Table of Contents

The influence of social media influencer (SMI) and social influence on purchase intention among young consumers
*Mohamad-Noor Salehhuddin Sharipudin, Noor Aziah Abdullah, Kai Wan Foo, Nurzihan Hassim, Zsuzsanna Tóth, Tak Jie Chan
Abstract: The implications of social media influencers (SMI) are more important than ever, specifically considering online purchasing has become a trend, more so as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this respect, brands must employ social media influencers to attract customers, and who needs be more creative than traditional advertisers in generating purchase intent. In this context, our study employed the TEARS model (i.e. trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness, respect, similarity) and the social influence theory to understand the predictors of consumer purchase intention. Our study aimed to examine: (1) the characteristics of social media influencers...
Applying WebQual 4.0 to measure the quality of government websites as a function of agenda building-information subsidies for journalists during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comparative study between Malaysia and Indonesia
*Rachmat Kriyantono, Azahar Kasim, Nilam Wardasari, Sinta Swastikawara, Nurshazana Abdul Rani
Abstract: This research aims to evaluate the quality of Indonesian and Malaysian government websites as a communication channel for the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The evaluation involved three dimensions of WebQual 4.0, an evaluation standard for website quality because it contains the principles of mass communication and dialogic face-to-face communication. Government websites can serve as the main source of information for journalists in producing news. If a substantial amount of...
Communication functions and influence of attitude change in YouTube drug abuse videos
*Azlina Kamaruddin, Mohamad I’rfan Shahruddin
Abstract: Social depravation related to drug abuse in society is becoming more prevalent and is of increasing concern to various parties. Social media has spotlighted the importance of mastering communication functions in general, given it is a very significant medium that can influence social change. However, the number of drug abuse cases does not appear to decrease and instead has only increased over time. Generally, there are some constraints and challenges in the communication process that hinder any change in the attitudes and thoughts of community members. Thus, this study aims to identify the function of communication in the short videos of drug...
Determinants of violent behaviour among Jordanian adolescents: The propositions
*Mohammad Fawwaz Eneizat, Haslina Halim and Syarizan Dalib
Abstract: Violence is a source of great concern for many researchers. Previous studies have suggested that cases of violent behaviour (VB) in developing countries have been increasing, including Jordan. Nonetheless, studies on VB among adolescents are still scarce in these countries. Many studies conducted in the Jordanian context focus on adults and violence against women; however, there is scarcity of research to examine adolescent violence due to exposure to violent media. As the number of violent cases in Jordan are on the rise, it is crucial that more studies are conducted to advance the issue of violence in the country, especially on the factors that contribute towards the...
The power of celebrity endorsement on persuasive communication
*Joyce Cheah Lynn-Sze, Goh Pei Wen
Abstract: The growing trend of using entertainment celebrities for advertising is evident in the business world today, particularly Korean celebrities. Due to the highly competitive market, planning effective persuasive communication strategies is certainly the main challenge businesses face when attracting customers. In this context, the objective of this paper is to identify the persuasive factors of celebrity which influence audience purchase intention. This paper also seeks to explore the...
Embedding social media platform in education: A bibliometric analysis
*Mohd Sobhi Ishak, Azizah Sarkowi, Norliza Kushairi
Abstract: The increase in popularity of social media platforms at the beginning of the century has accelerated the creation of empirical studies. A bibliometric analysis of 2,192 Web of Science (WoS) papers published between 2007 and 2022 was done to acquire a comprehensive perspective of social media integration in educational settings. This study analysed publishing and citation trends, prolific authors, countries, journals, articles, and social media platform usage over more than a decade. The...
Autonomy, competence, relatedness and online social capital in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) ‘EVE Online’
Ardavan Hemmatpour, Iffat Ali Aksar, Muhammad Zaiamri bin Zainal Abidin, *Amira Firdaus, Nur Haniz Mohd Nor, Mahmoud Danaee, Wendy Yee Mei Tien
Abstract: MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) such as EVE Online have grown in popularity, with over 1.5 billion active players worldwide by 2015. Such games immerse players in vast virtual worlds, encouraging autonomy, competence, social interactions, and a sense of belonging. Although there is an extensive amount of research on MMORPGs, the majority of studies have primarily concentrated on the negative aspects of online gaming. To date, there is limited research on the positive...
Media screen addiction and the evolution of juveniles’ behaviour towards LGBT pornographic materials
*Norhawanirwana Binti Habidin, Azian Muhamad Adzmi, Mohd Azul Mohamad Salleh, Mohd Nor Shahizan Ali
Abstract: This study delves into the intricate relationship between media screen addiction among juveniles and its influence on the evolution of behaviours towards LGBT pornographic materials. In an era characterised by pervasive digital connectivity, adolescents’ excessive reliance on screens, particularly smartphones, has raised concerns regarding its impact on their behaviours. The availability and accessibility of explicit content, including material related to the LGBT community, has...
Sang culture: Exploring the new Chinese youth movement and the way forward
Yang WeiQi, Normaliza Abd Rahim and Benjamin Loh Yew Hoong, *Nurzihan Hassim
Abstract: “Sang culture”, a cultural phenomenon pervasive among Chinese youths is characterised by expressions of resignation and pessimism in their social media engagements. Inculcated by an interplay of structured social and educational practices as well as strict government policies, the Sang culture is a deeply ingrained social expression that voices out resistance and non-conformity of the said youths. This study explores the proliferation of the Sang culture, outlines its implications, and...
Instagram influencers as an alternative persuasion in the new era of media (Influencers’ role in educating society during the COVID-19 pandemic)
*Lisa Adhrianti, Dita Verolyna and Intan Kurnia Syaputri
Abstract: The emergence of the novel coronavirus at the end of 2019 significantly affected the whole world, including Indonesia. The way of life and socialising were drastically changed where new practices such as washing hands frequently, maintaining distance, using masks and staying confined at home became the norm. As an Asian country that is inherently collectivistic, the Indonesian society is certainly not used to being individualistic. Social restrictions certainly have had a significant impact on the lives of Indonesians who uphold social values highly. Thus, it is pertinent to help the community understand these restrictions so as not to cause misperceptions and...