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Week 12: Crowdsourcing 

Hi there! Welcome back, and let's talk about our topic this week: crowdsourcing. Let's straight up go into our topic. 

Crowdsourcing is a system that brings together a large and decentralized group of individuals to collect data, solve problems, or face challenges. It often occurs through digital platforms that enable engagement and data collection, such as smartphone apps, social media, commercial software, and Internet of Things (IoT)-connected devices (Britannica Money n.d.). Crowdsourcing provides the capacity to enhance quality, solve complex problems faster, and reduce project costs by using the abilities of a large number of individuals. Major firms such as Starbucks, McDonald's, General Mills, Samsung, and Airbnb have used this technique for a variety of objectives, including product naming, developing and deciding on new food flavors, and gathering photographs and videos to promote the brand.

So, you might be wondering how crowdsourcing works, right? Collaborating in teams to find solutions to issues has been around for hundreds of years. The idea has been applied by governments to improve navigation, companies to design products, and kings to build better ships. Two editors of Wired magazine, Jeff Howe and Mark Robinson, coined the term "crowdsourcing" in 2006 to describe the process of using the Internet to create and connect ideas (Britannica Money, n.d.). Now that we understand how it functions, how does it address issues as they arise? Crowdsourcing in business gained notoriety when Netflix announced a $1 million (U.S.) prize for a computer program that improved movie suggestions in 2006. The corporation made significant volumes of anonymous viewing data available and subsequently collected over 50,000 entries. It finally gave a "Netflix Prize" to a group of researchers but never used the winning algorithm (Britannica Money n.d.).

Furthermore, crowdsourcing has the advantage of having a high success rate. During a product's or technology's whole lifecycle, market research is crucial. You will get important public feedback if you use open innovation to achieve this goal. Digital crowdsourcing platforms guarantee that people can contribute to your project at any time and from any place (How smart brands push innovation n.d.).

In summary, crowdsourcing is an effective technique that leverages the combined skills of a sizable, dispersed group to improve quality, find speedy solutions to challenging issues, and cut expenses. Its beneficial use in a variety of activities, from algorithm optimization to product creation, is demonstrated by the large firms that have successfully used it. Crowdsourcing is an excellent method for market research and innovation since it allows for continuous, worldwide participation through the use of digital platforms.

Reference 

Britannica Money n.d., Encyclopedia Britannica | Britannica, viewed 10 June 2024, <https://www.britannica.com/money/crowdsourcing>.

2. How smart brands push innovation n.d., ISPO.com, viewed 10 June 2024, <https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ispo.com/en/news/markets/what-crowdsourcing-definition-advantages-tips?amp>. 

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Week 11: Digital citizenship and conflict: social media governance 

Hi there, welcome back! Before starting on this week's topic, I would like to ask you a question: have you ever reported someone who posted false information or fake news on social media? 

So let's dive into this week's topic. The frameworks, rules, and procedures put in place to control and direct how people use social media platforms are referred to as social media governance. An organized foundation for managing your company's social media presence is provided by a social media governance plan. It includes guidelines, procedures, and tactics to help you comprehend and lessen the risks connected to social networking. 

Social media is a great tool for digital citizenship since it makes connections easier, makes information easier to obtain, and offers learning opportunities. Notwithstanding these advantages, social media's drawbacks—like disseminating false information, encouraging cyberbullying, and endangering privacy—have a bigger influence on digital citizenship. There are advantages and disadvantages to social media, so how we utilize it will determine its impact. It would be better for us if we had to act civilly toward one another, stay away from offensive material, and refrain from merely speculating on topics we don't fully understand. We don't want things like that to happen to us too, right? According to StopBullying.org, one in every four teens (25%) is bullied, and up to 43 percent have been bullied while online. Nine out of ten LGBTQ adolescents reported being harassed at school and online (Pros and Cons of Social Media | Lifespan n.d.). According to research, most teenagers have favorable experiences on social media, with the majority indicating that their peers are generally nice to one another. However, younger teenage girls and black teens are more likely to report negative experiences, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and more inclusive governance (Part 2: Social Media and Digital Citizenship: What teens experience and how they behave on social network sites n.d.-b).

