https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65653 2026-04-24T08:18:45Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67895 Title: Commonalities & conflict : the relationship of stakeholders in Paceville Abstract: The research topic aims to develop the analysis of regional stakeholders through a local sample. In this context, a community is defined through the clustering of individuals that share commonalities with one another. With the stakeholder approach being repurposed within the field of urban sociology, communities are researched both within their internal composition and through external dependent factors. These core stakeholders are; the commercial industry, state-affiliated entities and community clusters. All of which are dependent upon each other. The analysis will initially question the key components of each stakeholder independently in order to establish their contribution to the social mix. Through the personification of each stakeholder, it would then be possible to question their relationship to one another. As the title suggests the relevance of commonalities and conflict dictate how each stakeholder stands on topics of public interest. Given that these topics are identifiable through quantitative participation, such material is already available through the Regional Statistics published by the NSO (2020). Through the selection of state affiliated participants, discussions were based on pre-established research and theories. In combination with the stakeholder approach, this method made it possible to understand a stakeholder specific role and their dependency to the locality. As a result, this led to the outline of current development trends and their validation within the social sphere. Some Community-centric initiatives mentioned include zoning, gated communities and commuting through active mobility. Further analysis of the link between these initiatives and the stakeholders involved revealed that stakeholders can be further fragmented into sub-categories on the basis of mutual interests. An example of such is how the Community stakeholder within Paceville is segmented into economic and residential groups. In conclusion, the results outlined can be furthered when taken in conjunction with the socioeconomic field of research, given that it draws upon existing statistics and documentation. Description: M.A.MEDIA&COMMS. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67891 Title: Disconnect to reconnect? : examining the motives, strategies, and outcomes of individuals’ (temporary) social media abstinence Abstract: Research regarding social media abstinence in real-life settings remains rare. Social media abstinence is a complex construct that needs to be evaluated within the viewpoints of multiple disciplines. While experiences and outcomes of social media breaks are influenced by demographic markers and other variables, they can be generally described as difficult, but rewarding. This dissertation set out to examine individuals’ temporary or permanent social media abstinence by investigating previous usage, motives for abstinence, strategies, experiences, and outcomes of such undertakings. A quantitative research approach based on the uses and gratifications theory was carried out, and a 60-item questionnaire developed. Out of 134 respondents, 105 eligible participants completed the survey. Results suggested that (a) females and singles are more prone to detrimental effects caused by social media usage, (b) internal motives provide greater motivation than external ones, (c) implemented strategies either tried to break habit cycles at the cue- or action-stage, or provided distraction in the form of participating in other activities, (d) females experienced higher levels of difficulties in abstaining from social media than males, and (e) participants generally perceived social media abstinence as a successful and beneficial undertaking. Description: M.A.MEDIA&COMMS. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67885 Title: An exploration on how young adults in Malta discern whether news articles disseminated on Facebook are real or fake Abstract: This research study explores how young adults in Malta discern whether news articles disseminated on Facebook are real or fake. This dissertation analyses the role Facebook plays as being a news source, the relationship between Facebook and fake news, and how digital literacy has become an increasingly necessary skill to have to navigate online. The aim of this study is to investigate how young adults go about deciphering which news articles are factual and which are not, the precautions that they take, their perceptions and habits regarding Facebook, and their reliance on the site as a source of news. Furthermore, a qualitative approach was adopted, in which semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used as a means of collecting data. The data was then analysed through the process of thematic analysis, in which three overarching themes were identified, whereby each overarching theme had two subsequent sub themes. Moreover, the findings conveyed that being cautious by checking and examining the source of the news articles are imperative, as the source can be indicative of whether the news article is real or fake. The findings also depict how essential it is for individuals to be digitally literate, as this skill can facilitate people with the tools they need in order to differentiate between real and fake news. Description: M.A.MEDIA&COMMS. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67829 Title: Micro-influencers in Malta and the effects of COVID-19 Abstract: Instagram has changed the role of visuals in everyday lives by introducing new techniques and behaviors for producing, sharing, and observing images. The platform has birthed the influencer phenomenon by giving users the opportunity to use images to brand themselves for commercial gain. This study examines how influencers are strategically posting photos online to portray themselves online. Building on existing social media and self-representation research, it asks: how do micro-influencers in Malta position themselves on Instagram; and how have they needed to adapt their strategies to stay relevant during a global pandemic? In this context, microinfluencers are Instagram users who have between 1k and 30k followers. Through in-depth interviews with 11 micro-influencers and a thematic analysis of their Instagram profiles, it is apparent that tactical practices are in place to capture the attention of an online audience. An analysis of their images and responses demonstrated that being different by posting in a specific niche and with the same edits is key to standing out in the Instagram community. The results further indicate how coronavirus has impacted micro-influencers’ online presence. Due to social distancing measures and brand collaborations being put on hold, influencers have had the time to create more sensible and creative content. While this study provides unique insights into self-branding techniques amidst a global pandemic, further research is needed to identify the future tactics of influencers in a post-lockdown context. Description: M.A.MEDIA&COMMS. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z