cheepuppp

[cheepuppp]

Social Gaming: More Than Just Play

If you’ve ever spent time in an online gaming community, you know it’s not just about winning or leveling up. It’s about the friendships forged during late-night raids, the epic betrayals that leave you fuming, and the shared laughs over ridiculous in-game fails. Social gaming isn’t just playing, it’s living, connecting, and sometimes yelling at your screen. Whether it’s MMORPGs like EVE Online, Fortnite’s frantic showdowns, or the social sleuthing of Among Us, these games create digital spaces where people build, bond, and occasionally clash.

But social gaming isn’t always sunshine and perfectly executed headshots. It’s messy, chaotic, and full of lessons about collaboration, conflict, and the complex beauty of community.

Social Gaming: Not Just a Game

Let’s talk about EVE Online, one of the most fascinating gaming ecosystems out there. It’s not your average game. It’s a digital universe where players form alliances, run economies, and wage wars that rival the complexity of real-world geopolitics. De Zwart and Humphreys call it the "lawless frontier of deep space," and they’re not kidding. Players make the rules or break them on their own terms.

Imagine spending months building a powerful fleet with your alliance, only to have it wiped out in a massive battle because someone betrayed you. This isn’t hypothetical; it happens all the time in EVE Online. Suzor and Woodford explore how this dynamic blurs the line between in-game actions and real-world emotions. The stakes feel real because the time, effort, and creativity invested are real.

But EVE is just one part of the picture. Platforms like Twitch bring the social aspect of gaming to the forefront. Gamers don’t just play, they perform, interact with audiences, and build communities in real time. Watching your favorite streamer nail an impossible challenge or chat about their day feels oddly personal, like you’re part of a little digital family. Then there’s Steam, a hub where gamers exchange reviews, mods, and endless banter in forums. It’s not just about playing; it’s about belonging.

Collaboration and Chaos: The Magic of Social Gaming

One of the best things about social gaming is the teamwork. Whether it’s coordinating a raid in World of Warcraft or forming alliances in EVE Online, collaboration is often the key to success. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a perfectly executed strategy where everyone pulls their weight and victory feels like a collective triumph.

But with teamwork comes conflict. EVE Online is infamous for its betrayals and wars. Players can spend years building alliances, only to see them crumble when someone double-crosses them. These betrayals often lead to massive in-game battles that destroy millions in virtual currency and countless hours of effort. It’s heartbreaking and exhilarating all at once, a rollercoaster of trust and treachery.

Outside of EVE, games like Among Us take conflict to a smaller, sillier level. Trying to figure out which of your friends is lying while maintaining your own poker face is both frustrating and ridiculously fun. These moments highlight the social skills gaming can develop, from negotiation and deception to teamwork and strategic thinking.

The Challenges: Not All Fun and Games

As incredible as gaming communities can be, they aren’t without flaws. Toxicity is a persistent issue. Harassment, trolling, and gatekeeping often make gaming spaces feel unwelcoming, especially for women and marginalized groups. De Zwart and Humphreys point out that the lack of clear rules in games like EVE Online can create a survival-of-the-fittest environment that excludes less experienced players.

There’s also the challenge of balancing freedom with fairness. Giving players the ability to self-govern, as in EVE, is exciting but chaotic. Suzor and Woodford emphasize that without clear norms or accountability, these spaces can quickly become hostile. Gaming communities need to find ways to stay inclusive while still preserving the freedom that makes them so dynamic.

Personal Reflection

Social gaming has been a wild ride for me. I’ve spent hours coordinating with strangers to take down virtual bosses, and I’ve felt the sting of losing everything because of a poorly timed mistake. One time, in a raid, my group spent weeks preparing, only for someone to accidentally pull the boss early and wipe out the whole team. We laughed about it later, but at the time? Absolute chaos.

What keeps me coming back isn’t just the gameplay, it’s the people. The camaraderie, the inside jokes, the shared victories and defeats. But I’ve also seen how toxicity can ruin these spaces. Watching a new player get mocked for not knowing the mechanics or seeing sexist comments in chat is disheartening. It’s a reminder that these communities, while amazing, need to keep working to be better.

