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11/17/24 Blog Post #10

How does social media help in body reconstruction?

Lee (n.d.) suggests that social media can help users challenge mainstream body images through its tools and platforms. By sharing personal narratives, photographs, and content that stress authenticity, oppressed groups may reclaim their bodies from stereotypes and challenge mainstream norms about beauty and worth. 

2. How does commercialization impact ethnic-specific internet communities?McLaine (n.d.) argues that commodification in ethnic-specific online networks prioritizes monetization over authentic representation and empowerment, exacerbating the issues. This results in superficial participation that favors corporate interests at the expense of the community's cultural and social requirements.

3. How does Gamergate represent bigger cultural conflicts? According to Hathaway (2014), Gamergate highlights a conflict between conventional gamer culture and initiatives to promote diversity and representation in gaming. This clash reflects larger societal issues about gender, inclusion, and power dynamics in cultural venues.

4. What impact does social media have in the Gamergate controversy? Hathaway (2014) found that Gamergate primarily took place on social media channels such as Twitter. These platforms increased the movement's reach by allowing supporters to coordinate campaigns and opponents to respond, but they also enabled widespread harassment, particularly against women in gaming.

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11/7 Blog Post Week #11

1. Why was social media effective for organizing protests?

Social media allowed people to connect and plan quickly, spreading news of protests to large audiences instantly. This speed helped create a strong, coordinated effort across different cities and countries.

How do activists use the internet for cyberprotests?

Activists use websites, social media, and email campaigns to spread information and coordinate actions against the World Bank. By leveraging these digital tools, they reach a global audience, enabling larger participation and fostering collective action across borders.

3. How does Black Twitter challenge stereotypes in media?

By discussing social and political topics, Black Twitter counters harmful stereotypes, showing the diversity and complexity of Black experiences. It allows users to reshape narratives, holding media accountable for biased or incomplete coverage.

4. How does Animal Crossing reflect larger social themes? Boost points out that the game subtly explores themes like community building and environmental awareness, as players cultivate resources and interact with their island’s ecosystem, encouraging reflection on real-world values.

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10/31 Blog Post Week #10

What prompted subcultural trolling to gain popularity?

Subcultural trolling gained popularity when the internet enabled people to create groups with similar interests. The authors explain that online anonymity was beneficial since people could say things without getting in trouble in real life. As people with similar beliefs gathered online, they developed their own rules and gags, resulting in a distinct style of trolling tailored to their community. 

2. How can Citron explain why minority groups are disproportionately affected by internet harassment?

According to Citron, cyber-harassers often target marginalized groups like women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This harassment is often more harsh and degrading, with the goal of silencing or intimidating someone. This online abuse reflects broader cultural stereotypes, making it more difficult for these groups to feel comfortable or included in online communities.

3. What do social media companies do to combat online hate, according to Citron?

Citron argues that social media companies often fail to effectively address hate speech and abuse on their services. They may have laws against it, but they usually fail to enforce them, allowing hate crimes to occur and making victims feel insecure.

4. In what ways does Leslie Jones' experience with online abuse mirror the issues that women of color face in digital spaces?

Leslie Jones' experience with online abuse emphasizes the issues encountered by women of color in digital forums, where they are frequently targeted with racist and misogynistic attacks. This incident demonstrates how marginalized people might experience increased online harassment, which can involve not only personal insults but also the disclosure of private information. It highlights the need for improved safeguards and support systems to make online settings safer for all users, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

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Week 8 Blog Post #7 10/17

A gaming persona / avatar

Girlypop is the name for my gaming persona and I made her to be very bubbly yet in a way to herself and mysterious. In the game she is able to dress up and have fun like in dress to impress on roblox!

What went into the construction of each avatar?

Girlypop was designed to be bubbly yet mysterious, making her friendly but with a reserved side. This allows her to fit into various gaming situations and keep other players intrigued.

What was behind the username you created?

"Girlypop" reflects a fun, feminine, and energetic vibe. It’s catchy and memorable, matching her lively personality.

What thought went into the clothing/outfit choice for your persona/avatar?

Her bright and playful clothing reflects her upbeat nature, while some darker accessories add a hint of mystery, balancing her character.

Were you interested in disguising your sex, gender, or race in the construction of any online persona?

No, I didn’t focus on disguising these aspects. Girlypop embraces her feminine style to create an authentic but multifaceted presence.

How have race, racism, sex, sexism, and gender online shaped the personas you create?

I designed Girlypop to challenge gender stereotypes in gaming. Her bubbly but layered personality aims to push back against typical assumptions about female avatars.

