Consumers’ Online Brand Attacking and Defending Under Ideological Polarisation: A Case of Cantopop Group “Mirror”

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Au, Cheuk Hang; Chou, Chih-Yuan; Ho, Kevin

Abstract: This paper reports the preliminary findings of a netnographic case study that i ... Expand

Abstract: This paper reports the preliminary findings of a netnographic case study that investigates how online brand defending and attacking behaviours are influenced by ideological polarisation. Mirror, a Cantopop group from Hong Kong that pro-Beijing Internet users have targeted, has been selected as the subject of this study. Our preliminary findings show that online brand defending and attacking behaviours for or against a brand may be explained by a modified, looped Belief-Action-Outcome (BAO) framework under ideological polarisation, which complements existing research on Internet users' impact on brand management and sheds light on politically-driven online brand-attacking behaviours. Results also show that brand-attacking behaviours would further polarise, and thus de-stabilise society. We plan to collect and incorporate further data for more in-depth analyses for building a holistic model to explain the relationships of ideological polarisation on brand defending and attacking behaviours, and their impacts on business and organisation strategies. Collapse

Topics: internet technology online community filter bubble individual impact social media

Methods: qualitative coding case study triangulation theoretical contribution netnography

ENGAGING WITH VIRTUAL INFLUENCERS: A NETNOGRAPHY STUDY

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Dabiran, Ehsan; Farivar, Samira; Wang, Fang; Grant, Gerald

Abstract: Virtual influencers on social media are an intriguing phenomenon on the rise. T ... Expand

Abstract: Virtual influencers on social media are an intriguing phenomenon on the rise. They are computergenerated characters that attract a large number of followers and audiences who interact and engage with virtual influencers. Audience engagement with virtual influencers is an interesting phenomenon; yet little is known about the motivation and essence of such engagement. This research takes a qualitative approach of netnography to study audience engagement with virtual influencers. Content analysis on audience comments left on three virtual influencers' Instagram accounts (including Miquela, Noonoouri, and Guggimon) is conducted. Four major content themes emerge in audience comments: emotional attachment, source admiration, novelty, and expertise. We propose a conceptual model that postulates the impacts of these factors on engagement, moderated by the anthropomorphism of virtual influencers. This research reveals insights into drivers of audience engagement with virtual influencers, providing a theoretical model and practical implications. Collapse

Topics: Instagram Google+ robotic armed conflict online game

Methods: qualitative content analysis netnography conceptual modelling survey

Tokens Matter: How to Win Votes and Influence DAOs

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Jensen, Johannes; Schirrmacher, Nina-Birte; Avital, Michel; Ross, Omri

Abstract: In the span of just a few years, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) ... Expand

Abstract: In the span of just a few years, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have grown into a high-value form of organization. A growing body of IS literature examines the decentralized, transparent, and equitable design of these organizations. DAO governance is commonly mediated using 'governance tokens' in a one-token-one-vote system. However, the inconspicuous role of tokens for DAO governance is rarely investigated. We present preliminary findings from a netnographic study of controversial decision-making processes in two large DAOs. Our cases reveal how top holders of tokens leverage their favorable position to enact unpopular decisions unilaterally. The findings indicate a discrepancy between the espoused values and enacted practices of DAO governance, as economic capital rather than social capital investment becomes the primary determinant of voting power. We examine emerging alternative voting systems and offer a framework for parsing these new initiatives. Contributions to the literature and future work are discussed. Collapse

Topics: decision making social capital blockchain network effect social media

Methods: theoretical contribution netnography

How fluidity drives the evolution of group norms in open online communities: A dialectical model

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Lee, Habin

Abstract: ... Expand

Abstract: Collapse

Topics: website

Methods: business process modeling case study literature sample qualitative interview netnography

When Stablecoin is No Longer Stable - A Case Study on the Failure of TerraUSD

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Nurbaev, Vladimir; Au, Cheuk Hang; Chou, Chih-Yuan

Abstract: Comparing to other price-volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins provide a relia ... Expand

Abstract: Comparing to other price-volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins provide a reliable way to store value and make transactions, and thus are more suitable for daily-life usage and investment risk control. However, there remains a lack of understanding of how stablecoin can gain success. This may lead to the introduction of stablecoins based on uninformed proposals, which may eventually fail. In turn, owners of these stablecoins may suffer from significant financial losses. Using theories of Information Systems and digital startups failures as the theoretical foundation, our study identified four underlying factors (lack of scarcity, lack of fiat reserve backup, decentralization, and failure of value creation) and two triggers (massive selling by major investors and algorithm malfunction) behind the collapse of a stablecoin, based on the case of TerraUSD's collapse. Our findings provide implications for stablecoins issuers to prioritize maintenance and foster user adoption, thus increasing the likelihood of success of stablecoins. Collapse

Topics: stablecoin value creation backup digital entrepreneurship social media

Methods: qualitative coding case study field study netnography business process modeling

Activists of themselves: Liminality of Instagram and its role in the ethnic identity construction processes of third generation British Sikhs to their imagined identities

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Takhar, Amandeep; Bebek, Gaye; Jamal, Ahmad

Abstract: As a result of the rapid evolution of computer culture, social media and network ... Expand

Abstract: As a result of the rapid evolution of computer culture, social media and networking websites now provide the primary socialisation platforms for individuals across the world. With characteristics such as transcending time, space, and even cultures, these platforms impact individuals through increased interactions. Although past research shows how social media impacts on individuals’ cultural affiliations and identity construction processes, research neglects to understand the role and impact of the characteristics of social media and networking en­ vironments as individuals engage in these virtual spaces. This paper uses Instagram as a case study, to demonstrate the liminal nature of social media spaces and looks at how this virtual space and its characteristics evoke a sense of reflexivity with regards to identity construction amongst young British Sikhs in the U.K. We highlight how the empowering characteristics of this virtual space impact their identity and just how the communities that are formed by individuals through Instagram, act as a further acculturative agent, as they attempt to deal with the tensions that they experience as a result of being both British and Sikh. Findings implicate how brands can engage with and support the individuals going through this reflective identity re/ construction process. Collapse