Bullying is nothing new for anyone, but social media and technology have elevated it to a new level. The menace of cyberbullying has increased in frequency and reach. In the digital age, cyberbullying has grown to be a serious problem with clear repercussions for users' online safety and wellbeing. A comprehensive approach incorporating strict social media control and digital citizenship is necessary to address this problem. Social media conflict demonstrates how digital citizenship typically revolves around control over platforms, resources, expression, brands, markets, and business interests. Users may differ, for example, over the freedom to express themselves on social, political, or private matters. When divergent points of view clash, it can lead to discussions, arguments, and, in extreme situations, hostility. The issue is not with social media as such. It is how individuals use it instead of in-person communication and socializing. "Friends" on social media may not be real friends, and they may even be strangers (Pros and Cons of Social Media | Lifespan n.d.). 

To summarize, digital citizenship and conflict on social media platforms are influenced by platform operators' governance efforts and user responses. To encourage positive interactions and responsible use, more inclusive and participatory government models must be developed that address public concerns while balancing the benefits and risks of social media.

Reference

Heslin, M.R. and Dvir, N., 2024. The Double-Edged Screen: Balancing Benefits and Risks of Social Media in Digital Citizenship. Available at SSRN 4701695.

Pros and Cons of Social Media | Lifespan n.d., Lifespan, viewed 10 June 2024, <https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/social-media-good-bad-and-ugly#:~:text=The%20more%20time%20spent%20on,that%20is%20not%20age%20appropriate>. 

3. Part 2: Social Media and Digital Citizenship: What teens experience and how they behave on social network sites n.d.-b, Pew Research Center, viewed 10 June 2024, <https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2011/11/09/part-2-social-media-and-digital-citizenship-what-teens-experience-and-how-they-behave-on-social-network-sites/>.

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Week 10: Gaming communities: Social Gaming and Live streaming

Hi, welcome back again. In this post, I will continue with the gaming community. Are you playing any games? How long have you been playing it? So let’s start our topic today. 

You might think that the gaming community is at its lowest point. However, the game community is enormous and expanding quickly. In 2022, there will be 3.2 billion gamers worldwide, according to current predictions (Is the Gaming Community Big Enough For The Metaverse? n.d.). With live streaming and social gaming, users can now engage, share, and communicate with other players and their favorite games in new and exciting ways, making them indispensable components of contemporary gaming communities. For creators, gaming communities are a valuable source of feedback. Via social media and groups, players may provide developers with immediate feedback. Significant concepts and recommendations to improve the gaming experience can be found in in-game communities. This interaction facilitates the rapid identification and settlement of issues (Games 2023). Global players can create teams and compete for prizes in events. Prejudices can be dispelled and perspectives can be expanded via the camaraderie and cooperation that occur in gaming groups.

Clans and gaming teams play a big role in these communities. Players need to be able to effectively interact with one another for their team to succeed. For instance, teamwork is necessary when playing a multiplayer game like PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. Effective communication facilitates the identification and resolution of team issues, enabling players to work together to overcome obstacles and enhance their gameplay experience. (The importance of communication in competitive gaming – Gecko Gaming and Esports n.d.). A lot of supporters and professional gamers stream PUBG on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, resulting in a large following and community surrounding the game.

Now let's look into live streaming. The most famous live-streaming platform is Twitch. This gaming-focused streaming platform allows users to broadcast, connect with viewers in real time, and create communities. Since it's a real-time interaction, streamers can converse with viewers via live chat, resulting in an engaging experience. Twitch, which debuted in 2011, has evolved to become the largest live-streaming site of its kind. Every day, millions of people check in to watch their favorite players battle aliens, score goals, and win royales (Apple Inc 2024). 

