aleyalea

[aleyalea]

Gaming Together, Growing Together

MDA20009 Digital Communities

Gaming has come a long way from the days of solo play in your living room. Now, it’s all about social gaming, connecting with friends, meeting new people, and having a good time in a virtual world. Whether you're building massive structures in Minecraft, trying to figure out who’s lying in Among Us, or battling it out in Valorant, these games have become more than just fun, they've become a way to hang out and build communities.

ps: this is me with my friends playing games (when it was just Minecraft).

One of the coolest things about social gaming is how it connects people. Remember when you used to play Minecraft and share creations with friends? Now, Minecraft servers have evolved into vibrant communities where players build, collaborate, and explore together. No matter where you are, a click of a button lets you join a global group, all sharing the same passion.

Next, Among Us took social gaming to new heights during the pandemic. With its "Who's the imposter?" gameplay, it’s not just about completing tasks, but reading people, forming alliances, and tossing your friends under the bus. If you've seen Sidemen play on YouTube, you know it's more than just a game; it's an experience full of banter, teamwork, and betrayal. Among Us is about the laughs, strategy, and friendships that form along the way.

Then there’s Valorant. If you’ve played, you know it’s a mix of strategy and fun. It’s a game where teamwork, communication, and trust are key. The Valorant community has grown fast, becoming a place to connect with others who share that competitive drive. Whether with friends or strangers, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie in working toward a shared goal.

But here’s the thing, it’s not just about the game itself it’s about the people you play with. Social gaming provides an opportunity to build bonds that go beyond the game. It’s where you can chat with people from all over the world, learn new things, and find a sense of belonging. Let’s be honest, how many of us have made lifelong friends or found our "gaming crew" through these spaces?

Take Minecraft, for instance. Sure, you’re building blocks and surviving the night, but it’s more than just gameplay. People bond over shared projects, like creating entire cities or discovering secrets together. According to (Ringland, 2020), Minecraft communities often have dedicated servers where people share their ideas, build together, and sometimes even organize in-game events, further strengthening those bonds. It’s like being part of a team or a guild, but without all the pressure.

ps: this is me building a cake on the block with my boyfriend (while im figure it out what should i do with the cake lol)

In Among Us, the social aspect is key (Writer, 2024). You’re not just playing a game, you’re reading people’s reactions, forming alliances, and sometimes even making new friends based on how well you can work together (or deceive each other). The best part is that the fun doesn’t stop when the game ends. Conversations continue, jokes are shared, and new friendships are made because of the connections created during those intense, funny moments.

And with Valorant, it’s all about teamwork (Newton, 2023). Whether you’re defusing a bomb or securing a site, the game relies on you and your teammates being on the same page. This kind of collaboration often spills over into real-life friendships. You get to know your teammates, celebrate wins together, and strategize your next match. Plus, the friendly rivalry that builds between squads adds a personal touch to every match.

Gaming communities don’t just help us pass time, they allow us to create lasting connections, laugh at shared experiences, and grow together as players and friends. And with platforms like YouTube and Twitch, watching others play has become just as much a social activity as playing itself. Sidemen’s Among Us videos are a perfect example. Watching them play is like hanging out with friends you’ve never met, jokes, tricks, and moments of pure chaos that remind us why gaming is so fun in the first place.

In the end, social gaming isn’t just about playing games, it’s about the connections we build, the fun we share, and the friendships that last. Whether it’s through Minecraft, Among Us, or Valorant, these games offer more than just entertainment, they create communities where we can grow together, have a laugh, and make lasting memories. 

So, next time you log in, remember it’s not just the game that makes it special, it’s the people you play with.

