A study of adults based on a two-wave survey finds an association between seeing images of self-harm on Instagram and subsequent self-harm. Most who say they've seen the images report being disturbed by them.
Research Findings
Do Most Americans Believe in Human-Caused Climate Change? It Depends on How You Ask.
In a new study, APPC researchers found that the percentage of Americans who believe in human-cause climate change depends on what is asked and how.
‘13 Reasons Why’ and Young Adults’ Risk of Suicide
Given the series’ popularity and its potentially harmful effects, researchers at APPC and three other institutions conducted a study to more fully understand the effects of the show through a survey of U.S. young adults, ages 18 to 29, before and after the May 2018 release of its second season.
Do adolescents have a natural tendency to engage in more risk-taking than children?
A new policy review of research on teen risk-taking finds that despite stereotypes to the contrary, the evidence does not support the notion of the out-of-control teenage brain.
Risk and Healthy Behavior in the American Adaptation of a Telenovela
In a pilot study, APPC researchers found that the American TV show "Jane the Virgin" features more risk behavior and less healthy behavior than the Spanish-language telenovela it was adapted from, "Juana la Virgen."
Can a Critic Who Becomes a Believer Sway Others? The Case of Genetically Modified Foods
When a critic turns believer, can the story of that conversion sway others? A new Annenberg Public Policy Center study examines the effect on public attitudes of a "conversion message" about the use of genetically modified foods.
Journalists Trying To Help Readers Cope May Mislead on Holiday-Suicide Myth
Despite the fact that the holiday season has some of the lowest average daily suicide rates, some journalists continue to inadvertently perpetuate the holiday-suicide myth.
Science Media Monitor Examines How News Media Cover Gene Editing and Scientific Retractions
The Annenberg Public Policy Center has released a pair of Science Media Monitor reports analyzing how the news media cover the ethical questions surrounding gene editing with CRISRP/Cas9, and scientific retractions.
Does Teen Cannabis Use Lead to Behavior Problems – or Vice Versa?
Research finds that cannabis use among teens does not appear to lead to greater conduct problems or greater affiliation with other teens who smoke cannabis -- it's teens with conduct problems who are more likely to gravitate toward cannabis use.
Extreme Weather and Climate Skeptics Are Research Focus of APPC Postdocs
Experiencing extreme weather is not enough to convince climate change skeptics that humans are damaging the environment, according to a new study based on APPC research.