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Reality TV and Digital Publics: An Exploration

This week’s lecture focused on the complex interplay between reality TV and social media, highlighting how digital publics form and engage within the public sphere. The discussion provided historical context, explored key concepts, and examined the role of social media in reshaping audience interaction and engagement.

Key Concepts: Digital Publics and the Public Sphere

The public sphere is traditionally defined as a space where private individuals come together to discuss and influence political change (Kruse, 2018; Sakariassen, 2020). With the advent of social media, this concept has evolved into multiple digital publics, which are micro-communities formed around specific platforms and issues. Examples include hashtags like #Auspol and Tumblr fandoms.

Historical and Contemporary Context of Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing is not a novel concept. Historical examples such as the British government's Longitude Prize in 1714 and the Oxford English Dictionary’s reliance on 800 readers in 1884 illustrate early forms of distributed problem-solving (Chrum, 2013). In modern times, platforms like Ushahidi have been pivotal in crisis mapping, highlighting how digital technologies can mobilize citizens and unify views during crises.

Reality TV: Definitions and Audience Paradoxes

Reality TV, a dominant television genre for over 20 years, encompasses a wide range of sub-genres including gamedocs, talent contests, and celebrity-based programs (Murray & Ouellette, 2009). Despite its popularity, reality TV is often cited as the least favorite genre among surveyed audiences (Statista, 2022). This paradox underscores the complex relationship audiences have with reality TV, where they engage heavily but express disdain for the genre.

Reality TV and Social Media: Transforming Engagement

Reality TV has leveraged social media to diversify markets and enhance audience participation. Social media platforms enable reality TV stars and fans to interact across various channels, fostering a dynamic and participatory culture (Arcy, 2018). This multiplatform engagement creates digital publics where everyday political talk and social issues are discussed, reflecting the intersection of personal and political spheres (Graham & Hajru, 2011).

Case Studies: Malaysian Digital Publics and Tumblr

In Malaysia, platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook dominate digital public spaces, enabling citizens to mobilize and engage in community building (Castells, 2015). Similarly, Tumblr provides a safe space for marginalized voices, particularly for trans and gender-diverse individuals, offering a supportive environment distinct from platforms like Facebook and Instagram (Byron et al., 2019).

Implications for Broadcasters and Audiences

The convergence of reality TV and social media benefits broadcasters through increased viewer engagement and ratings. However, it also exposes participants to intense public scrutiny and potential harassment. The phenomenon of reality TV fame highlights the thin line between celebrity and ordinary individuals, with social media amplifying both positive and negative interactions (Porter, 2015).

Conclusion

The exploration of reality TV and digital publics reveals the transformative impact of social media on audience engagement and the formation of digital communities. These platforms facilitate dynamic interactions that blur the lines between personal and political spheres, reflecting broader societal trends and challenges. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the evolving landscape of media and public discourse.

References

Arcy, J. (2018). The digital money shot: Twitter wars, The Real Housewives, and transmedia storytelling. Celebrity Studies.

Byron, P., Robards, B., Hanckel, B., Vivienne, S., & Churchill, B. (2019). Safety, visibility and interaction on LGBTQ social media platforms. Media International Australia, 171(1), 127-138.

Castells, M. (2015). Networks of outrage and hope: Social movements in the internet age. Polity Press.

Chrum, J. (2013). Crowdsourcing: Definition and History. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from hbr.org.

Graham, T., & Hajru, A. (2011). Reality TV as a trigger of everyday political talk in the net-based public sphere. European Journal of Communication.

Kruse, M. (2018). The public sphere: Definitions and theories. Journal of Communication Inquiry, 42(1), 5-17.

Murray, S., & Ouellette, L. (2009). Reality TV: Remaking Television Culture. NYU Press.

Porter, T. (2015). Digital fandom: New media studies. Routledge.

Sakariassen, H. (2020). Public sphere revisited: Theories and debates. Media Studies Quarterly, 38(2), 89-104.

