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Week 10: Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

The rise of social media has brought empowerment, but it has also amplified significant challenges, particularly in the realm of online harassment. This pervasive issue has created a gendered digital divide, disproportionately affecting women, transgender individuals, and other marginalized communities. As someone who frequently engages in online spaces, I see daily how this harassment plays out—whether through subtle exclusion or direct threats.

Online harassment takes many forms, from verbal abuse to coordinated campaigns that target individuals based on gender, race, or other personal attributes. Marwick and Caplan (2018) discuss how harassment can become a coordinated effort, with groups like the “manosphere” using tactics such as doxing, shaming, and cyberbullying to silence feminists and women online (Marwick & Caplan 2018). This “networked harassment” is particularly troubling because it normalizes misogyny and discourages women from fully participating in digital spaces, undermining the ideals of digital citizenship.

Similarly, online harassment is so normalized within certain communities that victims often feel it’s just part of the online experience​ (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern 2021). This normalization contributes to a gendered digital divide, where women and gender-nonconforming individuals are disproportionately affected and may limit their digital engagement due to fears of harassment.

Young women are especially vulnerable to online harassment, as highlighted in Plan International’s Free to Be Online report (2020), which surveyed over 14,000 girls across 31 countries. The report found that more than half of these girls experienced online harassment, which often led to self-censorship and fear for their physical safety​(Plan International 2023). Personally, I’ve seen younger family members retreat from sharing their passions—whether art, writing, or simply personal thoughts—due to negative comments. This self-censorship restricts their ability to fully engage with online communities, limiting their digital citizenship.

In addition to self-censorship, online harassment can lead to broader psychological effects. Research shows that victims often experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, further deterring them from digital participation (Megarry 2014). This exclusionary effect highlights the need for supportive measures that encourage young women to re-engage with digital spaces safely.

Addressing this digital divide requires both legal reforms and cultural shifts. Many countries, including Germany and Australia, have enacted laws to combat online harassment by requiring platforms to remove harmful content promptly. However, legal solutions alone are insufficient. Social media companies should actively engage in advocacy, educate users about reporting mechanisms, and implement better content moderation strategies to protect users​(Vitis & Gilmour 2016).

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are also essential. Brands and social media platforms must recognize their role in creating safer online spaces. For example, brands that work with influencers should provide them with support resources to handle online abuse and publicly stand against harassment to show solidarity with affected individuals (Crowther & Rayman-Bacchus 2004). I’ve seen brands do this well by publicly supporting influencers who are targets of harassment, sending a message of solidarity and showing that they value a respectful community. This public support can go a long way in promoting a healthier digital environment.

The issue of online harassment is a pressing concern that limits digital citizenship for many marginalized groups, particularly women and gender-diverse individuals. Creating a safer digital space requires a multifaceted approach, combining legal frameworks, platform accountability, and community support. By addressing these challenges, we can move closer to a more inclusive and empowering digital environment where everyone feels free to participate.

REFERENCES: Crowther, D & Rayman-Bacchus, L 2004, Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility, Gower Publishing Company, Limited.

Haslop, C, O’Rourke, F & Southern, R 2021, “#NoSnowflakes: The toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide, in a UK student online culture,” Convergence the International Journal of Research Into New Media Technologies, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1418–1438, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1177/1354856521989270>.

Marwick, AE & Caplan, R 2018, “Drinking male tears: language, the manosphere, and networked harassment,” Feminist Media Studies, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 543–559, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2018.1450568>.

Megarry, J 2014, “Online incivility or sexual harassment? Conceptualising women’s experiences in the digital age,” Women S Studies International Forum, vol. 47, pp. 46–55, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2014.07.012>.

“State of the World’s Girls 2020: Free to Be Online? - Plan International” 2023, Plan International, viewed <https://plan-international.org/publications/free-to-be-online/>.