References

Newton, M. (2023, September 12). How to be a good teammate in Valorant. Red Bull; Red Bull. https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/valorant-tips-guide

Ringland, K. (2020, September 18). Equitable Minecraft Virtual Playgrounds. Medium. https://kateringland.medium.com/equitable-minecraft-virtual-playgrounds-f817ad6781ad

Writer, S. (2024, March 19). The Social Aspect of Among Us: Building Connections in an Online Setting. Ask.com; amg. https://www.ask.com/culture/social-aspect-among-us-building-connections-online-setting

[aleyalea]

Fans Aren’t Weird, But Toxic Spaces Make It Hard to Love What You Love

MDA20009 Digital Communities

When you hear the word “fan,” you might picture someone in a superhero cape, screaming at a concert, or collecting rare merch. Media often portrays fandom as “weird” or over-the-top. But being a fan is simply about passion, whether it’s for a movie, TV show, band, or actor. It’s about loving something deeply and feeling connected to something bigger. So why are fans still seen as “overly emotional” or obsessive?

Inspired by: @arlnlms

The truth is, the stereotypes around fans are mostly media-driven. Movies and TV shows often portray fans as obsessive, spending all their time and money on their interests. (I can relate to this, where I'm willing to give my time to watch their movie/tv show/fangirling about them). While some fans do take their passion to the next level, most of us are just regular people who love something deeply. Some collect items, others binge-watch shows on lazy Sundays. There’s no “right” way to be a fan, and loving something intensely doesn’t make you “weird.”

But here’s the catch, while the general idea of being a fan isn’t strange, toxic online spaces can make it harder to embrace that love. Thanks to social media, fandoms have grown from small, niche communities into massive global networks. This has been amazing in many ways connecting people from different backgrounds and allowing them to share their love for something they’re passionate about. But with this growth comes a darker side. Toxic fans, who are often loud and aggressive, can make it tough to feel comfortable in fandom spaces. And that can really suck the fun out of being a fan.

If you’ve been on platforms like Twitter or Reddit, you’ve likely seen toxic fans who belittle, harass, or shame others for not sharing their opinions, liking the “right” thing, or being new. Their behavior, from petty arguments to outright bullying, often dominates discussions, making others feel excluded or “lesser” for not meeting their arbitrary standards of fandom.

For example, let’s take a look at Twitter, a platform that has become notorious for its fandom drama. You’ll often see threads where fans argue over the smallest details of a franchise, with insults flying left and right. It can get so intense that it feels more like a competition about who’s the “biggest fan” than a celebration of shared love. These heated arguments can scare people away from joining in or even sharing their own opinions. It’s like you have to prove yourself before you can truly belong, and which makes fandom way less fun.

No one should feel like they have to prove their worth to be a fan. Fandoms should be welcoming spaces where people share their love for something, not judged by how much they know or how long they've been a fan. Everyone connects with fandoms differently, and that’s what makes it special. But toxic fandoms don’t always allow for that, making you feel like an outsider if you don’t meet their standards.

This leads me to my own experience with fandom. I’ve been part of several fandoms over the years, and for the most part, I’ve had positive experiences. It’s been amazing to connect with others who love the same things and share in the excitement of new releases or events. But I’ve also encountered those toxic pockets where negativity seems to be the main focus. I remember getting involved in a popular TV show fandom once, and before I even had a chance to join in on the fun, I was criticized for not knowing every single detail of the show’s backstory, LMAO. It was disheartening to feel like I wasn’t “fan enough” just because I didn’t have the same level of knowledge as others. It made me question if I even wanted to be part of that fandom anymore.

Well, that experience taught me that I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone. I’m a fan because I love something, not because I can recite every line or know every little fact about it. Fandom should be about enjoyment, not exclusion.

So, while toxic fans and the media’s portrayal of fandoms as “weird” can make it harder to embrace your love for something, it’s important to remember that true fandom is about passion, connection, and community. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not “fan enough” just because you love something differently. After all, fandom is for everyone whether you’ve been a fan for decades or just discovered something new. The joy of being a fan is in the love you share, not in meeting someone else’s standards.

Let’s keep it fun, friendly, and inclusive. Because fans aren’t weird. Toxic spaces are.