Statista. (2022). Popularity of reality TV among U.S. audiences. Retrieved from statista.com.

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Weekly Summary: Crowdsourcing in Times of Crisis

This week's lecture provided a thorough exploration of the role of crowdsourcing during crises, underscoring its historical roots, contemporary applications, and the implications for communication and information management in emergency situations.

Historical Context and Evolution of Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing is often perceived as a modern phenomenon enabled by digital technologies and social media. However, the concept of leveraging collective intelligence and resources dates back centuries. In 1714, the British government initiated "The Longitude Prize" to solve the problem of determining a ship's longitude at sea. This early example of crowdsourcing aimed to harness distributed problem-solving (Chrum, 2013). Similarly, King Louis XVI of France offered a prize for producing alkali from sea salt, and the Oxford English Dictionary relied on 800 readers to catalog words in 1884. These historical precedents illustrate that crowdsourcing has long been a valuable tool for addressing complex challenges by pooling knowledge and skills from diverse contributors.

Crowdsourcing in Modern Crisis Situations

In contemporary times, crowdsourcing has become increasingly important in crisis management and disaster response. During emergencies, social media and other digital platforms enable rapid information dissemination and collective problem-solving. As Julie Posetti and Ping Lo highlight, during crises, phone lines at emergency stations often become overwhelmed with calls from the public seeking to contribute information or request assistance. Social networking sites (SNS) play a crucial role in these scenarios, as they allow individuals and groups to make sense of events, construct knowledge, shape memories, and perform identities (ABC’s national social media coordinator, Ping Lo).

For instance, platforms like Ushahidi have been instrumental in crisis mapping, providing real-time information that can be critical for emergency response. Verified information is particularly valuable during disasters, as it can mean the difference between life and death.

Challenges and Adaptations in Crisis Communication

The rapid dissemination of information via social media poses significant challenges for traditional emergency response systems, which typically rely on linear information flow and strict authorization processes. In the modern context, where photos and reports of disasters can circulate globally before emergency services have even arrived on the scene, these systems must adapt to remain relevant. The ability to quickly verify and disseminate accurate information is essential for effective crisis management.

The integration of crowdsourcing into crisis communication strategies requires a shift from traditional top-down approaches to more dynamic, participatory models. This includes developing systems and protocols that can incorporate real-time data from diverse sources, ensuring information accuracy, and facilitating timely responses.

Conclusion

Crowdsourcing, both historically and in contemporary practice, demonstrates the power of collective intelligence and distributed problem-solving. In times of crisis, leveraging the capabilities of social media and digital platforms can enhance emergency response efforts, provided that traditional systems adapt to the fast-paced, participatory nature of modern communication. Understanding the historical context and evolving applications of crowdsourcing is crucial for developing effective strategies to harness its potential in crisis situations.

References

Chrum, J. (2013). Crowdsourcing: Definition and History. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from hbr.org.

Posetti, J., & Lo, P. (n.d.). Crowdsourcing in Crisis Communication. ABC’s national social media coordinator.

Ushahidi. (n.d.). Crisis Mapping and Crowdsourcing. Retrieved from ushahidi.com.

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Weekly Summary: Conflict and Digital Citizenship in Online Communities

This week's lecture delved into the complex and often troubling dynamics of conflict within digital communities, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of digital citizenship, activism, regulation, and inclusion. Conflict on social media serves as a lens to understand how digital spaces, often perceived as bastions of inclusion, are arenas of power struggles over resources, speech, platforms, and commercial interests.

Digital Citizenship and Social Media Governance

Digital citizenship involves a wide array of practices that facilitate participation and membership within society, extending beyond formal political engagement to include everyday interactions and activism (Mossberger et al. 2008). A good digital citizen effectively uses digital technologies to communicate, create, and consume content positively (eSafety Commissioner, NSW Department of Education).

