alannah-digitalcommunities - Tumblr blog

alannah-digitalcommunities · 4 years ago

Text

Week 10: Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

This week's topic surrounded Digital Citizenship and how particular practices govern conflict within social media. The role of regulations in social media was also delineated; constituting bullying, trolling and hating. Lastly, we reviewed some legal remedies to prevent online bullying. Digital citizenship regarding codes of practice in social media is a concept exemplified in one of the readings. Gleeson (2018, p. 3) approaches a form of bullying, called gaslighting, whilst presenting the notion that conflict isn't inevitable or always intended. Social media governance relative to regulations is progressing recognition of the effects of conflict.

What is bullying?

An ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying behaviour is repeated over time. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. ("Glossary", 2021)

What is cyberbullying?

Any repeated harassment, insults and humiliation that occurs through electronic mediums such as email, smartphones, social networking sites, instant messaging programs, chat rooms, web-sites and through the playing of online games. Cyberbullying is not one isolated nasty comment or post but a repeated action. ("Glossary", 2021)

‘The impact of Online Bullying’, TEDx talk linked below correlates to the reading previously discussed as a social activist, Anoushka, depicts a prospect on codes and practice as she stands up to online bullying, racism, and so on.

youtube

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3gAWFuab90

Bullying/harassment on social media platforms:

Social media postings can be against the law if they discriminate against, harass, bully or racially vilify a person.

Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another person because of a particular attribute they have. Harassment or bullying can amount to discrimination in some circumstances.

Inappropriate posts, comments or content shared on social media can amount to sexual harassment.

("Social Media | Australian Human Rights Commission", 2021)

59% of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online, and a similar share says it's a major problem for people their age. At the same time, teens mostly think teachers, social media companies and politicians are failing at addressing this issue. ("A Majority of Teens Have Experienced Some Form of Cyberbullying", 2018)

Image source: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/09/27/a-majority-of-teens-have-experienced-some-form-of-cyberbullying/

Name-calling and rumour-spreading are some of the most common forms of bullying and is what a majority of adolescents have to go through in life. Due to the proliferation of smartphones, "the rise of social media has transformed where, when and how bullying takes place." A Pew Research Center survey reveals that 59% of U.S. teens have personally experienced at least one of six types of abusive online behaviours. About "42% of teens say they have been called offensive names online or via their cellphone and about a third (32%) of teens say someone has spread false rumours about them on the internet." (Monica Anderson 2018).

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=cyberbullying&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916&sxsrf=ALeKk01j211nLDPTViDLrXoEKvj2D4tGPg:1622026616497&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiDi6uCmOfwAhWw6XMBHbf0Cz8Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1434&bih=748#imgrc=8ai8yl-NRpNVfM

Image source: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/09/27/a-majority-of-teens-have-experienced-some-form-of-cyberbullying/

What can be done to prevent online bullying?

Legal Regulations:

In Australia there is no single piece of legislation against bullying or online abuse However a number of acts offer protection including:

Criminal Code Act 1995 (eg using a carriage service to make a threat; using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence); The Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) workplace bulling

Enhancing Online Safety Act 2015 Online Safety Bill 2021 currently before parliament. Not yet passed into law

Humour to raise awareness:

(Comedians)

Hannah Gadsby is an Australian comedian, writer, actress and television presenter.

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=Hannah+Gadsby&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916&sxsrf=ALeKk00m2N8eGD4dWfVodbOlcDZa155OVQ:1622025801289&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=3br7rUamsuvTWM%252CpFmeRg3iUIJmfM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kTbJIMpzDDejIqUEknPV5fY-GhJFQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjF4s79lOfwAhWAzjgGHZm4CwUQ_h16BAgiEAE#imgrc=3br7rUamsuvTWM

Amy Schumer is an American stand-up comedian and actress.

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=amy+schumer+stand+up&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwj764vHlefwAhVIJLcAHVPCDdoQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=amy+schumer+st&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQARgAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADoECAAQQ1CUG1iWHmDWJmgAcAB4AIABkgGIAZ8DkgEDMC4zmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=4yauYLvuFsjI3LUP04S30A0&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916#imgrc=Stdr1SrWaVxjiM

References:

Social Media | Australian Human Rights Commission. Humanrights.gov.au. (2021). Retrieved 26 May 2021, from https://humanrights.gov.au/quick-guide/12098.

Glossary. Digitalcitizenship.nsw.edu.au. (2021). Retrieved 26 May 2021, from https://www.digitalcitizenship.nsw.edu.au/glossary.

Gleeson, J. 2018, ‘Explainer: What does ‘gaslighting’ mean?’, The Conversation, pp. 1-4. Retrieved 26 May 2021, <https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-gaslighting-mean-107888>.

#digitalcitizenship #conflict #socialmedia #bullying #cyberbullying #discrimination #racism #activism #regulation #platforms #community #inclusion

0 notes

alannah-digitalcommunities · 4 years ago

Text

Week 9: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

The centre of this week's topic concernered the Slow Fashion movement, Digital Citizenship and Social Media Influencers, and how they promote sustainability within the fashion industry. Activism, digital ethics and sustainability are some of the primary notions epitomised in one of the main readings for this week. Author Zhen L signifies the importance of "environmental, social and economic responsibility", and "how it should not be unique [to sell] propositions, but rather the norm within the fashion industry." (Zhen, L., et al. 2017, p. 15). Digital ethics and responsibilities affected by ‘slow fashion’ communications empower digital citizens to steer away from the fast fashion industry due to ethical, economical and environmental reasons. Furthermore, it enables individuals to live a more sustainable lifestyle to partake in a sustainable and eco-aware society.

What is slow fashion movement?

Slow fashion is the widespread reaction to fast fashion. It’s thoughtful, intentional, and holistic. It’s also an argument for hitting the brakes on excessive production, overcomplicated supply chains, and mindless consumption. (Stanton, 2021)

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=slow+fashion&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916&sxsrf=ALeKk00XFGsQj1CeBlNr_Lj2hyBi_i_VhQ:1621937271835&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiq1L2Xy-TwAhVZ7nMBHbrDAA8Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1434&bih=748#imgrc=mvo3CTdtIgS5mM

“Seventy-five percent of fashion supply chain material ends up in landfills. This amounts to ‘the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles per second.’” ("Pulse of the fashion industry 2019 — GLOBAL FASHION AGENDA", 2019)

The term 'Slow Fashion' was first neologized by author, design activist, and professor Kate Fletcher. Kate defines slow fashion as "quality-based rather than time-based." Other slow fashion pathfinders note that the movement promotes slower production, consolidates sustainability with ethics, and sequentially urges consumers to invest in well-made and lasting clothes.