Conclusion

Social gaming is so much more than playing. It’s about building worlds, creating friendships, and learning how to navigate the messy, wonderful chaos of human interaction. Whether it’s the political intrigue of EVE Online, the silly deceptions of Among Us, or the real-time camaraderie on Twitch, gaming communities are vibrant, complex, and endlessly fascinating.

At their best, these communities remind us that even in virtual worlds, connection is everything. But like any space, they need care, accountability, and effort to remain inclusive and welcoming. Social gaming is a reflection of the real world, full of collaboration, conflict, and the potential to create something truly extraordinary.

References

De Zwart, M., & Humphreys, S. (2014). The Lawless Frontier of Deep Space: Code as Law in EVE Online. Cultural Studies Review, 20(1). https://search.informit.org/doi/pdf/10.3316/informit.225934593111540

Suzor, N., & Woodford, D. (2013). Evaluating Consent and Legitimacy Amongst Shifting Community Norms: An EVE Online Case Study. Journal of Virtual Worlds Research, 6(3). https://jvwr-ojs-utexas.tdl.org/jvwr/article/view/6409

Twitch. (n.d.). Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.twitch.tv

[cheepuppp]

Fandom: More Than Just Obsession

When you hear the word “fandom,” what comes to mind? Elaborate cosplay? Passionate debates over favorite characters? Maybe the occasional Twitter meltdown over an unexpected plot twist? While these are all part of fandom culture, there’s so much more beneath the surface. Fandoms have evolved into powerful communities that not only celebrate shared passions but also drive social change and advocate for better representation. They’re about connection, creativity, and sometimes, a whole lot of chaos.

Fandom as a Digital Community

Fandoms are the OG online communities, and they’ve only grown stronger with platforms like Tumblr, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Gray et al. describe fandoms as places where people come together to build identities and share a sense of belonging. Platforms like Tumblr have taken this to the next level, turning fandoms into hubs for creativity, critique, and collaboration.

On Tumblr, fans aren’t just geeking out over their favorite shows or characters. They’re holding media creators accountable, challenging stereotypes, and calling for more inclusive representation. McCracken points out that Tumblr fosters a unique culture where fandom merges with activism, making it a space where fans can connect their passions to real-world issues.

Jenkins adds that fandoms often act as “alternative publics,” where fans feel free to challenge the mainstream. Whether it’s debating character development or discussing the lack of diversity in a popular TV show, fandoms create spaces where fans feel empowered to speak up.

Fan Activism: When Passion Fuels Change

Fandoms are not just spaces for entertainment. They’re powerful engines for social activism. Jenkins and Shrestova coined the term “fan activism” to describe how fans use their organizational skills and collective power to champion causes they care about. One of the best examples of this is K-pop fandoms, especially the BTS ARMY.

In 2020, BTS fans rallied together for the Black Lives Matter movement, raising over $1 million to match the group’s own donation. Using the hashtag #MatchAMillion, they mobilized fans worldwide to contribute. This wasn’t just about money; it was a show of solidarity, proving that fandoms can be powerful agents for social change.

This kind of activism goes beyond petitions or protests. It’s about using the tools fandoms are already good at spreading messages, building connections, and amplifying voices to make a difference.

Representation and Media Ethics

Fandoms have also become critical voices in conversations about representation and media ethics. When a TV show, book, or movie fails to represent marginalized groups fairly, you can bet fans will call it out. Liew’s research on WhatsApp fan groups highlights how these spaces foster intimate, thoughtful discussions about representation and inclusivity.

This dynamic isn’t just about critique; it’s about influencing change. Fans push creators to do better, and their voices are being heard. Whether it’s demanding LGBTQ+ representation or better treatment of women in media, fandoms are driving conversations that reshape how stories are told.

Personal Reflection

Being part of fandoms has always been a mix of joy and learning for me. They’re not just about celebrating what you love they’re about connecting with others who feel the same. I’ve seen fandoms rally around important causes, like the #MatchAMillion campaign, and it’s honestly inspiring to see how a shared love for music can spark global activism.

That said, fandoms aren’t perfect. I’ve seen toxic behaviors like gatekeeping and infighting overshadow the sense of community they’re supposed to represent. It’s a reminder that even the most passionate spaces need to stay inclusive and open to everyone.