Topics: Instagram social media virtual world online community social network

Methods: qualitative interview personal interview mixed method qualitative content analysis theory development

Algorithms as co-workers: Human algorithm role interactions in algorithmic work

2023 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 0

Authors: Tarafdar, Monideepa; Page, Xinru; Marabelli, Marco

Abstract: In algorithmic work, algorithms execute operational and management tasks such as ... Expand

Abstract: In algorithmic work, algorithms execute operational and management tasks such as work allocation, task tracking and performance evaluation. Humans and algorithms interact with one another to accomplish work so that the algorithm takes on the role of a co-worker. Human–algorithm interactions are characterised by problematic issues such as absence of mutually co-constructed dialogue, lack of transparency regarding how algorithmic outputs are generated, and difficulty of over-riding algorithmic directive – conditions that create lack of clarity for the human worker. This article examines human–algorithm role interactions in algorithmic work. Drawing on the theoretical framing of organisational roles, we theorise on the algorithm as role sender and the human as the role taker. We explain how the algorithm is a multi-role sender with entangled roles, while the human as role taker experiences algorithm-driven role conflict and role ambiguity. Further, while the algorithm records all of the human's task actions, it is ignorant of the human's cognitive reactions – it undergoes what we conceptualise as ‘broken loop learning’. The empirical context of our study is algorithm-driven taxi driving (in the United States) exemplified by companies such as Uber. We draw from data that include interviews with 15 Uber drivers, a netnographic study of 1700 discussion threads among Uber drivers from two popular online forums, and analysis of Uber's web pages. Implications for IS scholarship, practice and policy are discussed. Collapse

Topics: Uber mobile application ride sharing platform global navigation satellite system web page

Methods: computational algorithm qualitative interview qualitative coding netnography theory development

Theories: organizational role theory role theory

Brand Engagement in Virtual Communities – A Netnographic Study

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Vasist, Pramukh

Abstract: Social media groups help foster discussions, but it can be challenging for bran ... Expand

Abstract: Social media groups help foster discussions, but it can be challenging for brands to maintain user engagement and collaborate in value co-creation. Despite a pressing need to comprehend the dynamics of virtual communities, there is a lack of a concerted view of how users engage with brands in virtual communities. To explore this, we use a sportbased virtual community as context since fan engagement levels are substantially higher in sports communities than in other virtual communities. Leveraging the sense of community theory and netnography as a method, we study community formation in a Facebook group comprising fans of a European football club. Preliminary findings reveal a strong presence of membership, influence, and shared emotional connection, while integration and fulfillment of needs are relatively less dominant. As next steps, we plan to examine how a sense of community evolves in virtual communities through a longitudinal approach. Potential implications are discussed. Collapse

Topics: Facebook online community social network anonymity social media

Methods: netnography qualitative coding longitudinal research

The Role of Online Misinformation and Fake News in Ideological Polarization: Barriers, Catalysts, and Implications

2022 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 3

Authors: Au, Cheuk Hang; Ho, Kevin K. W.; Chiu, Dickson K.W.

Abstract: In recent years, the circulation of online misinformation and fake news has draw ... Expand

Abstract: In recent years, the circulation of online misinformation and fake news has drawn our attention, given it has ideologically polarized society and has led to social instability, compromised democracies, and other consequences. Efforts on technical or behavioral dimensions on their identification are not uncommon, but these efforts inadequately addressed their roots, and thus may not stop them from creation or spreading. Using the theoretical lens of computer-mediated communications, we analyzed the ideological polarization phenomenon in Hong Kong, which has been worsening since the Umbrella Revolution in 2014. We proposed a three-stage model to illustrate the mechanism of how online misinformation and fake news leads to ideological polarization. The catalysts and barriers in each stage were also highlighted. Our analyses generate a better understanding of the mechanisms that help hinder the circulation of online misinformation and fake news, and thus, reduces the damages it caused. Collapse

Topics: fake news misinformation communication service infrastructure social media Google+

Methods: business process modeling qualitative coding literature study triangulation case study

Citizens influencing public policy-making: Resourcing as source of relational power in e-participation platforms

2022 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 0

Authors: Coelho, Taiane Ritta; Pozzebon, Marlei; Cunha, Maria Alexandra

Abstract: E-participation platforms create spaces and opportunities for participation and ... Expand

Abstract: E-participation platforms create spaces and opportunities for participation and collaboration between governments and citizens. This paper aims to investigate the role of power on formal e-participation platforms and digital spaces that are controlled by the governments. Although those types of platforms have been increasing in numerous countries, they have been criticised as often leading to a lack of or decrease in citizen engagement. We propose a relational view that examines how power is related to the use of resources in practice, that is, to resourcing. To explore this issue, we examine citizens' participation on three urban mobility platforms in three major Brazilian cities. Our study makes two main contributions. First, we contribute to the literature on e-participation by explaining how a relational view of power helps to understand the nature and consequences of citizen participation in public policy-making. Second, we integrate the concept of resourcing as both a source and constitutive element of relational power. We propose a process-based model of resourcing as power that opens the black box of resourcing through the identification of three distinct phases in time: resourcing IN, resourcing WITHIN and resourcing OUT. Collapse

Topics: digital platform decision making internet technology database system social media

Methods: qualitative interview survey case study business process modeling multiple case study