franklythinking
franklythinking
Frankly Thinking
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franklythinking Β· 1 year ago
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Week 12: Crowd Sourcing in Times of Crisis
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You might not realize it, but crowdsourcing is everywhere!
Whether you're conducting an online survey for a school project or asking for movie recommendations on social media, that's all crowdsourcing!
The definition of crowdsourcing often varies due to its multidisciplinary nature, appearing in sectors like academia, research and development and etc. (Brabham 2013). To narrow it down, this post will be focusing on how crowdsourcing helps in the humanitarian sectors.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Crowdsourcing in Humanitarian Work
According to the United Nations (2013), crowdsourcing in humanitarian work is "used to solve problems and produce information by asking a distributed group of people, often volunteers, to perform certain tasks.".
Forms of Crowdsourcing in Humanitarian Work (United Nations 2013):
Direct Information Gathering: Information is sought directly from affected communities, allowing for real-time, on-the-ground insights.
Outsourced Technical Tasks: Tasks such as mapping, geo-tagging, validating information, and translating text are outsourced to a global volunteer network. These volunteers can help map events, integrate data, and provide crucial information to humanitarian decision-makers.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Communication Structure of Crowdsourcing
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Traditionally, crowdsourcing in disaster management followed a hierarchical structure, with the chain of command centralized within the government (Song, Zhang & Dolan 2020).
This top-down approach ensured that decisions and actions were directed from a single authority, maintaining order, but it often lacks the flexibility needed in rapidly changing disaster environments.
Now, crowdsourcing has evolved into a more decentralized and distributed network (Song, Zhang & Dolan 2020). This new model is flexible, allowing for a multi-directional flow of information and resources.
Unlike the rigid hierarchical structure, the decentralized approach empowers various participants, including affected communities and volunteers worldwide, to contribute directly to disaster response efforts. This creates a networked structure of connection, communication, collaboration, and openness, facilitating real-time adaption to disaster scenarios (Song, Zhang & Dolan 2020).
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Crowdsourcing in Humanitarian Crisis
While crowdsourcing can't replace the physical work of disaster responseβ€”like rescuing people or delivering suppliesβ€”it plays a huge role in logistical support.
2010 Haiti Earthquake
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During the 2010 Haiti earthquake, people worldwide used platforms like OpenStreetMap to help out (Zook et al. 2010).
Volunteers downloaded satellite images to manually map streets, buildings, and points of interest. On-the-ground volunteers in Haiti used GPS devices to add more details like coordinates to these maps. Given Haiti's lack of a proper information infrastructure, this crowdsourced geo-coded data was extremely vital for coordinating relief efforts (Zook et al. 2010).
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2011 Christchurch Earthquake
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After the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, Tomnod teamed up with the GEO-CAN initiative to improve crowdsourced damage assessments (HΓΆrler 2014).
They created a user-friendly disaster mapper, allowing volunteers to compare pre- and post-earthquake images and mark damage levels on buildings. This approach significantly sped up and improved the accuracy of damage assessments.
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Conclusion
In conclusion, crowdsourcing has become an indispensable tool in the humanitarian sector. By leveraging the collective efforts of volunteers worldwide, crowdsourcing enhances real-time information gathering and logistical support, making disaster responses more effective and efficient.
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Digital citizens like us play a crucial role in this setup. By sharing insights, personal experiences, and urgent updates on various online platforms, we not only support professional efforts, but also raise awareness to rally more people to join in.
As technology continues to evolve and enhance our digital connectivity, our collective efforts in crowdsourcing will continue to be crucial in improving disaster resilience and saving lives globally.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
References
Brabham, DC 2013, Crowdsourcing, The MIT Press.
HΓΆrler, R 2014, Crowdsourcing In the humanitarian network – An analysis of the literature, Bachelor Thesis, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland, viewed <https://irevolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/bachelor_thesis_raphael_hc3b6rler.pdf>.
