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The role social media governance plays in harassment and conflict online.

Firstly, what is social media governance? It looks at how the internet operates and what regulations need to be in place in order for the online digital citizen to feel comfortable and included. Large commercial organisations that run online and on social media like Facebook and Google control the way it operates with monetization front of mind of course. Public sectors like universities have a say in these online regulations and these rules/guidelines are different in every state and country. The United States and China are two that can be compared have very different social media governance. Although, these regulations that sectors and countries regulate are very flawed and lead to a space online that is often very toxic and filled with things like harassment. Particularly hound in the comments section. This is a growing and dangerous issue.

Marwick & Caplan, 2018 detail a paper   click here: that outlines that harassment is a prevalent issue in the online space (Marwick & Caplan, 2018). However, it can be seen quite often as the fault of the individual. Marwick & Caplan, 2018 discuss how you can’t always understand harassment in isolation, rather it’s a collective or networked practice (Marwick & Caplan, 2018). By this the authors mean that harassment often has a behind the scenes objective that may be a related to race, gender, class and appearance.

Paw, 2017 research found that 41% of Americans personally had been harassed online with 66% witnessing it (Paw, 2017). Harassment once again focused on personal characteristics, race and gender to name a few.

British news and media website ‘The Guardian’ analysed its own comments thread and found that of 10 avid users of the platform who had received harassment, 8 were women (4 colour and 4 white) with 2 being men who were both of colour (Laville, Wong, Hunt, 2016). This outlines the agenda behind these harassment examples.

What can we do?

Facebook and Google need to be pushed to change regulations and governance on their platforms in order to stop these harassment claims and bullying continue. Furthermore, legal actions like the Online Safety Act and Criminal Code Act 1995 need to come into play.

References 

Laville, S, Carrie Wong, J, Hunt, E, 2016, ‘The women abandoned to their online abusers’, The Guardian, viewed 26 May 2021, < https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/11/women-online-abuse-threat-racist>

Marwick, A & Caplan, R, 2018, 'Drinking male tears: language, the manosphere, and networked harassment', Feminist Media Studies Volume 18, 2018 - Issue 4: Pages 543-559, viewed 26 May 2021, < click here: >

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Slow fashion movement, What you don't know about the fashion industry!

Most people generally would agree with the idea of having a sustainable fashion industry. One that utilises a production life cycle that is ethical, socially responsible and good for the environment. However, the fashion industry has been identified as contributing 17-20% of global water pollution and accounts for 10% of the worlds carbon emissions (Brewer, 2019). Most people don’t recognise this and probably don’t entertain the idea of what such a large industry can do negatively to the environment. I guess the latest trends and looking good are higher on some people’s priority lists. Positively, there is a growing push for this idea of a slow fashion movement.

Lai, 2017 details that sustainable fashion is a good or service that responds to basic needs, while minimizing the use of natural resources, toxic materials, emissions and waste throughout the life cycle (Lai, 2017). Lai finds that there are four main principles to qualify sustainable slow fashion; (Lai, 2017).

1.     Child labour free throughout entire supply chain (Lai, 2017).

2.     Materials less harming to natural environment (Lai, 2017).

3.     Ethically and socially responsible production process (Lai, 2017).

4.     Creation of long-term relationships (Lai, 2017).

If global super brands around the world like H&M (https://www.hm.com/entrance.ahtml?orguri=%2F)  and Burberry (https://au.burberry.com/ ) to simply name a couple, could develop a slow fashion operation throughout their entire organisation, not just in certain parts, sustainable fashion can be achieved. It is important for these larger organisations to adopt these slow fashion practices as they have such a major impact on global sustainability.

Interestingly, at the grass roots level we are seeing a drive for sustainable fashion particularly via social media. Influencers on platforms like Instagram can have huge audience engagement with the ability to positively change views. Tiffany Ferguson is an influencer on Instagram and YouTube who discusses slow fashion themes shedding light on the issues that currently cloud the space https://www.instagram.com/tferg__/ . Innovations and movements like these need to develop and social media seems to be an effective medium to use in spreading awareness regarding slow fashion.

References 

Brewer, M, 2019, ‘Slow Fashion in a Fast Fashion World: Promoting Sustainability and Responsibility’, Laws 2019, 8(4), 24 click here

Lai, Z, Henninger, C and Alevizou, P, 2017, ‘An Exploration of Consumers’ Perceptions Towards Sustainable Fashion – A Qualitative Study in the UK’, in Sustainability in Fashion A Cradle to Upcycle Approach, edited by Henninger, C.E., Alevizou, P., Goworek, H., Ryding, D. (Palgrave: 2017). Click here.

