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Beyond Sensitivity: Addressing the True Impact of Online Harassment in University Communities

The "snowflake" stereotype has taken hold in popular culture, labeling students as overly sensitive to opposing views or criticism. But this mischaracterization masks a far more troubling reality: the prevalence of online harassment that students face in digital spaces, which disproportionately affects female and transgender individuals. Contrary to the stereotype, many students endure high levels of digital abuse without speaking out, either to avoid drawing attention or because they see it as an inescapable part of the online experience (Pew Research Center, 2017; Myers & Cowie, 2019).

Rethinking the "Snowflake" Myth in the Digital Age

This harassment includes unwanted sexual comments, abusive responses to personal opinions, and the non-consensual sharing of images. While male students face online harassment too, studies consistently show that women and marginalized groups are more likely to experience it in a way that disrupts their ability to engage freely online, creating a gendered "digital divide" (UNESCO, 2020). Instead of being hypersensitive, these students have learned to navigate online spaces cautiously, often self-censoring to avoid further abuse. Far from fragile, their silence reflects a digital culture that discourages open expression and punishes dissent.

Universities can take meaningful action to bridge this divide. By implementing clear policies and fostering discussions on digital boundaries, universities can empower students to navigate online spaces more safely. Additionally, developing resources for reporting and addressing digital abuse helps to create environments that respect every student's voice. The goal isn’t to protect "sensitive snowflakes" but to champion a safer, more inclusive digital culture where students of all backgrounds can engage fully.

Reference list

Duggan, M 2017, ‘Online Harassment 2017’, Pew Research Center, viewed 17 November 2024, <https://www.pewinternet.org/2017/07/11/online-harassment-2017>.

Myers, C-A & Cowie, H 2019, ‘Cyberbullying Across the Lifespan of Education: Issues and Interventions from School to University’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 16, no. 7, p. 1217, viewed <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6479619/>.

‘UNESCO : Building Peace through Education, Science and Culture, communication and information’ 2022, Unesco.org, viewed 17 November 2024, <https://en.unesco.org/news/role-digital-technologies-violence-against-women.>.

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The Future of Gaming Communities: Connection, Innovation, and Immersive Experiences

The Future of Gaming Communities: Connection, Innovation, and Immersive Experiences

Gaming communities are evolving at a rapid pace, and the future holds exciting possibilities for how these spaces will develop. With continuous advances in technology, gaming communities are expected to become even more immersive, interactive, and supportive.

1. Enhanced Social Connections In the future, gaming communities will become even more inclusive and accessible. Advances in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are likely to enhance social interactions, allowing players to connect in virtual environments that feel almost as real as face-to-face interactions. For instance, VR-based gaming platforms like VRChat allow players to interact with friends in 3D spaces, and future developments could make such experiences more immersive. Imagine gaming meetups in shared virtual lounges or fully 3D in-game worlds where players can engage with friends and communities worldwide.

2. Community-Driven Innovation The future will also see more player-driven customization options. Many games now offer modding (game modifications) where players create new characters, missions, or worlds. This customization fosters unique game experiences and strengthens community bonds, as players contribute directly to the game environment. Platforms like Roblox have already set this trend by allowing players to build and share their own games. Future games may take this a step further, with developers working closely with communities to co-create new features and even game expansions.

3. Growing Professional and Supportive Networks Gaming communities will likely play an even greater role in professional networking as e-sports and streaming continue to grow. Aspiring e-sport athletes and content creators can connect with mentors, sponsors, and peers to build careers in gaming. Additionally, as mental health awareness grows, gaming communities will continue to offer supportive networks. Organizations like Take This are pioneering mental health resources in gaming spaces, and future communities could become even more focused on fostering safe and supportive environments.

The Path Forward The future of gaming communities is one of deepened connections, creativity, and accessibility. With technology pushing boundaries and players seeking more meaningful interactions, these communities are set to become spaces where people from all over the world can connect, create, and thrive together.

