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Has the Covid-19 pandemic changed the public perception of gaming? Week 10

Gaming in the Pandemic Era: Evolving Social Perceptions and Affordances.

The Covid-19 widespread has changed many aspects of our livelihood, including how we connect with entertainment and social media platforms. This article discusses the interconnected nature of our social interactions with gaming and social media and how they have grown during the pandemic. To demonstrate this, we will look at a case study of gaming habits during lockdowns and how they affect social dynamics.

During the lockdown period, in the point of gaming, there were a shift in perception. As people were isolated to their houses due to lockdowns, there was a noticeable increase in gaming activity. Sales of video games, online gaming subscriptions, and concurrent users on sites such as Steam and Twitch increased dramatically. As a more diversified community turned to gaming for enjoyment and social interaction, this rise challenged traditional views of gamers (Skwarczek 2021). Moving on, the rise in gaming coincided with an increase in the usage of social media platforms during lockdowns. Platforms like Discord helped gaming communities gain expression and coherence by allowing gamers to discuss strategy, exchange experiences, and establish lasting connections. Social media connected the virtual and real worlds, offering parts for gamers to interact outside of their gaming environment (Ayob 2022).

Secondly, there were a sign of social experiences bound up with gaming and social media, to elaborate more, gaming platforms and social media provided virtual environments for people to engage, network, and develop an understanding of community. Online multiplayer games, live-streamed gaming material, and virtual events arose as connections for social interaction, filling the hole created by physical separation (Fulton 2021). This leads to online gaming's collaborative nature became a major focus for social engagement. Games like Among Us and Fortnite not only offered amusement but also served as social gathering places. Players welcomed these platforms as places for shared experiences and collaborative enjoyment, not only for competitiveness (Reuters 2021).

Case study on an animal crossing and social media synergy, during the epidemic, Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a cultural phenomenon. The game's peaceful and absorbing gameplay attracted an enormous following. Players found peace in building virtual islands, interacting with friends, and sharing their work. Moving on, social media channels were important in the Animal Crossing craze. Players traded in-game experiences, design options, and visited one another's virtual islands. Hashtags relating to the game trended on social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram, providing the illusion of a shared virtual environment. Through Animal Crossing offered as a platform for emotional support as much as a game. Players utilized their virtual places to conduct parties, celebrate achievements, and express themselves creatively. Social media allowed these experiences to be extended, transforming the game into a collaborative and emotionally evocative social area (Nussey 2020).

To conclude, the Covid-19 lockdown has certainly changed trendy views on gaming, eliminating stereotypes and emphasizing the social factors of the gaming experience. The combination of gaming and social media platforms has resulted in a dynamic ecosystem in which people not only play games for fun but also engage with important social connections.

As seen by the Animal Crossing case study, gaming has evolved into a medium for shared experiences, emotional connection, and creative expression. The lines between gaming and social media have blurred, ushering in a new era in which virtual places are an essential part of our social fabric. Understanding the developing dynamics of gaming and its convergence with social media is essential for understanding the numerous ways in which technology impacts our social experiences moving ahead.

Skwarczek, B 2021, “How the gaming industry has levelled up during the pandemic”, Forbes, 17 June, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/06/17/how-the-gaming-industry-has-leveled-up-during-the-pandemic/?sh=2f2fc406297c>.

Ayob, A 2022, “Promoting ‘Discord’ as a Platform for Learning Engagement during Covid-10 Pandemic”, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Sarawak, 31 July, viewed, 20 November 2023, <https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/AJUE/article/view/18953/10074>.

Fulton, C 2021, “Virtual work parties: the good, the bad and the plain peculiar”, Reuters, 26 February, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-virtual-parties-idUKKBN2AP0NS/>.

Reuters, 2021, “’Fornite’ maker Eoic Games gets $28.7 bln valuation in latest funding”, 13 April, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.reuters.com/technology/epic-games-completes-1-bln-funding-round-2021-04-13/>.

Nussey, S 2020, “Nintendo smashes switch sales view; says Animal Crossing is device’s fastest-selling game”, Reuters, 8 May, viewed 2o November 2023, <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-results-idUSKBN22J2B6/>.

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Week 9: Do toxic fans in some online spaces (e.g. Twitter) make it difficult to become or identify as a fan?

