anxiousprocrastinator

[anxiousprocrastinator]

MEAN QUEENS: IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO BE AN ONLINE BULLY

There is a place for everyone, a site for each interest, and social media platforms are a place for communication. As mentioned in week 3, each social media application has a different edge and is idea-focused, but in general, they are all about communicating your ideas and opinions. However, as Internet is a miniature version of society, not all interactions are meant to be constructive or make you feel good.

What is online harrasment?

Flaming, doxing, impersonation, and public shaming are all examples of online harassment directed at a single user or users (Blackwell et al. 2017). Technically, online harassment is bullying on the Internet that targets someone's appearance, threatens their safety, or causes mental injury to another person.

What is concerning is not only the conduct itself, but also the demographic that this activity is targeting. Because young and younger teenagers have earlier Internet access, they are not becoming bullies and are experiencing bullying at a much younger age (Zhu et al. 2021). This occurs for two reasons: a lack of parental supervision and a scarcity of online resources for tweens.

What drives children to hate?

A lack of parental supervision can expose children to internet bullying in a number of ways. First, it makes children uninformed of the potential risks hiding online. Children may be exposed to derogatory behaviour or inappropriate content without understanding it is wrong or harmful. For example, on Tiktok, there was a trend of leaving passively aggressive comments in the "nice girl" style, complete with fairy or bow emojis. People who follow this trend can deliver hateful messages to authors without being disrespectful (Sie 2022).

Youngsters who see these statements will not have the mental capacity to realise that this is not in their best interests and may mimic the activity without realising it is harmful. Secondly, without open communication about online activity, children may be hesitant to tell their parents if they are being bullied. This can make them feel alone and unsure of how to handle the situation, leaving them stuck in a cycle of bullying (Khurana et al. 2014).

The lack of internet places expressly designed for tweens can lead them to platforms intended for teenagers or adults. When I was younger, my first social media sites were not Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. My parents purposefully removed the option since they recognised these platforms did not have the same safeguards for younger users. However, as children's gaming websites fade away, they no longer have a safe haven that can provide both safety, entertainment, and communication, forcing them to skip their "tween stage". They are still young and feel compelled to join platforms that are not designed with children's safety in mind. A lack of age-appropriate online groups can increase tweens' vulnerability to cyberbullying. They may encounter harsher content or communicate with older users who are less conscious of their language. Without the safety and control of a dedicated tween place, kids may be more unwilling to report bullying or seek help if they encounter it.

How to take back the steering wheel?

Children who witness online bullying frequently disregard what is happening in order to avoid becoming involved (Smith et al. 2011). The long-term effect of this behaviour would be desensitisation to abuse and other unpleasant stuff, as they believe it is normal. Completely excluding children from social media is not the solution. Instead, a multifaceted approach can effectively combat online abuse.

Educating youngsters about online safety and encouraging open discussion about responsible social media use is critical. Encourage the development of age-appropriate platforms with greater protections to provide a safer online environment for kids. Furthermore, social-emotional learning initiatives can help children manage online relationships positively. Finally, keeping social media businesses accountable for user verification, content moderation, and clear repercussions for bullying generates a more responsible online environment for all.

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WHY MODDING UPHOLD GAMING CULTURE

This week, I'd like to go into game modding, which is the process of changing a computer game by bringing new artefacts into the game environment, provided by a member of the general public (Bilińska-Reformat, Dewalska-Opitek & Hofman-Kohlmeyer 2020). What is the appeal of alternating a perfectly great game that the designers have spent a long time developing?

Not a new tale

I had many worries regarding the legality and ethics of these activities before realising that this is not a mistreatment that arose out of nowhere during the online gaming culture, but rather a matter of preference and the necessity for modification to fit into the milieu that individuals who play games inhabit. For example, the well-known board game UNO is popular for this type of interaction on Twitter.