REEFERENCES LIST

Keogh, B 2021, 'The Melbourne indie game scenes: value regimes in localized game development' (Chapter 13), Download 'The Melbourne indie game scenes: value regimes in localized game development' (Chapter 13),in P Ruffino (ed), Independent Videogames: Cultures, Networks, Techniques and Politics, Routledge, pp.209-222. Aleena Chia, Brendan Keogh, Dale Leorke, and Benjamin Nicoll  (2020). "Platformisation in game development", Internet Policy Review 9 (4). DOI: 10.14763/2020.4.1515

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The Hidden Consequences of Using Filters Too Often

In the digital world of today, filters are a quick and simple technique to improve images, change appearances, and even create the "ideal" "perfect" look. Filters can be a creative tool for self-expression, but overuse can have detrimental effects, especially on body image and self-esteem.

One of the most significant impacts of heavy filter usage is the creation of unrealistic beauty standards. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have popularized filters that smooth skin, alter facial features, and create near-perfect, symmetrical looks. Over time, many users begin to compare their real-life appearances to these edited versions. This constant comparison can lead to "Snapchat Dysmorphia," a term coined by psychologists to describe the desire to look like one’s filtered self​.

Frequent exposure to digitally enhanced photos has been linked to negative body image and low self-esteem, particularly in young individuals, according to research. According to Bakhshi et.al, 2021, many users of social media have an internalized expectation that they should appear like their filtered photographs in real life, which exacerbates anxiety and body dissatisfaction. A variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, may result from this.

Moreover, the use of filters may distort one’s perception of beauty and authenticity. When people continuously see others using these enhancements, they may start to believe that such modified appearances are normal or desirable, even though they’re artificially produced. This often results in a pressure to keep up, encouraging others to use filters to meet these unattainable standards. This cycle can reinforce a culture that values appearance over authenticity, creating a less genuine and more superficial social media landscape.

The fact that excessive filter use deters self-acceptance is another issue. People who use filters to feel attractive or confident may completely avoid displaying their true selves. This has the potential to sap self-esteem and make it harder to be confident in oneself over time. Promoting #nofilter content and embracing natural beauty can help combat this by empowering people to embrace themselves and let go of the need to appear "perfect" online.

In conclusion, excessive use of filters can warp our understanding of reality, exacerbate feelings of insecurity, and perpetuate unattainable beauty standards, even though they can be creatively enjoyable. By developing self-compassion and digital literacy, individuals may responsibly use these technologies and cultivate a better online and offline relationship with themselves.

Reference list

Bakhshi, S, Shamma, D, Kennedy, L & Gilbert, E 2021, ‘Why We Filter Our Photos and How It Impacts Engagement’, Proceedings of the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 12–21.

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, viewed <https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/fspc_00015_1>.

Javornik, A, Marder, B, Barhorst, JB, McLean, G, Rogers, Y, Marshall, P & Warlop, L 2022, ‘“What lies behind the filter?” Uncovering the motivations for using augmented reality (AR) face filters on social media and their effect on well-being’, Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 128, no. 107126, p. 107126.

Rettberg, JW 2014, ‘Filtered Reality’, Seeing Ourselves Through Technology, pp. 20–32.

Coy-Dibley, I 2016, ‘“Digitized Dysmorphia” of the female body: the re/disfigurement of the image’, Palgrave Communications, vol. 2, no. 1, viewed <https://www.nature.com/articles/palcomms201640>.

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Body Modification on Visual Social Media: A Reflection on Beauty and Identity

Body modification has long been a way for people to express themselves and define their identities, from tattoos to cosmetic surgery. The popularity of visual social media sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok has made these activities more well known and occasionally more contentious. Social media's impact on body image and alteration has produced a culture in which our screens continuously shape our perceptions of beauty.

Celebrities frequently display their own changes, such as a new tattoo, body piercings, or cosmetic surgery, on visual-driven platforms. Others may be encouraged by these pictures to think about body alteration as a means of improving or changing their appearance. It can be liberating in certain situations, allowing people to express their individuality and take charge of their bodies. Tattoos, for example, are often deeply personal, symbolizing life events, values, or even rebellion against societal norms.

This internet trend does have a negative aspect, though. Unrealistic beauty standards can be fostered by visual social media, particularly when influencers go through drastic measures to get "the perfect look." Many users compare themselves to digitally-altered photographs because filters, photo manipulation, and AI-generated beauty standards make it difficult to distinguish between authenticity and fabrication. This can encourage a culture of self-doubt and discontent with one's natural appearance, especially in younger users who might not really understand how unrealistic these pictures are.