A dating site persona / avatar

Jazzy_flower is my dating site persona. The persona is very sweet, innocent, and calm, with a style that emphasizes pink accents and bows, giving her a soft, approachable look. Her appearance is meant to convey warmth and kindness, creating a sense of comfort and friendliness.

Tell me what went into the construction of each avatar.Jazzy_flower was created to present a warm, approachable persona that feels calm and sweet, aiming to attract a like-minded audience.

What was behind the username you created?The name "Jazzy_flower" reflects a mix of playfulness and softness, with "Jazzy" bringing a bit of flair and it being my nick name and "flower" symbolizing gentleness and sweetness also the definition of Jasmin which is a flower.

What thought went into the clothing/outfit choice for your persona/avatar?I chose outfits with pink accents and bows to emphasize the gentle and approachable vibe, aiming to create a soft and welcoming appearance.

Were you interested in disguising your sex, gender, or race in the construction of any online persona?No, I intended to keep the avatar aligned with my own identity, aiming for authenticity in how I present myself online.

How have the ways race, racism, sex, sexism, and gender manifest online shaped the online personas you create?The online environment influenced Jazzy_flower's sweet and approachable persona to avoid negative stereotypes or misunderstandings, aiming to project a positive and non-threatening image in a space where perceptions can be quick and often critical.

Day-to-day persona / avatar (that you use with friends and family)

Jasmin is the name of my day-to-day persona, reflecting my real name for authenticity. This persona embodies a friendly and calm demeanor, exuding warmth and positivity. I love to connect with people, often expressing my affection through likes and hearts in messages. Social interactions with family and friends are important to me, and I enjoy sharing moments of joy, support, and encouragement. My goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued and appreciated, embodying the genuine connections I strive for in my everyday life.

What went into the construction of each avatar?

Jasmin's avatar reflects my real-life personality—friendly, social, and caring. I wanted it to convey warmth and approachability, so I focused on a look that emphasizes connection and positivity.

2. What was behind the username you created?

I chose “Jasmin” because it’s my actual name, making it feel authentic and personal. It also adds a sense of familiarity that encourages engagement with friends and family.

3. What thought went into the clothing/outfit choice for your persona/avatar?

I opted for bright, cheerful colors and comfortable styles that represent my friendly demeanor. Outfits include fun patterns and accessories like hearts to symbolize love and kindness.

4. Were you interested in disguising your sex, gender, or race in the construction of any online persona?

No, I wanted Jasmin to represent my true self without disguising any aspects of my identity. The aim was to express my genuine personality rather than hide behind a mask.

5. How have the ways race, racism, sex, sexism, and gender manifest online shaped the online personas you create?

I aim to create a persona that celebrates inclusivity and kindness, countering online negativity. Understanding the impact of these issues helps me engage more thoughtfully with others and build a supportive online environment.

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10/10 Blog Post Week #6

What are some of the ways Senft and Noble feel social media channels support racial inequality?

Senft and Noble demonstrate via biased algorithms and user behavior on social media platforms how racial disparity is exacerbated. Algorithms often highlight data that would help the platform economically, which usually results in marginalized voices—especially those of people of color—being ignored. People also extend their offline racial prejudices into online spaces, where anonymity lets bigotry linger free from consequences.

 How does Ruha Benjamin in Race After Technology describe the impact of algorithmic bias on marginalized communities, and what solutions does she suggest for addressing this issue?

Ruha Benjamin addresses in Race After Technology how, especially for underprivileged populations, algorithmic prejudice sometimes supports systematic inequality.She gives instances of algorithms created without consideration for societal prejudices inadvertently discriminating against people based on race. For example, facial recognition systems sometimes misidentify persons of color, resulting in erroneous arrests or denied services. According to Benjamin, one way to solve this is to create technologies with equity in mind—that is, developers have to aggressively question their prejudices and create inclusive and fair design processes. In tech creation, accountability is also essential, as diverse teams produce algorithms that are more equitable.

3.How does Jessie Daniels describe the role of algorithms in perpetuating racial bias in digital spaces in White Supremacy in the Digital Era?

According to Jessie Daniels, algorithms used by platforms such as Google and social media sites are not neutral, but rather reflect the biases of those who create them. For instance, search engine results and recommendations frequently amplify harmful stereotypes by displaying racist content more prominently. Daniels contends that because these platforms rely on user data to make predictions, they

4. How do racial biases become incorporated in technology, and what are the repercussions for real-world applications?

In Race After Technology, Ruha Benjamin argues how racial biases are frequently accidentally incorporated into technologies, particularly algorithms. Between pages 41 and 88, she discusses how these biases develop from existing cultural structures and preconceptions, and how they manifest in digital instruments that appear "neutral." For example, face recognition software has been shown to misidentify individuals of color more often than white persons, potentially leading to discriminatory surveillance and law enforcement. This section emphasizes the importance of understanding how human prejudices shape technology, as well as more critical engagement and reform to prevent further marginalization of racial minorities in the digital age.