Vitis, L & Gilmour, F 2016, “Dick pics on blast: A woman’s resistance to online sexual harassment using humour, art and Instagram,” Crime Media Culture an International Journal, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 335–355, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1177/1741659016652445>.

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WEEK 9: GAMING COMMUNITIES, SOCIAL GAMING, AND LIVE STREAMING

In today’s digital age, the concept of play has transformed with the rise of streaming and indie games, which serve as powerful tools for community building, self-expression, and cultural exchange. Gaming now extends beyond individual enjoyment to become a collective experience that unites players and audiences globally.

Streaming platforms like Twitch have revolutionized gaming by creating a global stage where gamers can share their experiences in real time. Taylor (2018) describes streaming as a “networked broadcast,” enabling gamers to connect with their audiences, who participate by cheering, discussing strategies, or even influencing gameplay choices​. Streaming has also become a commercial venture, as players can monetize their content and build personal brands through subscriptions and sponsorships, adding a professional dimension to what was once recreational play (Johnson & Woodcock 2019).

Through the interactive nature of streaming, viewers become part of the game, creating a unique social dynamic where community members engage and form relationships around shared interests. This social element reminds me of my own experience watching popular streamers, where chat boxes light up with jokes, reactions, and encouragement. It’s easy to see how close-knit these communities become, even when viewers are scattered across the world. As a viewer, you often feel like you’re in the same room with the streamer and other fans, all sharing the highs and lows of gameplay. This social connection has turned platforms like Twitch into spaces of “para-social interaction,” where audiences feel personally connected to streamers despite the virtual nature of the relationship..

The indie game scene offers an alternative to mainstream gaming, characterized by experimental gameplay, unique aesthetics, and often personal storytelling. Unlike large studios, indie developers operate in informal networks and emphasize creativity and social impact over commercial gain. The Melbourne indie game scene, where developers create games in collaborative communities that celebrate diversity and innovation (Ruffino 2020). Indie games often tackle topics like mental health, environmentalism, and identity, resonating with online communities that value authenticity and inclusivity.

Events like the Freeplay Independent Games Festival in Melbourne showcase the indie scene’s community-centered nature, allowing developers to connect directly with players and receive immediate feedback. These festivals foster a sense of belonging and support within the indie community, contributing to a creative ecosystem where players and creators inspire each other (Anthropy 2012). I’ve had friends attend such festivals, and they describe the atmosphere as incredibly supportive and passionate, a celebration of creativity over commercialization.

Games today serve as forms of cultural expression, reflecting and shaping societal values. The concept of "ambient play" highlights how games like Minecraft blend into everyday life, allowing players to engage in social spaces in creative ways (Hjorth et al. 2020)​. I’ve seen how Minecraft becomes a platform for both self-expression and community, where friends create entire worlds together. It’s amazing how a game can foster such creativity and collaboration, often turning gameplay into a social gathering. This "ambient" gaming style represents a shift toward games as cultural tools, used for everything from educational activities to social activism. In this landscape, games are no longer isolated entertainment; they are woven into our media landscape and influence how we connect and interact.

Streaming and indie games demonstrate how digital play is a powerful cultural force. These platforms and communities illustrate how play fosters connection, creativity, and personal expression, making gaming an integral part of our media landscape. As these forms of digital play evolve, they open up new opportunities for players to connect, explore, and express themselves in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago.

REFERENCES:

Anthropy, A 2012, Rise of the Videogame Zinesters: How Freaks, Normals, Amateurs, Artists, Dreamers, Drop-outs, Queers, Housewives, and People Like You Are Taking Back an Art Form, Seven Stories Press.

Hjorth, L, Richardson, I, Davies, H & Balmford, W 2020, “Exploring Minecraft,” Springer eBooks, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59908-9>.

Johnson, MR & Woodcock, J 2017, “‘It’s like the gold rush’: the lives and careers of professional video game streamers on Twitch.tv,” Information Communication & Society, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 336–351, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2017.1386229>.