The environmental and economic impact of fast fashion vs slow fashion

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=fast+fashion+vs+slow+fashion&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916&sxsrf=ALeKk00DbSa9oDgeobvyZ0s4OEwoCYA4dg:1621946105959&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=1E1fMOHhtPbfaM%252CJn2Zk-OcAiNfUM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kR-iFUzq4je-5kuIuNQqCgE0ZNrqw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiN3PWL7OTwAhUX73MBHdhUCysQ_h16BAgLEAE#imgrc=1E1fMOHhtPbfaM

youtube

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKPB0uW4cto&t=1s

How to use your voice and push back against fast fashion:

Part of the support for the slow fashion movement involves activism against fast fashion. In reality, if brands don’t hear from customers, they have no reason to switch their supply chains. So, to use your voice and help stop fashion you can:

Use social media platforms and ask fast fashion brands about production practices.

You can write to brands, too via email!

Some questions you can ask is:

1. How do you package and ship your garments?

2. Does your brand give back or support any social initiatives?

3. Where do you source your textile materials?

4. Could you provide a transparent breakdown of your supply chain?

5. Do you have a third party to conduct regular audits of your factories?

What else can I do to contribute to the slow fashion movement?

- Buy secondhand & vintage clothing

- Avoid fast fashion brands

- Repair, redesign & up-cycle

- Rent, Lease & Swap

- Buy higher quality items with sustainable material as they tend to last longer.

Here are some of the fashion influencers on social media who promote slow fashion:

1. Kathleen Elie - @consciousnchic (Micro-Influencer)

https://www.instagram.com/consciousnchic/?hl=en

Kathleen, aka Kat, has been blogging since 2009. She is a pioneer when it comes to speaking about ethical fashion.

Image source: https://goodonyou.eco/sustainable-fashion-influencers-to-follow-in-2020/

2. Marielle Elizabeth - @marielle.elizabeth (Micro-Influencer)

Marielle is another influencer example who promotes sustainable fashion. She advocate “slow fashion on a plus size body” with her hashtag #slowfashionforall. Marielle’s Instagram feed is full of body positivity and inclusive photography, whilst still supporting and promoting slow fashion brands.

Image source: https://goodonyou.eco/sustainable-fashion-influencers-to-follow-in-2020/

3. Céline Semaan - @celinecelines (Micro-Influencer)

Image source: https://goodonyou.eco/sustainable-fashion-influencers-to-follow-in-2020/

Céline Semaan is another influencer who promotes slow fashion. She’s a sustainable and ethical fashion veteran, designer, advocate, writer and founder of Slow Factory (a design lab working with companies to research and implement sustainability-focused initiatives, from waste recovery to software to manufacturing). ("Sustainable Fashion Influencers to Follow in 2020", 2020) She writes for popular magazines and articles, including The Cut, Elle, Refinery29, Huffington Post, among others.

https://www.instagram.com/celinecelines/?hl=en

4. Big Sister Swap @bigsisterswap (Micro-influencer)

https://www.instagram.com/bigsisterswap/?hl=en

Big Sister Swap is the world's only online personalised Swapping service, letting you send in your unwanted clothes and receive handpicked preloved clothes in return. ("About us", n.d.)

5. Jessica Stein - @tuulavintage (Mega-influencer)

https://www.instagram.com/tuulavintage/

Jessica Stein actively supports sustainable brands on Instagram that are plant-dyed and ethically dyed labels like Auguste The Label and Yöli&Otis while taking pictures of them in exotic locations (Garnsworthy 2018).

References:

Stanton, A. (2021). What Does Slow Fashion Actually Mean?. Retrieved 25 May 2021, from https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/what-is-slow-fashion#:~:text=Slow%20fashion%20is%20the%20widespread%20reaction%20to%20fast%20fashion.&text=She%20defines%20slow%20fashion%20as,well%2Dmade%20and%20lasting%20clothes.

Pulse of the fashion industry 2019 — GLOBAL FASHION AGENDA. (2019). Retrieved 25 May 2021, from https://globalfashionagenda.com/initiatives/pulse/

Sustainable Fashion Influencers to Follow in 2020. (2020). Retrieved 25 May 2021, from https://goodonyou.eco/sustainable-fashion-influencers-to-follow-in-2020/

Kowalski, K 2019, What is Slow Fashion (vs Ethical & Sustainable Fashion)?, Retrieved 25 May, 2021, <https://www.sloww.co/slow-fashion-101/>.

Garnsworthy, J 2018, Meet the Influencers Leading the Slow Fashion Movement, Retrieved 25 May, 2021, <https://stylecaster.com/slow-fashion-influencers/>.

Zhen, L., Claudia, H., & Panayiota, A. 2017, ‘An exploration of Consumers’ Perceptions Towards Sustainable Fashion – A Qualitative Study in the UK’, Sustainability in Fashion A Cradle to Upcycle Approach, Palgrave.

#slowfashion #slowfashionmovement #fastfashion #digitalcitizenship #environment #economy #fashion #socialmedia #influencers #megainfluencer #microinfluencer #macroinfluencer

0 notes

alannah-digitalcommunities · 4 years ago

Text

Week 8: Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming

For this week, we examined the role of ‘social games’ and emerging threads correlated to digital communities, including game culture, social communities and networked broadcasting, which is a notion that Taylor TL (2018, p. 10) discusses in one of the readings. Despite the fixation of game live streaming in this reading, Taylor also addresses the concepts of technology, culture, and media, specifically Youtube. Concerning YouTube, "there are increasing forms of algorithmic regulation that monitor content and take often-contested action against particular channels." Taylor TL (2018, p. 10). Lastly, game live streaming is part of a tremendous change happening within the media industries.

What is Gaming Communities?

A community is a group of people who share a common interest (Dictionary.com). Furthermore, gaming communities are a group of people who share their interest in gaming. Gaming communities are not only about playing games but more so people who like to watch people playing games as entertainment, they are the people who have a common interest in video games (Button 2019).

