EurekAlert! News by Subject: Social & Behavior

Social & Behavior

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 13-May-2026 14:15 ET (13-May-2026 18:15 GMT/UTC)

28-Apr-2026

Many young people are sexting on social media

Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research shows that it is very common among Norwegian teens to both send and receive messages with a photo or video of intimate body parts.

Journal: Archives of Sexual Behavior

28-Apr-2026

Scientists discover surprising new way to control light

University of East Anglia
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Scientists have uncovered a hidden property of light that allows it to twist, spin and behave differently - without mirrors, materials or special lenses.

A new paper reveals that light can be “programmed” simply by exploiting its natural geometry.

The breakthrough overturns decades of scientific thinking and could transform medical testing, data transmission and future quantum technologies.

This, the team says, could ultimately lead to a world where light carries information, probes biology, manipulates matter and protects quantum signals.

28-Apr-2026

Orange County residents take pragmatic view on immigration

University of California - Irvine
Reports and Proceedings

public that backs legal pathways, rejects mass deportation, yet draws hard lines on violent criminals and border security. In America's most watched "purple" county, the data challenges narratives from both parties.

28-Apr-2026

Impact of China’s “wolf warrior diplomacy” on public opinion in East Asia

Waseda University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

China’s “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy,” known for its confrontational tone, may be counterproductive in East Asia. However, its impact on public opinion in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan remains unclear. Now, researchers have found that exposure to such messaging reduced favorability toward China, especially in South Korea. While some perceptions of the United States also declined, these effects were inconsistent. In addition, participants were reluctant to share such messages, suggesting limited persuasive power.

Journal: The International Journal of Press/Politics

28-Apr-2026

The wildfire paradox: How social media quickens response but strains resources

University of Waterloo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research from the University of Waterloo highlights a “wildfire paradox” in which social media helps emergency crews respond faster but can also drive costly overreactions. Analyzing wildfire data and posts on X (formerly Twitter)from 2007 to 2021, researchers found that while informative posts improve situational awareness, highly emotional or noisy content can amplify urgency and lead to inefficient over-allocation of resources. The study suggests agencies should balance rapid response with clearer decision thresholds and better filtering tools to ensure public attention enhances, rather than undermines, operational efficiency.

Journal: Production and Operations Management

27-Apr-2026

The brain–gut health initiative: A pioneering effort in psychiatric research

Research
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Psychiatric disorders affect millions worldwide, but their diagnosis still relies on clinical observation instead of standard biological tests. In an attempt to identify reliable biomarkers, scientists in China have now launched the Brain-Gut Health Initiative, a large-scale longitudinal study combining neuroimaging, electrophysiology, microbiome sequencing, blood biomarkers, and clinical assessments across major psychiatric disorders. The findings revealed coordinated changes linking gut microbes, brain networks and symptoms—supporting the development of AI-assisted diagnosis and personalized therapies.

Journal: Research
Funder: National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Key Research and Development Program of Guangdong, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Battery Safety at Guangzhou Institute of Energy Testing, Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou, Research Capacity Improvement Project of Guangzhou Medical University, Clinical Collaboration Project on Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Major and Difficult Diseases, Guangzhou Key Clinical Specialty (Clinical Medical Research Institute), Announcement and Leading Science and Technical Foundation of Guangzhou Civil Affairs, Guangzhou Planned Project of Science and Technology

27-Apr-2026

Gambling ads on social media reach more than twice as many men as women

University of Cambridge
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Gambling companies are reaching young men – the group most likely to exhibit problem gambling behaviour – on social media at more than double the rate of women, a study has found.

Journal: Journal of Behavioral Addictions