From this, we may conclude that game modification is not motivated by animosity, but rather by people's instinct to improve gaming experiences for their players. That is also why, even though game creators have been noticed of these actions for so long, they have never overtly banned or disabled gamers' ability to put up their mods, and some even promote such efforts (Pereira & Silva Bernardes 2021).

Games such as Stardew Valley, Minecraft, and Resident Evil are well-known for being much better with mods. Modding is an excellent outlet for creative individuals. They can create new characters, weaponry, plots, and even entirely new game types. With individual creations and preferences, a game's life is now extended as mods give complexity to either the storyline or visual, causing users to want to spend more time on their device, which is ultimately what the developer wants.

The Sims 4 experience

The Sims is one of the strongest modding communities I've ever seen in gaming. The Sims games are essentially sandbox games, meaning they lack specified goals. The player creates virtual people known as "Sims", sets them in residences, and assists in directing their moods and satisfying their wishes. Players can either place their Sims in pre-built homes or build their own. Each expansion pack and game in the series expanded the player's capabilities with their Sims (WikiWand n.d.). Even though the premise of the game appears easy and just another option for players to "play God", it has 24 years of running, four series, and is one of the best-selling game of all time.

As I explored this extremely dull game, I decided to immerse myself in the experience by playing Sims 4 for a week. The first 20 hours were exhausting; the graphics in the game are not realistic or aesthetically beautiful, and the gameplay experience has nothing unique to offer, so I was perplexed. However, on the third day, a friend had introduced me to their modding system, and everything changed.

Game modification for the Sims is more than just making minor changes; there are other elements to consider. You can have various haircuts, costumes, and other personality traits coded by fellow Sims gamers with distinct aesthetics, mods that produced complete interactivity, new environments, activities, and species put into the game's release packs to make it more interesting. There were also cheat codes to make designing, gaming, and making money in the game more appealing. This expansion piqued my interest in installing and being more involved because I now have the ability to customise my game, and seeing such an active and large community made me feel less out of place.

Mods enable users to customise the game to their preferences. This could range from little cosmetic alterations to entire overhauls of gameplay mechanics, transforming a regular day-to-day game into horror, romance, drama, or whatever tale you like. For modders, this technique provides them with sentiment links.

Modding has elevated the game and doubled earnings; it's a win-win scenario. The firm understands how important a healthy modding community can be for any game. It provides a platform for people to interact, discuss ideas, and work together on new mods. This can help to keep the game going and build anticipation for future installments. Mods may introduce popular features or gameplay mechanics (Reisinho, Raposo, & Zagalo 2023). The Sims developers can take note of these and include them in future official versions.

To summarise, game modding serves as a pillar of gaming culture by encouraging creativity, extending the life of beloved titles, and empowering players to become active participants in the environment they live in. It exemplifies gamers' collaborative attitude, since individuals who are passionate about their favourite pastime may constantly reinvent and revitalise the experiences they value. Modding transforms gaming culture from one of consumption to one of invention, pushing the boundaries of what a game can be and assuring the long-term viability of this ever-changing medium.

REFERENCE LIST

1, Bilińska-Reformat, K, Dewalska-Opitek, A & Hofman-Kohlmeyer, M 2020, ‘To Mod or Not to Mod—An Empirical Study on Game Modding as Customer Value Co-Creation’, Sustainability, vol. 12, no. 21, p. 9014.

2, Pereira, LS & Silva Bernardes, MME 2021, ‘Modding as game development: Investigating the influences over how mods are made’, Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 151–172.

3, Reisinho, P, Raposo, R & Zagalo, N 2023, ‘The ethical dilemma of modding digital games: A literature review of the creation and distribution of mods’, Convergence, SAGE Publishing.

4, WikiWand n.d., ‘Wikiwand - The Sims’, Wikiwand, viewed 24 March 2024, <https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Mod_The_Sims>.