Song, Z, Zhang, H & Dolan, C 2020, β€˜Promoting disaster resilience: Operation mechanisms and self-organizing processes of crowdsourcing’, Sustainability, vol. 12, p. 1862.
United Nations 2013, Humanitarianism in the network age, United Nations, viewed <https://www.un-ilibrary.org/content/books/9789210561037>.
Zook, M, Graham, M, Shelton, T & Gorman, S 2010, β€˜Volunteered geographic information and crowdsourcing disaster relief: A case study of the Haitian Earthquake’, World Medical & Health Policy, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 7–33.
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franklythinking Β· 1 year ago
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Week 11: Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance
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We've only been talking about the "good" of digital community so far, but it's essential to acknowledge that the online world also brings its share of conflicts. While it is true that the online world is all about promoting inclusivity and connectivity, this inclusiveness also bring conflict.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
While social media platforms promote inclusivity and connectivity, this inclusiveness can lead to clashes over values, identities, and ideologies. Under the banner of freedom of expression, online platforms has become arenas for conflicts on a wide range of issues.
These conflicts highlight that not everyone embodies the principles of digital citizenship. While there may not be a definitive solution, understanding and addressing these issues is a critical first step.
So, let’s delve into the nature of online conflicts and explore potential ways to manage them.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Types of Online Conflicts
Online conflicts manifest in many forms, with cyberbullying being one of the most prevalent. Cyberbullying includes several harmful behaviors (Agustiningsih & Yusuf 2023):
Harassment: Sending repetitive offensive, abusive, and insulting messages.
Exclusion: Intentionally excluding someone from online groups.
Flaming: Engaging in heated arguments in chat rooms, often related to gaming or competition.
Cyberstalking: Repeatedly sending threatening or intimidating messages that cause fear for safety.
Outing: Publicly revealing someone's secrets or embarrassing information.
Impersonation: Imitating someone’s identity online or offline.
Denigration: Spreading false and derogatory information about others.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Social Media Governance
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The governance of social media platforms is a pressing concern, especially when freedom of expression and democratic ideals are used to justify hate speech, misinformation, and violence (Kumar & Gupta 2023).
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Balancing these dynamics and understanding the implications of one's digital footprint is an ongoing challenge.
On one hand, online conflicts have significantly impacted events like the US Presidential Election and the Covid-19 Pandemic, where misinformation online led to vaccine hesitancy and refusal (Kumar & Gupta 2023).
On the other hand, some argue that regulation can curb free speech, creating a contentious debate about the best approach to social media governance.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Self-Governance
Still, governance persists in the online landscape for our own good as well.
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One popular framework is self-governance, where platforms enforce rules and regulations through community guidelines and terms of service (Kumar & Gupta 2023).
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Platforms also invite users to flag and rate content (also known as source rating) to help regulate the content posted by others (Kim, Moravec & Dennis 2019).
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Humor in Conflicts
Legal measures alone are insufficient to address the complexities of online conflicts. Humour has emerged as a powerful tool to combat these issues.
As worded by SundΓ©n & Paasonen (2019): "Anger mobilizes affective publics and fuels social change, but it also wears bodies down: constant anger is simply exhausting."
We all experience fatigue from doom scrolling, and while anger and seriousness have their place, there's also a need for love, joy, and compassion.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
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As investigated by SundΓ©n and Paasonen (2019), the #MeToo movement exemplifies the transformative power of redistributing shame from victims to perpetrators and bystanders.
Traditionally, shame has a paralyzing effect, immobilizing those who bear its burden and impeding their ability to act. This emotional weight can be overwhelming, preventing individuals from moving forward or seeking justice
Shame, as SundΓ©n and Paasonen (2019) argue, contrasts with laughter. While shame can isolate and stifle, laughter has the potential to energize and mobilize.