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=gaming+tumblr+&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwif9YLBh-fwAhUWB7cAHReEBjgQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=gaming+tumblr+&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzICCAAyAggAMgQIABAeMgQIABAeMgYIABAFEB4yBggAEAUQHjIGCAAQCBAeMgYIABAIEB4yBggAEAgQHjIGCAAQCBAeOgUIABCxA1DQO1isRWCBWmgAcAB4AIABmgGIAegHkgEDMC43mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=KBiuYJ_BIZaO3LUPl4iawAM&bih=748&biw=1434&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916#imgrc=uvpQI091D4yrIM

Some popular games include:

Grand Theft Auto (GTA)

Call of Duty

Fornite

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=Fortnite&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916&sxsrf=ALeKk01nqfbiF2U6SITnGvbLfzU-3fQLxA:1622018278426&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=nUhZvb0DFwRv8M%252CdzIHm0_LxkL4IM%252C%252Fm%252F0k9bc90&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQ-EjhsHgKfSd0YabDXon_MC0rnOQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjAz7f6-ObwAhXv4jgGHQW9Dx0Q_B16BAhjEAE#imgrc=dijUSOEC_h-8fM

Minecraft

The constructive and dissentient sides to gaming:

Gaming can either be perceived as a positive or a dangerous thing. For this week's post, I am going to discuss both sides of gaming, including how it has negatively and positively impacted people's lives, including my own.

Let’s start with the affirmative sides to gaming...

The social aspect of gaming:

Video games and gameplay, in general, are prevalent in the lives of most teenagers, particularly boys ("84% of boys, compared with 59% of girls") Playing video games have been proven to serve as an influential place for the making and maintenance of friendships. According to research, "72% of all teens play video games on a computer, game console or portable device like a cellphone, and 81% of teens have or have access to a game console." ("Video Games, Teen Boys and Building Social Skills and Friendships", 2015)

Image source: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/08/06/chapter-3-video-games-are-key-elements-in-friendships-for-many-boys/

Video gaming and internet technology have vastly shifted over the past two decades. Decades-ago gamers had to be in the same room to play games with their friends, but in saying this, with innovations in the gaming and design world, platforms have advanced the opportunities to interact and socialize while playing. These adaptions have enabled gamers to play games with other players in person (83%) and online (75%). This includes gamers playing with friends they know in person (89%), friends they know only online (54%), and online with others who are not friends (52%). With these abilities, teens have enhanced opportunities to socialise and spend time with friends and other gamers in more meaningful ways.

Image source: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/08/06/chapter-3-video-games-are-key-elements-in-friendships-for-many-boys/

What is Live Streaming?

Live streaming is watching, creating and sharing video in real-time, unlike pre-recorded videos that can be edited, live streaming is broadcasting anything that is happening at the time, so it is uncensored (Think U Know). In the gaming world, some people enjoy watching people playing games and vice versa. That is why live streaming platforms for gaming are so popular. The most popular game streaming platform is Twitch (Mohanty 2019).

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=twitch+&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwirz5vHh-fwAhVcK7cAHQZvD40Q2-cCegQIABAA&oq=twitch+&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIECAAQQzIHCAAQsQMQQzIECAAQQzIECAAQQzIHCAAQsQMQQzIECAAQQzIECAAQQzIECAAQQzIECAAQQzIECAAQQzoECCMQJzoCCAA6BQgAELEDUMCRBVi_mQVglJsFaABwAHgAgAHuAYgB6QiSAQUwLjYuMZgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=NRiuYOvgINzW3LUPht696Ag&bih=748&biw=1434&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916#imgrc=GcTnk6iecQcmzM&imgdii=O9ogdKEX2pthIM

Despite making money from playing games all day and live-streaming, some people have truly found happiness and joy through the live-streaming app, Twitch, such as this Reddit user 'lilkhaleesi'.

Original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Twitch/comments/84biu8/twitch_has_changed_my_life_for_the_better/

Personally, my experience with gaming has been more affirmative than negative, particularly due to the social aspect of playing video games. When the world went into lockdown and staying at home was mandatory, I turned to video games as a temporary solution to interact with my friends who also played the same games as me. I also watched a lot of gamers live stream on Twitch as it it is entertaining to me. Gaming with friends and watching other gamers play and live stream certainly increased my social and mental health and wellbeing as I was not only communicating with friends through my gaming mic, but gaming also distracted from all the negativity going around in the world.

The toxic side of gaming...

Gaming and its link to poor health and mental health:

According to The World Health Organization (WHO), there are deadly disadvantages to playing video games.

Negatives to gaming include:

Behavioural and mental changes: Children who spend hours gaming may become violent, introverted and unsocial in the real world.

Ignoring or not prioritising responsibilities or interests over game time

Continuing to play games despite the negative impact it may have

Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns

Declining grades or difficulty in school

Can lead to social isolation

Poor time management skills

Weight gain, a result of gamers lethargic nature and spending too much time sitting and gaming.

Lack of other hobbies and poor academic performance. Although gaming is a hobby, spending too much time playing video games will deprive people of learning new things and playing outside. They can also get into a habit of sacrificing other things that are sometimes more important than gaming, like studying, playing sports, socialising, etc.

Addiction; is a huge one that I am guilty of myself. Gaming addiction can slow down brain growth and can negatively affect eyesight and result in Insomnia in bad cases. These are all results from playing video games for hours every day...

Addiction has numerous forms, gaming is not the only one. Addiction can also be the overconsumption of social media. The disadvantages of video gaming can easily be defeated if we teach ourselves and others moderation and the importance of other things in life.

On the Good Morning show, one parent spoke of their child becoming more aggressive and socializing less as they played more. ("15 biggest Fortnite controversies that shocked players (maybe)", 2018)

“Sexual predators and other bad actors have found an easy access point into the lives of young people: They are meeting them online through multiplayer video games and chat apps, making virtual connections right in their victims’ homes… Reports of abuse are emerging with unprecedented frequency around the country, with some perpetrators grooming hundreds and even thousands of victims, according to a review of prosecutions, court records, law enforcement reports and academic studies.” (Bowles & Keller, n.d.)

References:

A short guide to live streaming, Think U Know, Retrieved 25 May 2021, <https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/what-is-live-streaming/>.

Bowles, N., & Keller, M. Video Games and Online Chats Are ‘Hunting Grounds’ for Sexual Predators. Nytimes.com. Retrieved 26 May 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/07/us/video-games-child-sex-abuse.html?mtrref=undefined&gwh=926FF46DE61821E7D58048923B54D60E&gwt=regi&assetType=REGIWALL.

Button, C 2019, The Communities Working To Give Gamers A Good Name Again, Retrieved 25 May 2021, <https://junkee.com/building-communities-around-games-love/210839>.

Deadly disadvantages of video games recognized by WHO - Qriyo Blog. Qriyo Blog. (2017). Retrieved 26 May 2021, from https://www.qriyo.com/blog/deadliest-disadvantages-of-video-games-who/.

Definition of community | Dictionary.com, Retrieved 25 May 2021, <https://www.dictionary.com/browse/community>.

