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How To Be A Good Digital Citizen? 

Sapo: Social media, while nurturing digital communities, also unveils the darker aspects of our society just like what is happening in the real world. Being a responsible digital citizen requires continuous learning, yet there remains a lack of clear legal guidelines to regulate this space.

1. Conflict on social media and digital citizenship 

Conflict on social media often arises from power struggles over resources, speech, platforms, and market influence, highlighting the intricate relationship between digital citizenship and various power dynamics, including commercial interests and individual rights to expression. This demonstrates that digital citizenship is inherently about navigating power dynamics in online spaces.

Digital citizenship goes beyond digital literacy and resilience, encompassing the skills, knowledge, and values required for effective, ethical, and safe use of ICT (Harris & Johns 2020). It emphasizes the social and community-based nature of online practices, highlighting the importance of building respectful online communities and promoting digital inclusion and active participation. In today's ubiquitous technology environment, digital citizenship is integral to young people's political and civic capacity, contributing to broader civic culture and claims to cultural rights and participation (Harris & Johns 2020).

2. Online harassment

Online harassment encompasses various forms of harmful behavior, including spreading false information, sending abusive messages, and sharing personal content without consent, such as intimate photos (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern, 2021). Techniques like doxing, image-based abuse, social shaming, and intimidation have been honed by men’s rights activists and anti-feminist gamers during the prolonged online controversy known as Gamergate (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern 2021).

Defined as threats or offensive behaviors directed at others through digital channels or posted online, online harassment can cause harm and deter victims from engaging with online spaces (adapted from our sources). In particular, online sexual harassment not only causes distress but also serves as a means for perpetrators to control women's behavior and speech, using shame and fear to silence and discipline them (Jane, 2012; Megarry, 2014). This policing of female voices hinders women's online participation, reflecting a broader trend of suppressing diverse perspectives in male-dominated online environments (Franks, 2012; Megarry, 2014).

3. Sustainable digital governance

Governance mechanisms face the challenge of reconciling conflicting priorities and standards, particularly in managing online communities and moderation practices. The absence of comprehensive legislation has complicated efforts to address online harassment, although laws like the Criminal Code Act have been utilized. Recent developments, such as the Online Safety Act 2021 in Australia, aim to enhance protections against online abuse and harmful content. This legislation grants authorities the power to compel online service providers to promptly remove harmful content.

However, there remains a notable gap in studies concerning digital citizenship and the relationship between social media and social issues. Therefore, it is crucial for various stakeholders—corporations, influencers, authorities, and, significantly, social media users—to be aware of and engaged in social media governance processes.

References list

Griffin, R 2023, ‘Rethinking rights in social media governance: human rights, ideology and inequality’, HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), vol. 2, French National Centre for Scientific Research, no. 1, pp. 30–56.

Harris, A & Johns, A 2020, ‘Youth, social cohesion and digital life: From risk and resilience to a global digital citizenship approach’, Journal of Sociology, vol. 57, no. 2, p. 144078332091917.

Haslop, C, O’Rourke, F & Southern, R 2021, ‘#NoSnowflakes: The toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide, in a UK student online culture’, Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1418–1438.

Vitis, L & Gilmour, F 2016, ‘Dick pics on blast: A woman’s resistance to online sexual harassment using humour, art and Instagram’, Crime, Media, Culture: An International Journal, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 335–355.

#week 10 #mda20009 #digital citizenship #governance #online harassment

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The Expansive Universe of Gaming Communities

Sapo: Just like any other interest-based communities, the gaming community has burgeoned worldwide. In today's tech-savvy era, access to technology and social media has facilitated deeper engagement and even professional development within this community.

1. Gaming community and culture

Game culture encompasses a rich tapestry of customs, rituals, and traditions that have flourished within the gaming community. From vibrant cosplay conventions to adrenaline-pumping gaming tournaments, gamers across the globe come together to celebrate their shared passion through a myriad of cultural expressions and events. The emergence of competitive gaming, or esports, has propelled gaming into the mainstream, captivating professional players and audiences alike. Esports tournaments attract massive crowds, with players vying for substantial prizes and global recognition on the competitive stage.