Conclusion

Fandoms are much more than spaces for obsessing over favorite shows or artists. They are vibrant communities that foster creativity, connection, and even activism. From pushing for better representation in media to raising millions for social justice causes, fandoms show that passion can lead to real change.

At their best, fandoms remind us that being a fan isn’t just about loving a story or a character. It’s about finding your people, sharing your values, and using collective energy to make the world a little brighter. These communities aren’t just shaping pop culture—they’re reshaping how we think about community, activism, and belonging.

References

Cho, M. (2018). 3 Ways that BTS and its Fans are Redefining Liveness. Flow: A Critical Forum on Media and Culture, 24. http://www.flowjournal.org/2018/05/bts-and-its-fans/

Gray, J., Sandvoss, C., & Harrington, C.L. (2007). Introduction: Fandom as Community and Identity. In Fandom: Identities and Communities in a Mediated World, NYU Press, New York, pp. 1-16. https://dokumen.pub/fandom-identities-and-communities-in-a-mediated-world-9780814743713.html

Jenkins, H. (2007, March 22). Transmedia storytelling 101. Confessions of an Aca-Fan. The Official Weblog of Henry Jenkins. http://www.henryjenkins.org/2007/03/transmedia_storytelling_101.html

Jenkins, H., & Shrestova, S. (2012). Up, up and away! The Potential of Fan Activism. Transformative Works and Cultures, 10. https://doi.org/10.3983/twc.2012.0435

Liew, H. (2020). Fandom in My Pocket: Mobile Social Intimacies in WhatsApp Fan Groups. In Mobile Media and Social Intimacies in Asia, Springer, pp. 77-91. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-024-1790-6_6

[cheepuppp]

Crowdsourcing: How Strangers Online Are Saving Lives

Imagine a devastating earthquake strikes, leaving entire communities cut off and in desperate need of help. Communication systems are down, and chaos takes over. Then, through platforms like Twitter or SMS-based tools, strangers from across the world begin sending updates, mapping damage, and coordinating rescue efforts. This is crowdsourcing in action. It is the power of collective digital collaboration, transforming crises into opportunities for global teamwork.

While the potential of crowdsourcing is extraordinary, it also comes with challenges. Let’s explore the successes, struggles, and lessons that make this phenomenon both inspiring and complex.

How Crowdsourcing Transforms Crises

One of the most notable examples of crowdsourcing was during the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Traditional communication systems were wiped out, making it nearly impossible to understand the full scope of the disaster. Ushahidi, a crowdsourcing platform, stepped in to bridge the gap. People on the ground used SMS and social media to report destroyed buildings, trapped individuals, and urgent needs. These reports were turned into a real-time crisis map that guided rescue teams to areas requiring immediate attention (Ford, 2012).

The 2011 Japan tsunami demonstrated a similar use of digital collaboration. Platforms like Twitter became vital for spreading real-time updates. Survivors used these platforms to share evacuation routes, warn others about aftershocks, and connect with rescue teams. Digital communities harnessed their collective knowledge to tackle immediate problems and offer support where it was most needed (Bruns et al., 2012).

These examples showcase how crowdsourcing transforms emergencies into opportunities for action, proving that even in the face of disaster, humanity can come together in extraordinary ways.

From Crowdsourcing to Crowdfunding

Crowdsourcing is not limited to information sharing. It also extends to pooling financial resources through crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and Indiegogo. During the Queensland floods in 2011, social media not only helped with real-time updates but also inspired massive fundraising efforts. These funds provided crucial financial support to affected communities, helping them rebuild their lives (Bruns et al., 2012).

Bennett et al. (2015) explain that crowdfunding works because it feels personal. Seeing someone’s story or watching a campaign grow in real time creates a sense of connection. With just a small donation, people feel like they are part of something meaningful, and those small contributions quickly add up to significant impact.

The Challenges of Crowdsourcing

Despite its potential, crowdsourcing has its pitfalls. One of the biggest challenges is misinformation. In the chaos of a disaster, unverified reports can spread quickly, causing confusion and misdirecting resources. Ford (2012) highlights that while the "wisdom of the crowd" can be a force for good, it also amplifies mistakes when bad information goes unchecked.