Ruffino, P 2020, Independent Videogames: Cultures, Networks, Techniques and Politics, Routledge.

Taylor, TL 2018, Watch Me Play, viewed <https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvc77jqw>.

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Week 8: Digital Citizenship and Software literacy: Instagram Filters

Digital filters on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have transformed the way people perceive and present themselves online. While filters initially enhanced photos with fun effects, they now shape societal standards of beauty and influence users' self-perceptions. This week’s unit explores the psychological and social effects of these tools on digital self-presentation.

Beauty filters have introduced a new form of "Digitized Dysmorphia," where individuals are encouraged to alter their appearances to fit idealized standards (Coy-Dibley 2016). With a few taps, features can be slimmed, skin lightened, and eyes enlarged. I’ve personally noticed this on my own social feeds—seeing friends post heavily filtered photos and feeling pressured to do the same just to “keep up.” It’s unsettling how these effects can become the new normal, almost erasing what we actually look like. Psychological studies confirm that repeated exposure to these ideals can lead to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, particularly in young users (Tiggemann & Slater 2016).

Filters act as both cultural and technological tools that mediate how we view ourselves and others. Rettberg (2014) describes filters as “cultural screens” that subtly dictate what is deemed attractive or appropriate​. This normalizes a culture of enhancement, where unfiltered images are often seen as incomplete. Platforms increasingly encourage users to present themselves as "better" versions, aligning with societal pressures for continuous self-improvement (Marwick 2013).

Beyond aesthetics, filters intersect with surveillance. Facial recognition software and machine vision convert selfies into data points that are used for monitoring and commercial purposes. Rettberg (2017) introduces the concept of "biometric citizenship," explaining how digital images, particularly selfies, are used by machines to monitor and categorize individuals (Rettberg 2017). This aspect of filters is something most people don’t think about—each selfie we post is part of a massive data pool that companies use to track behaviors and preferences. This datafication of self-presentation raises ethical concerns about privacy, as users are often unaware of how their digital images are used.

Social media filters also reinforce social approval mechanisms. Studies show that filtered selfies tend to receive more engagement, leading users to rely on filters to maintain online popularity (Chae 2017). This need for validation drives users to alter their images to fit an ideal, further deepening the disconnect between online and offline selves. This feedback loop can exacerbate appearance anxiety and even lead to behaviors associated with body dysmorphic disorder (McLean, Paxton & Wertheim 2016).

Digital filters are not just playful tools; they significantly influence self-identity and reinforce societal pressures. These technologies not only shape personal self-presentation but also highlight ethical issues around surveillance and data privacy. By understanding the broader implications of filters, users can better navigate digital platforms and advocate for more responsible tech design that respects diverse identities.

REFERENCES:

Chae, J 2017, “Explaining Females’ Envy Toward Social Media Influencers,” Media Psychology, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 246–262, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2017.1328312>.

Coy-Dibley, I 2016, “‘Digitized Dysmorphia’ of the female body: the re/disfigurement of the image,” Palgrave Communications, vol. 2, no. 1, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1057/palcomms.2016.40>.

Marwick, AE 2013, Status Update: Celebrity, Publicity, and Branding in the Social Media Age.

McLean, SA, Paxton, SJ & Wertheim, EH 2016, “Does Media Literacy Mitigate Risk for Reduced Body Satisfaction Following Exposure to Thin-Ideal Media?,” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, vol. 45, no. 8, pp. 1678–1695, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-016-0440-3>.

Rettberg, JW 2017, “Biometric Citizens: Adapting Our Selfies to Machine Vision,” Springer eBooks, pp. 89–96, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45270-8_10>.

Rettberg, JW 2014, “Seeing Ourselves Through Technology,” Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137476661>.

Tiggemann, M & Slater, A 2016, “Facebook and body image concern in adolescent girls: A prospective study,” International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 80–83, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22640>.