How To Make Money On Twitch: Everything You Need To Know, Consulting, 25 May 2021, <https://www.consulting.com/how-to-make-money-on-twitch>.

Taylor, TL. 2018, ‘Broadcast ourselves’ (chapter 1), Watch Me Play: Twitch and the Rise of Game Live Streaming, Princeton University Press, pp. 1 – 23.

The Most Popular Twitch Streamers, May 2021. Twitchmetrics.net. (2021). Retrieved 26 May 2021, from https://www.twitchmetrics.net/channels/popularity.

Video Games, Teen Boys and Building Social Skills and Friendships. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. (2015). Retrieved 26 May 2021, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/08/06/chapter-3-video-games-are-key-elements-in-friendships-for-many-boys/.

2021 Negative Effects of Video Games Parent Guide. (2021). [Image]. Retrieved 26 May 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaBbPfWhKKQ.

Watch Me Play. (2018). Retrieved 26 May 2021, from.

15 biggest Fortnite controversies that shocked players (maybe). Gaming Bolt. (2018). Retrieved 26 May 2021, from https://gamingbolt.com/15-biggest-fortnite-controversies-that-shocked-players-maybe.

SOCIAL GAMING: IT’S BIGGER THAN YOU THINK. The Drop. (2017). Retrieved 26 May 2021, from https://the-drop.com.au/social-gaming-its-bigger-than-you-think/.

#gaming #livestreaming #streaming #socialgaming #twitch #fortnite #apexlegends #xbox #playstation #pc #broadcasting #internet #streamers #algorithms

0 notes

alannah-digitalcommunities · 4 years ago

Text

Week 7: Face Filters

In this week's post, I am going to divulge the reality of face filters within the social media landscape, and how filtering is associated with a digital embodiment, beauty standards and pressures ingrained in societies culture. For this week, we exemplified the effect that face filters have on ethical digital citizenship, an individual's self-worth, body image, and in some cases, how it can result in 'Digitised Dysmorphia'. In one of the readings, Coy-Dibley (2016, p. 5) addresses the reality in which digitised cultures are similar to online beauty fixation, which in most cases, woefully results in 'Digitised Dysmorphia' and surgery.

What is Face Filtering?

AR “face filters” — a mask-like augmented reality that adds virtual objects to an individual's face—have become wildly popular on Instagram, Snapchat, and even video calling on FaceTime. ... Often seen as play, AR face filters can provide an engaging and personal art experience. ("Face Filters for Instagram and Snapchat Are the New Frontier of Surrealist Art", 2019)

How do face filters work?

They detect an image of a face and superimpose virtual elements onto that face via AR. As the subject turns their head or makes different facial expressions, they activate the AR experience.

“Mask Off” by Jon Han. The filter pictured removes a user’s face, revealing a new identity underneath

Popular face filtering apps:

1. Facetune

Facetune is a photo editing application used to edit, enhance, and retouch photos on a user’s iOS or Android device created by Lightricks. The app is often used for portrait and selfie editing.

“The massively popular photo-editing app Facetune is driving a generation of young women to extreme and obsessive lengths to look flawless online.” ("Selfies, Surgeries And Self-Loathing: Inside The Facetune Epidemic", 2021)

Before and After example from Facetune:

^ As you can see in the above image that on the left is a woman’s face with no filter and no makeup and on the right, her face in FaceTune with bigger lips, a smaller, straighter nose, and zero blemishes in sight.

From using the “Reshape” tool to cinch in your waist and give yourself a breast lift or even make your butt rounder, Facetune has many options to chose from to alter your appearance. It is addicting and can become an obsession for many. Some people even purchase the paid version of the app to have access to “more technical tweaks”, like individually repositioning your eyebrows and narrowing the tip of your nose.

According to Facetune user, Sky Lane, “It can get super obsessive because the second I take a photo I feel like I need to Facetune it,” “Now I’ll be like, ‘Oh my God, I’m chubby, but I can fix that.’” ("Selfies, Surgeries And Self-Loathing: Inside The Facetune Epidemic", 2021). Facetune makes it harder for people to love themselves, but at least they can love their edited photo, right?

Sky Lane’s Facetune image that she uploaded to Instagram:

2. Photoshop Fix

Photoshop Fix is not as easy to use as some of the other apps but it’s well worth learning. It includes a large range of photo retouching tools. The Lighten tool is great for teeth whitening and you can use the Smooth tool to even out skin. (Hermans, 2021)

The Healing brush will correct spots and blemishes quickly without effort. The standout feature is the Liquify tool, which allows you to make adjustments to facial features. (Hermans, 2021)

Why do people use filters?

Filters could prime us for biometric observation. (Rettberg 2017)

They have the potential to change self-perception on a mass scale.

They also offer us the ability to positively explore identity through digital dis/embodiment.

How Does Social Media Affect Beauty Standards and Mental Health?

Face filtering has been around for decades now, however with spending more time than ever on social media due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the face-tuning epidemic has only accelerated... There are only consequences to using face filters.

The pervasiveness of these filtered and manipulated images can seriously affect a person's self-esteem. Using these beautification filters can have severe consequences; they not only make you feel bad that you are not in the real world, but can also lead to digitised dysmorphia. They affect both self-image and self-esteem.

Believe it or not, the filters that are causing the most harm are those which alter facial features such as having larger eyes, blurred skin or bigger lips. It may not sound extreme, but perversely, it can lead us to believe a false sense of reality.

https://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/athena/files/2021/05/18/60a40b5ee4b014bd0cb1ddc0.mp4

What is Digitised Dysmorphia?

Digitised Dysmorphia (Coy-Dibley 2016) is theory that helps us understanding the pressure placed on women to alter the digital image.

Digitised Dysmorphia is on a spectrum with BDD, but differs for two reasons:

- It is not a medical condition but a ��socially constructed condition that is enabled by digital technology.”

- It is not inherently negative, and there is potential for positive uses of beauty technology.

Face Filtering and their link to Digitised Dysmorphia:

Woefully, for those obsessed and addicted individuals who use face filtering for every one of their images, their digital selves are the only version people see of them. And unfortunately for many, they can’t distinguish between their virtual persona with their reality which is a result of body dysmorphia. Dysmorphia at the extremes defies basic human psychology with an increase in unattainable beauty standards.

From FaceTune to Surgeries:

According to Huffpost, a teenager got her first Botox and lip fillers as a junior in college. That same year, she brought a Facetuned photo of her nose to her surgeon to turn it into a reality.