[aleyalea]

Graffiti as Protest: The Power of Street Art in Activism

MDA20009 DIGITAL COMMUNITIES

It’s been a while, but I’m back here! Today, we’re diving into social activism, protest, and citizenship specifically through the lens of street art and activism, with a focus on Banksy and his impact.

How Street Art Became a Voice for Change

Street art has evolved from being dismissed as “just graffiti” to a powerful tool of resistance, embodying both continuity and change in social activism. Its dynamic and aesthetic qualities play a crucial role in shaping the future of communities (Awad et al., 2017). Banksy, in particular, has turned street art into a megaphone for everything from anti-capitalism to anti-war messages. His work isn’t just eye-catching, it’s thought-provoking and accessible, reaching people who might not pay attention to protests or politics otherwise.

Banksy’s work often uses humor and irony, giving it a unique power to resonate. This British irony serves as a critical and imaginative tool, encouraging people to reflect on the possibilities and limitations of global justice (Brassett, 2009). He’s famous for using stencils to create images that pop up overnight, grabbing attention in public spaces. Take his iconic “Girl with a Balloon.” It’s simple but resonates with themes of hope and loss, things we all get. His style isn’t about fancy details but it’s straightforward and instantly recognizable. Banksy’s art can make you laugh and think at the same time something not many traditional art forms manage to do.

Girl with Balloon by Banksy

According to (MyArtBroker, 2023) The iconic Girl With Balloon, also known as Balloon Girl, first appeared in London in 2002. It was initially stenciled on the walls beneath Waterloo Bridge at London.

Can Art Speak the Truth?

Why does Banksy’s street art work as a symbol of protest? It’s because it taps into public frustration and becomes a rallying point for broader social movements. In 2019, Banksy’s Season’s Greetings appeared on a garage wall in Wales, showing a boy turning away from a snowy scene to focus on a dumpster on fire. Similar to his earlier work, Slave Labour, it turned public spaces into arenas for protest and social commentary (Hansen & Danny, 2015). This mural perfectly captured the mood of public frustration at a time when people felt overwhelmed by political instability and environmental issues.

Banksy’s Season’s Greetings

What makes Banksy’s art so powerful is how it taps into people’s emotions. He uses dark humor to shine a light on uncomfortable truths. By putting these tough subjects out in public spaces, his work grabs attention and sparks conversation. It becomes a protest in itself, encouraging people to confront social issues directly.

Street Art as a Tool for Activism

One of the coolest things about street art is how accessible it is. Unlike gallery art, street art is accessible to everyone, turning everyday streets into open-air exhibits. Flickr users, for instance, often tag and categorize street art, showing how they interpret and value this unique art form (Philipps et al., 2017). Banksy’s work turns walls and buildings into platforms for political messages, breaking down that invisible wall between “serious” art and everyday life. You don’t need a ticket or a fancy gallery, his art is just out there, making you think about things you wouldn’t normally stop to question.

Banksy Street Art Collection

When you stumble across a Banksy piece, it interrupts the daily grind, almost forcing you to think about whatever message he’s trying to get across. It’s activism in one of its purest forms, sneaking past the media filters and going straight to the public. This is why street art powerfully blends activism with public space, shaping political awareness through its presence and the conversations it sparks, as seen in depictions of Egyptian uprising activists (Blaagaard & Mollerup, 2020).

Banksy, Redefining Art as Activism

Banksy’s street art has completely redefined what it means to protest. Take Rage, the Flower Thrower, for example. Instead of a Molotov cocktail, a protester throws a bouquet of flowers, sending a clear message about peaceful resistance. Then there’s Kissing Coppers, where two policemen share a kiss, challenging everything we think we know about authority and masculinity. These pieces aren’t just cool to look at. They push us to think about big issues and spark important conversations. And thanks to social media, Banksy’s art doesn’t just stay on the streets. It spreads like wildfire, turning his pieces into global symbols of activism.