The advent of game streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming has revolutionized gaming into a spectator sport. Millions of viewers flock to these platforms to watch their favorite streamers engage in gameplay, interact with fans, and exhibit their gaming prowess (Taylor 2018, pp. 1–23). However, Twitch is not the sole player in shaping the esports landscape; other platform companies such as YouTube and Facebook, alongside organizations like the Electronic Sports League (ESL), DreamHack, PGL, and Major League Gaming (MLG), as well as game developers like Riot, Valve, and Blizzard, all contribute to the burgeoning realm of live streaming (Taylor 2018, pp. 1–23).

Live streaming provides professional esports players and teams with opportunities to cultivate their audience, enhance their brand, and generate income, all while showcasing their practice sessions—often straight from their own bedrooms (Taylor 2018, pp. 1–23). The phenomenon of game live streaming offers a captivating glimpse into the convergence of network and media culture with contemporary digital play, offering insights into the future landscape of online producers and audiences. It intersects with various contemporary issues, not only concerning media transformations but also broader considerations of cultural production and the everyday experiences of users (Taylor 2018, pp. 1–23).

2. Game and platforms

Gaming has witnessed a surge in accessibility across various platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, each offering distinct experiences tailored to diverse demographics within the gaming community. Games serve as hubs for social interaction, fostering connections and communities among players. Multiplayer games, online forums, and virtual worlds provide avenues for gamers to collaborate, compete, and cultivate friendships.

Platformization not only serves as a lens through which we comprehend the world but also actively shapes it by marginalizing alternative configurations, histories, and politics of platforms (Chia et al. 2020). Game engines exemplify this phenomenon, transcending their role as neutral software development tools to become platforms that enable specific design methodologies, production workflows, and systems for coordinating user activities (Chia et al. 2020). While game engines were traditionally developed in-house by video game studios until the mid-2000s, the advent of third-party and easily accessible commercial game engines like Unity and Epic’s Unreal Engine has transformed them into pivotal agents driving the platformization of cultural production in the video game industry (Chia et al. 2020).

3. Social media usage in gaming community

Social media platforms play a pivotal role in fostering connections among gamers and amplifying their voices within the gaming community. Platforms like Twitter, Discord, and Reddit serve as bustling hubs for discussions, fan communities, and industry news updates. Gamers utilize social media to share gameplay highlights, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and stay abreast of the latest industry developments (Bankov 2019).

The social dimension is a crucial aspect of a game's success. Increased discussions about a particular game enhance its potential to reach a wider audience. Platforms like Discord and Twitch are demonstrating significant success by providing innovative approaches to social interaction for their users. Moreover, digital distribution networks and online game stores are thriving, pushing gaming as a service to unprecedented heights. Communication and social interaction remain fundamental drivers of game popularity, continuing to shape how games are marketed and enjoyed.

References list

Bankov, B 2019, ‘The Impact of Social Media on Video Game Communities and the Gaming Industry’, paper presented at Information аnd Communication Technologies in Business аnd Education ICTBE 2019, Varna, University of Economics – Varna, Department of Computer Science, viewed 18 March 2024, <The Impact of Social Media on Video Game Communities and the Gaming Industry>. 

Chia, A, Keogh, B, Leorke, D & Nicoll, B 2020, ‘Platformisation in game development’, Internet Policy Review, vol. 9, no. 4.

Taylor, TL 2018, ‘Watch me play twitch and the rise of game live streaming’, Princeton Oxford Princeton University Press, pp. 1–23.

#week 9 #mda20009 #gaming community #livestream #gaming culture

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Everybody is wearing masks on social media

Sapo: When was the last time you posted an unfiltered photo on Instagram?