Facetune isn’t just a planning tool for people who are already considering cosmetic surgery. A study published last year by Dr. Michael Reilly revealed that “using Facetune actually instills and increases people’s desire to go under the knife”. ("Digital Appearance Manipulation Increases Consideration of Cosmetic Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study", 2021)

YouTube video link about a teenager girl getting a nose job based on a facetuned photo of her nose: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D5ZOpLpSNW6c&psig=AOvVaw17OSXBQYTL53-RQMD1BNSR&ust=1621946791186000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA0QjhxqFwoTCJDl9-ms4vACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

Are there any positives to using Face Filters?

Despite the dangers of face filtering, I personally believe that there are benefits concerning creativity. And I'm not the only one who agrees... According to an article, "Face Filters for Instagram and Snapchat Are the New Frontier of Surrealist Art". Jessica Herrington says, "By making AR filters, artists are creating tools. Instead of creating a singular experience, an individual with access to AR face filters is able to express, collaborate, and share multiple versions of themselves at any time. This way of producing and sharing multiple selves on such a massive scale is completely new in the history of art creation." ("Face Filters for Instagram and Snapchat Are the New Frontier of Surrealist Art", 2021).

Examples of Face Filtering used as AR Art:

“Badland” by Johanna Jaskowska. The filter places red lighting over the user’s eyes acting as a mask.

“Love Machine” by Marc Wakefield. The user’s face is opened to reveal a robotic skull underneath.

“Beauty 3000” by Johanna Jaskowska. The filter pictured applies a shiny, luminescent skin to a user’s face.

References:

Selfies, Surgeries And Self-Loathing: Inside The Facetune Epidemic. (2021). Retrieved 24 May 2021, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/facetune-selfies-surgeries-body-dysmorphia_n_60926a11e4b0b9042d989d48

Coy-Dibley, I. 2016 “Digitized Dysmorphia” of the female body: the re/disfigurement of the image, Palgrave Communications, vol. 2, 16040, Retrieved 24 May 2021, <https://doi.org/10.1057/palcomms.2016.40>.

Face Filters for Instagram and Snapchat Are the New Frontier of Surrealist Art. (2019). Retrieved 24 May 2021, from https://onezero.medium.com/the-power-of-face-filters-as-augmented-reality-art-for-the-masses-65a95fb4a577#:~:text=AR%20%E2%80%9Cface%20filters%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%94%20a,even%20video%20calling%20on%20FaceTime.&text=Often%20seen%20as%20play%2C%20AR,engaging%20and%20personal%20art%20experience.

Hermans, J. (2021). 7 Best Photo Retouching Apps for Smartphone Portraits 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021, from https://expertphotography.com/photo-retouching-apps/

Digital Appearance Manipulation Increases Consideration of Cosmetic Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study. (2021). Retrieved 24 May 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32503384/

(2021). Retrieved 24 May 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26469879/

#facefilters #filtering #beauty #instagram #socialmedia #dysmorphia #bodydsymorphia #digitiseddysmorphia #plasticsurgery #nosejob

4 notes · View notes

alannah-digitalcommunities · 4 years ago

Text

Week 6: Digital Citizenship and Health Education - Body modification on Visual Social Media

This week we reviewed the topic of ‘Digital Citizenship and Health Education, specifically body modification and Aesthetic Templates on Social Media. Body modification is a form of 'Aesthetic Templates' on Instagram and was a term I discovered in one of the readings. This particular reading exemplifies the idea that people interested in body modification are "shopping" for aesthetic templates. Aesthetic templates were essentially created by microcelebrities and are universally popular throughout social media, especially Instagram. You may know microcelebrities as social media influencers and/or models who promote products to their followers and fans for commercial gain.

What is visual social media?

Visual social media is a form of marketing and is the practice of using video, images and other visual content (like infographics) to help your messages stand out from the noise and clutter to more effectively reach your audience. It's a system that's worth adopting. ("What Is Visual Social Media Marketing (And How Does It Raise Engagement)? [INFOGRAPHIC]", 2021)

What is public health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines public health as “the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society.” ("Public health services", n.d.)

How social media affects public health:

Social media has become a cost-effective way for the public health practice to inform audiences of health issues, enhance communication during public health emergencies or outbreaks, and respond to public reporting of a particular public health issue. ("Social Media in Public Health: Strategies to Distill, Package, and Disseminate Public Health Research", 2020).

Public Health’s role in the pandemic:

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, public health organisations have made good use of social media to inform the public about the disease and help individuals globally control the spread of the virus. With technology always evolving, digital technologies such as IOS apps have become more advanced and influential in the past decade, but more so since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since week one of this Digital Communities unit, I have concluded that Social Media is influential in many ways; from being a tool for political communication and engagement, to spreading awareness and promoting activism, evolving social movements in our society, and now in week 6, a device to inform the public about health.

I use social media every day, for fun and to socialise but also for educational purposes. Something I appreciate a lot about engaging with social media is interacting with news and information concerning public health and health in general. There are a few apps I use but the one that comes to mind that has been especially useful is the COVIDSafe app. This app was mainly helpful last year during the pandemic's peak and I don't use it anymore as there hasn't been any active covid cases where I live. "The COVIDSafe app is a tool that helps identify people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps us support and protect you, your friends and family." Without the help of technology, finding close contacts relies on people: being able to recall everyone they have been in close contact with and knowing their contact details. ("COVIDSafe app", 2020)

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app#

Effective Public Health Social Media Campaigns

According to current statistics, there are 2271 million people use Facebook, 326 million Twitter, 1000 million Instagram and 287 million use Snapchat. ("The World's Best Public Health Social Media Campaigns - Bang The Table", n.d.). As a result, public health campaigns increasingly compete for people’s attention and seek to influence their behaviour through these social media channels. But this requires continually adapting to trends.

#Loveyourcervix Campaign

The objective for the #loveyourcervix campaign is to make young women who may feel embarrassed about the appearance of their vulva not embarrassed as a lot of young women avoid having a cervical screening for that reason. The campaign is intended to promote body positivity and remind women “that smear takers have seen hundreds of vulvas!” Women that attend for cervical screening when they are first invited aged 25 are more likely to attend in the future, significantly reducing their risk of developing cervical cancer." (Public Health Wales).

Mental health related campaigns

Mental health has become a popular subject for social media campaigns. More and more people are willing and wanting to be open and share their personal experiences with the world on their social media pages. Individuals also want to get involved in tackling the stigma associated with talking about mental health.