Social media governance encompasses the regulations and control mechanisms that govern the internet and social media platforms. This governance is shaped by various stakeholders, including commercial entities, public sector institutions, industry bodies, and state actors, each with differing interests and regulatory approaches (Marwick & Caplan 2018). Governance also occurs at the micro-level within specific communities, such as Facebook Groups and Subreddits.

Online Harassment

Online harassment is an umbrella term covering a range of abusive behaviors, from offensive name-calling and embarrassment to physical threats and prolonged harassment (Lenhart et al. in Marwick & Caplan 2018). Motivations behind online harassment vary, including amusement and political goals (Dahlberg 2001). Research highlights that women and transgender individuals are more likely to be targets of such abuse (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern 2021). For instance, the 2020 report "Free To Be Online" by Plan International surveyed 14,000 girls across 31 countries and found that more than half had experienced abusive language.

Forms and Impact of Online Harassment

Online harassment can take numerous forms, including spreading malicious rumors, sending abusive messages, and non-consensual sharing of personal content, such as intimate images (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern 2021). Techniques like doxing and social shaming were notably refined during events like Gamergate, where men's rights activists and anti-feminist gamers coordinated harassment (Marwick & Caplan 2018).

Legal and Social Responses

Until recently, Australia lacked a unified legislative framework against online bullying and harassment. Various acts, including the Criminal Code Act 1995 and the Enhancing Online Safety Act 2015, were utilized to address specific aspects of online abuse. However, the Online Safety Act 2021 now provides comprehensive protection against severe online abuse, compelling service providers to remove harmful content within 24 hours of notice.

Besides legal remedies, other approaches include using humor to raise awareness, as seen in the work of comedians like Hannah Gadsby and Amy Schumer, and advocating for platform accountability. Despite a Pew study indicating that 79% of people believe social media companies are inadequate in addressing harassment, there is growing pressure for better content moderation and corporate social responsibility (CSR) (Crowther and Rayman-Bacchus 2016).

Conclusion

This week's lecture underscores that digital citizenship is deeply intertwined with issues of power and governance. Online harassment, particularly against women and gender non-conforming individuals, remains a critical issue, demanding a multifaceted response encompassing legal measures, social advocacy, and corporate responsibility. Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering more inclusive and respectful digital communities.

References

Crowther, D. & Rayman-Bacchus, L. (2016). Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility. Abingdon: Routledge.

Dahlberg, L. (2001). The Internet and Democratic Discourse: Exploring the Prospects of Online Deliberative Forums Extending the Public Sphere. Information, Communication & Society, 4(4), 615-633.

Haslop, C., O’Rourke, S., & Southern, J. (2021). The Impact of Online Harassment on Women and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals. Journal of Online Behavior, 9(1), 23-34.

Marwick, A. E., & Caplan, R. (2018). Drinking Male Tears: Language, the Manosphere, and Networked Harassment. Feminist Media Studies, 18(4), 543-559.

Mossberger, K., Tolbert, C. J., & McNeal, R. S. (2008). Digital Citizenship: The Internet, Society, and Participation. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

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Weekly Summary: The Evolving Landscape of Video Games and Gaming Culture

This week's exploration into video games has provided a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of gaming, spanning from historical developments to cultural impacts and community dynamics. Bernard Suits' definition of games sets the foundation, emphasizing the voluntary engagement in overcoming unnecessary obstacles through rule-based activities (Suits 1978). This definition encapsulates the essence of gaming, highlighting both its structured and playful aspects.

A Brief History of Games

The history of video games is complex and non-linear, marked by significant milestones such as the rise of arcade games, the advent of local multiplayer games, and the emergence of online multiplayer experiences. These developments have been closely tied to advancements in networked computing technologies, which have revolutionized how games are played and experienced. The role of spectatorship has also been crucial, evolving from local arcade audiences to global streaming platforms.