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The Digital Gaming Community, what is it? How does it operate?

Games have been around for as long as we can remember. Social games, board games, card games, arcade games and sports are some of the practices of entertainment that have been around throughout history. Recently, with the development of technology virtual reality games and video games have started to dominant the online spheres. The tired ideals of gaming being a male dominated genre, that produces lazy individuals with insufficient social skills is a time of the past. Gaming has now opened up the scope for those who want to play and is a fast spreading, multi-platform, money making business filled with opportunity and community.  

The digital community that supports and facilitates gaming is driven heavily by the different platforms that communities can engage and form content on. Streaming services including Twitch, YouTube gaming and Facebook gaming are where lots of the gaming community interact. Streaming services allow gamers to live stream gameplay to a wide audience who can comment and communicate with that gamer. Viewers can donate money to the gamer as well as subscribe to the channel. Twitch has roughly 10 million daily users with 2.2 million individual broadcasters per month and is one of the largest streaming services available just to highlight the magnitude of this community (Taylor, 2018). This platform allows for gamers to market themselves, provide entertaining gameplay and have an engaging community (Taylor, 2018). Furthermore, platforms like YouTube allow for gamers to crop specific gameplay out of the livestream and post as well as provide viewers with tutorials and reviews.

Through the development of livestreaming communities talented gamers have risen to the top with their quick skills and ability to create viral pieces of gaming content. This has then led to the development of competitive gaming driven by global brand ESports. ESports facilities the arena for competition between the best gamers in the world forming leagues, teams and ultimately entertainment. Fortnite is an example of a game that exploded onto the scene and quickly became one of the most popular games on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. ESports created a competition surrounding Fortnite that has a prize pool at the end. Interestingly, the prize pool for this event was funded for the majority by the gaming community. This prize pool was in the 10s of millions. This clearly illustrates the power of the gaming community and the global scope it has.

Lufkin, B, 2020, ‘How online gaming has become a social lifeline’, The life project, viewed 20 May 2021, <https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201215-how-online-gaming-has-become-a-social-lifeline>

Sinha, R, 2018, ’15 biggest fortnite controversies that shocked players (maybe)’, Gming bolt, viewed 25 May 2021, <https://gamingbolt.com/15-biggest-fortnite-controversies-that-shocked-players-maybe>

Taylor, TL 2018, ‘Broadcasting ourselves’ (chapter 1), in Watch Me Play: Twitch and the Rise of Game Live Streaming, Princeton University, viewed 23 May 2021, <https://swinburne.instructure.com/courses/33896/files/11227394>

click here

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The growing impact filters displayed on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are having on society! Body/facial image perceptions.

By now I’m sure anyone reading this would have all heard of, come across or used a filter on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. To break it down, filters are a form of augmented reality (AR) that social media platforms are adopting. Filters allow the ability for you to edit photos and apply pre-set edits on your face that changes your image. Snapchat were the first platform that came out with (AR) filters in early 2015 and at first, they were considered a negative addition. However, this was quickly overturned and filters became a prevalently used editing software throughout the internet space. Instagram was next to adopt the software and with over 500 million stories posted a day filters quickly were used by everyone. Filters generally are used in order to block out all undesirable features in the face including acne, slimmed nose, pink cheeks and altering jaw line.

With these desirable looking filters becoming dominantly used women began to feel pressure to alter their digital image (Coy-Dibley, 2016). This pressure that women felt quickly led to concern that filters could create digitalised dysmorphia (Coy-Dibley, 2016). Digitised dysmorphia is on the spectrum with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), however does pertain some interesting differences. Digitised dysmorphia is a medical condition that is “socially constructed” and is “enabled by digital technology” (Coy-Dibley, 2016). Additionally, digitalised dysmorphia is driven by this inherent importance to look beautiful and perfect. This importance to look perfect that some women feel when using filters is driven heavily by the influencers they see on Instagram and Snapchat that portray themselves in this unattainably beautiful light (Coy-Dibley, 2016). Examples of this may include Kim Kardashian. https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/

Now it’s not all negative. For those who struggle with body/face image can use filters and it provides these people with positive opportunity. However, many cosmetic surgeons have highlighted that they have seen an influx in patients who don’t like their facial image and want it changed. There is not enough evidence currently to prove this, however it is an issue we need to address. Issues surrounding tension when dating for women as well as women wanting to look like their actual filters in real life is cause for concern. This is an area where more research needs to be done in order to help those who are suffering with these issues in this ever-growing social/digital environment.