Furthermore, some social media trends can encourage unsafe conduct, even though many changes are harmless. People seeking operations without fully comprehending the health hazards have increased due to the popularity of some cosmetic surgeries, such as excessive lip fillers or Brazilian butt lifts.

As digital citizens, we must be conscious of the impact that visual media has on body image. It’s important to celebrate diversity in beauty and encourage healthy, informed decisions about body modification. Ultimately, the goal should be self-expression, not conformity to fleeting trends.

Reference list

Goldfield, G 2023, ‘The Effects of Social Media Use on Teens’ Body Image | Psychology Today’, www.psychologytoday.com, viewed <https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/no-more-fomo/202312/the-effects-of-social-media-use-on-teens-body-image>.

‘The Impact of Social Media on Beauty Standards: A Deep Dive’ 2024, Commonbeauty.net, viewed <https://www.commonbeauty.net/content/read/0000000465.html>.

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How Some Social Media Influencers Can Promote the Slow Fashion Trend

With an emphasis on sustainability, ethical production, and thoughtful consumption, the slow fashion movement has brought about a profound change in how people approach their wardrobe decisions. Influencers on social media, especially on sites like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, have grown to be essential in promoting this movement. These influencers promote sustainable fashion and moral consumption practices, which helps to change consumer behavior because of their wide following and reputation. They support the slow fashion movement in the following ways:

Raising Awareness on Fast Fashion's Impact A lot of influencers utilize their platforms to inform their followers about how fast fashion harms human rights and the environment. Influencers such as Venetia La Manna and Aja Barber, for instance, frequently provide in-depth information about the ways that fast fashion adds to waste, pollution, and labor exploitation. By giving their followers educational resources—often in the form of YouTube videos, Instagram stories, or posts—they simplify difficult subjects and make it easier for them to grasp why slow fashion is important. These influencers often provide statistics, such as how the fashion industry contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions, or how textile waste from fast fashion clogs landfills. Through this content, they motivate their audience to make more sustainable choices

Promoting Ethical and Sustainable Brands A key aspect of slow fashion is supporting brands that prioritize ethical labor practices and sustainable materials. Influencers often collaborate with such brands, reviewing products and offering discounts to their followers. Influencers like Kestrel Jenkins, host of the Conscious Chatter podcast, consistently highlight brands that are transparent about their production processes, materials, and labor practices. By showcasing these brands, influencers make it easier for consumers to find and choose sustainable alternatives.

Encouraging Thrifting and Upcycling Influencers that support slow fashion also exhort their followers to thrift and upcycle apparel. For instance, Jessica Harumi posts articles about assembling a capsule wardrobe out of used or thrifted clothing. Thrifting contributes to slow fashion by prolonging the life of current apparel and lowering the need for new items. In addition, a number of influencers provide do-it-yourself advice on upcycling used clothing into chic new items, which promotes creativity and cuts down on waste.

Challenging Consumer Culture Influencers are important in combating the excessive consumption that fast fashion promotes. Advocates of slow fashion advise their followers to purchase fewer, high-quality, classic pieces rather than going on seasonal shopping sprees or hauls. Along with emphasizing the value of mindful consumption, they advise followers to consider "Do I need this?" before making a purchase. This mentality change is essential to cutting down on wasteful fashion. In conclusion, the development of the slow fashion trend is greatly aided by social media influencers. They contribute to the creation of a more sustainable future for fashion by enlightening their fans, supporting ethical products, and encouraging conscientious consumption. Customers are empowered by their influence to make better decisions and match their values with their style.

REFERENCES LIST McCloy, J 2019, ‘Top 13 Sustainability Influencers on Instagram’, greencoast.org, viewed https://greencoast.org/sustainability-influencers-on-instagram/. Wijngaarden, M 2024, ‘How Do Influencers Influence Fast Fashion (& You)? | Sustainable Fashion Blog| Project Cece’, www.projectcece.com, viewed https://www.projectcece.com/blog/648/how-do-influencers-influence-fast-fashion/.