Games Culture and Community

Gaming culture has traditionally been dominated by young, middle-class men, particularly white or East Asian, leading to a masculine-dominated environment. This demographic is often considered the archetypal 'gamer,' influencing who feels welcome in gaming communities (Järvinen 2011). However, gaming communities are diverse and dynamic, comprising various sub-communities that players navigate based on skill, expertise, and shared interests. These communities are social in nature, fostering interactions and connections beyond the virtual realm.

Social Games and Platforms

The late 2000s and early 2010s saw a surge in social games, which leverage players' friendship networks to enhance engagement and retention. These games integrate seamlessly with daily routines, adapting social ties for gameplay purposes (Järvinen 2011). The gaming ecosystem is also defined by various platforms, including consoles, streaming services, and distribution channels, each catering to different aspects of the gaming experience. Players often flow across these platforms to meet their diverse needs.

Game Streaming and Competitive Gaming

Streaming has become a cornerstone of the gaming industry, with platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming at the forefront. Streaming is often live but can also be pre-recorded, offering lucrative opportunities for streamers and fostering dedicated communities around them (Jenkins 2006). Competitive gaming, or esports, is another significant facet, blending traditional sports dynamics with the digital realm. Esports is not a new phenomenon but has grown into a massive, profitable industry closely linked with streaming platforms.

Knowledge Communities and Modding

The concept of knowledge communities highlights the fluid and tactical nature of affiliations within the gaming world. These communities are formed based on shared intellectual and emotional pursuits, with members frequently shifting between groups as their interests evolve (Jenkins 2006). Modding, or the modification of video games, exemplifies this dynamic. Modders enhance games with new features and improvements, often fostering dedicated followings and contributing to the broader gaming culture (Sotamaa 2010).

Conclusion

The landscape of video games is rich and multifaceted, encompassing historical evolution, cultural dynamics, and vibrant community interactions. From Suits' foundational definition to the modern realities of streaming and esports, gaming continues to be a significant cultural and social force. Understanding these diverse elements is crucial for appreciating the full scope of the gaming world and its impact on contemporary society.

References

Järvinen, A. (2011). Social Games and the Formation of Friendship Ties. Games and Culture, 6(3), 271-291.

Jenkins, H. (2006). Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York: NYU Press.

Sotamaa, O. (2010). When the Game Is Not Enough: Motivations and Practices Among Computer Game Modding Culture. Games and Culture, 5(3), 239-255.

Suits, B. (1978). The Grasshopper: Games, Life and Utopia. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

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Weekly Summary: Augmented Reality Filters and Their Societal Implications

This week, our focus has been on the transformative role of Augmented Reality (AR) filters, delving into their technological evolution, cultural impact, and the multifaceted debates they spark. AR technology, which overlays virtual objects onto the real world, has been around since the 1960s but gained mainstream traction with the advent of smartphone technology and the viral success of applications like Snapchat and Pokémon Go (Azuma 1997).

Instagram and AR Filter Usage

Instagram, with an active user base of 1.28 to 2 billion, is a pivotal platform for AR filter engagement. Nearly 46% of users have accessed filter effects, and 500 million users interact with Instagram Stories daily. Across Meta's platforms, 700 million users engage with AR features monthly, underscoring the widespread adoption and influence of AR filters in social media (Miller & McIntyre 2022).

Why Study Filters?

The study of AR filters is crucial due to their implications on technological skill and social dynamics. The 'appification' of AR filters reduces the need for specialized knowledge, leading to a phenomenon known as technological deskilling and reinforcing a power imbalance between users and creators (Fisher 2020). Filters also raise concerns about privacy and biometric surveillance (Rettberg 2017), while simultaneously providing a medium for exploring digital identity (Coy-Dibley 2016).