Another major issue is accessibility. Not everyone has the tools or internet access to participate in crowdsourcing efforts, especially in rural or low-income areas. Posetti and Lo (2012) emphasize that this digital divide excludes the most vulnerable people, making it critical to create systems that are more inclusive and equitable.

Personal Reflection

Crowdsourcing is one of those concepts that restores my faith in humanity. I remember following the Haiti earthquake response and being blown away by how people from across the globe stepped in to help. It showed me that even in the darkest moments, the human instinct to connect and support each other is incredibly powerful.

On the other hand, I have also seen the downsides. During the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation about vaccines spread like wildfire in online spaces. What started as well-meaning discussions often turned into fearmongering or confusion, highlighting the importance of responsibility when using these platforms.

Crowdsourcing works because it taps into our shared humanity, but it also reminds us of the need for critical thinking and accountability.

Why Crowdsourcing Matters

Crowdsourcing highlights the incredible potential of collective action. From mapping disaster zones and providing real-time updates to pooling financial resources, it shows that we are stronger when we work together.

However, its limitations, such as misinformation and unequal access, remind us that even the best tools need thoughtful application. Despite these challenges, the heart of crowdsourcing lies in its ability to connect people and inspire meaningful action. It proves that in times of crisis, hope and help are only a click away.

References

Bennett, L., Chin, B., & Jones, B. (2015). Crowdfunding: A New Media & Society Special Issue. New Media & Society, 12(2). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1461444814558906

Bruns, A., Burgess, J., Crawford, K., & Shaw, F. (2012). #qldfloods and @QPSMedia: Crisis Communication on Twitter in the 2011 South East Queensland Floods. Social Media + Society, 7-10. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/48241/1/floodsreport.pdf

Ford, H. (2012). Crowd Wisdom. Index on Censorship, 33-39. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0306422012465800

Posetti, J., & Lo, P. (2012). The Twitterisation of ABC’s Emergency & Disaster Communication. Social Media Research Papers. https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/ielapa.046926063833158

[cheepuppp]

Public Health Campaigns: Hashtags, Challenges, and Communities

Public health and social media go hand-in-hand. Think about it, how many times have you seen campaigns like Movember, the Ice Bucket Challenge, or even COVID-19 hygiene tips pop up on your feed? Social media isn’t just a space for memes and influencers; it’s become a powerful platform for raising awareness, busting stigma, and connecting people around health issues. But like anything online, it’s a double-edged sword. Let’s explore how social media shapes public health campaigns, the good, the bad, and what we can learn from it.

The Power of Going Viral: Hashtags That Change the Game

When it comes to public health, viral campaigns are king. Take the Ice Bucket Challenge, for example. Back in 2014, this simple (and chilly!) campaign raised $115 million for ALS research. People across the globe dumped ice water on themselves, posted videos, and tagged friends to join in. It wasn’t just a trend, it was a masterclass in how social media can turn awareness into action.

Similarly, campaigns like Movember have used humor and creativity to tackle serious issues like men’s mental health and prostate cancer. Movember’s approach, encouraging men to grow mustaches during November combines personal expression with a call to action. According to Burgess et al. (2014), campaigns like these thrive because they tap into social networks, making participation feel fun, communal, and meaningful.

#COVIDRacism and the Role of Social Media During Crises

COVID-19 wasn’t just a health crisis, it was a social one. Alongside the pandemic came a wave of anti-Asian racism. In response, hashtags like #COVIDRacism and #StopAsianHate emerged to fight back. Abidin and Zeng (2020) explain how these movements created virtual “safe spaces” for people to share experiences and find solidarity. Platforms like Subtle Asian Traits played a huge role in amplifying these voices, blending humor, storytelling, and advocacy.

But social media’s role during COVID-19 wasn’t all positive. Nguyen et al. (2020) discuss how the pandemic exposed deep digital inequalities. While some communities used platforms to access vital health information, others were left out due to a lack of resources or internet access. Misinformation also ran rampant, turning platforms into battlegrounds for truth and falsehoods.

