Five students presented their tedious academic investigations related to the field of communications and journalism April 26 at Lakeside 212 as part of Elon University’s annual Student Undergraduate Research Forum.
Cameron Allstedt presented her research on how the social media application Instagram affects Elon students experiences abroad in Florence, Italy. Through surveys, she found that 90% of users are under 35-years old with most respondents being college aged. 50 percent of students in another survey said that they posted to Instagram more abroad than they did at home. Allstedt found that many students feel a sense of competition for engagement-- likes and comments-- on their photos with friends. She also interviewed a man who created a satirical Instagram account, “Blessed to be Abroad,” which portrays females as being obsessed with social media and emphasized gender stereotypes. Her conclusion said that while Instagram is great for staying connected while abroad, people must find a balance in order to avoid it harmful effects.
Alex Lewis present his research on how megachurches share their story through their online presence. By definition, a megachurch has a congregation of over 2000 members, usually located in the suburbs of a metropolitan city, are evangelical in approach and may not be as traditional as churches who characteristically use steeples and choirs. Lewis conducted in depth research on five churches in NC-- Summit Church, Mercy Hill, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Elevation Church. He looked specifically at their websites, conducted field observations and held interviews with the church's’ social media managers and web site builders. He concluded that the churches made their website user friendly and catered to them based on click engagement. He also concluded that these websites are updated regularly to serve a millennial generation that is becoming more technology savvy.
Kate Nichols presented her research on how companies advertised their content in the 1930s and 40’s- a time of tribulation for the United States with the Great Depression and World War II. Using Coca-Cola as her main example, she found that emotional appeal and escapism were the best ways to promote their product through mostly a print medium. Especially in the 1940’s, emphasizing patriotic themes was paramount to encourage people to by products to the war effort.
Mary Claire Schulz conducted her study on how LEGO handheld ending its 40 partnership with Shell because of Greenspace. Greenspace, an environmental campaign group, was disappointed with Lego because it was a partner with Shell Gas Station, which was drilling in the arctic for oil. Through a series of videos and protests, Greenspace created enough media attention to forced Lego to end its partnership with Shell. Schulz argued that Greenspace’s ability to create confusion among Lego’s shareholders was paramount to them completing its goal. It essentially put Lego in the middle of the conversation and forced an ultimatum.
Tara Wirth conducted her research on how the country of Turkey frames itself through its media by a totalitarian government. Through looking at Human Rights, Foreign Policy and Ecconmoy, she found that Turkey, for the most part, portrays itself in a neutral light,. She mainly looked at federal press releases for her sources.