It breaks through the heavy fog of embarrassment and guilt, providing a release that can invigorate and empower. Laughter brings a sense of relief and community, helping people to connect and support one another.
Integrating humor and joy into these movements can provide necessary balance, offering moments of respite and rejuvenation.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Conclusion
In conclusion, while digital citizenship and social media governance remains ambiguous and faced challenges, a multi-faceted approach that includes legal measures, self-governance, and emotional resilience is essential.
By understanding and addressing these conflicts, we can strive for healthier and more inclusive digital communities.
So, do not be afraid to explore and engage with conflicts, it is only through understanding these issues we can shape a better online and offline experience.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
References
Agustiningsih, N & Yusuf, A 2023, β€˜Types of cyberbullying experienced by adolescents’, Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, vol. 19, pp. 99–103.
Kim, A, Moravec, PL & Dennis, AR 2019, β€˜Combating fake news on social media with source ratings: The effects of user and expert reputation ratings’, Journal of Management Information Systems, vol. 36, no. 3, Routledge, pp. 931–968.
Kumar, AM & Gupta, S 2023, β€˜Governance of social media platforms: A literature review’, Pacific Asia Journal of the Association for Information Systems, vol. 15, pp. 56–86.
SundΓ©n, J & Paasonen, S 2019, β€˜Inappropriate laughter: Affective homophily and the unlikely comedy of #MeToo’, Social Media + Society, vol. 5, no. 4, p. 205630511988342.
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franklythinking Β· 1 year ago
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Week 10: Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming: Twitch
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The world of gaming has transformed dramatically over the past few decades, evolving from isolated, single-player experiences into vibrant, interconnected communities.
At the heart of this evolution is social gaming and live streaming, with Twitch emerging as a dominant platform. Today we'll delve into the dynamics of modern gaming and explore the role of Twitch in this diverse landscape.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
The Evolution of Gaming
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From arcade machines to home gaming consoles, the gaming experience has come a long way. Today's gaming is predominantly a social experience, with online multiplayer games allowing gamers to interact, collaborate, and compete with each other (Cullum, 2023).
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
The Multifaceted Dynamics of Social Gaming
Social gaming is rich and complex, encompassing various motivations and interactions (GonΓ§alves et al. 2023):
Motives: Players engage in social gaming to pass time with others, seek new relationships, and enjoy the company of fellow gamers.
In-game and Social Interactions: Games prompt interactions within the gameplay and extend to social interactions outside the game.
Community Formation: Communities form around shared gaming interests, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Impact on Relationships: Social gaming enhances relationships, provides social support, and contributes to overall well-being.
Determinants of Experience: Game mechanics, group dynamics, and the context of play significantly influence the social gaming experience.
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Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) like World of WarCraft are prime examples of social gaming, where communities in the form of guilds and forums for different social motives.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
The Integral Role of Live Streaming (Twitch)
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Live streaming has become a crucial component of today's social gaming experience. Platforms like Twitch allow players to stream their gameplay to a real-time audience, while viewers can interact with each other and the streamer through chat functions, creating an engaging and dynamic social gaming environment (Delfino, 2020).
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Mental Health Support on Twitch
Live streaming also serves as a form of mental support, with communities offering encouragement and camaraderie (de Wit, van der Kraan & Theeuwes, 2020).
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Dr. Alok Kanojia, better known as HealthyGamer_GG, is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist who has carved out a unique niche in modern mental health, particularly focusing on the gaming community (About Dr. Alok Kanojia, n.d.).
As a gamer myself, I've found his contents to be incredibly insightful and relatable. His channel has become a go-to resource for those seeking advice on managing their mental health while navigating their passion for video games.