1. Beauty filter popularity on Instagram, Snapchat, and Tiktok

In the present digital era, augmented reality (AR) has invaded social media platforms, changing the way users interact with their online personas. One major component of AR technology is the widespread usage of filters, particularly beauty filters, which have gained enormous popularity across platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and, more recently, TikTok. These AR filters allow users to change their appearance in real time, improving features while masking perceived flaws (Barker 2020). Beauty filters, whether used to smooth skin texture, enlarge eyes, or slim faces, allow people to create an idealized picture of themselves for public consumption (Barker 2020). The proliferation of these filters demonstrates society's obsession with meeting false standards of beauty and flawlessness (Barker 2020).

Filters frequently follow beauty trends and encourage ideals propagated by the cosmetics industry. While some women use filters to create a polished image, others have mixed sentiments about their inherent attractiveness. Furthermore, not all filters are well-received; some users complain that makeup-centric filters promote unsuitable standards, such as skin whitening (Barker 2020).

Beyond makeup-focused designs, some filters unintentionally modify facial features in unanticipated ways. For example, animal-themed filters may expand users' eyes while reducing other features, adhering to stereotyped feminine proportions. Filters can reinforce messages of social desirability and perfection for women who use digital adornment to explore their individuality and self-expression. Some users feel detached from their natural appearance and compare the filter experience to cosmetic surgery or virtual assault.

2. The digital-forensic gaze

The term ‘digital-forensic gaze’ refers to the way and practices of observation that assume social media photos are filtered, as well as the emotional context that supports this observation (Lavrence & Cambre 2020). These forms of examination increase self-objectification and teach people to study photos of themselves and others more critically, wondering what has been or could be ‘altered’ or ‘edited’ (Lavrence & Cambre 2020). According to studies, while using filters can be fun and pleasurable, it also causes significant anxiety for cisgender women who are concerned about living up to their online personas. Thus, power and pleasure interact in the transforming nature of filters, as well as the shaping and reshaping of meaning in the context of selfie culture.The digital-forensic gaze complicates the situation as users traverse the fuzzy distinctions between reality and virtuality (Lavrence & Cambre 2020). Individuals portray highly managed versions of themselves online, leaving viewers to determine the legitimacy of their digital personas. The pressure to conform to beauty standards propagated by filters creates a loop of comparison and insecurity, developing a culture obsessed with validation and social acceptability (Lavrence & Cambre 2020). The extensive use of beauty filters on social media platforms reflects society's overall focus on looks and approval. While these filters allow for self-expression and empowerment, they also reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to the objectification of persons (Barker 2020).

References list

Barker, J 2020, ‘Making-up on mobile: The pretty filters and ugly implications of Snapchat’, Fashion, Style & Popular Culture, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 207–221.

Carah, N & Dobson, A 2016, ‘Algorithmic hotness: Young women’s “promotion” and “reconnaissance” work via social media body images’, Social Media + Society, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 1–10.

Coy-Dibley, I 2016, ‘“Digitized Dysmorphia” of the female body: the re/disfigurement of the image’, Palgrave Communications, vol. 2, no. 1.

Dijkslag, IR, Irene, G, Ketelaar, P & Block Santos, L 2024, To Beautify or Uglify! The Effects of Augmented Reality Face Filters on Body and Face Satisfaction Moderated by Self-Esteem and Self-Identification, Social Science Research Network, Rochester, NY, viewed 15 March 2024, <https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4753653>. 

Lavrence, C & Cambre, C 2020, ‘“Do I Look Like My Selfie?”: Filters and the Digital-Forensic Gaze’, Social Media + Society, vol. 6, no. 4, p. 205630512095518.

#week 8 #mda20009 #digital citizenship #filter

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The Price Tag of Illusion (I’ll Pay The Price You Won’t)

Sapo: You can be a celebrity, I promise! But at what cost? 

1. The Rise of Microcelebrity

Within the realm of body modification, these microcelebrities showcase their transformations, attracting followers who aspire to emulate their aesthetic ideals. Through strategic self-presentation and engagement with their audience, microcelebrities monetize their online presence by endorsing products and services related to body modification.

The Instagram platform has normalized the phenomenon of microcelebrity culture, leading young individuals to regularly create branded personas intended for public consumption. Research has examined visibility labor methods, such as self-branding techniques, shedding light on the strategies employed by social media users (Drenten, Gurrieri & Tyler 2019).