Mental Health in the Digital Age

Beyond viral campaigns, social media has become a space for talking about mental health. Hashtags like #Depressiongrams or #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay encourage people to open up about their struggles, breaking the stigma around mental illness. McCosker (2016) explores how tagging depression or sharing personal stories creates visibility, but warns that oversimplifying mental health for clicks can sometimes do more harm than good.

Keiichi Matsuda’s short film Merger also gives us a glimpse into a possible future where mental health and digital tools become inseparable. It raises important questions about privacy and authenticity, are we ready for a world where our innermost struggles are always online?

Personal Reflection

Thinking about public health campaigns, I can’t help but remember how the Ice Bucket Challenge took over my timeline. I didn’t participate, but I was inspired by how something so simple could spark such a huge movement. On the flip side, I’ve seen firsthand how social media can spread misinformation, especially during COVID-19. It’s a reminder that while platforms are powerful, they need to be used responsibly.

One campaign that stuck with me was Movember. Watching my friends grow questionable facial hair for a good cause made me realize how humor and creativity can make serious topics more approachable. It’s campaigns like these that show the best side of social media, bringing people together for a purpose.

Conclusion

Social media has revolutionized public health campaigns, turning hashtags into lifelines and challenges into global phenomena. But it’s not without its flaws. From misinformation to digital inequalities, the challenges are as real as the opportunities.

Still, the potential is undeniable. Campaigns like Movember, #COVIDRacism, and the Ice Bucket Challenge show us how social media can foster connection, inspire action, and build communities around health and wellness. The key is to use these platforms thoughtfully because when they’re done right, they can truly change lives.

References

Abidin, C., & Zeng, J. (2020). Feeling Asian Together: Coping With #COVIDRacism on Subtle Asian Traits. Social Media + Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120948223

Burgess, J., Cassidy, E., & Light, B. (2014). Deeply superficial Digital Media Engagement? The Case of Twitter and Movember 2013. Presented at AoIR 15, Daegu, Korea. https://spir.aoir.org/ojs/index.php/spir/article/view/8530

McCosker, A. (2016). Digital Mental Health and Visibility: Tagging Depression. In Messaris, P., & Humphreys, L. (Eds.), Digital Media: Transformations in Human Communication (2nd ed.). Peter Lang.

Nguyen, M. H., et al. (2020). Changes in Digital Communication During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: Implications for Digital Inequality and Future Research. Social Media + Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120948255

The Ice Bucket Challenge. (2014). Retrieved from ALS Association.

Matsuda, K. (2018). Merger. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/302028562.

[cheepuppp]

Activism & Protest: How Social Media Sparks (and Complicates) Revolutions

Can a hashtag change the world? Social media sure makes it seem like it. From #BlackLivesMatter to #StopAsianHate, hashtags have become rallying cries for global movements. They mobilize protests, expose injustices, and amplify voices that traditional media often ignores. But here’s the thing: while social media is a powerful tool for activism, it’s also a minefield of challenges. Let’s dive into how platforms like Twitter and Facebook are reshaping activism, for better, for worse, and for everything in between.

The Power of Going Viral: How Social Media Drives Movements

One of the best things about social media? It turns everyday people into activists overnight. Take the Hong Kong protests, for example. When the government started cracking down, protesters used Twitter and encrypted apps like FireChat to organize rallies without getting caught (Mahtani, 2019). Even when the internet was blocked, they found workarounds with mesh networks, basically offline communication systems that couldn’t be traced (Koetsier, 2019). Talk about innovation.

In Myanmar, social media played a similar role. Protesters used Facebook to document human rights violations during the military coup, rallying international attention and solidarity (Banki, 2021). The posts were raw, heartbreaking, and impossible to ignore. Social media wasn’t just a tool for spreading the wor, it became a lifeline for people fighting for democracy.

And let’s not forget the #StopAsianHate movement in the U.S. When anti-Asian violence spiked during the pandemic, hashtags like #StopAsianHate and #COVIDRacism brought communities together. Abidin and Zeng (2020) explain how these hashtags did more than raise awareness, they gave people a safe space to share their stories and demand change.