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Understanding Digital Citizenship in the Age of Intersectionality

Digital citizenship, in today's technologically advanced society, is the responsible, moral, and proactive use of online spaces. It includes how people use social media, the internet, and technology to make meaningful and informed contributions to society. Comprehending digital citizenship is crucial for advancing a more inclusive and participatory democracy, as digital platforms are becoming more and more venues for public conversation and activism. Digital citizenship is often discussed through three main approaches: unidimensional, multidimensional, and critical/radical. The unidimensional approach focuses on narrow aspects of digital engagement, such as technical skills, without considering the broader social and ethical issues involved. However, digital citizenship is more complex than simply knowing how to use technology. The multidimensional approach adopts a more comprehensive perspective, acknowledging that media literacy, digital ethics, online engagement, and even critical resistance to social injustices are all components of digital citizenship. This strategy recognizes that digital platforms offer avenues for civic engagement, activism, and cross-cultural exchange. In order to illustrate the complexity of digital citizenship, Choi (2021), for example, developed a scale model that incorporates various degrees of online participation, ranging from simple technical abilities to more complicated kinds of online activism. However, there is a growing demand for a critical/radical approach which challenges current power structures and tackles more fundamental societal issues. This method compels us to acknowledge that not everyone has the same experience with digital citizenship. The concept of intersectionality, which holds that overlapping social identities such as gender, race, and class affect how people feel privilege or oppression, is essential to this understanding. Intersectionality helps us better appreciate the special difficulties marginalized people have in accessing and using digital platforms, which is why it should be included in talks about digital citizenship. Furthermore, participatory democracy needs to be emphasized in digital citizenship education. Moonsun Choi and Dean Cristol's research suggests that social media and the internet can increase political involvement by providing a forum for underrepresented groups to voice their opinions and participate in democratic processes. This requires a curriculum that educates children about the consequences of their online behavior, promotes critical thinking, and pushes them to participate actively in digital communities. In the end, digital citizenship is about how we utilize digital platforms to influence society as much as how we behave online. Focusing on intersectionality and participatory democracy as we negotiate this complicated environment makes sure that digital citizenship promotes equality and engagement in society and gives people the ability to actively interact in both offline and online groups.

Reference list

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

DeHart, JD 2023, Critical Roles of Digital Citizenship and Digital Ethics, IGI Global.

Mamlok, D 2021, The great promise of educational technology : citizenship and education in a globalized world, Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, Switzerland.

Rogers-Whitehead, C 2019, Digital Citizenship, Rowman & Littlefield.

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Digital Community and Fandom: A Reality TV Case Study

Digital communities and fandoms have been greatly influenced by reality television, resulting in a complex network of engagement that goes beyond ordinary viewership. Since the introduction of Web 2.0 technologies, viewers have evolved from being passive observers to active participants in show conversations, offering commentary on participants and conjecturing about the veracity of what they see. This discussion transcends private areas and reaches forums, blogs, and social media, where sites like Instagram and Twitter have developed into active hubs for fan interaction.

Particularly during reality shows, Twitter has become the preferred tool for live tweeting. Tweets' instantaneous nature makes for an improved viewing experience since viewers can express their opinions in real time. Hashtags that are used during broadcasts and host invitations to join conversations are what drive this connection. The website fosters a humorous community in addition to encouraging viewers to remark on episodes. Social media conversations are dominated by memes, puns, and GIFs, which let fans perform for likes and shares. Numerous humorous fan accounts are devoted to shows like Drag Race and Love Island, and viewers and cast members frequently join in on the fun by sharing jokes and memes.

Humor and self-referentiality are crucial components of the reality TV experience, allowing spectators to critique shows while developing a sense of community. But it's important to remember that these online debates are about actual individuals, whose lives may be damaged by the remarks made about them. Long after its initial broadcast, viewers may revisit their old favorites and carry on the discourse thanks to the growing popularity of these shows on streaming services.

Moreover, the rise of microcelebrity has revolutionized how people exploit social media. Reality TV competitors frequently communicate directly with their fans by avoiding traditional media channels and using social media sites like Twitter. The distinction between private and public life is becoming more hazy as a result of this change, providing views into previously forbidden "backstage" moments. Celebrities have the ability to show a more genuine side of themselves, but this entails balancing their subjective interpretations of their experiences with the factual depictions of events that are recorded on camera.