#HereForYou Campaign (Instagram)

A one-minute campaign video featured three Instagram users talking about their past struggles with eating disorders, depression and suicidal thoughts.

youtube

Man Therapy Campaign

Another campaign that promotes mental health is the Man Therapy campaign. It is based in Colorado, USA and is aimed at working-aged men (24-54 years old) who account for the largest number of suicide deaths in the U.S. These men are also the least likely to receive any kind of support. They don't talk about it with their friends. They don't share with their family. And they sure as heck don't seek professional treatment. They are the victims of problematic thinking that says mental health disorders are unmanly signs of weakness. ("Man Therapy | Men's Mental Health Resources", n.d.).

The campaign features a fictional character named Rich Mahogany, who provides “manly mental health tips” in humorous videos. The Men Therapy campaign was also created to counter the myth that strong men don’t need to reach out for help.

Body modification on Visual Social Media

Aesthetic templates and Aesthetic Labour

‘Aesthetic templates’ refer to: poses, accessories, props or body work.

Aesthetic templates are linked to digital influencer brands that often promote unhealthy body image ideals.

Aesthetic Labour:

In workplace settings, workers enact aesthetic labour by embodying attributes that will resonate with customers for commercial benefit (Dean, 2005; Witz, Warhurst & Nickson, 2003)

Examples of Aesthetic Labour include:

- Smiling with sincerity

- Dressing in a suit and tie

- Using particular body language and hand gestures

As you can see in the image below of this model, she is not only using body language and hand gestures to demonstrate bodywork and aesthetic labour, but she’s also smiling with sincerity as she promotes a Bondi Boost product.

These images of these Instagram influencers/models also depict bodywork through a range of behaviours that alter their physical appearance; either online, through editing or physically in the offline world. Bodywork is evident in these influencer's photos as these women have all used body language and angles to make their bodies appear a certain way in which helps them gain attention from their viewers.

Pornification

Pornification emphasises heteronormative standards of beauty and sexuality.

It has become normalised within western societies to display sexuality that reflects the aesthetics of commercial pornography (Tyler & Quek, 2016; Lynch, 2012; Drenten & Gurrieri, 2019)

Pornification is about portraying a heteronormative display of sexuality or 'porn chic' aesthetic oriented towards a male audience (Drenten & Gurrieri, 2019)

For social media users, selfies are often the result of work understood as sexualised labour (Drenten & Gurrieri, 2019)

Imagery like these is only a few examples of what my Instagram feed is flooded with. Highly sexualised images like these are shaping 'influence' on social media platforms, especially on Instagram. The main reason that influencers are posting content like this, posed and with barely any clothes on is because these kinds of images help them gain the most amount of attention and following. The body plays a pivotal role in influencers' posts, and one of the easiest ways for women to gain attention on social media is through a highly sexualised aesthetic, which is increasingly pornified. These women tend to conform to stringent standards of attractiveness and femininity for attention gain.

Here is an example of an influencer, Tammy Hembrow who uses the ‘aesthetic template’ to promote this "aminos & energy" product to her followers for commercial benefit. This pornified image is purely to grab her viewer's attention for a brand deal.

As you can see in the image above of Tammy Hembrow, she is posing in a way that highlight her lower body through body language, to accentuate her curves.

Aesthetic Templates - Masculinity:

Despite all this focus on women being pornified, pornification is also relevant to men but the reasons differ...

Whilst women tend to focus on accentuating their curves through body language, men are also exposed for provocative poses, but this is mainly enacted by gay men. The underlying difference is that men aren’t nearly as popular as women when it comes to gaining attention on social media for their pornified poses.

Implications for Public Health:

Some public health campaigns promote aesthetic templates to promote body image ideals. This advertisement by Protein World presents a female model in her bikini, accompanying writing that states, “Are you beach body ready?” The ad implies that women have to have that body type, a body that society depicts as "perfect", then you're not "beach ready". This ad is not only offensive and promotes body-shaming, but it’s also encouraging poor self-esteem and body image, especially for younger women who are most likely already feeling too insecure to go to the beach.

The original – Protein World’s body-shaming advia aol.com

This ad is another dangerous example that can have serious effects on the self-esteem of women and girls worldwide.

Victoria’s Secret: ‘Perfect’ via theodysseyonline.com

These advertisements and public ‘health campaigns’ are also linked to Body Dysmorphia (BDD) and Identity Dissonance due to individuals comparing themselves to “the perfect body” online, leading them to feel “distressed about a particular body part to the point where it interferes with daily life (Phillips, 2009).

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health disorder in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can't be seen by others. ("Body dysmorphic disorder - Symptoms and causes", n.d.)

TW: Suicide

.......................

Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common with body dysmorphic disorder. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away:

Call 000

Call a suicide hotline number - Lifeline: 13 11 14

Call your mental health professional.

Seek help from your primary care provider.

Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

References:

Public health services. Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/Health-systems/public-health-services/public-health-services

COVIDSafe app. (2020). Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app

The World's Best Public Health Social Media Campaigns - Bang The Table. Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.bangthetable.com/blog/public-health-social-media-campaigns/

Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://twitter.com/PublicHealthW/status/1105362789067968513

Man Therapy | Men's Mental Health Resources. Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://mantherapy.org/

#HereForYou. (2021). [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h-s9xUPvGA

Social Media in Public Health: Strategies to Distill, Package, and Disseminate Public Health Research. (2020). Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://journals.lww.com/jphmp/Fulltext/2020/09000/Social_Media_in_Public_Health__Strategies_to.14.aspx

How highly sexualised imagery is shaping ‘influence’ on Instagram - and harassment is rife. Retrieved 24 May 2021, from https://mumbrella.com.au/how-highly-sexualised-imagery-is-shaping-influence-on-instagram-and-harassment-is-rife-578396

Five ads that took body-shaming to a whole new level. (2016). Retrieved 24 May 2021, from https://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/31606/1/the-five-worst-examples-of-body-shaming-ads

Body dysmorphic disorder - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved 24 May 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938#:~:text=Body%20dysmorphic%20disorder%20is%20a,may%20avoid%20many%20social%20situations.

What Is Visual Social Media Marketing (And How Does It Raise Engagement)? [INFOGRAPHIC]. Adweek.com. (2021). Retrieved 27 May 2021, from https://www.adweek.com/performance-marketing/visual-social-marketing/#:~:text=Visual%20social%20media%20marketing%20is,a%20system%20that's%20worth%20adopting.

#publichealth #health #socialmedia #COVID #COVID19 #pandemic #bodyimage #aesthetic #masculinity #femininity #pornification

2 notes · View notes

alannah-digitalcommunities · 4 years ago

Text

Week 5: Digital Citizenship: Hashtag Publics and activism

From hashtag to change. #MeToo

The #MeToo hashtag is a global movement that has and continues to affect social change, organised primarily through social media. It is activism on women’s rights and gender-based violence. The phrase “Me Too” began in 2006 by Tarana Burke to raise awareness of women who had been abused.