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

As social media grows into a dominant force, digital citizenship has transformed to include unique challenges, especially for creators in the digital space. Two crucial issues—sexualized labor and algorithmic visibility—shape how influencers and content creators navigate online platforms. These topics are part of the broader discourse on digital citizenship, encompassing ethical, social, and political aspects of online engagement.

One of the critical components of influencer culture is sexualized labor, which refers to the ways in which individuals, especially women, utilize their appearances to capture attention and monetize their online presence. Drenten et al. (2019) explore how platforms like Instagram promote a "porn chic" aesthetic, where users often adhere to heteronormative beauty standards to gain visibility and engagement(Drenten, Gurrieri & Tyler 2019). This aestheticization creates a commodification of attention, where "likes" and engagement translate directly into financial gain. This self-branding aligns with the "attention economy," where visibility is highly monetized, particularly for those who can conform to these dominant aesthetics (Senft 2013)

The pressure to maintain an aesthetically appealing, sexualized persona can lead to "aesthetic labor," a term used by Marwick (2013) to describe the efforts influencers invest in looking appealing and relatable to their audiences. This labor often leads to identity dissonance and mental health challenges, as influencers grapple with the discrepancy between their online persona and offline reality . The mental toll of managing this dissonance highlights the psychological costs embedded in today’s digital citizenship.

Alongside the demands of sexualized labor, creators must contend with algorithmic visibility. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are governed by algorithms that control what content gets amplified and what remains hidden. Duffy and Meisner (2022) illustrate how marginalized creators—particularly those from LGBTQ+ communities or creators of color—often experience "algorithmic invisibility"​(Duffy & Meisner 2022). Their content may be deprioritized or even penalized due to implicit biases within platform moderation practices. As a viewer, I’ve noticed how certain types of content flood my feed, often from accounts that fit “trendy” aesthetics. Meanwhile, friends who post content centered on social issues or activism struggle to gain traction, even when they have large followings. Platforms maintain "black-box" algorithms that creators and users alike cannot fully understand, creating an environment of uncertainty and perceived bias (Gillespie 2018).

Such algorithmic (in)visibility challenges the ideals of digital citizenship, which advocates for inclusivity and equitable participation. Creators often engage in "visibility labor" to bypass these limitations, modifying their content to fit platform norms or engaging in online communities to share strategies for improving reach (Bishop 2021). This extra work reflects broader concerns about transparency and fairness within social media platforms, as only certain types of content or creators gain reliable exposure.

The intersection of sexualized labor and algorithmic bias underscores the complexities of digital citizenship in the current media landscape. The pressures to conform to aesthetic templates and the risks of algorithmic invisibility highlight an uneven digital environment, especially for marginalized creators. Acknowledging and addressing these inequalities is essential for fostering a more inclusive online space. Digital citizenship today thus involves not only self-expression but also advocacy for greater transparency and fairness in platform governance, challenging creators and users alike to push for systemic changes in digital media.

References:

Bishop, S 2021, “Influencer Management Tools: Algorithmic Cultures, Brand Safety, and Bias,” Social Media + Society, vol. 7, no. 1, p. 205630512110030, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051211003066>.

Duffy, BE & Meisner, C 2022, “Platform governance at the margins: Social media creators’ experiences with algorithmic (in)visibility,” Media Culture & Society, vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 285–304, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1177/01634437221111923>.

Gillespie, T 2018, Custodians of the Internet: Platforms, Content Moderation, and the Hidden Decisions that Shape Social Media, Yale University Press.

Marwick, AE 2013, Status Update: Celebrity, Publicity, and Branding in the Social Media Age.

Senft, TM 2013, “Microcelebrity and the Branded Self,” Microcelebrity. In a Companion to New Media Dynamics, pp. 346–354, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118321607.ch22>.