Microcelebrity encompasses both a process and a product (Mavroudis 2020). As a process, it represents a cultural construct shaped by a mindset and a series of practices wherein ordinary individuals meticulously construct their self-presentations for easy consumption by an audience, often perceived as a fan base (Mavroudis 2020). This phenomenon is particularly pertinent among young people who lack mainstream celebrity status, as they engage in similar practices of self-presentation tailored for audience consumption (Mavroudis 2020). Whether consciously or inadvertently, young individuals active on visual social media platforms participate in or are exposed to microcelebrity culture (Cirucci, 2018a).

2. The Aesthetic Labor

Beneath the glamorous surface of social media lies the reality of fame labor, where individuals invest considerable time, effort, and resources into crafting and maintaining their online personas. A key aspect of this labor is aesthetic labor, which involves meticulously managing one's physical appearance to meet societal beauty standards. Body modification enthusiasts are particularly involved in this labor, perpetuating unrealistic beauty ideals and commodifying their bodies for public consumption. However, this labor is often romanticized, obscuring the inherent pressures and sacrifices involved in upholding an aspirational online image.

Aesthetic labor, as a concept, focuses on how individuals utilize their embodied capacities and attributes to evoke sensory affect in consumers and generate commercial benefits for organizations (Drenten, Gurrieri & Tyler 2019). Unlike unpaid body work or paid bodily labor, aesthetic labor involves individuals being compensated, directly or indirectly, for their own body's looks and affect. It revolves around poses, accessories, props, or superficial alterations to the body's surface rather than emotional labor (Mavroudis 2020).

Pornographication refers to the portrayal of a heteronormative display of sexuality or a 'porn chic' aesthetic oriented towards a male audience (Drenten & Gurrieri, 2019). It is a significant aspect of the cultural background to contemporary practices of sexualized labor (Mavroudis 2020). However, the relationship between sexualized labor and self-branding on visual social media platforms remains relatively unexplored (Mavroudis 2020) .

The proliferation of visual content on social media has led to the pornification of body modification, in which private aspects of self-expression are objectified and sexualized for public consumption. While some people see body modification as a form of personal empowerment or self-expression, the pressure to conform to sexualized norms propagated by social media can distort their sense of identity and damage their self-esteem. Furthermore, treating body alteration as a visual spectacle has the potential to diminish the lived experiences and cultural significance that drive these practices, turning them to exploitative consumer products. 

3. The Consequences

Frequent exposure to idealized images of transformed bodies can lead to poor body image, eating disorders, and low self-esteem, especially among susceptible people. Social media platforms' persistent promotion of unattainable beauty standards can exacerbate pre-existing concerns and encourage self-destructive behavior.

The difference between carefully designed online personas and real-life identities can lead to feelings of inadequacy and detachment from one's authentic self. Individuals who strive for a perfect online image may compromise their authenticity and ideals in the chase of digital affirmation. Young people frequently make emotionally and physically demanding efforts to present idealized images of themselves online, which may contrast with their true offline selves (Mavroudis 2020).

The sexualization of body modification on social media reinforces harmful preconceptions and objectifies people purely based on their looks, diminishing their sense of self-worth and dignity. Instead of encouraging diversity and self-expression, social media platforms frequently reinforce limited beauty standards that value sexual appearance above personal autonomy.

References list

Drenten, J, Gurrieri, L & Tyler, M 2019, ‘Sexualized labour in digital culture: Instagram influencers, porn chic and the monetization of attention’, Gender, Work & Organization, vol. 27, no. 1.

Lane, DC 2017, ‘Understanding body modification: A process-based framework’, Sociology Compass, vol. 11, no. 7, p. e12495.

Mavroudis, J 2020, Am I Too Branded? Fame Labour and Microcelebrity Culture, viewed 10 March 2024, <https://researchbank.swinburne.edu.au/file/a9c91c82-0f40-4e0b-9e2e-9ec1433bafda/1/jonathan_mavroudis_thesis.pdf>. 