In a way, community like his has created a safe space for open discussion about gaming and mental health (Limbong 2021). Here, gamers are welcomed to freely share their experiences and connect with others who are navigating similar challenges.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Concerns and Considerations
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However, Twitch is not without its issues. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2023), Twitch poses significant dangers to minors due to the lack of age restrictions for viewers, enabling predators to follow, manipulate, and encourage risky behaviors. Minors often reveal personal information, making them vulnerable to exploitation. The donation system further facilitates manipulation. Stricter age limitations and identity verification are needed to ensure minors' safety on the platform.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Conclusion
The evolution of gaming from isolated experiences to interconnected communities has been profound, with platforms like Twitch playing a pivotal role. Social gaming and live streaming have created vibrant, supportive, and engaging environments for gamers.
However, the potential dangers to minors on Twitch highlight the need for stricter safety measures. As the gaming community continues to grow, balancing the benefits of social interaction with the need for security will be crucial in shaping the future of this dynamic digital landscape.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
References
β€˜About Dr. Alok Kanojia’ n.d., HealthyGamer, viewed 14 June 2024, <https://www.healthygamer.gg/dr-alok-kanojia>.
American Academy of Pediatrics 2023, Live streaming platform β€˜Twitch’ poses risks for minors who may be manipulated, preyed upon: New research, American Academy of Pediatrics, viewed 14 June 2024, <https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1004621>.
Cullum, M 2023, β€˜The evolution of gaming: From arcades to esports arenas’, Gaming Concepts, viewed 14 June 2024, <https://www.gamingconcepts.gg/post/the-evolution-of-gaming-from-arcades-to-esports-arenas>.
Delfino, D 2020, β€˜β€œWhat is Twitch?”: Here’s what you need to know about the world’s leading live-streaming platform for gamers’, Business Insider, viewed 14 June 2024, <https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-is-twitch>.
GonΓ§alves, D, Pais, P, Gerling, K, Guerreiro, T & Rodrigues, A 2023, β€˜Social gaming: A systematic review.’, Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 147, Elsevier Science, Netherlands, pp. 1–31.
Limbong, A 2021, β€˜To help gamers on Twitch, Dr. K balances mental health advice with medical ethics’, NPR, 13 January, viewed 14 June 2024, <https://www.npr.org/2021/01/13/956315576/psychiatrist-criticized-for-addressing-mental-health-issues-on-twitch>.
de Wit, J, van der Kraan, A & Theeuwes, J 2020, β€˜Live streams on Twitch help viewers cope with difficult periods in life.’, Frontiers in psychology, vol. 11, Switzerland, p. 586975.
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franklythinking Β· 1 year ago
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Week 9: Digital Citizenship and Software Literacy: Instagram Filters
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Augmented reality (AR) has become an integral part of our online experience, especially on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.
By definition, augmented reality is an "enhanced version of the real world, achieved through the use of computer-generated digital information" (Hayes 2024).
Although it might be hard to understand with the definition alone, one of the most popular applications of AR is through filters, which have transformed how we present ourselves online.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Filters
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Filters are one of the most accessible and widely used forms of AR. They allow users to modify or enhance images and videos by adding graphics, animations, and effects to achieve different appearances.
People use filters for various reasons, including aesthetics, beauty, entertainment, and playfulness.
Although filters might be fun and creative, they have deeper implications for how we perceive ourselves and others.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Social Comparison Theory (Festinger 1954)
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Social comparison theory suggests that people compare themselves with others who are perceived to be better, to assess their own status (Wills & Mendoza 2004).
With the widespread use and normalization of Instagram filters, users are constantly exposed to idealized images, leading to social comparisons against a standard that is difficult to achieve.
This social comparison may result in feelings of inadequacy and a loss of confidence as users compare their unfiltered selves to seemingly perfect, filtered images of others.
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For instance, filters has formed the perception of flawless skin or perfectly contoured faces as "normal" which has lead to dissatisfaction with natural appearances. This pressured individuals to use filters, makeup, and even undergo body modifications to look "normal."