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TEENAGE DREAMS TO BODY DYSMORPHIA PIPELINE: BEAUTY FILTERS

Beauty filters are automated photo editing technologies that employ artificial intelligence and computer vision to detect and modify facial traits (Ryan-Mosley 2021). They have grown in popularity since 2016, when social networking applications such as Snapchat and Instagram began offering AR filters.

The monster on your phone

At first, it was just over-the-top filters that were clearly for fun and games, but as time passed and users' ability to create filters increased, this invention began to go off the rails with filters that were more subtle, such as applying makeup to your face and making a slight change to your shape. These filters fit society's beauty ideals, which teens, who make up the majority of users on many of these photo sharing networks, want to embrace. These adjustments made them more confident in posting photos on the Internet, but the damage was more than predicted. This leads to the cycle of teenagers who exit their apps and look themselves in the mirror, feeling incomplete without altering their details or bodies, leading to body dysmorphia.

 This is a mental health problem in which a person spends a significant amount of time worrying about defects in their looks (NHS 2020). Others frequently fail to see these faults. But they see it as their personal demon.

The monster in your head

I also caught it during some of the most significant years of my adolescence while under lockdown. No one had the opportunity to see me back then, so I chose to use filters to change my appearance to one that was more well-kept. I was happy looking at those photographs, but when I got offline, it caused intense negative feelings about my perspective and anxiety when I finally had to mingle after COVID. These symptoms are prevalent among others who have had the same experience as myself. More extreme situations may lead to eating disorders, depression, and the desire to undergo cosmetic surgery (Alsaidan et al. 2020).

This sparks a heated debate on how to prevent individuals, particularly impressionable teens, from acquiring the unhealthy habit of overusing beauty filters. It is critical to be aware of how heavily we rely on filters and to prioritise self-acceptance and love. Seeking expert therapy, as well as support from loved ones, can help you overcome bad feelings and unhealthy appearance behaviours.

Reaching out

It's vital to remember that social media frequently displays an unattainable ideal of beauty, and it's acceptable not to constantly look flawless. Seeking assistance from friends, family, or a therapist can help you navigate these emotions and gain confidence. Remember that true beauty comes from within, and embracing your unique characteristics is what is truly important. Practicing mindfulness, engaging in enjoyable hobbies, and surrounding oneself with positive influences can all help enhance our mental health.

REFERENCE LIST

1, Ryan-Mosley, T 2021, ‘Beauty Filters Are Changing the Way Young Girls See Themselves’, MIT Technology Review, viewed <https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/04/02/1021635/beauty-filters-young-girls-augmented-reality-social-media/>.

2, NHS 2020, ‘Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)’, nhs.uk, viewed <https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/>.

3, Alsaidan, MS, Altayar, NS, Alshmmari, SH, Alshammari, MM, Alqahtani, FT & Mohajer, KA 2020, ‘The prevalence and determinants of body dysmorphic disorder among young social media users: A cross-sectional study’, Dermatology Reports, vol. 12, no. 3, viewed <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7772767/>.

[anxiousprocrastinator]

BODY MODIFICATIONS: SEX SELLS

My fascination with the way human potray themselves on the Internet is beyond words. And in week 7, I would like to focus on the concept of "Pornfication" of social media. Firstly, let's look into its key concepts.

The relation of porn and media

Pornography, sometimes known as porn-chic, has entered digital media in a variety of fields, including popular music, higher education, clothes and fashion, beauty practices, high art, sports, and technology (Tyler and Quek 2016). Whether it's tongue-in-cheek or full-on smoke performances, this component has become legendary in pop culture.

The "pornification" of social media is a complex and diverse problem that has received a lot of attention in recent years. It refers to the growing prevalence of sexually explicit content, as well as its normalisation and mainstreaming across numerous social media platforms. This phenomena has sparked worries about the possible influence on users, particularly young people, as well as the social media culture as a whole.