But Banksy’s legacy goes way beyond the walls he paints. He’s transformed street art from being labeled “vandalism” to a powerful form of social commentary that speaks to everyone. In a world that’s growing skeptical of politics and the media, his art offers something fresh, raw, unfiltered, and totally relatable. Through his humor and genius use of public spaces, Banksy has shown that art can be just as impactful as any protest march. It’s a reminder that activism doesn’t always have to be loud or in-your-face. Sometimes, it’s just a piece of art on a wall that makes you stop, think, and take action.

If you were a street artist, what kind of bold message would you slap on a wall?

References

Awad, S. H., Wagoner, B., & Glaveanu, V. (2017). The Street Art of Resistance. Resistance in Everyday Life, 161–180. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3581-4_13

Blaagaard, B. B., & Mollerup, N. G. (2020). On political street art as expressions of citizen media in revolutionary Egypt. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 24(3), 434–453. https://doi.org/10.1177/1367877920960731

BRASSETT, J. (2009). British irony, global justice: a pragmatic reading of Chris Brown, Banksy and Ricky Gervais. Review of International Studies, 35(1), 219–245. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0260210509008390

Hansen, S., & Danny, F. (2015). “This is not a Banksy!”: street art as aesthetic protest. Continuum, 29(6), 898–912. https://doi.org/10.1080/10304312.2015.1073685

MyArtBroker. (2023). Girl With Balloon by Banksy | Buy & Sell | Background & Meaning. MyArtBroker. https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-banksy/series-girl-with-balloon

Philipps, A., Zerr, S., & Herder, E. (2017). The representation of street art on Flickr. Studying reception with visual content analysis. Visual Studies, 32(4), 382–393. https://doi.org/10.1080/1472586x.2017.1396193

[aleyalea]

From Memes to Political: How Jokes Shape Our Views

MDA2009 DIGITAL COMMUNITIES

!! Friendly reminder: Before you read and begin with this week's discussion, let me warn you guys real quick that I am not  a “biG FaN” of Politic (I’m being serious and not even joking). If you spot any errors or have fun facts to share, let me know!

Now, let me kick off with some big facts that memes are everywhere these days, especially in Malaysia. For example, you can easily get your daily meme dose through MGAG Instagram page where they will share anything that is viral from day to day and share it to the audience just to make people smile after going through a hard week.  Whether it’s a joke about politicians flip-flopping on policies or a sarcastic take on the latest political scandal, memes have taken over our news feeds. If I’m being honest, politics isn’t just confined to parliament anymore, it’s right there, in front of our phone screen through WhatsApp group chat, Facebook and Twitter (X) timelines, mixed with viral videos and jokes that will leave us laughing and wondering, “Hold up, is this actually true?”.

example MGAG meme picture cr: MGAG

Here’s the big question,

Do these “memes offer” any real insight into politics, or are they just a distraction? Well spoiler alert, I think it's both for me. Memes might seem like harmless fun, but they play a serious role in shaping public opinion and political engagement, especially for the younger generations.

Where does the word Meme, Meem or Meh-may, come from?

I know some people are wondering what does memes mean? According to (Benveniste, 2022), the term "meme" has appeared in the New York Times Crossword a remarkable 60 times since its debut in the 1940s (Benveniste, 2022). While pinpointing the very first meme is challenging, British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins is credited with coining the term in his 1976 book, The Selfish Gene. Dawkins originally likened a "meme" to a "phoneme," which is the smallest sound unit in speech, or a "morpheme," the smallest meaningful component of a word, according to Kirby Conrod, a linguistics professor at Swarthmore College (Benveniste, 2022). 

At first, memes were all about humor, silly jokes that went viral for no reason. But over time, they evolved into a kind of social commentary. Consider Malaysia as an example. Memes like “Malu Apa Bossku”, connected to Najib Razak, the former sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia, helped rebrand him with a more approachable image despite his involvement in scandals. Political parties and leaders use social media as a tool to promote as well as condemn rival parties and leaders, including character assassination (Zamri et al., 2020). Memes simplify complicated political situations and make them easier to understand, especially for you people.