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Objectification Theory (Fredrickson & Roberts 1997)
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Objectification theory posits that women internalize an observer's perspective, aligning with the "male gaze" (Fredrickson & Roberts 1997). This internalization leads to habitual body monitoring, which can cause feelings of shame and anxiety.
Filters can exacerbate this phenomenon by constantly pressuring women to conform to idealized standards. For example, beauty filters that slim the face or enlarge the eyes reinforce certain beauty standards.
However, beauty is diverse, and different ethnicities have unique features of their own. How can everyone conform to a specific look, aesthetic and template?
In a way, you can say that filters have halt us from embracing our natural beauty and diversity we own and share.
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This perpetual self-surveillance is especially concerning for younger users. Equipped with smartphones and full access to social media, many young girls worry about their appearance and strive to look like filtered, idealized versions of themselves, often feeling they are "not enough."
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Digitized Dysmorphia (Coy-Dibley 2016)
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The combination of social comparison and objectification has led to a phenomenon called digitized dysmorphia. The use of digital modification apps and filters has created a situation where individuals view their bodies as "flawed", and therefore use filters and editing tools to correct these perceived imperfections (Coy-Dibley 2016).
Over time, this can result in a distorted self-image, where individuals may no longer recognize themselves in unfiltered photos. Some may be familiar with this, where the constant use of beauty filters make one's natural features seem unfamiliar or undesirable.
With that said, a question arises: will we have any pictures that truly portray ourselves in the future?
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
While augmented reality filters can be fun and creative, their impact on self-perception and mental health cannot be overlooked.
Understanding the implications of these filters through theories like social comparison, objectification, and digitized dysmorphia helps us become more informed digital citizens.
By promoting realistic beauty standards and encouraging critical engagement with digital content, we can foster a healthier, more inclusive online environment.
Let's use filters for fun, not for reinforcing unrealistic standards!
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
References
Coy-Dibley, I 2016, β€˜β€œDigitized Dysmorphia” of the female body: the re/disfigurement of the image’, Palgrave Communications, vol. 2, no. 1, p. 16040.
Fredrickson, BL & Roberts, T-A 1997, β€˜Objectification theory: Toward understanding women’s lived experiences and mental health risks’, Psychology of Women Quarterly, vol. 21, no. 2, SAGE Publications Inc, pp. 173–206.
Hayes, A 2024, β€˜Augmented reality (AR): Definition, examples, and uses’, Investopedia, viewed 13 June 2024, <https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/augmented-reality.asp>.
Wills, TA & Mendoza, D 2004, β€˜Social comparison and subjective well-being’, in CD Spielberger (ed.), Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology, Elsevier, New York, pp. 405–409, viewed <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B012657410300091X>.
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franklythinking Β· 1 year ago
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Week 8 Body Modification on Visual Social Media
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Social media platforms have become central to how we perceive and present ourselves in today's digital age. Today's standard of "beauty" are often presented in the form of aesthetic templates to different genders and identities.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Aesthetic Templates
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Aesthetic templates are often perpetuated by influencers, celebrities, and even everyday users. These templates serves as blueprints for what is considered desirable, fashionable, or appropriate. However, these templates are meticulously crafted through a combination of techniques, such as photography, digital editing, and cosmetic procedures, influencing user's perceptions and making them go to the extreme to "fit in the norm".
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Body Modification
Dangerous beauty trends have always existed, from corsets to tape-worm weight loss pills to mercury makeup (Lakritz 2018).
Today, beauty standards remain perilous. In South Korea, the common solution to fitting an unrealistic aesthetic template often involves surgery.
In 2015, 20% of South Korean women underwent procedures like eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and liposuction. By 2022, this figure had risen to nearly 25% (Lin & Raval 2020; So 2024).
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This pursuit of aesthetic ideals extends to children as well. In China, some parents apply mouth tape to their young toddlers to prevent "adenoid face" caused by mouth breathing. Despite specialists warning of potential harm, including allergies and suffocation, and a reported incident involving a 5-year-old boy nearly suffocating, parents in China continue this practice (Dandan & Xin Yi 2022).