Beauty Filters and Cultural Impact

Beauty and surgery filters are among the most popular on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. These filters often promote a homogenized and unrealistic beauty ideal, reflecting a shared cultural norm of documenting certain aesthetic standards (Rettberg 2014). Theories such as Social Comparison (Festinger 1954), Objectification (Fredrickson & Roberts 1997), and neoliberal/postfeminist perspectives on body and image (Elias, Gill & Scharff 2017) offer critical lenses to understand these dynamics.

Technology for Good?

While AR filters can reinforce Western beauty ideals, they also hold potential for positive applications aligned with transhuman and cyberfeminist theories. These perspectives view technology as an extension of the body, advocating for more empowering and diverse uses of beauty technologies (Haraway 1991).

Snapchat Dysmorphia

A growing concern is 'Snapchat dysmorphia,' where individuals seek cosmetic surgery to resemble their filtered selves (Rajanala, Maymone & Vashi 2018). Research indicates a correlation between frequent Snapchat lens use and increased body image concerns, highlighting a mutually reinforcing relationship between social media use and body dissatisfaction (Burnell, Kurup & Underwood 2021; Perloff 2014).

Ambient Filtering and the Digital-Forensic Gaze

The trend towards ambient filtering, where subtle edits create a natural-looking beauty, has normalized a filtered reality that blurs the lines between real and edited images (Lavrence & Cambre 2020). This shift has intensified the 'digital-forensic gaze,' where users meticulously scrutinize selfies to assess their authenticity, often leading to a cruel and deconstructive scrutiny (Lavrence & Cambre 2020).

Gender and Filters

Filters are often coded as feminine due to their beautification features. This gendered usage influences how different demographics interact with filters—men typically for humor, women for beauty (Pescott 2020; Ibanez-Sanchez, Orus & Flavian 2022).

The Future of Filters

Advancements in Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are leading to increasingly realistic filters. The integration of these technologies extends beyond social media, as seen in applications like AliPay incorporating beauty filters for face-ID verification (Peng 2020).

In conclusion, AR filters are a powerful tool that shapes our digital identities and societal norms. While they offer opportunities for creativity and self-expression, they also pose significant ethical and psychological challenges that warrant critical examination.

References

Azuma, R. (1997). A Survey of Augmented Reality. Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, 6(4), 355-385.

Burnell, K., Kurup, A., & Underwood, J. (2021). Social Media and Body Image: The Mutual Influence Between Social Media Use and Body Dissatisfaction. Journal of Social Psychology, 12, 1-15.

Coy-Dibley, I. (2016). Selfies, Sexts and Smartphones: The Mediation of Women's Self-Representation in Digital Culture. In T. Hill (Ed.), Digital Media and Society. London: SAGE Publications.

Elias, A. S., Gill, R., & Scharff, C. (2017). Aesthetic Labour: Beauty Politics in Neoliberalism. Gender, Work & Organization, 24(3), 299-313.

Festinger, L. (1954). A Theory of Social Comparison Processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140.

Fisher, E. (2020). The Class Ceiling in the App Economy. In A. Sen (Ed.), Platform Capitalism. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Fredrickson, B. L., & Roberts, T. (1997). Objectification Theory: Toward Understanding Women's Lived Experiences and Mental Health Risks. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21(2), 173-206.

Haraway, D. (1991). A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late 20th Century. In Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The Reinvention of Nature. New York: Routledge.

Ibanez-Sanchez, S., Orus, C., & Flavian, C. (2022). Exploring the Role of Instagram in the Image Creation of Women. Journal of Consumer Research, 49(2), 376-394.

Lavrence, C., & Cambre, C. (2020). Ambient Affordances of Filters: Transforming Practices of Photo-Editing in Social Media. Social Media + Society, 6(2), 1-14.

Miller, A., & McIntyre, A. (2022). The Filter Bubble: How Instagram’s Beauty Standards Impact Users. Journal of Media Studies, 34(1), 45-63.

Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social Media Effects on Young Women’s Body Image Concerns: Theoretical Perspectives and an Agenda for Research. Sex Roles, 71(11-12), 363-377.