Coy-Dibley, I, 2016, ‘“Digitised Dysmorphia” of the Female Body: The Re/Disfigurement of the Image’, Palgrave Communications, viewed 16 May 2021, < https://swinburne.instructure.com/courses/33896/pages/week-7-readings?module_item_id=2080455>

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How Instagram is being used as a platform for pornification and aesthetic labour for monetization and this idea of the attention economy.

Instagram is one of the leading social media platforms in the 21st century. The platform allows for any individual to able to gain wide access to an audience. This has led to an increase in aesthetic labour including sexualised labour (‘sex sells’), visibility labour and superficial work like editing photos. Instagram allows users to edit personal photos with filters to make themselves look more aesthetically pleasing. This growing industry of pornification and visibility labour on Instagram has created a new thriving idea of attention economy as well as opportunity for monetization (Drenten 2018).

Instagram has progressed into a space where people are engaging more and more in unpaid labour and personal marketing. If you are able to market yourself online and use aesthetic filters to make yourself look a certain way which Instagram templates allow, you as an individual can gain visibility. Visibility is simply the ability to have eyes on your posts. Variables that might enhance visibility for girls could include enhancing features like bums, lips, cheeks and jaw lines. Furthermore, posing and displaying a range of different sexual behaviours works effectively to amplify this idea of attention economy particularly in the ‘male gaze’ (Carah & Dobson 2016). The more eyes and attention you can attract on your posts the more opportunities you can access. This leads to the ideas of micro celebrity or influencer. If you have built a following via your social media platform you can create a monetary gain for yourself. The accessibility and wide spread nature of visibility on Instagram attracts brands to want to jump on board to try and gain exposure of their product or service. Influencer marketing can expand a brands reach and positioning online therefore providing value.

Carah and Dobson detail the idea that ‘hot bodies’ are critical in nightlife promotion (Carah & Dobson 2016). Carah and Dobson take the idea of algorithmic patterns on platforms like Instagram and interconnect them with the nightlife scene of drinking and going out cultures (Carah & Dobson 2016). They find that these sexualised ‘hot bodies’ can play a huge roll in attracting the ‘male gaze’ and ultimately are an effective strategy in nightlife promotion (Carah and Dobson 2016). However, this does become problematic because when women are positioned as sexualised objects it legitimises men’s dominance in society.

Sexualised bodies do sell and this idea of heteronormative notions of attractiveness are prevalent in the online space especially on Instagram in current years. This is a growing industry and the fight for visibility, the attention economy and monetization is only increasing day by day and it needs to be discussed and educated on (Drenten 2018).

References

Carah, N, Dobson, A 2016, ‘Algorithmic hotness: Young women’s “promotion” and “reconnaissance” Work via social media body images’, Sociel media + Society, viewed 9 May 2020, < https://swinburne.instructure.com/courses/33896/pages/week-6-readings?module_item_id=1919457>

Drenten, J, Gurrieri, L, Tyler, M 2018, ‘Sexualised labour in digital culture: Instagram influencers, porn chic and the monetization of attention’, Gender work organ, viewed 8 May 2020, < https://swinburne.instructure.com/courses/33896/pages/week-6-readings?module_item_id=1919457>

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How digital citizenship is effecting political engagement and change?

Citizenship is the idea that a person is recognised and belongs to a country under law. This person therefore, must follow the laws of that country and also is entitled to certain involvement in the operation of that county like the right to vote for example. However, with the growing space of social media and online participation a new turn has developed coined, digital citizenship.

Citizenship itself has a changing nature. Advancements of rights and laws like the development of indigenous rights over time. Firstly, not being recognised to now being shown the respect our traditional custodians of the land should be shown.

Digital citizenship is a changing and innovating space where as social media has shown increases in the distribution of ideas, public deliberation and networking. Therefore, social media has contributed to new forms of citizenship.

The internet has provided the “space” for public sphere (Law et al 2018).

This idea of digital citizenship and social media being a “space” for participation of ideas and issues leads into a lot of social and political engagement. Social media is a space for users to participate in activism discussions more at the grass roots and lead the change for real world issues. The nature of political engagement is changing due to social media and digital citizenship (Vromen 2017).

Vromen outlines that people argue about the value of social media as a place for political engagement. Many think it could be positive and as it allows for an “individualised” political expression (Vromen 2017). People have the ability to participate in political engagement due to digital citizenship. For me personally I believe keeping conversations online and in the scope of the wider community instead of political parties will lead to positive change in political policies.  

However, in saying this I must urge for social media education and push for people to understand the dangers of engaging in online activism and voicing your opinions. Users must be aware of the dangers of bullying and trolling online.

Ultimately, digital citizenship is a growing space for positive political and social engagement and change and further advancements could lead to influential real-life change.