Reality TV will probably become more and more influential in online communities as it develops. Technology, comedy, and audience participation come together to create a dynamic environment that supports reality shows and their fan bases, illuminating the intricate relationship between digital culture and entertainment. In the end, this case study highlights how reality TV shapes online interactions, community building, and the dynamic nature of stardom in the digital world.

REFERENCES

Booth, P 2024, ‘Digital Fandom’, Google Books, viewed 4 October 2024, <https://books.google.com.vn/books?hl=en&lr=&id=9LdS5WwGOvwC&oi=fnd&pg=PP13&dq=Digital+Community+and+Fandom:+A+Reality+TV+Case+Study&ots=V7cBVgbqqP&sig=etkinGr2pzQWQstxiWtVKR-pdKI&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Digital%20Community%20and%20Fandom%3A%20A%20Reality%20TV%20Case%20Study&f=false>.

Kusuma, A, Purbantina, A & Nahdiyah, V 2020, ‘A Virtual Ethnography Study: Fandom and Social Impact in Digital Era | ETNOSIA : Jurnal Etnografi Indonesia’, journal.unhas.ac.id, viewed <http://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/etnosia/article/view/10898>.

Monaco 2007, Title: Performing fandom, performing community : a case study of The Sopranos and its online fandom General rights, viewed 20 April 2024, <https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/34504461/504528.pdf>.

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Exploring Body Positivity and Feminist Empowerment on Tumblr

It's been known for a while that Tumblr is a special kind of internet where body-positive and feminist groups flourish. Tumblr gives users a way to express themselves without the limitations frequently imposed by other social media sites because it is a platform that celebrates difference. Before 2018, Tumblr set itself apart from social media websites like Facebook and Instagram by allowing NSFW content and serving as a refuge for progressive voices, especially those of women activists. Because of this transparency, women were able to express their self-worth and question conventional standards of beauty through movements like #bodypositive..

Unlike other platforms, Tumblr allows for a deeper engagement with content by providing space to accompany images with written context. This feature is crucial in the #bodypositive community, where women of various body types, ethnicities, and ages share selfies accompanied by empowering narratives. By using hashtags, even users with smaller followings can have their voices amplified, creating an inclusive environment. The platform’s design encourages positive interactions, discouraging trolling and negativity by summarizing user engagement in a single metric known as "notes."

Digital media has a critical role in advancing feminist politics, according to recent feminist research. Social media sites like Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter have become crucial for movements that empower women to speak out against gender, beauty, and identity norms. Examples of these campaigns include #MeToo and #BeenRapedNeverReported. The feminist movements in cyberspace that started in the 1990s with technofeminism and cyberfeminism are still being carried on by this new wave of digital feminism. Tumblr has provided a platform for women, especially those of color and LGBTQ+, to express themselves, build community, and confront the patriarchal systems that dominate popular culture.

A particular draw for young, LGBT, and gender-diverse users is Tumblr's open and customizable character. Tumblr's anonymity and pseudonymity offer a safer environment than sites like Facebook and Instagram, where user identities can feel static and publicity can be perilous for minority groups. Because of the platform's adaptable design, users who are navigating non-mainstream identities—such as transgender and gender nonconforming people—can experience a sensation of "always becoming." This dynamic represents the continuing processes of self-discovery and evolution in gender and feminist identities.

In conclusion, Tumblr remains a crucial forum for body positivity and feminist conversation. Its layout promotes genuineness, inclusivity, and a feeling of community, giving marginalized voices a forum that other social media platforms frequently fall short of in terms of giving them a voice.

REFERENCES

Byron, P, Robards, B, Hanckel, B, Vivienne, S & Churchill , B 2019, ‘“Hey, I’m Having These Experiences”: Tumblr Use and Young People’s Queer (Dis)connections’, International Journal of Communication.

Keller, J 2019, ‘“Oh, She’s a Tumblr Feminist”: Exploring the Platform Vernacular of Girls’ Social Media Feminisms’, Social Media + Society, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 1–11.

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.

Pinterest n.d., How to be more confident: 8 simple ways to build your confidence and self-esteem, viewed <https://www.pinterest.de/pin/459015387032419744/>.