Gaming communities, which unite people with shared interests and promote inclusivity regardless of background, are essential to the creation and commercial success of video games. By encouraging cross-cultural communication and improving accessibility, they dismantle barriers and guarantee that everyone is treated with respect. In addition, these communities foster social skills that are beneficial in real life as well as in games, such as cooperation, conflict resolution, and communication. It is essential to maintain a polite atmosphere through efficient moderation, neighborhood events, and online etiquette instruction to protect these advantages. Acknowledging and rewarding good behavior promotes a positive community culture, enhances the gaming experience, and helps create a more polite and understanding social environment.

Reference

Is the Gaming Community Big Enough For The Metaverse? n.d., MetaEngine – Build bigger, together, viewed 10 June 2024, <https://www.metaengine.gg/blog/is-the-gaming-community-big-enough-for-the-metaverse#:~:text=The%20gaming%20community%20is%20huge,billion%20gamers%20worldwide%20in%202022>.

Games, B 2023, Gaming Communities: The Rise and Impact of Gaming Communities on the World of Video Games, Medium, viewed 10 June 2024, <https://bggames.medium.com/gaming-communities-the-rise-and-impact-of-gaming-communities-on-the-world-of-video-games-1fec152f649f>.

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Week 9: Digital citizenship and software literacy: Instagram filters

Hi, it’s me again. I hope you enjoyed reading the previous blog. Through the headline, I guess you know what topic I will talk about. Most of us probably use Instagram filters very frequently, since different filters give different vibes to the pictures we post. Hence, do you mind sharing your most frequently used Instagram filter? 

Since its beginnings in the 1960s, augmented reality (AR) has grown in popularity due to its improved accessibility and integration with smartphones. Snapchat debuted Lenses, their take on face filters, in 2015, and they quickly became popular. Subsequently, Instagram swiftly became the second-most widely used filter site. These tools are an intriguing fusion of technology, ethics, and creativity—they're not merely entertaining photo-editing functions. It is crucial to use them appropriately as a digital citizen. Instagram made a splash when it first launched in 2010 with its unique square photographs and customizable effects (How Instagram’s Filters Got Their Names n.d.). Before sharing their photos and videos, users might alter them with filters and effects. However, not everyone had access to the technologies used to create AR filters at first. The foundation for these functionalities was established by Instagram, which opened up the ability to create and utilize custom filters for all users in 2019. Face filters alter people's interactions and communication styles, in addition to their appearance. Social media is evolving as a result of augmented reality, with friends using bizarre animal lenses to make jokes and influencers using beauty face filters. 

Do you know how many people use the Instagram filter? 600 million people. Over 600 million users have reportedly used Meta's Facebook and Instagram filters (Social Media Beauty Filters Impact on Mental Health n.d.). Filters can significantly alter appearances, particularly affecting younger users and raising concerns about authenticity and self-image. According to a ParentsTogether survey from 2021, 48% of teenagers said they used beauty filters at least once a week. Numerous of these filters support an unrealistically uniform definition of beauty. Although filters are not intrinsically feminine, they are classified as such since they frequently have beautifying features. 

As users, we can not only apply filters but also create our own using tools like Spark AR Studio. This not only enhances our software literacy but also supports the digital ecosystem. However, it’s important to understand how filters operate before building or using them. This knowledge allows us to use tools like facial recognition and augmented reality more creatively and effectively.

By combining technological knowledge with ethical awareness, we can enhance our digital experiences and contribute positively to the online community. Face filters are likely to remain a significant part of how people interact with and shape their digital identities as digital tools continue to evolve. 

Reference

How Instagram’s Filters Got Their Names n.d., The Hollywood Reporter, viewed 7 June 2024, <https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/instagram-filters-history-names-explained-910720/>.