Then we have Zunar, a political cartoonist and total legend in space, who uses his work to push back against Malaysia's repressive structures. His cartoons go beyond humor; they provide an alternative view of Malaysian history and national identity, challenging official narratives around culture, nationhood, and citizenship (Yean, 2011).

Through his art, Zunar takes bold jabs at politicians and policies, crafting cartoons that often spread widely as memes. These memes not only reimagine politics with humor but can also foster a sense of togetherness, shaping identities and highlighting the divide between 'us' and 'them' in political discourse (Mortensen & Neumayer, 2021). Zunar’s work highlights what many people are feeling and gets them talking about important issues. His cartoons are a perfect example of how humor can be a form of protest and resistance.

Zunar's artwork about political

Why Memes Work and Their Limits in Political Understanding

Memes are effective because they make politics feel less intimidating, fostering solidarity among like-minded individuals and making political critiques more accessible. However, while this humor fosters engagement, there’s also a risk of trivializing serious issues or fueling hyper-polarization, which can sometimes limit how widely these memes circulate and may push users toward other forms of civic engagement (Penney, 2019).

For many young Malaysians, memes simplify complex issues and make them more relatable, turning topics that might seem overwhelming into something fun and shareable. This helps build a sense of connection, where people feel they’re not alone in their views.

However, while memes can grab attention, their humor can also trivialize serious issues, reducing complex political discussions to jokes. This can lead to hyper-polarization, where people take sides quickly, hindering meaningful conversation. Additionally, memes often rely on emotions like sarcasm or anger, which can rally people but are less conducive to in-depth discussion.

For a lot of young Malaysians who might not follow every move in parliament, memes break down complicated stuff in a way that’s fun and relatable. They turn big topics into things you actually want to share and chat about. So in the end, memes don’t just make politics easier to follow but they make it something you actually want to talk about with your friends.

Final Thoughts,

Do you think memes help us understand politics? Well it's a yes and no. They’re a quick, entertaining way to engage with issues, but memes alone aren't enough, we need to look beyond the jokes and dig into the fact too.

Political memes, like Zunar’s art, can be entertaining, educate, and inspire change. However, they should be seen as a starting point, not the entire story. While memes can make us laugh, it's important to dig deeper and stay informed.

References

Abdul Latif, R., & Elgarrai, S. (2021). The Power of Political Cartoons: A Case Study of Zunar’s “Twit Twit Cincin.” Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication, 37(1), 146–180. https://doi.org/10.17576/jkmjc-2021-3701-09

Benveniste, A. (2022, January 26). The Meaning and History of Memes. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/crosswords/what-is-a-meme.html

Mortensen, M., & Neumayer, C. (2021). The playful politics of memes. Information, Communication & Society, 24(16), 2367–2377. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2021.1979622

Penney, J. (2019). “It’s So Hard Not to be Funny in This Situation”: Memes and Humor in U.S. Youth Online Political Expression. Television & New Media, 21(8), 152747641988606. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476419886068

Yean, S. C. (2011). A cartoonist’s resistance. Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, 12(3), 420–429. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649373.2011.578805Zamri, M., Anuar, Z., & Jalli, N. (2020). “Malu Apa Bossku?” Najib Razak’s Political Rhetoric on Facebook Post 2018 General Election. Forum Komunikasi, 15(1). https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/42134/1/42134.pdf

[aleyalea]

Blogging vs. TikTok: Is Long-Form Content Still A King?

MDA20009 DIGITAL COMMUNITIES

Well let’s be freaking real, everyone and their grandma is on TikTok and Instagram these days. You can’t scroll for five seconds without getting hit with a trend dance or even a cute cat video or maybe some Influencer telling you about “why you should buy this product!”. Well, the app itself is very quick, it’s flashy, and of course it’s very addicting too. So, where does that leave good ol’ blogging? Well, you know, the thing people used to do before short-form video took over our lives?

Here comes the real question, is long-form content still A KING? In this era do people still blog? Is blogging still relevant? The answer, YES and maybe no. Well, according to Mr Google, blogging is still relevant till these days but it’s not the top dog anymore.