#week 7 #mda20009 #digital citizenship #body modification #aesthetic labor

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‘Cheese In The Trap’ and The Fast Fashion’s Dilemma

Sapo: Fashion brands would never tell you the truth that the only way to be sustainable is to buy fewer clothes.

1. Digital Citizenship

In response to the pervasive influence of social media in daily life, new citizen norms and identities have emerged, prioritizing personalization and sharing over traditional political affiliations. This phenomenon has spurred the development of digital citizenship (Vromen 2017).

The slow fashion movement's long-term success relies heavily on digital citizenship. As people evolve more aware of their online presence and social responsibilities, they use digital channels to promote ethical fashion practices. Social media networks are important tools for spreading information and mobilizing support for sustainable fashion businesses. Individuals use digital activism and community building to put pressure on the fashion industry to prioritize ethical production processes and worker rights. Digital citizens are influencing the discourse surrounding slow fashion by leveraging their online power, encouraging a more sustainable future in the industry (Alison Gwilt et al. 2012).

2. Green-washing problem 

The line between authentic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and greenwashing is often blurred, leading consumers to believe they are making ethical choices when purchasing from fast fashion companies. The perpetuation of mass consumerism by the fashion industry exacerbates environmental degradation and labor exploitation. Social media platforms serve as potent tools for the fashion industry to promote consumerism through influencer marketing and targeted advertising. Brands like H&M, ZARA, and Uniqlo have faced criticism for lacking transparency in their CSR campaigns, highlighting a contentious issue in the apparel industry. This dilemma underscores the challenges faced by brands in addressing environmental and social concerns raised by activists and stakeholders.

3. The role of social media influencers in the slow fashion movement

Social media has become a main source of information (Alalwan et al., 2017; Park & Cho, 2012), allowing customers to make more informed decisions (Diffley et al., 2011). Social media is one of the top information sources respondents rely on about environmental and social aspects of the garment supply chain. Influencers have been found to have a considerable impact on consumer decisions, notably purchasing, indicating an opportunity for them to encourage sustainable behavior (Bognar et al., 2019). While influencers may favorably affect circular selling behaviors, they may have a detrimental impact on circular purchasing behaviors, which are critical to the slow fashion movement. However, when firms prioritize growing sales, the impact of social media influencers on customer buy intentions in the fashion industry is reduced. Nonetheless, the slow fashion movement has been effective in boosting consumer awareness and encouraging a change towards more sustainable purchase habits. If consumers believe that their choices contribute to environmental protection, they are more likely to support slow fashion products (Chi et al. 2021), indicating a crucial stage in this long-term transformation.

References list

Bertilsson, E & van Alphen, L 2020, ‘From Fast to Slow: Can influencers make us shop more sustainably?’, Thesis, DIVA, School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University, viewed 1 March 2024, <https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1436642&dswid=2014>. 

Chi, T, Gerard, J, Yu, Y & Wang, Y 2021, ‘A study of U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase slow fashion apparel: understanding the key determinants’, International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 101–112.

Domingos, M, Vale, VT & Faria, S 2022, ‘Slow Fashion Consumer Behavior: a Literature Review’, Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 5, p. 2860.

Kaner, G 2021, ‘Greenwashing: How Difficult It Is to Be Transparent to the Consumer—H&M Case Study’, Green Marketing in Emerging Markets, pp. 203–226.

Scully, G 2021, ‘Changing Fashion: An Analysis of Social Media Activism Targeting the Fashion Industry’, Thesis, vol. 828, University of Connecticut, viewed 1 March 2024, <https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1828&context=srhonors_theses>. 

#week 6 #mda20009 #digital citizenship #slow fashion movement #influencers

[bimonmedia]

In My Politician Era: Social media's Role in Shaping Activism

Sapo: When social media becomes a part of social life, it does mean everything that happens in real social life would go online. Political issues and activism are never the things digital citizens are afraid of.