2. Social Media Beauty Filters Impact on Mental Health n.d., WNWO, viewed 7 June 2024, <https://nbc24.com/news/spotlight-on-america/social-media-beauty-filters-impacting-the-mental-health-of-young-women-tiktok-meta-snapchat-instagram-university-of-london-study-bold-glamour-facetune-bodytune-airbrush>.

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Week 8: Digital Citizenship and Health Education: Body Modification on Visual Social Media

Hi, welcome again! In this week's topic, we are going to talk about digital citizenship and health education: body modification on visual social media. Which social media influencers do you follow who often post photos of their body modifications? What thoughts do their posts inspire in you regarding body modification?

In the last three decades, body modification has become increasingly common in the West. The most noticeable trend is the rise in tattoos and body piercings, as evidenced by the abundance of rings and studs on tongues, eyebrows, noses, and other body parts (grumpychipp 2023). In today's electronically connected culture, social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have evolved into powerful instruments for self-expression and community development. Among the plethora of fads that emerge on these platforms, body modification—from tattoos and piercings to more drastic procedures—stands out as a particularly active and visible movement. It appears that social media platforms have a significant role in motivating individuals to pursue improved physical and aesthetic well-being. Although these visual aids can be inspiring and potent, they also raise important questions about digital citizenship and health education. The Hindu practices of nose piercing, neck elongation, and henna tattooing in Thailand and Africa; the dental filing practice in Bali; the lip piercing and earlobe stretching in Africa; and the circumcision of both sexes in many regions of the world are examples of body modification practices that are practiced worldwide (Bradley University: Body Modification & Body Image n.d.). 

A growing number of body-positive movements are indeed spreading throughout social media, encouraging users—especially women—to join and change how they look. For example, searching for the hashtag #fitspiration on Instagram results in images of people with toned, thin bodies. By allowing users to connect with others who share their values and peruse fitness-related photos and videos, this tag hopes to inspire people to lead more balanced and healthy lives. These activities have made people more conscious of their appearance and more conscientious of their physical well-being; to reach their objectives, they are engaging in gymnastics and losing weight. I would want to ask you this: have you ever looked up a hashtag connected to body modification? 

On Instagram, there is an account called Lilyewenfitness. She is an online coach who helps women be the best version of themselves. In her post, we can see that many women have grown and learned so much that many of them manage to achieve their goals and become better. She also shares her workout details, her lunch/breakfast recipe, and more. She also runs a coaching program called "Lift with Lily." She provides individualized exercise and nutrition plans based on each client's objectives. Her strategy focuses on creating a healthy relationship between training and nutrition as well as long-term results. She uses an app to give her clients round-the-clock support, tracking their progress, setting objectives, and sharing wellness and fitness-related information. ​ 

In summary, social media movements that support body positivity and the emergence of body alteration trends have been crucial in encouraging healthier lives. People such as Lilyewenfitness are prime examples of how internet platforms can be used to assist people in their quest to become the healthiest versions of themselves.​

Reference

grumpychipp 2023, Body modification vs. social media: Is there any connection?, Spiderum, viewed 7 June 2024, <https://spiderum.com/bai-dang/Body-modification-vs-social-media-Is-there-any-connection-HUk3sCwKK5l1>.

2. Bradley University: Body Modification & Body Image n.d., Home | Bradley University, viewed 7 June 2024, <https://www.bradley.edu/sites/bodyproject/disability/modification/>.

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Week 7: Social media influencer and slow fashion movement

Welcome back again! So in this post, I’m going to walk you through social media influencers and the slow fashion movement. As usual, we are going to start with some questions. Let me know your answer in the comment section so I can go and take a look too. Did you go on social media to search for certain influencers for fashion ideas? 