The presence of toxic fan action has become an ongoing issue in the enormous environment of online fandoms, particularly on networks like Twitter. The combination of social experiences and social media platforms has a significant impact on how people gain or identify as fans. The study analyses the complex interaction between toxic fandoms, social media affordances, and the influence on fan identity. We'll utilize the case study of a prominent media series and the obstacles it brings to fan interaction on Twitter to dive into this complicated terrain.

first digging into the case study, it's necessary to answer the broader question: How are our social experiences in online fandoms related to social media platforms and their affordances? Firstly, social media platforms provide specific advantages that impact our relationships on the internet. Platforms like Twitter enable real-time participation, leading to dynamic and constantly growing communities. These same affordances, however, add to the difficulties of toxic fandoms, where rapid and sometimes unedited comments become the norm (Cammaerts 2015). Moving on, our fan experiences are tightly tied to the dynamics of social media platforms. Direct involvement with creators, real-time conversation, and hashtag movements may all improve the fan experience. Toxic actions, on the other hand, might alienate others, making it impossible for them to truly embrace or identify as fans (Philips 2023).

Consider the situation of a popular media asset with an enormous Twitter following. The franchise has an enormous fan base because to its diverse characters and interesting plotlines. However, toxic actions have emerged within these followers, posing difficulties for people trying to become or identify as fans (Baggs 2018). There are a few affordances shaping fan experiences in these situations, such as real time discussions, the immediacy of Twitter allows fans to participate in real-time debates about the franchise, expressing hypotheses and opinions. While this builds a sense of community, it also speeds up the spread of toxic conduct since negative reactions can pick up traction rapidly (Twitter 2014). Through mentions and answers, fans may directly connect with creators. While this develops a tighter connection, it also offers the door to harassment when fans disagree with artistic decisions, creating a toxic environment. (Eckstein 2021).

Secondly, challenges to fan identity, toxic fans frequently engage in gatekeeping, doubting the authenticity of other fans based on incorrect criteria. This creates an environment in which newbies or those with opposing viewpoints may feel unwelcome, finding it difficult for them to properly identify as fans (Bastos 2013). Moving on, the rapid and intense nature of Twitter conversations may develop to a cancel culture in which supporters are disregarded for voicing unfavourable viewpoints. This restricts open discourse and makes it difficult for fans to voice different points of view without fear of negative consequences (Brown 2020).

Thirdly, we could navigate the terrain and addressing toxic fandoms by establish social norms and active influencing to reduce toxic behaviour and make the fan experience safer like what TikTok is establishing right now (TikTok 2023). Moving on, encourage an inclusive fan culture that welcomes new members and appreciates different points of view without resorting to gatekeeping (Bastos 2013). Lastly, creators may utilize their platforms to highlight negative behaviour and establish guidelines for appropriate fan interactions (Baggs 2018).

In the age of social media, our fan experiences are inextricably linked to the aspects of platforms like Twitter. While new platforms provide incomparable opportunity for participation, they also magnify the problems caused by toxic fandoms. The case study demonstrates how toxic conduct can prevent people from truly embracing or identifying as fans, emphasizing the importance of proactive actions to build a better fan culture. To get through an environment of toxic fandoms, fans, creators, and platform administrators must work together to establish spots where various opinions are valued, and toxicity is actively addressed.

Cammaerts, B 2015, “Technologies of Self-Mediation: Affordances and Constraints of Social Media for Protest Movements”, ResearchGates, 15 May, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303426193_Technologies_of_Self-Mediation_Affordances_and_Constraints_of_Social_Media_for_Protest_Movements>.

Philips, RJ 2023, “Building Genuine Connections: The Role of Technology in Cultivating Fan Engagement”, Forbes, 16 June, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/16/building-genuine-connections-the-role-of-technology-in-cultivating-fan-engagement/?sh=3ff75d681612>.

Baggs, M 2018, “Toxic fandom: Online bullying in the name of your favourite stars”, BBC, 1 August, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44950274>.

Twitter, 2014, “What fuels a Tweet’s engagement?”, 10 March, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/a/2014/what-fuels-a-tweets-engagement>.

Eckstein, M 2021, “Social Media Engagement: Why it Matters and How to Do it Well”, Buffer, 7 January, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://buffer.com/library/social-media-engagement/>.