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Public Health Campaigns
Public health campaigns play a crucial role in combating these adverse effects by promoting body positivity and realistic beauty standards.
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Initiatives like the Dove Self-Esteem Project boost self-confidence in young people by challenging harmful beauty standards and encouraging diversity in body shapes and sizes.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
What can we do?
As digital citizens, there are many ways we can mitigate the impact of aesthetic templates.
Following and supporting influencers who promote body positivity and authenticity is a start. Being critical of the content we consume and share, recognizing the use of filters and edits, helps maintain a healthier perspective on beauty standards. Engaging in conversations about social media's impact on mental health can raise awareness and foster a supportive online community. By championing diversity and inclusivity, we can work towards a healthier digital environment.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
In conclusion, while aesthetic templates on social media can inspire and entertain, it's crucial to be mindful of their potential negative effects on public health. By promoting realistic beauty standards and supporting public health initiatives, we can create a more inclusive and mentally healthy digital community.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
References
Dandan, N & Xin Yi, J 2022, β€˜In China, social media is fueling dangerous beauty trends β€” for babies’, SixthTone, viewed 12 June 2024, <https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1011300>.
Lakritz, T 2018, β€˜10 beauty treatments that were once popular but are actually incredibly dangerous’, Business Insider, viewed 10 June 2024, <https://www.businessinsider.com/dangerous-beauty-products-history-2018-8>.
Lin, KL & Raval, VV 2020, β€˜Understanding body Image and appearance management behaviors among adult women in South Korea within a sociocultural context’, International Perspectives in Psychology, vol. 9, no. 2, Hogrefe Publishing, pp. 96–122.
So, W 2024, β€˜South Korea: plastic surgery experience by age and gender 2020’, Statista, viewed 10 June 2024, <https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111220/south-korea-plastic-surgery-experience-by-age-and-gender/>.
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franklythinking Β· 1 year ago
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Week 7: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement
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In today's digital age, social media influencers holds an extraordinary amount of power. With a single post, tweet, or story, they can reach millions of followers and non-followers and inspire changes in behavior and attitudes. This influence is tied to digital citizenship.
That is, what if influencers go against the principles of digital citizenship? What happens when influencers promote excessive consumerism and materialism to their audiences?
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
The Reality of Influencers
Social media influencers are ultimately paid to influence us, the consumers.
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In a survey, 85% of its respondents (who works in the media industries) believes that influencer marketing is an effective way to market (Geyser 2022).
It's not exactly shocking because we're more likely to believe influencers due to the perceived authenticity. Influencers are human-like, we relate to them and we may want to be like them.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion is rapid production of inexpensive, low-quality clothing that mimics current fashion trends, popular brands, and independent designers (Kelleher 2024).
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Fast fashion is everywhere, think about how many clothes you owned are from Shein, Zara, and H&M.
How Did Fast Fashion Come About?
The development of fast fashion is tied to globalization. Fast fashion was only able to thrive due to outsourcing and companies moving production overseas, lowering cost of production (Kayla 2023).
Ultimately, fast fashion comes with a huge environmental and ethical costs. All the pollution, waste, and unfair labor practices that comes with us, enjoying our pieces of disposable trendy clothing.
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Slow Fashion & Influencers
This is where slow fashion comes in. As opposed to "fast" fashion, slow fashion is fundamentally about being mindful and aware of the impact of fashion (Joy et al. 2012).
Slow fashion focuses on sustainability by "producing trendless designs and premium, long-lasting quality" (Marquis 2021).
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Here Come Social Media Influencers…
Social media influencers play a crucial role in promoting slow fashion. Given their reach and influence, they have the power to shift consumer behavior from fast fashion to more sustainable practices.
These efforts contribute to a growing demand for ethical and sustainable fashion, pushing brands to gradually adopt sustainable practices in alignment with renewing consumer interests.