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Week 6: Digital Citizenship Case Study: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

In the modern era, digital citizenship plays a crucial role in advocating for sustainability, particularly in movements like slow fashion. Digital citizenship refers to how individuals responsibly engage with technology and digital platforms, using these tools to influence societal change. This has paved the way for the slow fashion movement to thrive in the digital sphere, enabling individuals to raise awareness about sustainability issues and challenge fast fashion's detrimental impact on the environment and society.

Slow fashion is a movement that encourages a shift away from the fast fashion model, which prioritizes mass production and consumerism. Instead, slow fashion focuses on sustainable practices, ethical labor conditions, and reducing environmental harm. Slow fashion promotes longer product life cycles, quality craftsmanship, and minimal environmental impact by favoring recycled or upcycled materials ​(Chi et al. 2021). This movement aligns with the principles of digital citizenship, which involve ethical and responsible behavior, both online and offline. I personally find slow fashion appealing because it supports meaningful consumption—each purchase feels intentional, rather than just another addition to my closet. It’s refreshing to buy pieces that I know are made responsibly and can last longer.

Social media platforms have become a powerful tool for slow fashion advocates, allowing them to raise awareness, create communities, and hold fashion brands accountable. According to Choi & Cristol (2021), digital platforms empower individuals to engage in social movements like slow fashion by amplifying their voices and mobilizing communities (Choi & Cristol 2021)​. Influencers such as Venetia La Manna and Kristen Leo use their platforms to educate followers on the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion, urging consumers to make more conscious choices (Henninger et al. 2017). I’ve been following some of these influencers, and it’s amazing how much impact they have. Their content often makes me rethink my purchasing decisions, showing me how easy swaps can make a difference.

Moreover, digital platforms facilitate "hashtag activism," where movements like #SlowFashion gain traction. Hashtags enable ad-hoc communities to form, promoting collective action and awareness​(Rambukkana 2015). This participatory culture empowers digital citizens to influence brand behaviors and encourage sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Consumer behavior plays a significant role in driving the slow fashion movement. Studies show that consumers are more inclined to purchase slow fashion items when they are aware of the environmental and ethical implications of their consumption (Rambukkana 2015). This is where digital citizenship comes into play: by educating themselves and others, consumers become active participants in the movement toward sustainability. Personally, being informed about the impact of fast fashion has transformed my shopping habits. Now, I find myself researching brands, opting for secondhand options, or investing in fewer, higher-quality pieces. It feels good to know I’m contributing, even in a small way, to reducing the harmful effects of the fashion industry.

In conclusion, the slow fashion movement and digital citizenship are intricately linked. Through responsible digital engagement, individuals can advocate for ethical fashion practices, challenge the fast fashion model, and contribute to a more sustainable future. As more consumers become aware of the environmental and social impact of their clothing choices, the slow fashion movement will continue to gain momentum.

REFERENCES: Henninger, CE, Ryding, D, Alevizou, PJ & Goworek, H 2017, “Introduction to Sustainability in Fashion,” Springer eBooks, pp. 1–10, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51253-2_1>. Choi, M & Cristol, D 2021, “Digital citizenship with intersectionality lens: Towards participatory democracy driven digital citizenship education,” Theory Into Practice, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 361–370, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2021.1987094>. Rambukkana, N 2015, Hashtag Publics: The Power and Politics of Discursive Networks, Peter Lang Incorporated, International Academic Publishers. Chi, T, Gerard, J, Yu, Y & Wang, Y 2021, “A study of U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase slow fashion apparel: understanding the key determinants,” International Journal of Fashion Design Technology and Education, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 101–112, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1080/17543266.2021.1872714>.

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WEEK 5: Digital Citizenship and Online Activism: Navigating Hashtag Publics

In today’s world, being a digital citizen isn’t just about using the internet—it's about how we use it to shape society, politics, and our futures. The idea of digital citizenship is all about engaging with the internet responsibly and ethically while creating real impact online. But, it's not as simple as clicking “like” or sharing a post—it's about being conscious of the platforms we’re using and the power dynamics at play (Choi & Cristol 2021). 🌍💻

What is Digital Citizenship?