Bastos, M 2013, “Gatekeeping Twitter: Message diffusion in political hashtags”, ResearchGate, 13 March, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258170981_Gatekeeping_Twitter_Message_diffusion_in_political_hashtags>.

Brown, D 2020, “Twitter's cancel culture: A force for good or a digital witchhunt? The answer is complicated.”, USA Today, 17 June, 20 November 2023, <https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/07/17/has-twitters-cancel-culture-gone-too-far/5445804002/>.

TikTok 2023, “Community guildlines”, 13 March, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.tiktok.com/community-guidelines/en/>.

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WEEK 8: Can crowdsourced information during times of crisis (e.g. pandemic, natural disasters) mobilise the public into action (e.g. get to safety, assist those in need, communicate important information, etc.)?

Crowdsourced information becomes critical in mobilizing the public in times of crisis, ranging from covid 19 pandemics to catastrophic events. The article analyses the symbiotic link between crowdsourced information, social media platforms, and the affordances they provide in influencing our social experiences during crises. We will investigate how these aspects interact to promote collaborative action and reaction through an in-depth examination of a case study.

The Interplay of Crowdsourced Information and Social Media Platforms. Firstly, during a crisis, crowdsourced information, which is frequently shared through social media platforms, allows for rapid distribution of real-time updates. For example, Twitter is a dynamic platform where users engage with providing important information ranging from evacuation routes during emergencies to vaccination centre locations in the event of a pandemic (Wen 2020). Moving on, Different social media platforms provide unique affordances that help to trendy mobilization, Twitter's Real-Time Updates allows users to instantly share and receive time-sensitive information. Community Engagement on Facebook allows Facebook's group features enable community organizing and support activities. Moving on, Instagram's Visual Storytelling which is the visual element of Instagram allows for compelling storytelling, encouraging empathy and understanding (Bagla 2020).

To elaborate more, we will be using a case study which happened in Covid-19 pandemic response, crowdsourced information was critical in sharing information about the virus, preventive measures, and healthcare services during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media platforms have evolved into a major area for users to exchange and access critical information, hence increasing public awareness (Kushner 2023). Next, community support programs have emerged on social media sites, notably Facebook. Local associations organized to help needy communities with grocery shopping, prescription distribution, and other necessities. The platform's group features aided in the organization of community actions (WHO 2021). Moving on, Instagram provided an environment for graphical stories that are humanizing the pandemic's impact. Stories of frontline workers, individual difficulties, and acts of generosity went viral, creating a feeling of shared experience and inspiring communal responsibility (Instagram 2020).

Next, we will be looking on the social experiences and affordances. To elaborate on, during a crisis, social media platforms foster a sense of community. The capacity to share experiences, express empathy, and aid builds a virtual community that overcomes geographical boundaries. This sense of belonging is critical in organizing people to take collective action. Taking account to platforms like Twitter, with their retweet feature, enable important messages to be quickly amplified. Evacuation instructions or appeals for aid, for example, could reach a large audience in minutes, spurring quick replies (Stieglitz 2017).

To conclude, during times of disaster, crowdsourced information and social media platforms are critical for mobilizing individuals into action. The interaction between these aspects, enhanced by each platform's specific affordances, changes our social experiences and drives collective reactions. The COVID-19 pandemic case study demonstrates how information distribution, community support activities, and multimedia communication can all lead to a shared feeling of responsibility and action. Moving forward, understanding the symbiotic link between crowdsourced information and social media platforms is essential as we navigate an increasingly connected world. By properly utilizing these tools, we may not only broadcast critical information but also develop a feeling of community and solidarity, eventually mobilizing individuals to take meaningful actions in the face of disaster.

Wen, T 2020, “how coronavirus has transformed the way we communicate”, BBC, 9 April, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200408-coronavirus-how-lockdown-helps-those-who-fear-the-phone>.

Bagla, S 2020, “Instagram vs facebook vs twitter vs snapchats: which is better for business marketing”, Techmagnate, 10 September, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.techmagnate.com/blog/instagram-vs-facebook-vs-twitter-vs-snapchat-which-better-business-marketing/#:~:text=Instagram%20and%20Snapchat%20are%20dedicated,on%20both%20Instagram%20and%20Facebook.>.