Several things contribute to the pornographic nature of social media. One significant cause is the ease with which users may share and obtain explicit content, resulting in a profusion of such material. With so many models promoting in provocative stances that highlight their curves, the Instagram-standard model has become the norm. Furthermore, social media algorithms may prioritise interesting content, thereby promoting sexually explicit posts. This can lead to a vicious cycle, as more users interact with and distribute such information. It has long been known that pushing sex so recklessly in mainstream media and, more individually, on social media has many dark consequences, but as has been demonstrated, this technique is effective, so no one wants to put the brakes on.

Youth and sexualisation

It causes users to become desensitised, which may have an impact on their attitudes towards sexuality and relationships. This desensitisation can lead to unreasonable expectations and objectification of persons, which can be harmful to their mental health and self-esteem (Maheux et al. 2021). Furthermore, simple access to pornographic information may foster harmful habits and addiction, harming personal relationships and overall well-being.

Young and impressionable viewers believe they should express themselves in the same way and perceive romantic relationships to be overly sexualized, resulting in many unhealthy relationship expectations and disdain for limits. This could become much more hazardous if children trapped in this pipeline become prime targets for paedophiles looking to exploit their innocence.

In conclusion, pornification on social media is a pressing issue that must be addressed collaboratively by social media platforms, regulators, and users. We may seek to reduce the detrimental impact of social media pornification on people and society as a whole by enforcing tougher restrictions, encouraging responsible interaction, and cultivating healthy views towards sexuality and relationships.

REFERENCE LIST

Maheux, AJ, Roberts, SR, Evans, R, Widman, L & Choukas-Bradley, S 2021, ‘Associations between adolescents’ pornography consumption and self-objectification, body comparison, and body shame’, Body Image, vol. 37, pp. 89–93.

Tyler, M & Quek, K 2016, ‘Conceptualizing Pornographication’, Sexualization, Media, & Society, vol. 2, no. 2, p. 237462381664328.

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THE CURIOUS CASE OF SLOW FASHION MOVEMENT

Another day, another update. And in this week, we will be focusing on the interesting connection of social media influencers and the slow fashion movement.

Before that, let’s have a recap! Digital citizenship is 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).

How does this connect to the topic we're discussing today? Fashion has evolved throughout time and across platforms, and it is now heavily influenced and shaped by social media. The necessity to always have a new trend, a new style to keep the internet platform interesting has affected the development of several occupations, one of which is fashion, which has bloomed into a new genre called rapid fashion.

Fast fashion refers to a business approach in which fashion collections are brought to market as rapidly as feasible. The collections are inspired by current trends, as well as what celebrities and designers are wearing. These fashionable products had to be available in the shortest possible time. produced in low quality and at a very low price, therefore, cutting corners in not only the artistry department of a product but also its quality. But with its existence, the ‘traditional’ fashion is in very much harm with the competitive pricing, creating a movement called “Slow fashion”

Slow fashion, unlike its opponent, promotes a sustainable and mindful approach to fashion production and consumption. It is synonymous with concepts like 'eco fashion’, ‘sustainable fashion', 'ethical consumption', 'thrifting', and 'circular fashion’. Garments are typically produced from environmentally friendly materials or even recycled textiles. Clothing is generally more durable and of higher quality. The production procedure is also eco-friendly (Pookulangara & Shephard 2013).

On paper, it seems like the latter option is superior and sustainable, however, the younger generation of buyers seem to be more attracted to fast fashion and stray away from investing in high quality clothes. This is because of the many online social media and shopping platforms that they are engaging in are constantly pushing these products. Apps like Shopee or Shein are notorious for selling clothes for a low price, knowing the potential unethical business behind it because the profit cut for both the manufactures and buy count are very high (George 2020). And with many KOLs, KOCs unknowingly (or even knowingly) booked to review these items, costumers are tricked into the falsehood of hoarding shopping to not miss out on the next big thing.

There are still people who realise this and during COVID-19, we have seen a rise in more sustainable way of being fashionable. People who are overwhelmed by the constant advertising of these platforms have time to research the products they buy into small business or ones who support good causes for the environment and fashion workers and their clothes to be worthwhile (J.P.Morgan 2020). We see a rise of thrifting, renting habits and many DIYs trend boomed and for many people, maintained as a routine until now.