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There are many influencers that advocates for slow fashion influencers like Aja Barber. Their efforts help raise awareness about the importance of sustainable choices and inspire followers to make more conscious fashion decisions.
Despite the growing popularity of slow fashion, influencers still face pressure from fast fashion brands that offer lucrative deals. Resisting these temptation is not easy. This makes influencers who commit to their own personal values even more impressive!
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
What Can You Do?
Thrift shopping is one of the most effective ways to support sustainable fashion. By simply purchasing second-hand clothes, we can reduce demand of purchasing new clothes, which often comes from fast fashion, while also minimizing waste.
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Thrift shops like JBR Bundle, Bandoru and 2nd Street is a good alternative to shop fashionable clothes but for affordable prices (Oon 2019).
Alternatively, you can choose to donate or sell your clothes to thrift shops too! It's your choice whether your clothes end up in someone's hand or in a landfill somewhere.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Ultimately, as a consumer and digital citizen, it's up to you to make choices that align with your values and beliefs. Whether you decide to support slow fashion or opt for fast fashion, the choice is yours. Just remember, your decisions can and will impact others, so consider that as you make them.
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
References
Geyser, W 2022, β€˜The state of influencer marketing 2024: Benchmark report’, Influencer Marketing Hub, viewed 25 May 2024, <https://influencermarketinghub.com/influencer-marketing-benchmark-report/>.
Joy, A, Sherry, JF, Venkatesh, A, Wang, J & Chan, R 2012, β€˜Fast fashion, sustainability, and the ethical appeal of luxury brands’, Fashion Theory, vol. 16, no. 3, Routledge, pp. 273–295.
Kayla, W 2023, Fast fashion in Australia, IBISWorld, Australia, viewed 25 May 2024, <https://my.ibisworld.com/au/en/industry-specialized/od4172/at-a-glance>.
Kelleher, D 2024, Fast fashion, viewed 25 May 2024, <https://www.britannica.com/art/fast-fashion>.
Marquis, C 2021, β€˜What does slow fashion β€œactually” mean?’, Forbes, viewed 25 May 2024, <https://www.forbes.com/sites/christophermarquis/2021/05/14/what-does-slow-fashion-actually-mean/>.
Oon, AJ 2019, β€˜12 thrift stores in the Klang Valley where you can get cheap clothing from as low as RM3’, SAYS, viewed 25 May 2024, <https://says.com/my/lifestyle/thrift-and-bundle-stores-you-can-shop-for-new-clothes-from-cheap-prices>.
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franklythinking Β· 1 year ago
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β€œPortions of this site and the works within it are being produced with the intention of critique and/or educational use under Australia's 'fair dealing' exceptions to copyright (Section 40 & 41). However, if you feel your IP is being infringed, please contact my service provider (Tumblr) with the appropriate DMCA requests, as I, the single author take full responsibility for the content of this site.”
don't copy my work, or else....
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franklythinking Β· 1 year ago
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Week 6: Β What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism
Today, we are all digital citizens, we are "those who use the Internet regularly and effectively…on a daily basis" (Mossberger, Tolbert & McNeal 2007). Therefore, the role of upholding digital citizenship becomes ever more critical.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Principles of Digital Citizenship
The 3 core principles of digital citizenship are respect, educate, and protect (Mossberger, Tolbert & McNeal 2007). Without them, online communities would likely devolve towards chaos and hostility.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Digital Citizenship in Online Forums
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Digital citizenship can be seen in online forums like Reddit, where moderators and users work together to maintain a respectful discourse by enforcing community guidelines.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
However, digital citizenship doesn't stop there. With the increased access to information and rising levels of education, digital citizens are became increasingly informed and involved in their lives.
Digital citizens want a say in decisions affecting their lives, therefore they choose to participate in the democratic process (Vromen 2017).