So what is the slow fashion movement? Compared to the fast fashion industry, the slow fashion movement promotes more ethical and ecological ways of producing and consuming clothing. An important part of the affordable approach is using environmentally friendly materials such as hemp, organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and other sustainable sources. This reduces the environmental impact of clothing production. Recycled fabrics, such as using jeans to recreate a new item, are often seen nowadays; they could be a bag or clothes. You may think that using recycled jeans and making them into a bag may sound weird; in contrast, it has become a fashion trend. Some of these traditional methods are returning to the slow-fashion world. At first, it prompts us to sit back and consider whether we truly need a new item or if we could look through our closet for a forgotten item that could only require a minor fix. It therefore motivates us to purchase fewer clothes less frequently and, whenever possible, get used ones.

We can also see more and more thrift stores on the street. Thrift stores like 2nd Street allow everyone to sell their clothes to them, and then they will choose those good-quality clothes and resell them at a low price. This lets those old clothes find a new owner and give them value again. So if you have any old clothes that you want to throw away, why not sell them to 2nd Street and let them help those clothes find a new owner? Furthermore, thrift stores receive different types of fashion-style clothes, and people can manage to find clothes that suit their fashion style better than in a shopping mall. Wearing used apparel is an environmentally conscious way to support others in becoming more sustainable (Atelier, 2023). 

Or if you plan not to sell it, then why not donate it and help those in need? (tyoub.com.au, n.d.) No matter how big the charity is that you decide to support, your contribution will have an impact. Charities can carry out their essential work because of the kindness of people like you. Even though you might not need your old clothes, someone most likely will. Many people require more reasonably priced, reusable clothing. 

In conclusion, ethical and environmentally friendly clothing uses sustainable materials such as hemp and recycled fabrics, promoted by the slow fashion movement. This encourages buying lower-quality products and helps thrift stores like 2nd Street, which share used clothing to reduce waste. Donating used clothing to charities benefits the less fortunate and promotes sustainability. Embracing slow fashion fosters a community that is more aware and supportive. of.

Reference

Atelier, D. (2023). What is Upcycled Clothing? Slow Fashions Biggest Trend for 2023. [online] Daines Atelier. Available at: https://dainesatelier.com/upcycled-fashion-2023/  (Accessed: 18 May 2024). 

tyoub.com.au. (n.d.). Why You Should Donate Clothes Instead of Throwing Them Away - Tyoub Swimwear. [online] Available at: https://tyoub.com.au/blogs/news/why-you-should-donate-clothes-instead-of-throwing-them-away  [Accessed 18 May 2024].

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Week 6: Digital Citizenship: Hashtag publics, political engagement, and activism

Hi, welcome back! Let’s continue discussing topics I learned during my Digital Communities class. In this blog, I would like to share with you all about digital citizenship. In digital citizenship, it focuses on a few categories, such as hashtag publics, political engagement, and activism. Here are some questions that I am curious about: how frequently do you use hashtags, and did you use social media or other digital platforms to advocate for political issues? Please let me know your answer in the comment section.

So let’s start with what digital citizenship is. Digital citizenship is the ability to act responsibly and safely in our digital environments and to participate actively and respectfully in them. Even while we speak on social media just as we would offline, we are not always as aware of it as we may think. Occasionally, we do activities without considering how they may impact our security, reputation, and growth as digital citizens. (media smarts, 2022) In addition, we should also thank digital media, as digital media allows everyone to speak, participate, and influence change both online and offline. 

Are hashtags important? Most of us are familiar with the usage of hashtags, as hashtags can boost interaction and audience by directly leading us to the topic that we are searching for (Sprout Social, 2023). We frequently start and join public conversations on specific topics by clicking on the hashtags on social media platforms. By classifying and organizing content, hashtags enhance users' ability to locate and participate in discussions about specific topics. Hashtags also help a lot in raising awareness. For example, #FreePalestine has gone viral on social media and has been trending for quite a while. There is a post that has been viewed by 14 million people When people click on the hashtags, people will know what has happened, and some people will also help to voice out. 