At the same time, the tricky mix-up in fashion began when corporate fashion empires recognized the patterns and jumped into the movement, greenwashing their products in order to pull one over on customers, such as H&M, Zara, UNIQLO, and Asos, which is also harmful and malicious for vulnerable buyers.

The slow fashion movement was founded to promote sustainability in everyday wear, but will it withstand the test of time to determine whether the movement itself can be sustainable? Participants should be on high alert due to the constant act of wolf in sheep's clothing by fast fashion businesses looking to take their money, as well as knowledgeable about how to be inventive with things they already have.

REFERENCE LIST

George, S 2020, ‘How online retailing is allowing fast fashion to thrive - edie’, https://www.edie.net/, viewed <https://www.edie.net/how-online-retailing-is-allowing-fast-fashion-to-thrive/>.

J.P.Morgan 2020, ‘How COVID–19 has transformed consumer spending habits’, www.jpmorgan.com, viewed <https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/retail/covid-spending-habits>.

Joy, A, Sherry, JF, Venkatesh, A, Wang, J & Chan, R 2012, ‘Fast Fashion, Sustainability, and the Ethical Appeal of Luxury Brands’, Fashion Theory, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 273–295, viewed <https://www3.nd.edu/~jsherry/pdf/2012/FastFashionSustainability.pdf>.

Pookulangara, S & Shephard, A 2013, ‘Slow Fashion Movement: Understanding Consumer Perceptions—An Exploratory Study’, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 200–206.

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DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP AND PLATFORMISATION

Digital citizenship

This refers to people using technology and digital media in responsible and appropriate ways, especially in public areas, online communities, and social media (Choi, Glassman & Cristol 2017). It includes ideas like digital rights, privacy, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and online etiquette. The concept of "digital citizenship" highlights the significance of being a constructive and helpful member of the online community while also being conscious of the risks and repercussions of one's actions. It urges people to act responsibly when using the internet and to respect the rights and privacy of others as they would offline.       

      

In light of current events, one example of the significance of digital citizenship is the rise in online harassment and cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has increased in frequency due to the growing use of social media and digital communication platforms. This has had detrimental effects, including mental health problems, social isolation, and extreme cases of self-harm or suicide. Many social media sites have responded to these problems by banning users from searching for certain racist, sexist, or destructive phrases in general. This is done to protect their impressionable, young audience.

Failure to abide by these digital citizenship guidelines may result in punishment from the platform the user is using (such as suspension or blocking from interacting), or, on a larger scale, leave a digital trail that could be linked to the individual in the event that they are the subject of necessary surveillance.

PLATFORMISATION

The process of converting conventional businesses or services into digital platforms that let people communicate with one another directly through networks or marketplaces mediated by technology is known as "platformization." Platformization has gained popularity in recent years as a result of the development of digital technology and the growing need for more practical and effective business methods. Successful platformization efforts include those found on sites like Upwork, which provides freelancing services, Shopee, which handles retail, and Uber, which handles transportation.

By facilitating more efficient and direct connections between buyers and sellers and eliminating the need for middlemen or intermediaries, platformization has the potential to upend established business structures (Fakieh & Happonen, 2023).

Platformization, however, also brings up questions regarding worker rights, data privacy, and competitiveness. It also may have a detrimental effect on established businesses and workers who stand to lose their jobs or become marginalised as a result of the growth of digital platforms. As a result, it's critical to weigh the possible advantages and disadvantages of platformization and to create legal and policy frameworks that uphold the rights of consumers, encourage fair competition, and assist platform economy workers.

Political engagement

It's a crucial component of digital citizenship since it gives people a platform to express their opinions on social and political concerns. People have greater opportunity to connect with like-minded people, engage with political content, and voice their thoughts because to the growing usage of digital technology and social media platforms.

Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become powerful tools for individuals to express their political views, engage in discussions and debates, and mobilize support for various causes or candidates. Digital citizenship in the political realm involves not only being informed about current events and issues but also actively participating in discussions, debates, and advocacy efforts online. (Theocharis et al. 2022)

In politics, digital citizenship also includes the need to have courteous and civil conversations, to verify information before sharing it, and to be aware of any biases and false information in online content (Igwebuike & Chimuanya 2020). Through digital activism and involvement, people can advocate for positive social change, hold elected officials accountable, and contribute to a more informed and inclusive public discussion by engaging in good digital citizenship in politics.

REFERENCE LIST

Choi, M, Glassman, M & Cristol, D 2017, ‘What it means to be a citizen in the internet age: Development of a reliable and valid digital citizenship scale’, Computers & Education, vol. 107, pp. 100–112.

Fakieh, B & Happonen, A 2023, ‘Exploring the Social Trend Indications of Utilizing E-Commerce during and after COVID-19’s Hit’, Behavioral Sciences, vol. 13, no. 1, p. 5, viewed <https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/13/1/5>.

Igwebuike, EE & Chimuanya, L 2020, ‘Legitimating falsehood in social media: A discourse analysis of political fake news’, Discourse & Communication, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 175048132096165.

Theocharis, Y, Boulianne, S, Koc-Michalska, K & Bimber, B 2022, ‘Platform affordances and political participation: how social media reshape political engagement’, West European Politics, vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 1–24.

[anxiousprocrastinator]

The effect that Social Media and Reality TV has on each other

I'm back this week with another topic: reality television. Although I am aware that not everyone finds this type of TV programming to be "high quality" or "worth watching," I have always found it to be fascinating. Additionally, I think the fundamental tenet of this performance is the idea that viewers come to relax rather than with high standards for artistic ability. From there, television producers have had such a profound impact on contemporary culture that, in my judgement, no other area of the entertainment business could match.

              The wide genre of reality TV includes game documentaries, dating shows, makeover/lifestyle shows, and more.

reality sitcoms, talent competitions, court shows, docusoaps, and celebrity-based shows (Murray & Ouellette 2009). The shows are usually unscripted and depend on the participants' spontaneous conversations and interactions. Because people now find reality TV to be more entertaining and authentic, its appeal has increased dramatically in recent years.

·       Reality TV to social media immorality

There's always a certain allure to watching anarchy unfold on TV. There is a general consensus that, despite the fact that "Reality TV" is meant to be unscripted, it's actually a free-for-all where producers can dramatise events to generate interest in the program—and that requires well-known people to intervene. Additionally, people would want to talk about television drama clashes on social media. The gifs and videos captured from these scenes would not vanish with the show's conclusion; instead, they would continue to exist as common cultural allusions and audiovisual reactions that people use to convey their thoughts and emotions. Thus, even though television transmission is failing, there is an amazing method that when we talk about cultural effect, their “cheapest” genre is still thriving in values on the Internet, embedded into the way people express themselves online.

·       Public Discourse for reality TV

Big Brother is among the most recognisable reality TV programmes ever. One of the most well-known reality TV programmes, Big Brother, has a distinct charm that has kept viewers captivated for years. In essence, Big Brother is a societal experiment. It puts a diverse collection of people in a small area where they have to work out alliances, disputes, and relationships. The observation of human behaviour under duress draws viewers in. The show's catch is that it will be edited and aired on TV after being livestreamed nonstop. As a result, the show has a sizable fan base that is committed to discussing it on social media because there aren't any other venues where they can get feedback quite like this. The producers' approach has chosen for the show did incredibly well for them because as long as the contestants compete, the buzz about them would never falter, making their public presence and social media presence incredibly apparent.