Kushner, J 2023, “The long shadow of Covid-19 myths”, BBC, 29 March, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230328-the-long-shadow-of-covid-19-myths>.

WHO, 2021, “WHO, Facebook and Praekelt.Org provide critical mobile access to COVID-19 information for vulnerable communities”, 11 August, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.who.int/news/item/11-08-2021-who-facebook-and-praekelt.org-provide-critical-mobile-access-to-covid-19-information-for-vulnerable-communities>.

Instagram, 2020, “Keeping People Informed, Safe, and Supported on Instagram”, 24 March, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/coronavirus-keeping-people-safe-informed-and-supported-on-instagram>.

Stieglitz, S 2017, “Understanding Sense-Making on Social Media During Crises: Categorization of Sense-Making Barriers and Strategies”, ResearchGate, 24 October, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327332865_Understanding_Sense-Making_on_Social_Media_During_Crises_Categorization_of_Sense-Making_Barriers_and_Strategies>.

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China's Restrictions on Online Games: Unraveling Potential Consequences and the Specter of Increased Surveillance

China's new limitations on its entertainment sector, notably the prohibition on those under the age of 18 from playing online games on weekdays, raises critical issues about the societal impact and the possibility for increased monitoring. This article goes into the effects of these limitations, looking at how they affect the younger population, the gaming business, and the larger environment of digital monitoring in China (Soo 2023).

One of impact on the younger generation group will be educational focus, as the ban on weekday gaming for people under the age of 18 is consistent with China's emphasis on education. However, students may face an additional hardship if they engage in non-educational internet activity within the restricted hours. This might accidentally move the attention away from gaming and toward other types of digital connection (Soo 2023). Secondly, would be the escapism and mental health, while the goal is to address game addiction problems, this limitation may not necessarily increase mental health outcomes. Instead, it may drive young people to seek different forms of escape, perhaps increasing mental health issues. To address mental health difficulties, a broader approach is required, including education and support services (Yang & Goh 2023).

Secondly, it will impact on the gaming industry, through economic implications, because China is a significant market in the worldwide gaming business. Gaming hours restrictions may result in lower income for game producers, particularly those catering to a younger demographic. According to China's Gaming Industry Report, overall sales in the first half of 2021 exceeded 150 billion yuan (US$32 billion). Some researchers believe that banning gaming for under-18s will have serious consequences for the gaming business since it will prevent habits from forming. Because gaming habits are typically formed in youth, this might have an influence on the future earnings of China's digital behemoths (Brooke 2021). The financial effects may include employment losses and diminished industry innovation, affecting both domestic and foreign gaming enterprises (Chen 2022). Moving on, it will impact the innovation and adaption, in conjunction with legislative changes, gaming firms can adjust by developing more diversified and educational game content. Stringent rules, on the other hand, may inhibit creative freedom and limit the industry's potential to develop (Ye 2023). The long-term impact could involve a change in the global gaming environment, with China potentially losing its position as an innovator for game innovation. Last but not least, if this keep implementing, gaming firms stocks will affect gradually (Ye 2023).

Thirdly, they will be potential for increased surveillance through the use of digital monitoring, the setting of online activity limits, such as gaming, opens the door to enhanced digital surveillance. Authorities may use advanced surveillance tools to follow and monitor people's internet activities, raising worries about privacy violations (Brooke 2021). Following will be the social credit system implications, which grades their citizens based on their actions, can be linked to increasing observation. Gaming behaviors might be used to determine a person's social credit score, leading to a deeper integration of personal activities into a complete monitoring framework (Canales & Mok 2022). Moving on, this will also impact on privacy rights from the view on China's own residents, the need for greater surveillance to enforce gaming prohibitions jeopardize individual's private rights. Personal freedom requires the ability to engage in leisure time without continual surveillance. Surveillance strategies, if not well regulated, could violate on fundamental rights and violate privacy standards in digital fields (Cao 2023).

Fourthly, having the balancing act in addressing concerns by conducting educational initiatives, a more comprehensive approach to addressing gaming addiction problems includes educational programs. Awareness campaigns, school initiatives, and parental assistance might all be used to promote appropriate gaming habits (Huaxia 2021). Following the collaborative with gaming industry, rather than tight limitations, can lead to the creation of self-regulatory solutions. Game creators may take the lead in implementing features that promote safe gaming, such as timers and progress monitoring. Lastly, to avoid unwanted surveillance, strong privacy measures must be put in place. To guarantee that surveillance techniques are reasonable, essential, and respect individuals' privacy rights, clear legislation and oversight rules should be in place (Associated Press 2021).