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October will be full of good physical health

October will be full of good mental health

October will be full of answered prayers

October will be full of good energy

October will be full of good news

October will be full of good luck

October will be full of blessings

October will be full of peace

October will be full of light

October will be full of love

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10/2 Blog Post week #5

1. In Race in Cyberspace: An Introduction, Beth E. Kolko explores the role of race in online spaces. Why does she argue that race continues to influence online interactions, even though the internet was originally seen as a place where race could be transcended?

Although it was originally thought that people could leave their racial prejudices behind, Kolko notes that racial biases from the real world are reflected and reinforced on the internet. One explanation for this is that people who design digital platforms often unwittingly favor specific groups because they include elements of their own cultural origins into the design. Additionally, people bring their own identities online, and this shapes how they interact with others.

Kolko, Beth E. "Race in Cyberspace: An Introduction." Race in Cyberspace, edited by Beth E. Kolko, Lisa Nakamura, and Gilbert B. Rodman, Routledge, 2000, pp. 1-10.

2. In "The Revenge of the Yellow-Faced Cyborg Terminator," why is the representation of Asians in popular culture detrimental?

The author attacks how Asians in Western media are portrayed as either robotic or too exotic, therefore depriving them of their humanity and supporting negative preconceptions. These representations might make it more difficult for society to view Asians as multifarious people, which would cause misinterpretation and actual discrimination. By calling out these depictions, the author pushes for more authentic and diverse representations of Asians in media

"The Revenge of the Yellow-Faced Cyborg Terminator." Journal Name, vol. X, no. Y, Year, pp. Z-Z.

3. In "Fickle: An Introduction," what does the author propose on the evolving character of identity in the digital era and how can this affect our sense of self? 

The author of "Fickle: An Introduction" explores how, in the digital age, identity is increasingly fluid and shaped by online interactions. With the flexibility to display ourselves differently across platforms, our sense of self becomes more flexible and fragmented. This ongoing change in identity can cause confusion as we try to keep a steady sense of who we are among these developments as well as empowerment as we can reinvent ourselves.

"Fickle: An Introduction." Journal Name, vol. X, no. Y, Year, pp. Z-Z.

4. How does Kolko in "Race in Cyberspace: An Introduction" argue that race continues to play a large role in online spaces, despite the initial notion that the internet would be a race-neutral environment? 

Kolko contends that, despite early optimism that the internet would transcend race, racial identities and biases remain online. The internet, rather than eradicating race, frequently reinforces it through user interactions, digital avatars, and online groups that mimic real-world power dynamics. Kolko stresses that race continues to play an important role in how people interact with digital spaces, influencing everything from social media behavior to virtual representation. This illustrates that technology alone cannot remove racial disparities; addressing these challenges requires social awareness and active actions.

Kolko, Beth E. "Race in Cyberspace: An Introduction." Race in Cyberspace, edited by Beth E. Kolko, Lisa Nakamura, and Gilbert B. Rodman, Routledge, 2000, pp. 1-10.

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9/19 Blog Post Week #4

1, How does Afrocentricity influence digital spaces, and what challenges and opportunities does it face in the digital public sphere?

 In digital spaces, afrocentricity challenges popular narratives and advances African and African-American identities. It enables marginalized voices to create and disseminate content that authentically depicts their lived realities. Digital channels that include blogs and social media do allow Afrocentric artists to build networks and shape public opinion. Also, major challenges also include the digital divide, which limits access to technology, issues with censorship and algorithmic biases that could distort or block Afrocentric information. Notwithstanding these challenges, Afrocentric perspectives and cultural diversity can nevertheless be promoted and developed on the digital public sphere (Social Text, 2002).

Reference: Social Text. (2002). The revolution will be digitized: Afrocentricity and the digital public sphere. Social Text, 20(2), 125-144.

2. How may societies impacted by biassed technologies such as predictive policing help to make these technologies more fair and equitable?

Communities facing biased technologies, like predictive policing, can push for fairness by actively raising awareness about these issues, advocating for policy changes, and working closely with policymakers. Getting involved in research, creating local oversight groups, and educating community members about their rights are also crucial steps. These efforts can help ensure that technology serves everyone fairly and doesn’t perpetuate existing biases (Benjamin, 2019).

Benjamin, R. (2019). Race after technology: Abolitionist tools for the new Jim Code. Polity Press.