Pescott, C. (2020). Young People, Gender and Selfie Culture. Journal of Youth Studies, 23(1), 32-49.

Rajanala, S., Maymone, M. B. C., & Vashi, N. A. (2018). Selfies—Living in the Era of Filtered Photographs. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, 20(6), 443-444.

Rettberg, J. W. (2014). Seeing Ourselves Through Technology: How We Use Selfies, Blogs and Wearable Devices to See and Shape Ourselves. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Rettberg, J. W. (2017). Surveillance and Self-Representation. Media and Communication, 5(3), 27-36.

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Digital Citizenship and Health Education - Body Modification on Visual Social Media

In this week’s lecture, Dr. Jonathan Mavroudis explores the intersection of digital citizenship, health education, and body modification within visual social media platforms. Key topics include public health campaigns, microcelebrity culture, aesthetic labor, and the impacts of social media on body image and mental health.

Public Health Campaigns Public health increasingly leverages social media for outreach, with campaigns like ‘Movember’ exemplifying successful health promotion. However, aesthetic templates promoted by digital influencers can often propagate unhealthy body image ideals.

Microcelebrity Culture Microcelebrity culture, characterized by individuals branding themselves online for visibility and status, plays a significant role in promoting these templates (Marwick, 2013). Social media users engage in visibility labor, often unknowingly, as they market themselves to compete for online attention (Mavroudis, 2020).

Aesthetic Labor Aesthetic labor involves modifying one’s appearance both online and offline to fit certain visual standards. On Instagram, this includes poses, body work, and the use of filters and editing tools to adhere to popular aesthetic norms.

Pornification The concept of pornification describes the normalization of commercial pornography aesthetics in social media. Influencers often present highly sexualized versions of themselves, reinforcing heteronormative standards of beauty and sexuality (Drenten & Gurrieri, 2019).

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Identity Dissonance The pressure to conform to these aesthetic standards can lead to identity dissonance and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), where individuals experience significant distress over perceived flaws in their appearance (Phillips, 2009). The dissonance between one's online and offline appearance contributes to dissatisfaction and increased cosmetic seeking behaviors.

What Can We Do? To mitigate these issues, greater regulation of public health campaigns by influencers is necessary. Raising awareness of the cultural influences on body dissatisfaction can help shift the focus from psychological to social solutions. Educating users about the dynamic interplay between social media content creation and platform algorithms can foster a more critical understanding of the digital environments that shape body image and societal ideals.

Reference

What is a niche internet micro celebrity? - The Washington Post. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/08/24/nimcel-influencers-tiktok-youtube/ (Accessed: 18 May 2024). 

R/livestreamfail on reddit: Researchers uncover ‘pornification’ trend among female streamers on twitch. Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/LivestreamFail/comments/1bnesn9/researchers_uncover_pornification_trend_among/ (Accessed: 18 May 2024). 

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Digital Citizenship Case Study - Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

Digital citizenship extends traditional concepts of citizenship into the digital realm, emphasizing the rights, responsibilities, and ethical behaviors necessary for effective online participation. A good digital citizen uses digital technologies positively to engage in society, communicate, and create content (eSafety Commissioner, NSW Department of Education). This involves political participation and activism, aligning with the slow fashion movement's values (Mossberger et al., 2008).

Slow fashion, an alternative to fast fashion, emphasizes sustainable and ethical production processes, aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote fair labor practices. It is part of a broader trend towards ethical consumption, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Slow fashion advocates challenge the wasteful and unethical practices of the fashion industry, embodying digital citizenship by fostering responsible consumer behavior (Chi et al., 2021).