Think about digital citizenship like this: just like being a citizen of a country means you have rights (voting, free speech, etc.), being online gives you similar responsibilities. It’s not just about technical skills, but how you interact and engage with content. Are you spreading misinformation or raising awareness about social causes like #BlackLivesMatter? According to Choi (2021), being a good digital citizen means using your online presence to participate in activism, social justice, and even voting—basically being aware of how your online actions ripple out into the real world.

Hashtag activism: Where the real action happens

Hashtags like #MeToo, #ClimateChange, and #BlackLivesMatter aren’t just digital tags; they are movements that help people come together in what’s called “hashtag publics.” It's through these hashtags that we form online communities, pushing for real-world change. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram give us a voice, letting us share our experiences, spread the word, and even hold leaders accountable (Rambukkana 2015).

Take the #MeToo movement, for example—through the power of a simple hashtag, millions of women were able to share their stories, and suddenly, an entire cultural shift happened. That’s the power of digital citizenship and hashtag activism in action.

Intersectionality: The power dynamics we don’t see

But there’s a deeper layer to this: intersectionality. For many marginalized groups, online platforms are both empowering and challenging. While the internet gives them a space to amplify their voices, it also mirrors the inequalities that exist in society. Platforms aren’t neutral—often, they reinforce the same systems of oppression that exist offline. We need to think critically about who gets heard and who doesn’t. This is where understanding intersectionality—how race, gender, and class affect our online experiences—becomes essential (Collins 2015).

At the end of the day, being a responsible digital citizen is about more than just staying safe online. It’s about knowing your influence, using your voice for good, and being part of a broader movement for change. Whether through a hashtag, a tweet, or a post—your actions online matter. They contribute to building (or breaking) the kind of world we want to live in. 🌎✨

REFERENCE:

Choi, M & Cristol, D 2021, “Digital citizenship with intersectionality lens: Towards participatory democracy driven digital citizenship education,” Theory Into Practice, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 361–370, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2021.1987094>.

Rambukkana, N 2015, Hashtag Publics, viewed <https://doi.org/10.3726/978-1-4539-1672-8>.

Collins, PH 2015, “Intersectionality’s Definitional Dilemmas,” Annual Review of Sociology, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 1–20, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-soc-073014-112142>.

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WEEK 4:  Digital Community and Fandom: Reality TV Case Study

Reality TV has undergone a significant transformation in the digital age, where the integration of social media has amplified its impact. This convergence between reality TV and platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube has turned television watching from a passive activity into a participatory and highly interactive experience. Social media creates new opportunities for audiences to engage in real-time with the content, sparking conversations and even influencing show outcomes.

A major feature of this transformation is the concept of "liveness." Reality TV shows like Love Island and The Bachelor encourage live-tweeting and hashtag discussions, allowing viewers to react instantaneously to events unfolding on screen. This dynamic fosters a collective viewing experience, where fans predict outcomes, critique contestants, and form communities. Jenkins (2006) describes this phenomenon as part of a broader participatory culture, where audiences actively shape narratives and contribute to the discourse around a show.

Despite the advantages of this engagement, the relationship between reality TV and social media has its challenges. Reality TV stars are often subjected to intense public scrutiny and cyberbullying. Many reality TV participants face significant mental health risks due to the constant feedback they receive online (Abidin 2018). Producers now issue guidelines to reality stars on how to manage their social media presence to mitigate these risks. Additionally, micro-celebrities, born out of reality TV, use their online platforms to extend their fame by promoting products and engaging with followers long after their shows have ended (Abidin 2018).

Another important aspect of the social media and reality TV relationship is the performance of authenticity. Reality TV stars must carefully curate their online personas to appear relatable while maintaining a polished image (Andrejevic 2004) . This performance of authenticity is crucial for sustaining audience interest and loyalty, as viewers tend to favor stars who appear "real" and vulnerable, even if this authenticity is, in itself, a form of performance.