Political engagement from digital citizens comes in many forms. From raising awareness to mobilizing communities for social and political causes, digital citizens aimed to harness the collective power of working together to reach their goals.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Forms of Digital Citizenship Online
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Technology has transformed the way individuals participate in civic engagement. Now, they're websites for online petitions like Change.org and crowdfunding purposes like Kickstarter
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Hashtag Publics
Hashtag have always been a powerful tool for digital citizens. In 2009, Twitter introduced a way to hyperlink and compile hashtag, making them searchable and easy identified (Anderson 2016).
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#Blacklivesmatter for example, gained traction as a movement in support of a broader social movement, or to criticize general racial issues. This hashtag has became a rallying point for millions of activist, raising awareness, making conversations, forming community belonging, and prompting real-world political actions.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
As we navigate this digital landscape, it's important to recognize and remember our responsibility we each hold as a digital citizens. That is to contribute positively to society and to advocate for causes we believe in.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
References
Anderson, M 2016, History of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter: Social activism on Twitter, Pew Research Center, viewed 24 May 2024, <https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/08/15/the-hashtag-blacklivesmatter-emerges-social-activism-on-twitter/>.
Mossberger, K, Tolbert, CJ & McNeal, RS 2007, Digital citizenship: The internet, society, and participation, The MIT Press, viewed 24 May 2024, <https://direct.mit.edu/books/book/3275/Digital-CitizenshipThe-Internet-Society-and>.
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franklythinking Β· 1 year ago
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𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Week 5: Digital Community and Fandom
The realm of digital community is as diverse as it could be. From fandoms to the reality TV show, the digital age has transformed how we interact and engage with one another online and offline.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
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Although audiences are thought to be passive in the past, that itself has been debunked by today's digital age, where fans have gone from passive audiences to active "producers" and "prosumers" (Sundet & Ytreberg 2009).
A great example of this are fan communities called fandoms. In the ecosystem of fandoms, a fan is not restricted to just consuming, often or not they involved themselves in the art of influencers.
Fans themselves had become writers, creators and advocates within their communities (Jenkins 2006).
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Fans Turned Writers
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Many fans of different fandoms gather together on Wattpad to discover, create, and share their fanfiction. Some fans even become a writer themselves, eventually publishing their own original novels.
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The popular series "Fifty Shades of Grey" is perhaps the most famous example of a fanfiction being a popular published series (Carlo 2023).
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
Power of Fans in Reality TV
Reality TV shows are great example of how digital communities transcend passive viewership, transforming fans into active participants who shape the narrative and culture surrounding their favorite shows. Some reality tv shows involves their fans by holding public voting, allowing the fans to vote for their favorite or alternatively vote for someone to be removed from the show.
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Classic reality TV show -- Survivor, audiences gets to choose which contestant gets vote off the show (Editors of Encyclopedia 2024).
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
In conclusion, the digital age has revolutionized the dynamics of audience engagement, turning passive viewers into active participants, creators, and influencers. Whether through fanfiction on platforms like Wattpad or interactive reality TV shows like Survivor, fans now play a crucial role in shaping content and culture, and what we see today.
𓆝 π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“† π“†Ÿ π“†ž 𓆝 π“†Ÿπ“†
References
Carlo, DD 2023, β€˜10 successful books that started out as fan fiction’, Collider, viewed 24 May 2024, <https://collider.com/successful-fan-fiction-books/>.
Editors of Encyclopedia (ed.) 2024, β€˜Survivor’, Encyclopedia Britannica, Britannica, viewed 24 May 2024, <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Survivor-American-television-show>.
Sundet, V & Ytreberg, E 2009, β€˜Working notions of active audiences’, Convergence: the International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 383–390.
Vromen, A 2017, Digital citizenship and political engagement, Palgrave Macmillan UK, London, viewed 24 May 2024, <http://link.springer.com/10.1057/978-1-137-48865-7>.
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