, organisation type) on privacy concern related to personalised SNS advertising. (iii) The final subproject uses an experiment to examine technically feasible, future applications of personal data in personalised SNS advertising. This approach is necessary to ensure applicability and relevance of the results in the current fast changing digital environment. In sum, the project is innovative through its methodological approach and its orientation towards future applications. Results will contribute to the existing privacy and advertising literature. A critical evaluation can inspire governmental action related to privacy protection and empowerment towards persuasive attempts on SNS. Moreover, it can provide a framework for advertisers to create privacy-friendly ads. The project thus not only has a scientific, but also an important professional and societal relevance.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Fellow: Van den Broeck Evert

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Walrave Michel
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Ponnet Koen

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Touch is an important source of affect and information to consumers. In online stores physically handling products is impossible. We tackle this barrier by investigating the creation and effects of touch sensations online. First, we test to what extent touch can be created through image interactivity. We further investigate the role of user control. Third, we test how the type of device (mouse vs touch) moderates touch sensations and effects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project concerns "personalised advertising" on social networking sites. These advertisements are aimed at, and tailored to, the individual user of the social networking site. The project aims at identifying the most efficient way of using personalisation in advertising on social networking sites. The moderating role of "privacy concern" will be taken into account. This research is divided into three complementary sub-projects and focuses on possible future applications.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Walrave Michel
• Fellow: Van den Broeck Evert

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research deals with the emotional response to art objects. The questions to be asked are:"How does art induce emotions?", "Does this communication adhere to an underlying system/model?" and "Why are some art objects more successful than others?". In order to analyze emotional responses to art objects we will make use of the knowledge, models and measurement instruments used in psychology (of emotions), communication sciences, and product development.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the client. UA provides the client research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Walrave Michel
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Stichting NHTV. UA provides Stichting NHTV Antwerp research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand EUN Partnership. UA provides EUN Partnership research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Walrave Michel
• Co-promoter: De Backer Charlotte
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of the project is to contribute to research concerning the effectiveness of in-game advertising (IGA). We will focus on the impact of several context characteristics on the effectiveness of the advertising medium, since these characteristics may exert an important influence and our knowledge of the way they affect the processing of IGA is still limited. The context characteristics we take into account are the digital game experience of the player, frequency of exposure to in-game ads, and the nature of the game controller a game is played with.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien
• Fellow: Herrewijn Laura

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Today, digital games are the fastest growing advertising medium, making in-game advertising a highly relevant research topic. This project aims to tackle general attitudes of players towards this new and increasingly popular advertising format. A second objective is to investigate how the persuasive impact of in-game ad placements is moderated by emotionally and contextually induced factors such as digital game experiences.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Poels Karolien

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project