DigiRisks: Users’ well-being and risk resilience in computer-mediated communication

New informational and communication technologies have been raised both new opportunities and risks. The project "Users’ well-being and risk resilience in computer-mediated communication" brings together a number of projects on how individuals interact with information and each other in online environment and how they cope with different risks and maintain subjective well-being. In our projects we use a wide range of methods and combine different types of data: observed data on users' digital traces, experimental behavioural data and survey data on subjectively perceived phenomena are analysed both within the framework of standard statistical methods and with the help of machine learning and network analysis techniques.

 1. PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND RISKS AS FACTORS OF ONLINE ACTIVITY AND WELL-BEING OF VKONTAKTE SOCIAL NETWORK USERS 

Participants: Yadviga Siniavskaya, Anastasia Murach, Vasily Khodakovsky, Hamid Kershawarz

In this project, we focus on the risks of privacy loss as one of the central threats accompanying communication in various online environments.  From previous research, we know that users respond to privacy risks depending on their perceptions of the benefits and risks that communication brings.   In the current study, we examine how cognitive risk appraisal and behavioural responses to that risks affect users' perceptions of their social capital and life satisfaction.

Conference presentations:

• International communication associations conference (ICA 2023) (Toronto, Canada, 25-29 May 2023)    

Publications:

• Privacy calculus outcomes: how privacy attitudes and behaviours relates to subjective well-being of SNS users (Yadviga Sinyavskaya, Olessia Koltsova, Hamid Kersharz) – in progress

 2. DETERMINANTS OF INTEREST IN PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP IN RUSSIA

Participants: Sofia Polekhina, Yadviga Siniavskaya

Recent trends indicate a growing interest in psychological health and psychological well-being. In the current project, we study the dynamics of interest of RUnet users to this topic by analysing the data on online search queries on seeking professional psychological help. Additionally, the study will include the analysis of in-depth interviews on the individuals’ attitudes toward various aspects of psychological well-being.

Conference presentations:

• Digital Transformation in Governance and Society conference (Young DTGS - 2023) (Saint-Petersburg, Russia, June 26-28, 2023)

Publications:

• Exploring Public Interest in Psychological Help in Russia: Google Trends Analysis (Sofia Polekhina, Yadviga Sinyavskaya) - Internet and Modern Society: Proceedings IMS-2023. Lecture Notes in Geography, Cham: Springer, 2023 (in press)