Many of us engage with political issues very frequently during election time, especially when everyone is checking updates from time to time. However, political engagement is not only during election time; it could be engaged in our normal day too. For example, secondary school events will often invite political speakers to give a speech to the students. Public forums featuring politicians to talk about topics of policy and local concerns are an additional example. Now let’s talk about activism. Activism is the pursuit of social, political, economic, or environmental change through a variety of advocacy and direct action strategies. Digital activism, for instance, organizes, advocates for, and mobilizes for social change using online tools and platforms. 

In short, it can be stated that being a responsible, safe, and polite internet user is part of practicing digital citizenship. Given the real-world consequences of our online actions, this underscores the importance of mindful behavior. The use of hashtags is essential for planning and participating in public discussions, and spreading awareness and support, such as #FreePalestine. In addition to elections, political participation includes regular events such as school events and public forums. Digital activism shows the ability of digital platforms to influence important issues in real situations, using online technologies to promote social, political, economic, or environmental change.

Can you guess what topic I'm going to talk about in my next post?

Reference

media smarts (2022). What is Digital Citizenship? https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/general-information/digital-media-literacy-fundamentals/what-digital-citizenship  (Accessed: 18 May 2024). 

2. Sprout Social. (2023). Hashtags: What they are and how to use them effectively. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/what-is-hashtagging/#:~:text=Hashtags%20increase%20engagement%20and%20reach  (Accessed: 18 May 2024).

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Week 5: Digital community and fandom

Hi, welcome to Celine’s blog. As I'm studying digital communities, I gain more knowledge about this subject. Hence, I would like to share with you all that I have learned. Take an example from week 5: the digital community and fandom. A short interaction with you all: you’re a fan of who? Have you ever used any social media platform to interact with your idol? Did you get information about your idol through social media? Let me know your answer in the comment section. 

To use K-pop fandom as an example, in these modern days, K-pop fandom often uses digital platforms like social media or fan sites that enable fans from all around the world to interact and connect easily with their idol. This global community has made the fandom more and more diverse (Magazine, 2023). For example, the Weverse app is well-known to most K-pop fans, as Weverse is an app for fans to interact with their idol. To see more content, fans must be community members by subscribing to their plan. The artist will post about their daily lives, and occasionally the artist will also reply to a few lucky fans' comments. This will strengthen the relationship between fans and the artist. To most K-pop fans, getting replied to by their idol will be their best day ever. 

Not only this, but fans from the same fandom can also make new friends as they share the same interests, making them closer. Through the digital community, everyone can share their personal experiences and challenges, such as uploading their experience of attending their idol concert and more. Besides that, there are many talented people out there. Digital communities empower fans to create and share content such as fan fiction, fan art, videos, photos, and more that allows them to have a space to express their talent. Furthermore, during the pandemic, K-pop idols also used digital platforms to do online fan meetings, which pulled closer the fans and idol relationships, and it has continued until now. Additionally, K-pop idols often go live to interact with their followers too. However, when there is positive content, there is always negative feedback. As a K-pop fan, we all know that a fan war between fans from different groups is a normal thing. Some fans are too overreacting, harassing, and violent when they are making comments on certain idols. Toxic fan behavior will only bring a bad reputation to the fandom.

Recently, Alan Walker posted his Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia phone numbers in his Instagram story to ask fans to let him know who was going to his concert. He receives 15,000 messages in 2 hours. This shows how digital communities have played an important role in the development and growth of fans worldwide for every artist. 

To conclude, digital communities are impacting every single aspect of the fandom. Fans use digital platforms to get information and updates, and idols use digital platforms to share their daily lives. Digital communities enhance the power of each fandom. Fans gained more unity when more interactions were created on digital platforms. 

I will end it here, see you in the next post :)

Reference

Magazine, P.P. (2023) Fandoms in the digital age: How online communities are redefining fan culture, Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@poppulsenewsmag/fandoms-in-the-digital-age-how-online-communities-are-redefining-fan-culture-1b2ef0bd33ef  (Accessed: 18 May 2024).