In conclusion, the fusion of reality TV and social media has transformed the viewing experience by democratizing audience participation. While this has enriched the interaction between fans and stars, it has also introduced challenges related to mental health and the pressures of maintaining an "authentic" persona online. The evolution of reality TV in the digital age highlights both the empowering and potentially harmful effects of social media engagement.

REFERENCES:

Jenkins, H 2008, Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide, NYU Press.

Andrejevic, M 2004, Reality TV: The Work of Being Watched, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Abidin, C 2018, Internet Celebrity: Understanding Fame Online, Emerald Group Publishing.

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WEEK 3: Digital Community: Tumblr Case Study

In the week 3 unit, Tumblr serves as an interesting case study to explore the concept of the public sphere within digital spaces. The platform is known for fostering niche communities and providing a space where users can share content freely, with features such as anonymity, hashtag usage, and creative freedom (Renninger 2015). Tumblr’s loose restrictions (prior to 2018) and its non-reliance on real names have made it a haven for marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQ+ communities, to express themselves without fear of judgment or surveillance (Cavalcante 2018). These characteristics of Tumblr highlight its role in shaping micro-publics or smaller, overlapping digital communities, which challenge the traditional idea of a singular public sphere (Papacharissi 2010).

Hashtag activism is one of the key ways Tumblr has contributed to these digital communities. The hashtag #bodypositive, for instance, has played an important role in promoting feminist discourse around body image. According to Cohen et al. (2019), the body positivity movement aims to counteract the harmful effects of narrow beauty standards perpetuated by mainstream media (Cohen et al. 2019). While platforms like Instagram and TikTok have also engaged with this movement, Tumblr stands out for its relatively uncensored environment before its policy changes in 2018. Researchers have noted that, despite its empowering potential, the #bodypositive movement still struggles with the tendency to reflect traditional beauty norms, such as an overrepresentation of white, thin women (Gibson 2017).

The interaction between platform affordances and user behavior is critical in understanding how these digital spaces influence societal norms. Tumblr’s design, which allows for the anonymous sharing of content, played a pivotal role in creating an empowering space for feminist and body-positive movements. However, platforms that promote diversity and inclusivity can still reflect larger societal trends, including self-objectification and the reinforcement of hegemonic beauty standards (Tiidenberg & Van Der Nagel 2020).

In summary, Tumblr represents a crucial digital community where marginalized voices can engage in meaningful discourse. However, while platforms like Tumblr enable a certain level of freedom and creativity, they are not entirely free from societal pressures that shape user behavior. The case of #bodypositive highlights how digital communities can both challenge and replicate existing norms.

References:

Cavalcante, A 2018, “Tumbling into queer utopias and vortexes: experiences of LGBTQ social media users on Tumblr,” Journal of Homosexuality, vol. 66, no. 12, pp. 1715–1735, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2018.1511131>.

Cohen, R, Irwin, L, Newton-John, T & Slater, A 2019, “#bodypositivity: A content analysis of body positive accounts on Instagram,” Body Image, vol. 29, pp. 47–57, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.02.007>.

Darwin, H 2018, “Body Positivity Movement: Feminist Progress?,” ResearchGate, viewed <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325429274_Body_Positivity_Movement_Feminist_Progress>.

Papacharissi, Z 2010, A Private Sphere: Democracy in a Digital Age, Polity.

Renninger, BJ 2014, “‘Where I can be myself … where I can speak my mind’ : Networked counterpublics in a polymedia environment,” New Media & Society, vol. 17, no. 9, pp. 1513–1529, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444814530095>.

Tiidenberg, K & Van Der Nagel, E 2020, “Sex and Social Media,” Emerald Publishing Limited eBooks, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1108/9781839094064>.