The slow fashion movement is rooted in counterculture movements of the 1960s, anti-fur campaigns of the 1980s, and protests against poor working conditions in the 1990s and 2000s. It promotes values such as ethical working conditions, minimal environmental impact, and sustainable production practices (Lai et al., 2017). The fashion industry, valued at around 1.55 trillion U.S. dollars globally and projected to reach nearly 2 trillion by 2026 (Statista, 2022), has a significant environmental impact, contributing to 10% of global carbon emissions and substantial industrial water pollution. The industry's waste problem is severe, with millions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills annually (Brewer, 2019).

CSR in the fashion industry involves ensuring ethical labor practices, using sustainable materials, and fostering long-term relationships across the supply chain. Companies adhering to CSR principles produce child labor-free items, utilize environmentally friendly materials, and ensure fair wages and safe working conditions (Green in Lai). Social media influencers play a crucial role in promoting the slow fashion movement. Influencers like Kristen Leo, Venetia Falconer, and Tiffany Ferguson raise awareness about sustainable fashion. Organizations such as Second Runway and Big Sister Swap promote clothing swaps and second-hand shopping.

Reference

Nast, C. (no date) CSR, Vogue Business. Available at: https://www.voguebusiness.com/sustainability/csr (Accessed: 18 May 2024). 

Oxfam GB (2023) What is slow fashion?, Oxfam GB. Available at: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam-in-action/oxfam-blog/what-is-slow-fashion/#:~:text=Slow%20fashion%20is%20the%20opposite,kinder%20to%20people%20and%20planet. (Accessed: 18 May 2024). 

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Weekly Summary: Digital Citizenship and Platformization

Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship extends the principles of traditional citizenship into the online realm, encompassing rights, responsibilities, and ethical behaviors within digital spaces. The Council of Europe (2022) defines it as the competent and positive engagement with digital technologies, emphasizing participation, lifelong learning, and defending human dignity. A good digital citizen effectively uses digital tools to participate in society, communicate, and create content (Office of the eSafety Commissioner, NSW Department of Education).

Digital citizenship also encompasses political engagement, both through formal processes like voting and informal activities like activism. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginalized communities underscore the importance of digital citizenship in contemporary society (Choi & Cristol, 2021). Additionally, digital citizenship involves navigating the constraints imposed by states and platforms, highlighting the interplay between power and digital engagement (McCosker et al., 2016).

Platform Studies and Platformization

Platform studies examine how social media corporations present themselves as neutral public utilities while shaping public discourse through algorithms and business models (Gillespie, 2010; McCosker, 2016). Platformization refers to the transformation of social network sites into programmable platforms that integrate business models, infrastructures, and algorithms into societal practices (Poell, Nieborg, & van Dijck, 2019; Helmond, 2015). This shift has profound implications for how content is created, shared, and consumed, influencing both economic and social structures.

Hashtag Publics and Activism

Hashtag publics facilitate connectivity and mobilize activism through keyword markers that generate ambient affiliation (Zappavigna). They enable the formation of ad hoc issue publics, channeling social media activity to organize and amplify social movements. Examples like #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, and #StandWithUkraine illustrate how hashtags shape public discourse and coordinate collective action (Bruns & Burgess; Rambukkana).

Digital Citizenship and Political Engagement

Digital citizenship significantly impacts political engagement, particularly through social media platforms. The 2016 US election highlighted contrasting campaign strategies, with Trump’s authentic style leveraging platformed interactions to activate voters and raise funds efficiently (Enli, 2017; Nelimarkka et al., 2020). This shift reflects broader trends in political engagement, where citizens increasingly participate in ad hoc, issue-based activism rather than traditional, long-term memberships in political organizations (Vromen, 2017).

Reference (No date b) Comparing the platformization of News Media Systems. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02673231231189043 (Accessed: 18 May 2024). 

The concept - digital citizenship education (DCE) - www.coe.int (no date) Digital Citizenship Education (DCE). Available at: https://www.coe.int/en/web/digital-citizenship-education/the-concept#:~:text=Digital%20citizens%20can%20be%20described,step%20with%20evolutions%20in%20society. (Accessed: 18 May 2024).