1. Digital Citizenship

In the digital era, the notion of digital citizenship has gained increasing prominence, given the significant influence of online interactions on shaping public opinion and societal discourse. Perspectives on digital citizenship vary widely, with some embracing its capacity for connectivity and expression, while others caution against potential risks like misinformation and online harassment. Digital citizenship reflects traditional notions of citizenship by emphasizing competent and positive engagement with digital technologies, active participation in communities, and ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and defending human dignity (Council of Europe  2022).

A good digital citizen is someone equipped with the skills and knowledge to use digital technologies effectively and positively to engage with society, communicate with others, and create and consume digital content. This includes actively participating and responsibly contributing to various communities, whether local, national, or global, across political, economic, social, and cultural spheres (Office of the eSafety Commissioner, NSW Department of Education n.d.). The concept of digital citizenship is examined through three distinct perspectives: unidimensional, multidimensional, and critical and radical (Choi & Cristol 2021). Each approach offers unique insights into different facets of digital citizenship, highlighting its importance and necessitating research from various perspectives. In terms of educational research, it is considered as a concept of ‘appropriate use of the Internet’ (McCosker, Vivienne & Johns 2016). The research on digital citizenship emerges and operates within three interconnected yet often conflicting layers of control: state regulation, technological constraints, and localized non-governmental or entrepreneurial educational initiatives (McCosker, Vivienne & Johns 2016).

2. Platformization

The term "platform" encompasses various meanings: it can refer to computational aspects, serving as a foundation for innovation and development; politically, it signifies a space for expression and amplification of voices; and architecturally, platforms like YouTube are designed to be inclusive spaces that foster open expression, rather than exclusive gatekeepers with normative or technical limitations (Gillespie, 2010).

Platformization is a concept that elucidates the increasing integration of digital platforms' business models, infrastructures, algorithms, and associated practices into various aspects of society (Chia et al., 2020). Platformization refers to the transformation of social network sites into social media platforms, characterized by the dominance of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as primary channels for social interaction and content consumption. These platforms serve as spaces for both computational innovation and political expression, facilitating connectivity and content creation through APIs and other tools.

3. Activism and political engagement on social media

Hashtag publics play an important role in connecting people, organizing social media activity around topics, keywords, and events, and shaping and segmenting experiences, events, and activities across networks.

Social media has transformed the landscape of activism and political engagement by giving a forum for organizing, mobilizing, and amplifying voices. From unifying communities around social justice causes with hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo to alter engagement in modern democracies, social media platforms have become critical spaces for expressing perspectives, challenging views, and organizing support. Nonetheless, the profusion of information and echo chambers emphasizes the value of literacy and critical thinking in effective political participation.

References list

Chia, A, Keogh, B, Leorke, D & Nicoll, B 2020, ‘Platformisation in game development’, Internet Policy Review, vol. 9, no. 4.

Choi, M & Cristol, D 2021, ‘Digital Citizenship with Intersectionality Lens: Towards Participatory Democracy Driven Digital Citizenship Education’, Theory Into Practice, vol. 60, no. 4.

Duffy, BE, Poell, T & Nieborg, DB 2019, ‘Platform Practices in the Cultural Industries: Creativity, Labor, and Citizenship’, Social Media + Society, vol. 5, no. 4, p. 205630511987967.

McCosker, A, Vivienne, S & Johns, A 2016, Negotiating Digital Citizenship: Control, Contest and Culture, Ebscohost.com, viewed 1 February 2024, <https://web.p.ebscohost.com/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzE0MTMyNDJfX0FO0?sid=011f6098-003e-4cfe-8b5e-13a05aeaeb06@redis&vid=0&format=EB&lpid=lp_1&rid=0>. 

Office of the eSafety Commissioner, NSW Department of Education n.d., Digital Citizenship - About, www.digitalcitizenship.nsw.edu.au.

US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights 2022, What is digital citizenship and why is it important?, US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights.

#week 5 #mda20009 #digital citizenship #political engagement #activism

[bimonmedia]

Reality TV Show: Showing or Writing ‘Reality’?