3. Why do people think technology is fair and unbiased, and how can we change this view to encourage a more careful look at digital systems?

Technology is often seen as unbiased because it relies on data and algorithms, which are usually assumed to be objective. However, since humans design technology, biases can unintentionally be embedded through data selection and programming. To change this view, society must involve diverse teams in development, promote transparency about how technology is built, and educate people about how biases can be programmed into systems. Ethical oversight and public participation are also essential to ensure fairness in digital systems (Benjamin, 2019).

Benjamin, R. (2019). Race after technology: Abolitionist tools for the new Jim Code. Polity Press.

4.What can we do to make the internet a fairer place for everyone? How do you believe biassed search results affect our view of underprivileged communities?

Some people may have an unfavorable impression of marginalized communities as a result of biased search results that support false information and unfavorable stereotypes about these communities. Some search engines can contribute to discrimination when they present inaccurate or harmful information. Due to this it can alter public perception. To make the internet a more fair place, more responsibility for biased results, more openness from tech corporations about how their algorithms run, and projects to involve many points of view in the building and evolution of these systems are all essential (Noble, 2018).

Noble, S. U. (2018). Algorithms of oppression: How search engines reinforce racism. NYU Press.

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9/12 Blog Post Week #3

Why and how can the internet be or feel like a safe space for women outside of political organizations? 

For many women not involved in political groups, the internet can feel like a safe space where they can challenge the gender inequality they deal with in their everyday lives. It gives them a place to explore who they are, connect with others, and talk about feminism and gender issues without the restrictions they face offline. Nouraie-Simone (2005) explains that for young Iranian women, the internet becomes "a liberating territory of one’s own—a place to resist a traditionally imposed subordinate identity" (p. 61). It offers them a break from the limitations of public life, allowing them to express themselves freely. In this way, the internet is like the “room of one’s own” that Virginia Woolf described—offering women a personal, empowering space to speak up and take control of their identity.

Reference: Nouraie-Simone, F. (2005). On Shifting Ground: Muslim Women in the Global Era. The Feminist Press at CUNY.

2. Would it be considered right or wrong when people seek out online spaces that affirm and solidify their own social identities? 

Looking for online spaces that support and strengthen one's own social identity is usually seen as a positive thing. People often use the internet to connect with others who share their racial, gender, or sexual identities, which can be empowering. For instance, young people might use social media to express themselves and connect with friends (Boyd, 2004). People of color and LGBTQ+ individuals also use specific websites to affirm their identities and find like-minded people (Bryson, 2004). Nouraie-Simone (2005) notes that for those in restrictive environments, the internet can provide a freeing space to explore and express their identities (p. 61-62). Moreover, research shows that people with health issues use online platforms to talk about their experiences openly, rather than to escape them (Pitts, 2004). So, using the internet to support one’s identity is generally a meaningful and helpful practice.

Boyd, D. (2004). Friendster and Facebook: Social networking site strategies.

Bryson, M. (2004). QueerSisters: Learning to be queer online.

Nouraie-Simone, F. (2005). On Shifting Ground: Muslim Women in the Global Era. The Feminist Press at CUNY.

Pitts, V. (2004). Illness and the body: Online narratives of cancer.

3. How can high tech tools impact and affect poor working class communities negatively when it is supposed to “help those in need?”

Even with the best-laid plans, high-tech instruments can be detrimental to underprivileged populations. Governor LePage of Maine falsely claimed that recipients of TANF were abusing their benefits based on EBT data, despite the fact that only 0.03% of transactions were dubious. Due to the perpetuation of unfavorable perceptions, receiving public aid was seen as "lazy" or "criminal" (Eubanks, 2018, p. 19). Stricter regulations were consequently implemented, burdening families with additional stress (e.g., requiring them to retain receipts for a year). In this instance, technology didn't help—rather, it made things more difficult for individuals who require assistance.Eubanks, V. (2018). Automating inequality: How high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor. St. Martin's Press.

4. AI struggles to be able to fully conduct black and asian faces and it is known. Why does law enforcement rely on this to identify these people knowing the risk of putting someone innocent behind bars? 

Facial recognition tech is notoriously bad at identifying Black and Asian faces, but law enforcement still uses it. Research shows that these systems are much more likely to misidentify people of color because they’re often trained on biased data (Buolamwini & Gebru, 2018). For example, Nijeer Parks, a Black man from New Jersey, was wrongfully arrested after being misidentified by facial recognition—he's the third known Black man to face this kind of mistake (Hill, 2020). Even though the risks are clear, police keep using this flawed tech, likely because it seems like an easy solution, but it ends up hurting innocent people. There needs to be more caution and oversight to prevent these errors.