WTH is Blogging?

So what is a blog? According to (Weiner, 2022) Blogs are a type of regularly updated websites that provide insight into a certain topic. The word blog is a combined version of the words “web” and “log” (Weiner, 2022). It’s basically like having a journal but in a digital format. Short form “virtually”. 

Like I mentioned before, blogging is not the top dog anymore and it’s also not the same as it used to be. In fact, it has evolved in exciting ways. If you’re thinking, “Okay, so what does that even mean?”, don’t worry, I’m about to break it down for you why it still a valuable today.

Firstly, people still want in-depth information. I believe there are still 5 out 10 people not prefers or wants their content delivered in very small-sized like what do you mean 15-second? 30-second video?Sometimes there are people who like to seek or need a real explanation. You can’t learn how to build a website, start a business or bake a ten-layer cake from a quick TikTok (well, maybe the cake, but you get my point). So basically, blogs allow long-form, detailed content. To put it simply, they’re where people go when they’re looking for answers, rather than just casual entertainment.

Secondly, there are some people who find joy in blogging. Sitting down with their laptops and a cup of coffee to spend time expressing themselves through writing. Unlike TikTok and Instagram, where everything is short and meant for instant hits, but with blogs it lets you dig deeper into ideas and share personal stories. It’s a place where your creativity can shine and your art work is appreciated by the communities.

Additionally, I think one of the most empowering aspects of blogging is you own the damn thing. You control what’s published, how it looks, and how people interact with it. Plus, you can monetize however you want. Whether it’s ads, affiliate links, or sponsorships, everything you’re in control of. Having a blog is like owning a house, of course you make the rules. You decide the decor and the layout. You can freely create a community and connect with readers the way you want. 

But in the end, TikTok and Instagram have truly taken over, leaving blogs behind. Today, TikTok and Instagram dominate as the go-to sources for quick, visual entertainment. With shorter attention spans, people tend to favor videos over long written content. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram quickly capture attention with their dynamic visuals and sound, making them more engaging users and of course without any shame I'm definitely one of them.

To be very honest, a lot of people have switched from blogging to making videos because it’s easier to grab and hold people’s attention. Especially for those who don’t enjoy reading.

Vlogs are an engaging visual medium that many viewers prefer. It can be easier to build an audience and follow with video (Hazel, 2024). It’s easier to pull someone into a 15-second video than to get them to read a 1500 word article. Well that’s a fact.

People have shorter attention spans these days (big thanks to the internet), and scrolling through TikTok and Instagram gives them instant satisfaction. You can laugh, learn, and move on in just a few swipes. Blogging? meh… It takes more time to create, more time to consume, and the immediate payoff just isn’t the same.  It’s easier to throw together a 15-second clip than to write 1,000 words on "The Art of Slow-Cooking Ribs: A BBQ Lover's Guide". If you want quick content with little effort, TikTok and Instagram are where it’s at. Blogging requires dedication and patience, both of which are in short supply in a world where everything needs to happen now. People want fast, easy-to-consume content, and that’s where blogs sometimes lose out. 

So, Is Long-Form Content Still A King? I'll leave you with that to ponder.

References

Weiner, A. (2022, December 6). What is a blog? Definition, types, benefits and why you need one. Wix Blog. https://www.wix.com/blog/what-is-a-blog

[aleyalea]

About me.☘︎ ݁˖

MDA20009 Digital Communities

Hi, my name is Nur Aleyah binti Haswie Fazly but for short you guys can call me Aleya. I am a first year first semester Media & Communication in Swinburne Sarawak.

Whenever free time, I like cooking & baking (I have attached some of the photos below). Also, I love to read, listen to music mostly read the lyrics and watching movies & series. Not to forget, I like to scroll Twitter (X) because I want to keep update about the latest current issues.

As you guys know, this blog only for educational purposes. I am so excited and can't wait to explore more about this unit.

Stay tuned for more updates in the future! ⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