To conclude, China's restrictions on internet gaming for anyone under the age of 18 throughout the week have serious implications for both the younger population and the gaming business. Increased surveillance adds another degree of complicating factors, increasing worries about individual privacy rights and the larger impacts on digital rights. Balancing the need for responsible gaming with the preservation of individual rights necessitates a sophisticated and collaborative strategy that takes into account the different interests at stake in China's changing digital governance landscape.

References:

Soo, Z 2023, "China keeping 1 hour daily limit on kid's online games", APnews, 20 January, viewed 13 November 2023, <https://apnews.com/article/gaming-business-children-00db669defcc8e0ca1fc2dc54120a0b8>.

Yang, Y & Goh, B 2023, "Explainer: Why and how China is drastically limiting online gaming for under 18s", Reuters, 1 September, viewed 13 November 2023, <https://www.reuters.com/world/china/why-how-china-is-drastically-limiting-online-gaming-under-18s-2021-08-31/>.

Ye, J 2023, "China’s video game makers come in from the cold as crackdown eases", Reuters, 20 January, viewed 13 November 2023, <https://www.reuters.com/technology/chinas-video-game-makers-come-cold-crackdown-eases-2023-01-20/#:~:text=Most%20notably%2C%20in%20September%202021,its%20games%20had%20plunged%2092%25.>.

Brooke, S 2021, "What to Make of the New Regulations in China’s Gaming Industry", China Briefing, 16 November, viewed 13 November 2023, <https://www.china-briefing.com/news/what-to-make-of-the-new-regulations-in-china-online-gaming-industry/>.

Chen, F 2022, "How Chinese Regulations Are Disrupting the Games Market Inside China and Out", NewZoo, 9 November, viewed 14 November 2023, <https://newzoo.com/resources/blog/how-chinese-games-regulations-are-disrupting-the-games-market-inside-china-and-out>.

Canales, K & Mok, A 2022, "China's 'social credit' system ranks citizens and punishes them with throttled internet speeds and flight bans if the Communist Party deems them untrustworthy", Business Insider, 29 November, viewed 13 November 2023, <https://www.businessinsider.com/china-social-credit-system-punishments-and-rewards-explained-2018-4#:~:text=China%20has%20been%20rolling%20out,making%20it%20mandatory%20for%20everyone.>.

Cao, A 2023, "China video game industry publishes draft of self-discipline rules for promotion and distribution of new titles", South China Morning Post, 14 March, viewed 13 November 2023, <https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3213514/chinas-video-gaming-industry-publishes-draft-self-discipline-rules-promotion-and-distribution-new>.

Huaxia, 2021, "Why China acts tough to limit online gaming for minors?", XINHUANET, 2 September, viewed 12 November 2023, <http://www.news.cn/english/2021-09/02/c_1310164734.htm>.

Associated Press, 2021, "China to monitor online gaming restrictions for children", 17 September, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.dailysabah.com/business/tech/china-to-monitor-online-gaming-restrictions-for-children>.

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Week 4 TOPIC MDA 20009 Swinburne Sarawak University

In spite of the popularity of platforms for short-form video like TikTok and platforms with a strong visual component like Instagram, blogging is still significant in the digital world.