The Risks: When Social Media Bites Back

But here’s the catch: the same platforms that empower activists can also be used against them. In Hong Kong, protesters had to wear masks and ditch their phones to avoid being tracked by surveillance tech (Walters & Smith, 2019). In Myanmar, the military turned Facebook into a propaganda machine, spreading fake news to discredit the protestors (Shao, 2019). And let’s not forget how algorithms work, they prioritize engagement, which often means pushing the most divisive content to the top of our feeds. That’s great for outrage clicks, but terrible for nuanced discussions.

Sigal and Biddle (2015) caution against putting social media on a pedestal. Yes, it’s a powerful tool, but it’s not a silver bullet. Censorship, surveillance, and misinformation are real threats, and they can undermine even the most passionate movements.

The Wildcard: K-Pop Fans and the New Wave of Activism

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Activism isn’t just happening in traditional spaces, it’s spilling into fandoms. Yes, fandoms. K-pop stans are some of the most organized communities on the internet, and they’ve started using their skills for social justice. During the Black Lives Matter protests, BTS fans raised over $1 million for the cause, rallying behind the hashtag #MatchAMillion (Cho, 2018).

This kind of “fan activism” (Jenkins & Shrestova, 2012) is a game-changer. It shows that digital communities whether they’re built around music, memes, or activism have the power to mobilize for real-world impact. Who knew streaming BTS’s latest album and fighting for justice could go hand-in-hand?

Personal Reflection

I’ll admit it, I used to think sharing hashtags and liking posts didn’t really count as activism. But during the #StopAsianHate movement, I found myself retweeting stories, signing petitions, and even joining online discussions about how to help. It felt small at first, but it also made me realize the ripple effect of social media. One share can lead to ten, then a hundred, and suddenly you’ve got a movement.

That said, I’ve also seen the limits. Clicking “share” is easy; showing up to protests or making donations takes more effort. Social media is a great starting point, but the real challenge is turning those clicks into action.

Conclusion

Social media has completely transformed activism. It gives marginalized voices a platform, connects global communities, and turns hashtags into rallying cries. But it’s not perfect. The risks of surveillance, censorship, and slacktivism are very real, and not every hashtag leads to lasting change.

Still, the potential is undeniable. Movements like #StopAsianHate, the Hong Kong protests, and K-pop fan activism show us that when digital communities come together, they can achieve incredible things. The challenge now is to take that online energy and make it count offline because that’s where revolutions really happen.

References

Abidin, C., & Zeng, J. (2020). Feeling Asian Together: Coping With #COVIDRacism on Subtle Asian Traits. Social Media + Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120948223

Banki, S. (2021). Thanks to the Internet, we know what's happening in Myanmar. But a communication blackout may be near. The Conversation.

Cho, M. (2018). 3 Ways that BTS and its Fans are Redefining Liveness. Flow: A Critical Forum on Media and Culture, 24. http://www.flowjournal.org/2018/05/bts-and-its-fans/

Jenkins, H., & Shrestova, S. (2012). Up, up and away! The potential of fan activism. Transformative Works and Cultures, 10. https://doi.org/10.3983/twc.2012.0435

Mahtani, S. (2019). Masks, cash and apps: How Hong Kong's protesters find ways to outwit the surveillance state. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/masks-cash-and-apps-how-hong-kongs-protesters-find-ways-to-outwit-the-surveillance-state/2019/06/15/8229169c-8ea0-11e9-b6f4-033356502dce_story.html

Shao, G. (2019). Social media has become a battleground in Hong Kong's protests. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/16/social-media-has-become-a-battleground-in-hong-kongs-protests.html

Sigal, I., & Biddle, E. (2015). Our Enduring Confusion About the Power of Digital Tools in Protest. Fibreculture Journal, 26. https://twentysix.fibreculturejournal.org/fcjmesh-007-our-enduring-confusion-about-the-power-of-digital-tools-in-protest/

[cheepuppp]

Digital Citizenship and Political Engagement: A Double-Edged Sword

Social media was supposed to revolutionize politics, right? Platforms like Twitter and Facebook promised to give power back to the people, connecting us directly to our leaders and each other. And, in some ways, they delivered. Today, hashtags spark global movements, politicians bypass the press to speak directly to voters, and viral memes turn political gaffes into public debates. But here’s the catch: it’s not all sunshine and democracy. Like most things in life, the reality of digital political engagement is way messier and way more interesting.