Sapo: Is the reality on TV the same as the reality in your life? 

1. Digital Publics

The concept of a public has changed dramatically in the digital age. Digital publics, as mentioned in Week 3, refer to the digital public sphere. It is vital to emphasize that the idea of the 'public sphere' has multiple meanings in political theory. The internet and the massive digital communities seen on social media platforms can both be considered parts of the public sphere. However, it's worth highlighting that many people use the internet and social media as part of a digital social environment, where material is frequently personal and private, sometimes intended just for friends and family (Nielsen 2018). These digital publics usually arise around common interests, such as fandoms for reality TV series.

2. Reality TV and social media 

Reality television is a genre that claims to reflect human behavior and relationships, sparking debate and shared ideas (Deller 2020, pp. 153–175). This criticism has spread beyond traditional contexts such as families, workplaces, and schools, with forums, blogs, vlogs, and social media platforms (Deller 2020, pp. 153–175). Mainstream media publications now intend to join fan blogs in providing funny commentary on shows via recaps and liveblogs as a part of promotion strategies. 

Twitter warrants particular attention as a platform where viewer interaction is highly encouraged. Here, engagement often involves live-tweeting alongside the program, especially during live broadcasts or shows with viewer voting (Deller 2020, pp. 153–175). Hashtags displayed on screen and verbal prompts from hosts further enhance the sense of immediacy. Official social media accounts associated with broadcasters, production companies, and participants also promote live tweeting and post-show Q&A sessions (Deller 2020, pp. 153–175).

Social media discussions of reality shows are characterized by puns, quips, animated gifs, memes, and sarcastic commentary, as viewers vie for likes and shares (Deller 2020, pp. 153–175). Participants may use social media to offer their perspective on events depicted in the show, particularly if they feel misrepresented. Additionally, social media allows participants to extend their fame beyond their time on the show, promoting brands and generating income opportunities (L’Hoiry 2019).

These discussions often transcend entertainment, sparking broader conversations about societal norms and values. Issues like representation, gender dynamics, and cultural appropriation in reality TV become topics of socio-political discourse in the public sphere.

3. Reality TV authenticity: Dating show phenomenon 

The concept of 'authenticity' holds equal importance in both social media and reality television. Much like reality performers straddle the line between 'amateurism' and 'celebrity,' internet stars face similar challenges (Deller 2020, pp. 153–175).

Social media exacerbates this ambiguity as both contestants and audiences attempt to reconcile their online personas with their offline identities (Deller 2020, pp. 153–175). Behind-the-scenes revelations and post-show disclosures on social media platforms further complicate the narrative, prompting viewers to question the authenticity of what they witness on screen.

Dating shows, ranging from Western staples like Love Island and Too Hot To Handle to Eastern counterparts like Single Inferno and Transit Love, have sparked phenomena on social media, turning participants into microcelebrities. The couples in dating shows receive mass attention from the audience after the show, however, this leads to some further issues that they might deal with when the authenticity is no longer ‘written’. 

Despite the portrayal of unfiltered glimpses into everyday life, reality TV shows are influenced by social media and the demands of entertainment production. Various external factors exert pressure on the production process of reality shows, complicating the narrative. As viewers navigate digital fandoms and online communities, they confront the fundamental question: Is the reality depicted on TV reflective of real life?

Reference list

Deller, RA 2020, Reality television: the TV phenomenon that changed the world, 1st edn, Bingley, Uk Emerald Publishing, pp. 153–175.

Kavka, M 2018, ‘Reality TV: its contents and discontents’, Critical Quarterly, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 5–18.

L’Hoiry, X 2019, ‘Love Island, Social Media, and Sousveillance: New Pathways of Challenging Realism in Reality TV’, Frontiers in Sociology, vol. 4, no. 59, pp. 1–13.

Nielsen, IM 2018, Social media as Digital Public Sphere, 17 September, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. 

#week 4 #mda20009 #digital community #reality tv #fandom

[bimonmedia]

Blogging, Vlogging, Reeling and the Public Sphere

Sapo: Why do we need so many platforms to express ourselves to the public?