References

Vromen, A, 2017, ‘Digital Citizenship and politic al engagement’, Interets groups, advocacy and democracy series’, viewed 5 May 2021,<  https://link-springer-com.ezproxy.lib.swin.edu.au/book/10.1057%2F978-1-137-48865-7 >

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How has Reality TV innovated and formed a symbiotic relationship with social media?

Reality TV programs have been seen to consistently win highest television ratings for each television channel. Shows like Lego Masters, The Block and Big Brother have been some of the few examples of hugely successful programs that have time and time again provided TV networks with majority of viewers. This is probably not a surprise to many. We have all been sat there nervous in front of the TV wondering which girl ‘The Honey Badger’ is going to pick in the grand finally once or twice. However, what is interesting is that the widely acknowledged success of reality TV bleeds heavily over into social media engagement.

Reality TV has been known to manipulate TV stars/consistent into being more outlandish and dramatic in order to drive views. This is done effectively by providing contestants with that incentive of being a star with fame a fortune if they play their cards right. This is all part of reality TV. However, social media has become this avenue for TV stars and fans to communicate via a verity of different platforms. Reality TV stars have been seen to generate large followings on socials and it has provided an avenue for opportunities like podcasts, cameos and recaps on what’s happened in the season. Furthermore, this increase in engagement online has also led to discussions within the public sphere of social media.

Graham (2011), details the idea of informal political talk done on social media that is driven by reality TV and in this case British reality TV programs (Graham, 2011). Informal political engagement doesn’t refer to political talk that has direct effects on legislation and political effects however, it refers to the everyday conversation that everyday people have regarding social opinions, issues and viewpoints that can “transform” people’s preferences (Graham, 2011). Reality TV is a catalyst for this social media discussion and it can lead to eventual political movements and social change.

Ultimately, social media and reality TV have formed a symbiotic relationship with each other and have innovated in a way where the public sphere of discussion can be effected and utilised via an array of platforms.

References

Graham, T and Hajru, A, 2011, ‘Reality TV as a trigger of everyday political talk in the net-based public sphere’, European Journal of Communication 26(1) 18–32, viewed 17 May 2021, <file:///Users/bentaverniti/Downloads/Graham%20Reality%20TV%20and%20public%20sphere.pdf>

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How is Social media used as a digital community? Looking at social and political issues on the platform Tumblr.

How does Tumblr function as a digital community?

To answer this question, we must first ask ourselves what is a digital community?

A digital community is an online space where groups of users share similar interests and ideas (Bond, 2020). Digital communities have their own set of online guidelines and use posts, shares and comments to interact with each other to discuss issues and interests (Bond, 2020).

With millions of people interacting online nowadays, it brings back thoughts about this new idea of the public sphere originally coined by Haberman in 1989 (Kruse, Norris & Flinchum, 2018). Digital communities like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr to name a few, have been increasingly building as online platforms where political, economic, environmental, social and technological issues are being discussed and ultimately having effect on the world we currently live in.

Tumblr for example is a platform where users can post short-form blog content that discussed ideas and issues that users may have. When setting up your account, Tumblr will get you to fill in a range of broad scope interests you may have and from that relevant blog posts will appear to fit your liking. Discussions with then ensue between users creating a micro online community of flowing ideas and debate. This is how Tumblr operates as a digital community.

Jessalynn Keller, an author at the department of commination at the university of Calgary writes about how these different social media platforms and communities ‘uniquely shape’ how girls in particular ‘engage in online activism’ taking feminism as the subject (Keller, 2019). Keller details how girls prefer to use blogging sites like Tumblr for political/social issues like feminism. Platforms like Tumblr hold less room for judgment and girls find platforms like these can lead to a more knowledgeable and strategic conversation which therefore has the best opportunity for change (Keller, 2019).

Ultimately, Tumblr is a space where users can discuss common issues and ideas surrounding current, past and future affairs. In particular, it is used prominently for political/social functions, effectively spreading important information between an online community that can have effect on the world we currently live in today.

By Ben Taverniti (102097554)

References

Bond, M 2020, ‘What is an online community? The basis and benefits’, Higher logic, viewed 23 March 2021, <https://www.higherlogic.com/blog/what-is-an-online-community/>

Keller, J 2019 ‘“Oh, She’s a Tumblr Feminist”: Exploring the Platform Vernacular of Girls’ Social Media Feminisms’, Social media + society, Volume: 5 issue: 3, viewed 23 March 2021, < “Oh, She’s a Tumblr Feminist”: Exploring the Platform Vernacular of Girls’ Social Media Feminisms>

Kruse, LM Norris, DR & Flinchum, JR 2018 Social media as a public sphere? Politics on social media, The Sociological Quarterly, 59:1, 62-84.