The Good: Social Media as a Game-Changer

First, let’s give credit where it’s due. Social media has absolutely transformed how politics works. Take Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, for example. Whether you loved or hated him, you couldn’t ignore him and neither could your Twitter feed. Trump’s tweets weren’t just soundbites, they were a direct line to millions of voters, shaping public opinion in real time. As Enli (2017) points out, his “authentic outsider” vibe on social media made him seem relatable to supporters, and that relatability translated into votes.

But it’s not just about big names. Grassroots movements like Malaysia’s Bersih 2.0 also used social media to mobilize support and demand electoral reform. Johns and Cheong (2019) describe how Bersih activists used Facebook and Twitter to bypass traditional media censorship, rallying people with emotional posts and hashtags. That “networked affect” those raw, viral moments created a sense of shared purpose that brought thousands into the streets.

The Bad: The Dark Side of Digital Citizenship

Of course, there’s a flip side to all this. Social media is great at amplifying voices, but it’s also great at creating echo chambers. Algorithms feed us what we want to see, which is fantastic for keeping us entertained but terrible for meaningful political discourse. Instead of healthy debates, we get polarized shouting matches where everyone thinks they’re right, and no one’s actually listening.

And let’s not forget misinformation. Remember the Cambridge Analytica scandal? Facebook data was weaponized to target voters with political ads designed to manipulate their choices. It’s a stark reminder that while social media feels empowering, it can also be used to exploit us. As Choi and Cristol (2021) point out, true digital citizenship requires more than just access, it demands education, critical thinking, and inclusion.

The Meh: Low-Cost Engagement

Then there’s the issue of “low-cost” political engagement. Retweet a hashtag, like a post, or share a petition, and boom you’re a political activist, right? Not exactly. Bode (2017) calls this the “gateway behavior” of political engagement. It’s a great start, but if all we do is click buttons, are we really making a difference? Hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter or #MeToo can create massive awareness, but the real question is: do they lead to action? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It’s complicated.

Personal Reflection

If I’m being honest, I’ve definitely fallen into the trap of slacktivism. It’s so easy to retweet a catchy hashtag and feel like you’ve done your part. But over time, I’ve realized that real political engagement takes more effort. During the last election, I used Instagram stories to share voter guides and info about local candidates, and it felt more impactful than just liking someone else’s post. Don’t get me wrong, social media is powerful. But it’s just a tool, and how we use it makes all the difference.

Conclusion

Social media has changed the game when it comes to political engagement, for better and worse. It’s made politics more accessible, allowing people to participate in ways that were unthinkable a decade ago. But it’s also created new challenges: echo chambers, misinformation, and slacktivism. As digital citizens, we need to go beyond the surface. Retweets and likes are great, but real change happens when we take those online conversations offline. The power is in our hands, literally.

References

Bode, L. (2017). Gateway Political Behaviors: The Frequency and Consequences of Low-Cost Political Engagement on Social Media. Social Media + Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305117743349

Choi, M., & Cristol, D. (2021). Digital citizenship with an intersectionality lens: Towards participatory democracy-driven digital citizenship education. Theory Into Practice, 60(4), 361-370. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2021.1987094

Enli, G. (2017). Twitter as an arena for the authentic outsider: Exploring the social media campaigns of Trump and Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. European Journal of Communication, 32(1), 50-61. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0267323116682802

Johns, A., & Cheong, N. (2019). Feeling the Chill: Bersih 2.0, State Censorship, and “Networked Affect” on Malaysian Social Media 2012–2018. Social Media + Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305118821801

[cheepuppp]

Is Blogging Still Relevant in the Age of TikToks and Instagram?

Let’s be real, when was the last time you scrolled through a blog for fun? These days, we’re glued to TikTok’s endless stream of dances, memes, and life hacks, or Instagram’s shiny, curated visuals. With platforms pushing short, snappy, and algorithm-driven content, it feels like blogging is stuck in the early 2010s. But is it really? Sure, blogging might not dominate our digital lives like it once did, but I’d argue it’s far from irrelevant. In fact, blogging fills a void that TikTok and Instagram can’t touch one where connection, reflection, and depth thrive.