1. Public Sphere

‘Public Sphere’ is the term that was first developed by German philosopher Habermas in the 1990s and is considered as a dominant concept in modern social science research. ‘Public Sphere’ can be known as ‘a realm of our social life in which such a thing as public opinion can be formed’ (Adut 2012). Lots of criticism and debates have been conveyed around this concept. Another contemporary definition from Kruse (2018) says ‘public sphere is a place where private people come together as a public for the purpose of using reason to further critical knowledge which, in turn, leads to political change.’ And in modern society, the public sphere is an important concept that has connection with other realms: the socio-political sphere, the socio-economic sphere and the socio-cultural sphere (Fuchs 2014). These play crucial roles in contemporary communication. This concept seems to be more complicated in the age of social media. Micro communities on social media platforms are now the potential form of one public sphere. Since the studies of the concept of public sphere is complex and social media development is different from the traditional communication form, there are still several arguments and questions about this. 

2. Blogging and Tumblr

Blogging was a common communication tool in the 1990s and 2000s. In its brief history, blogging culture has developed into many branches, resonating with the increase of social media. Tumblr just appeared at the right time, and became a phenomenon in this socio-cultural flow. 

Apart from Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, etc. Tumblr stands out for its affordances among the young adults. Established in 2007 and has a long history with a lot of business deals, Tumblr is still one of the most popular social media for the young since it utilizes short-blogging and diverse content. Tumblr used to be biased as it allowed NSFW content and easy censorship policy. However, in 2018, the platform will no longer accept sensitive content due to new child safeguarding policies.

As the slogan ‘fandom, art, chaos’, Tumblr aims at aestheticism, focuses on building community for young people to express themselves. Tumblr affordances provide users a safe place on the Internet. Tumblr was born at the perfect time and had its own peak before other multimedia forms of social media emerged, such as short videos. Even if Tumblr is no longer the field's pioneer, it has been regarded as a major case study for research into digital community development because it highlighted the features of digital public sphere involvement. 

3. The ‘third place theory’ and social media

Third places, initially conceived as physical realms, offer accessible havens where people can gather and enjoy each other's company beyond the confines of home and office (Parkinson, Schuster & Mulcahy 2021). These spaces not only contribute to individual well-being and a sense of belonging but also foster stronger community bonds through social interactions (Parkinson, Schuster & Mulcahy 2021). When the definition of digital third place appears, there is much research that has figured out the differences between the physical and digital one.

The notion of digital third places, which includes social media, has become increasingly familiar. Various features of social media platforms enable individuals and communities to express themselves in diverse ways. Each platform may cultivate unique perceptions and characteristics. Does this proliferation of 'third places' suggest that we are increasingly inhabiting a multitude of digital realms, spending less time in physical spaces but investing more in presenting different facets of ourselves online? 

Reference list

Adut, A 2012, A Theory of the Public Sphere, ResearchGate, viewed 25 January 2024, <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258190380_A_Theory_of_the_Public_Sphere>.

Byron, P., Brady Robards, B. Hanckel, S. Vivienne and B. Churchill. "Hey, i'm having these experiences": Tumblr use and young people's queer (dis)connections.” International Journal of Communication 13 (2019): 2239-2259.

Çela, E 2015, ‘Social Media as a New Form of Public Sphere’, European Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 195–200.

Fuchs, C 2014, (PDF) Social Media and the Public Sphere, ResearchGate, viewed 25 January 2024, <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287535655_Social_Media_and_the_Public_Sphere>.

Parkinson, J, Schuster, L & Mulcahy, R 2021, ‘Online Third Places: Supporting Well-Being Through Identifying and Managing Unintended Consequences’, Journal of Service Research, vol. 25, no. 1, p. 109467052110188.

Reif, A, Miller, I & Taddicken, M 2022, ‘“Love the Skin You‘re In”: An Analysis of Women’s Self-Presentation and User Reactions to Selfies Using the Tumblr Hashtag #bodypositive’, Mass Communication and Society, vol. 26, no. 6.

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