Tarana Burke has stated that there are similarities between Black Lives Matter and Me Too. - "They're about fighting against injustice. Both movements are predicated on undoing systems of oppression."

Tarana says she feels like the deaths of black men in police custody still get more attention than black women - "not to diminish anything about those black men who unjustly lost their lives," she adds.

The prevailing movement piloted three years ago, provoked by accusations of sexual misconduct against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Staggering numbers of women from all around the world took to social media to unveil sexual harassment and assault across workplaces, governments, and campuses, issuing investigations and destroying high-profile men from positions of authority.

Weinstein was convicted in New York for his sexual assault charges and was sentenced to 23 years in prison which was seen nationally as a victory for the #MeToo movement.

Social movements have historically been critical in urging regimes to democratise. With today's digital age, political spaces are increasingly thriving, with new techniques and conversations, pledging powerful representation and more meaningful participation.

The hashtag #MeToo has rekindled the fire that supports gender equality, substantiated by the immense support of its citizens' engagement. The movement has encouraged activism from the streets to online communities and has made notable advances within the legal system.

References:

From hashtag to change: why #MeToo matters for democratic politics | International IDEA. Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.idea.int/news-media/news/hashtag-change-why-metoo-matters-democratic-politics

me too. Movement. Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://metoomvmt.org/

Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/05/08/metoo-around-the-world/

Me Too founder Tarana Burke: Movement is not over. Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-53269751

#MeToo #MeTooMovement #SexualViolence #SexualAssault #SocialMedia #BlackLivesMatter #harvey weinstein

0 notes

alannah-digitalcommunities · 4 years ago

Text

Week 5: What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, political engagement, activism and protesting

In this week’s notions of Digital Citizenship, Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism are explored, and the role of digital citizenship and political themes are examined. Digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level (Zook, 2021). Digital Citizenship also majorly contributes to citizens voices who are often marginalised to be heard in the public sphere, increasing exchange, engagement and political participation. A good digital citizen is a person with the skills and knowledge to effectively use digital technologies in a positive way to participate in society, communicate with others, and create and consume digital content (Office of the eSafety Commissioner, NSW Department of Education).

In one of the readings, media journalist, Dr Jackson, depicts the practices of digital citizen political participation in ‘Activism; Networks of Race and Gender Justice’ (at 8:50 onwards). Dr Jackson also explores the theory concerning hashtag activism networks and the use of Twitter and prevailing social media movements such as #metoo.

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=me+too+movement&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916&sxsrf=ALeKk036PBd5AdRHUuKU97gILpnp8k5i3g:1622120942621&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi06MS09-nwAhWawjgGHWIUCewQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1434&bih=748#imgrc=TgzJ-llJiSBWnM

What is activism and protesting?

According to Merriam-Webster (n.d.), the definition of activism is a doctrine or practise emphasising direct, punitive stance, notably in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial topic.

A protest (also called a demonstration, remonstration or remonstrance) is a public expression of objection, disapproval or dissent towards an idea or action, typically a political one. Protests can take many different forms, from individual statements to mass demonstrations. Protesters may organize a protest as a way of publicly making their opinions heard in an attempt to influence public opinion or government policy, or they may undertake direct action in an attempt to enact desired changes themselves. Where protests are part of a systematic and peaceful non violent campaign to achieve a particular objective, and involve the use of pressure as well as persuasion, they go beyond mere protest and may be better described as cases of civil resistance or nonviolent resistance. ("Protest - Wikipedia", n.d.)

Racial Injustice in America Movement

Black Lives Matter has sparked a hashtag, grass-roots organisations, and a collective of activists. #BlackLivesMatter

Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an international activist movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward black people. BLM regularly protests police killings of black people and broader issues of racial profiling, police brutality, and racial inequality in the United States criminal justice system. ("Black Lives Matter (BLM)", n.d.)

“#blacklivesmatter is a response to the dehumanization of black people. But it’s also a call to action.” - @aliciagarza #mediajustice

The Role of Social Media in Social Movements

Although racial injustices and police brutality have been going on for decades, social media has played an influential role in assisting in promulgating the prevalence of police brutality. Additionally, social media has helped protect public support for protesters' goals, a role that conventional media represented a half-century ago, according to the professor, Omar Wasow.

I unquestionably believe that the internet makes it easier to organise social movements today, as, without social media, there wouldn't be as many protests and protesters supporting black citizens.

White privilege has been symbolized throughout history, however, what comes to my mind when I think of white privilege is the juxtaposition of Colin Kaepernick, who kneeled silently in protest against systemic racism and police brutality during the national anthem, with Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, who kneeled on the neck of George Floyd, a black man, as he gasped for air. There were three other officers at the scene as Chauvin continued to press his knee on the back of George Floyd's neck for over eight minutes while onlookers pleaded with him to let him up. A video was taken by Darnella Frazier of George Floyd's last moments before he was killed, which circulated through social media. Since then, the video has formed an uprising and has influenced mass protests against police brutality and systemic racism which was largely organized online.

These videos that expose police brutality and racial injustices against African-Americans allow citizens and individuals to see a reality that has been "visible to some people and invisible to others" ("How Social Media Has Changed Civil Rights Protests", n.d.). As those injustices become evident, a significant shift ensues.

Since the George Floyd video, there have been many social media campaigns, including Blackout Tuesday. From documenting and sharing unedited images and videos of police violence to influencing juridical changes from local leaders. Social media has played an influential role in promoting and sustaining social movements that cannot be de-emphasised.

Social media and open access to the internet can be tools for positively participating in society, mobilising movements, and inciting social change. It also highlights the significance of maintaining an unrestricted, welcoming and democratic virtual space for many individuals all around the world.

References:

Zook, C. (2021). What Is Digital Citizenship & How Do You Teach It?. Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/what-is-digital-citizenship#:~:text=Digital%20citizenship%20refers%20to%20the,with%20society%20on%20any%20level.

Protest - Wikipedia. Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protest

Black Lives Matter (BLM). Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016241/

How Social Media Has Changed Civil Rights Protests. Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/technology/social-media-protests.html

#BLM #BlackLivesMatter #HumanRights #BlackLivesMovement #RacialInjustice #AfricanAmericanHistoryAndCulture #EconomicJustice #History

0 notes

alannah-digitalcommunities · 4 years ago

Text

Week 5: Digital citizenship and Political Engagement

Social Media as a Tool for Political Communication and Engagement:

This week's topic is 'Digital Citizenship - Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism'. I will be exploring the role of digital citizenship and discussing how politicians utilise social media as a tool to communicate and engage their audiences. Digital Citizenship essentially grants the power for copious voices to be heard in the public sphere, progressing conversation and engagement, which effectively increases discourse, which delineates groups and interests. There are various types of political communication and political media, according to Dr Francis Arackal (2015). The three main elements of political communication are ideology, propaganda and persuasion ("Social Media as a Tool for Political Communication", 2015). Digital citizenship can be defined as the participation of an online society or digital communities. In one of the readings, Vronmen, A. (2017, p. 2) scrutinised the notion of political participation, explained decision-makers and the correlation with citizens, and community groups values of politics and society.