Main Discussion

What sets blogging apart from today’s most popular platforms? Well, it’s the space. Blogs aren’t built around trends or quick dopamine hits; they’re built for deep dives and meaningful conversations. TikTok is great for learning how to fold a fitted sheet in under 60 seconds, but if you want to unpack complex ideas or tell a story, blogs are where it’s at. They’re like the comfy reading corner of the internet, no filters, no frantic swiping, just time to sit down and actually think.

Take Humans of New York as an example. This project started as a humble photo blog capturing people’s stories on Tumblr. Fast forward a few years, and it’s thriving on Instagram and Facebook. What’s fascinating is that even as it shifted to these visual-first platforms, it never lost its essence. It’s still about storytelling, about capturing those raw, honest moments that remind us how deeply human we are (Stelzner, 2023). This shows that blogging isn’t about the platform; it’s about creating something authentic and meaningful. And that’s timeless.

Another key win for blogs is their asynchronous nature. Unlike TikTok, where you feel pressured to comment on the spot or risk your voice being drowned out by millions of others, blogs are patient. They’re repositories of thought where conversations can unfold over days, weeks, or even years. You can come back to a post, re-read it, and find something new every time. Tumblr, for instance, is a fantastic hybrid example, it blends blogging’s reflective, text-heavy nature with the interactive, community-driven features of modern platforms. Despite competing with the flashiness of TikTok and Instagram, Tumblr proves there’s still a demand for thoughtful, text-based spaces.

What about engagement, though? Isn’t the whole point of social media to connect with people? Here’s the thing: while TikTok and Instagram excel at quantity of interactions, blogs focus on quality. The comments section of a blog can feel like a mini community, where people are genuinely engaging with ideas rather than just tossing out emojis. It’s less about chasing likes and more about fostering real dialogue.

Personal Reflection

Writing for this blogging project has been, honestly, refreshing. Compared to the quick captions I usually throw up on Instagram, blogging feels like a breath of fresh air. I get to sit down, organize my thoughts, and dive into topics in a way I can’t on other platforms. Sure, it takes more time, but that’s the point. It’s not about going viral or hacking an algorithm, it’s about creating something meaningful.

What’s even more interesting is how blogging feels like a quiet rebellion against the frenzy of modern social media. In a world that rewards speed and attention, grabbing content, blogging dares to be slow and reflective. And that’s powerful. It’s reminded me that not everything has to be a race for likes or shares. Sometimes, it’s just about sharing your perspective and connecting with others who resonate with it.

Conclusion

So, is blogging still relevant? Absolutely. It might not have the glitz and speed of TikTok or Instagram, but that’s exactly why it matters. Blogging offers an alternative, a slower, deeper way to connect and reflect. In a world obsessed with going viral, blogging reminds us that some things are worth taking time for. It’s not about chasing trends or algorithms; it’s about finding your voice and building communities that genuinely care.

As social media continues to evolve, there will always be a need for spaces that prioritize depth over instant gratification. And that’s where blogging shines.

References

Choi, M., & Cristol, D. (2021). Digital citizenship with an intersectionality lens: Towards participatory democracy-driven digital citizenship education. Theory Into Practice, 60(4), 361-370. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2021.1987094

Stelzner, M. (2023). How blogging has adapted to new platforms. Social Media Examiner. Retrieved from https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com

Humans of New York. (n.d.). Official site. Retrieved from https://www.humansofnewyork.com

Best Infographics. (n.d.). Instagram vs. TikTok. Retrieved from https://www.best-infographics.com/instagram-vs-tiktok/

YouTube. (n.d.). The Rise and Fall of Blogging. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkzIJoQ2WvI

[cheepuppp]

Introduction!!

Hello!! my name is Amisya Syaznia, you can call me Misya. I am a Media and Communication student. This is my first year second semester. I love watching anime especially one piece, i also love playing cozy games, pixelated games.

This blog is meant for my MDA20009 Digital Communities assignments. Stay tuned!