Buolamwini, J., & Gebru, T. (2018). Gender shades: Intersectional accuracy disparities in commercial gender classification. Proceedings of Machine Learning Research, 81, 77-91.

Hill, K. (2020). Another arrest, and jail time, due to a bad facial recognition match. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com

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9/2 Blog Post Week #2

Why is there an importance to understanding the media's roles? 

The media's roles are important to know because they show how it shapes and reflects power relationships in society, changes how race and ethnicity are portrayed, and causes social change. According to Gonzalez and Torres (2011), the media shapes racial and ethnic identities mostly by sustaining prejudices and stereotypes, thereby reflecting their nature. By looking at the media's roles in the past and present, we can see how it supports injustice and how disadvantaged groups have used it to fight for social justice. To fix the continued issues of bias, underrepresentation, and inequality in the media (González & Torres, 2011), it is very important to understand this.

Reference: González, J., & Torres, J. (2011). News for all the people: The epic story of race and the American media. Verso.

2. How does media influence perceptions of different racial groups, and in what ways has social media transformed societal perspectives over time?

Using an example from the text, the writers looked at early examples of how different racial groups, such as Native Americans, African Americans, and immigrants, were portrayed in the media. These incidents demonstrate the extent to which the media has shaped racial and ethnic identities in the US. By making a range of voices and points of view more visible, social media has questioned accepted media narratives and preconceptions, therefore altering public perceptions. Over time, social media channels have enabled public understanding of racial and social issues, therefore impacting public opinion and behavior.

Reference: González, J., & Torres, J. (2011). News for all the people: The epic story of race and the American media. Verso.

3. Why are there people in power, as if there is a hierarchy within the internet? 

Fuchs explains that the internet like social media sites and other digital spaces is governed and looked over by strong governments and companies. Money is being made from user interactions towards these big companies which gives them an established financial standing. This is caused by the large amount of data that is gathered by these organizations which establish very strict platform policies that then bring in money from the users' interactions. The internet is viewed as open and in a very broad way democratic, which then offers social economic disparities to reinforce by that exact concept of power, this allows a small number of firms to dominate the online space. Although technically speaking everyone has power online due to the fact that they run their own platforms there is still a strong hierarchy. Online platforms tend to have specific content in favor due to mainly only financial gain. With this comes the marginalization or stifling of the voices of others which brings in a representation of the hierarchical structure within the social media world. The internet as a broad is reflecting as Fuch states, “real world power structures” where political and economic power justify knowledge and communication. 

Reference: Fuchs, C. (2014). Social media: A critical introduction. SAGE Publications.

4. What are the effects of social media's absence of user data ownership and management for online businesses?

In "Social Media: A Critical Introduction," explains that the lack of users owning and controlling personal data on social media platforms, is greatly affecting and overpowering internet companies. This form of dynamic brings in power which allows these companies to bring in and generate enough profits through targeted advertising and data sales. This is done while they leverage detailed use information to be able to attract advertisers. The immense amount of personal data allows there to be many advancements within the surveillance capabilities allowing them to monitor and analyze user behavior. Data control makes power imbalances which limits users privacy while making the computers influence greater and more prominent over information dissemination. This correlates to the class discussion where we spoke of the power dynamic this has that correlates to democratic processes where data manipulation can potentially influence public opinion and even elections. (Fuchs,2014)

Reference: Fuchs, C. (2014). Social media: A critical introduction. SAGE Publications.

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Blog Post 8/30

Tell us about a time when technology didn't live up (to the hype) to it's promises.

I work at a hospital as a receptionist and I have to deal with a lot of technology. One time while checking a family of visitors in I was making sure everything was clear and there were visitors allowed in the patients room. Then I realized that this specific patient had asked for there to be exactly no visitors allowed in their room so I stopped in my tracks and made sure to check multiple times just to be 100% sure before disclosing the information to the visitors. When I let the family know they full on just got mad at me and started arguing with me about how the patient had just called them and told them to come visit. The thing is, when a patient has restrictions it's always for a reason, and we have to follow those restrictions given to us due to horrible things that could happen, we really don't take them lightly. So the family, my manager, and I went back and forth for a good 15 minutes while I tried calling floors, nurses stations, security and reloading the computers. When not soon enough later when I was on the verge of a breakdown because of so many people arguing and yelling at me I reloaded the screen once again and looked through our patients and the information. Turns out the patient the family was trying to visit had the exact same name as another patient with a no visitors restriction. We apologized to the family and made everything clear and let them into go visit the patient. Technology definitely did not live up to its promises in this embarrassingly stressful moment.

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