              Reality TV has found its perfect method to stay alive. As long as it is chaotic enough for the Internet to create buzz, its content and discussions would be able leak into real life. This seamless integration between reality TV and social media has allowed for a constant cycle of engagement, as viewers eagerly share their opinions, theories, and reactions online. This symbiotic relationship ensures that the show remains relevant and captivating, ultimately solidifying its place in popular culture.

REFERENCE LIST

Denby, A 2021, ‘Toxicity and Femininity in Love Island: How Reality Dating Shows Perpetuate Sexist Attitudes Towards Women’, Frontiers in Sociology, vol. 6, viewed <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2021.641216/full>.

Murray, S & Ouellette, L 2009, Reality TV : remaking television culture, New York ; London New York University Press Cop.

Rice, L 2022, ‘Broadcast Networks 2022: The Year Everyone Started To Wave The White Flag’, Deadline, viewed <https://deadline.com/2022/12/broadcast-networks-death-declining-ratings-streamers-1235203489/>.

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How does Tumblr function as public sphere?

Hey it’s Vie, logging in for the first time today. It’s a bit awkward to talk about how a social media function on that media site but let’s dive into it.

In the last decade, social media platforms have grown in popularity due to the urge to express oneself. Facebook, Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter), Reddit, and other platforms have all built their own image and target audience that they want to preserve.

So, what does Tumblr mean in the grand scheme of things? Tumblr is a pioneer of microblogging sites, a social networking platform that allows users to produce and share unique material in a variety of formats such as text, photos, videos, and audio. Tumblr was founded in 2007 and has swiftly expanded in popularity, with over 475 million monthly active users as of 2019 (Dixon 2024). This platform has attracted substantial attention from researchers, scholars, and practitioners due to its unique features, such as user-generated material, community building, and content curation. It stood out as a first choice for people who wanted to vent and write back then since it offers a hashtag search feature comparable to Twitter (Attu & Terras 2017). Instead of viewing only 180 characters, users may now simply create posts that deliver the information they are interested in. This significance has opened up many possibilities for developing writing and reading genres that are both endless and interactive, and it has served as the foundation for Tumblr's current popularity.

Tumblr, as a social media platform, can be viewed as a public space in a variety of ways. The public sphere refers to the locations where people gather to engage in rational-critical conversation, exchange ideas, and form opinions on issues of public concern (McKee 2004).

As previously stated, Tumblr enables for the production and dissemination of user-generated content. This user-generated content can be used to express personal thoughts, viewpoints, and ideas, which can then be discussed and disputed by other users.

Secondly, Tumblr fosters the establishment of online communities and networks. Users can follow other users, join groups, and participate in debates, which fosters a sense of community and shared identity. These online groups can function as platforms for individuals to connect with others who share their interests, opinions, and perspectives, and engage in dialogue and debate (Fuchs 2014).

Thirdly, Tumblr gives users access to a diverse range of information and viewpoints. Users can search for and discover information on a wide range of themes, including news, current events, and personal tales and experiences. This access to knowledge and ideas can help individuals establish their own opinions and perspectives while also engaging in rational-critical conversation.

To summarise, Tumblr, as a social media platform, can be considered a digital public sphere because it enables the creation and dissemination of user-generated content, facilitates the formation of online communities and networks, and provides users with access to a diverse range of information and perspectives. However, it still has faults, as the website's algorithm may construct the effect of echo chamber, making their discouse and interactions extremely limited.

REFERENCE LIST

Attu, R & Terras, M 2017, ‘What people study when they study Tumblr’, Journal of Documentation, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 528–554.

Dixon, SJ 2024, ‘Topic: Tumblr’, Statista, viewed <https://www.statista.com/topics/2463/tumblr/>.

Fuchs, C 2014, ‘Social Media and the Public Sphere’, tripleC: Communication, Capitalism & Critique. Open Access Journal for a Global Sustainable Information Society, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 57–101, viewed <https://triple-c.at/index.php/tripleC/article/view/552/529>.

McKee, A 2004, The Public Sphere: An Introduction.