Political propaganda, disinformation and lies:

While researching, I discovered that after the U.S. Capitol riot, Twitter permanently banned former President Donald Trump’s account “due to the risk of further incitement of violence.” Nate Rattner (2021). Following Trump's ban from using his preferred tool for public communication; Trump left behind 88 million followers, 16,000 now-deleted tweets while in office, and "a legacy of spreading disinformation and distrust on the platform", according to Rattner.

According to a CNBC analysis, the research found that Trump's most popular tweets on Twitter during his presidency were fake and full of propaganda. "Of Trump’s 10 most popular tweets, four contained false claims related to the 2020 election results. Of his 100 most popular posts, 36 contained election-related falsehoods." ("Trump’s election lies were among his most popular tweets", 2021). Ultimately, Trump's primary use of Twitter has been to spread propaganda and manipulate public opinion.

References:

Social Media as a Tool for Political Communication. (2015). Retrieved 15 May 2021, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300370737_Social_Media_as_a_Tool_for_Political_Communication

Trump’s election lies were among his most popular tweets. (2021). Retrieved 23 May 2021, from https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/13/trump-tweets-legacy-of-lies-misinformation-distrust.html

Governments increasingly using private companies to manipulate public opinion. (2021). Retrieved 15 May 2021, from https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2021/01/governments-increasingly-using-private-companies-to-manipulate-public-opinion/

Vronmen, A. 2017, ‘Digital citizenship and political engagement: the challenge from online political campaigning and advocacy organizations’, Information, Communication & Society, vol. 23, no. 7, pp. 1-7.

#propaganda #lies #donaldtrump #trump #presidenttrump #twitter #politics #digitalengagement

0 notes

alannah-digitalcommunities · 4 years ago

Text

Week 4: Digital Community and Fandom

This week we discussed Reality TV, specifically its digital communities and fandoms, and explored the role of reality TV’s cultural contributions to public spheres. Concerning one of this week's readings, Graham T., & Hajru, A. (2011, p. 4) explores the enhancement of reality TV connecting its social aspects as digital communities, specifically fandoms. These citizens use hashtags concerning a reality TV show to engage in intimate discussions with one another about social issues, such as sexism. Similarly to one of the readings, a video that I found during my research, 'Life after reality TV, is about a television producer that presents her perspective on reality TV programs, including the pressures that reality TV stars face, during and after the show has aired.

youtube

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9JxhugIFsc&feature=emb_logo

Digital Publics & The Public Sphere

The public sphere is the space where people can interact; where public opinion is formed; where citizens deal with matters of general interest and express and articulate their views (Sakariassen 2020).

The Public Sphere and Reality TV

The public sphere has been apparent through Reality TV as there has been an opportunity for reality TV stars and fans to interact across media platforms such as through podcasts, conventions, cameos, etc. With an ongoing rise of social media, fans of popular entertainment programmes continue to be engaged in new and innovative ways across several platforms as part of an ever-expanding interactive economy. Reality TV also creates Digital Publics; The British reality TV show ‘Love Island’ exploits new forms of digital media to encourage multi-platform consumption of content by its fans.

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=love+island+uk&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916&sxsrf=ALeKk02knYiiXsJQ5swmfdbWGRRvO2rF4w:1622105683839&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjkwMrIvunwAhUCA4gKHZP8CZAQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1434&bih=748#imgrc=fuIo0KTJaz-YxM

Another Reality TV show that encourages audience engagement and participation and digital publics are, ‘Married at First Sight’. The hashtag #MAFS can create spaces for people to discuss important social issues such as sexism, attitudes to women and the role of marriage in contemporary society. There is a clear correlation between the changing landscape of mediated sociality and the public sphere concerning reality TV shows. MAFS has certainly triggered political talk and social issues concerning sexism in the public sphere.

Image source: https://www.google.com/search?q=married+at+first+sight+australia&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU915AU916&sxsrf=ALeKk01KahMtN9eLtNq_WAdik2LM6SScew:1622105753621&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjb5e3pvunwAhUL4XMBHVl7BhkQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1434&bih=748#imgrc=tg04P2ivzr0pIM

There have been increasing opportunities for reality stars and fans to interact across the social media landscape (podcasts, conventions, cameo, etc). Reality TV creates digital publics for an everyday political and social talk.

Image source: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mafs-bec-exclusive-exposes-truth/id413046628?i=1000517835470

Image source: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/49-married-at-first-sight-2021-cheating-scandal-new/id1523979167?i=1000508653158

Twitter Hashtags & Twitter's History

In the early phases of adoption following its launch in 2006, Twitter had almost none of the extended functionality that it does today.

Public communication is made possible by Twitter’s hashtag functionality: by adding a keyword preceded by the hash symbol ‘#’ to their tweets. Hashtags have proven remarkably important in providing a shared space for a community of interested users. These users do not need to be Twitter followers of each other to engage with a topic of common interest, from tracking the unfolding of breaking news events (e.g. Bruns et al. 2012; Bruns & Highfield 2012; Hughes & Palen 2009; Sarcevic et al. 2012) through engaging with political campaigns (Bruns & Burgess 2011; Larsson & Moe 2014) to participating in shared audience activities (Highfield et al. 2013; Harrington 2014).

Twitter hashtags such as #ausvotes for the 2010 and 2013 Australian elections, #londonriots for the coordination of information and political debates around the 2011 unrest in London, or #wikileaks for the controversies around Wikileaks aid the development of ad hoc publics around specific themes and topics. Some much longer-term hashtag communities also exist (including, for example, the #auspol community for discussion about Australian politics).

References:

Axel Bruns and Jean Burgess. Twitter Hashtags from Ad Hoc to Calculated Publics [Ebook]. Retrieved from http://snurb.info/files/2015/Twitter%20Hashtags%20from%20Ad%20Hoc%20to%20Calculated%20Publics.pdf

#LGBTIQ+#tumblrfandoms #realitytv #community #public sphere #public engagement #MAFS #auspol #ausvotes

0 notes