The First one will be long-form content and depth. Blogging enables in-depth topic exploration. Contrary to the constrained length of videos and the condensed style of social media posts, blogs offer plenty of room for debating complicated concepts, disseminating in-depth knowledge, and presenting well-researched content. For audiences looking for thorough insights, this depth is valuable (Sanders, K 2023). Moving on, establishing authority. With the help of blogs, people and companies may position themselves as experts in particular fields. Creators can demonstrate their experience, knowledge of their field, and thought leadership through well-written and informative blog articles. The audience may come to trust you more as a result of your credibility (Beyond the Panorama, 2022). The third one comes with the search engine optimization (SEO). Blogging substantially aids in SEO efforts. Search engines favor new, pertinent, and excellent information. Regular blog updates make a website more visible in search results, bringing in organic visitors. For companies and people looking to increase their internet presence, this is essential (AIContentfy 2023). Coming up with diverse content formats. Blogs are flexible platforms that can include a variety of content formats, including podcasts, videos, photos, and infographics. A coherent and interesting user experience can be created by using blog entries as hubs that link to multimedia material. This flexibility makes blogging compatible with emerging multimedia trends (Jandossava, D 2022). Next, having community engagement and discussion. Through their comment sections, blogs encourage reader contact and participation in the community. Contrary to the often transient nature of social media posts, blog comments frequently result in deliberative discussions that foster a sense of community around the topic (Milan, A 2023). Lastly, monetization opportunities, to elaborate, a variety of revenue streams are available through blogging, including sponsored articles, affiliate marketing, the sale of digital goods, and the provision of online courses. By utilizing their knowledge and audience trust, bloggers can create reliable income streams (Yadin, N 2023). To conclude, while TikTok and Instagram offer unique, visually appealing experiences, blogging continues to be significant owing to its depth, authority-building, SEO benefits, content variety, community interaction, and monetization options. Bloggers are frequently integrated into content makers' broader digital strategy, harnessing their particular capabilities alongside other platforms to efficiently reach and engage varied audiences.

List of References

Yadin, N 2023, "Creator Monetization updates", Industry Trends, 26 September, viewed 8 October 2023, <https://www.thoughtleaders.io/blog/creator-monetization-updates>.

AIContentfy, 2023, "The impact of social media on blogging", AIContentfy, 11 August, viewed 8 October 2023, <https://aicontentfy.com/en/blog/impact-of-social-media-on-blogging>.

Jandossava, D 2022, "TikTok vs. Instagram: An In-Depth Comparison", sotrender, 26 July, viewed 8 October 2023, <https://www.sotrender.com/blog/2022/07/tiktok-vs-instagram-comparison/>.

Milan, A 2023, "Tiktok vs. Instagram for Marketing in 2023: Decoding the differences", tagbox, viewed 8 October 2023, <https://taggbox.com/blog/tiktok-vs-instagram/>.

Beyond the Panaroma, "6 Reasons that make Blogs remain relevant in the age of reels and tiktok", 5 August, 8 October 2023, <https://beyondthepanorama.com/6-reasons-that-make-blogs-remain-relevant-in-the-age-of-reels-and-tiktok/>.

Sanders, K 2023, "Are blogs still relevant in 2023", Neal Schaffer, 18 August, viewed 8 October 2023, <https://nealschaffer.com/are-blogs-still-relevant-in-2019/>.

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Swinburne University Sarawak

Week 1: Digital Communities & social media platforms

People who connect and communicate with one another online while sharing similar interests, objectives, or pursuits are said to be members of digital communities. On a variety of platforms, such as social media websites, online forums, blogs, gaming networks, and other virtual locations, these communities can develop.

Shared Interests: People that participate in online communities frequently do so because they have similar interests, passions, or aspirations. These common interests provide community members a feeling of connection and belonging.

communication and Interaction are essential to the success of online communities. Members communicate with one another through text, photographs, videos, and other types of media to discuss subjects, exchange personal stories, and work on projects.

Support and Collaboration: Members frequently offer one another advise, aid, and emotional support. Members working together on initiatives, artistic efforts, or problem-solving is an important feature.

Online Identities: Digital communities allow individuals to create online personas or identities, which may or may not reflect their real-life selves. This aspect of anonymity or pseudonymity can lead to unique social dynamics within these communities.

Platforms for social media are a subset of online communities created to support networking, content sharing, and social interactions. Users are able to exchange many types of material, including as text postings, photographs, videos, and links, as well as connect with other users on these platforms and build profiles.

User Profile: Users build personal profiles for themselves that include details about their hobbies, whereabouts, and bios. Individual identities are established through profiles on the network.

Connections: Users can establish links with one another and build a network of connections, followers, or friends. The exchange of information and user interactions are made possible by these links.

Content Sharing: Users can share a variety of stuff, such as articles, images, videos, and status updates. Other users have the ability to like, comment, and share this material.

Real-time Interactions: Real-time communication is frequently supported by social media platforms, enabling users to have discussions through comments, direct messaging, or live video streaming.

Community Building: Social media platforms support a variety of communities, frequently based on shared interests or subjects. These groups bring like-minded people together for conversations and interactions.