gloriachua

[gloriachua]

W11 - What Social Media is Like in China :o

How Important is Social Media to the World Today

Even before the pandemic hit, we were already super tied to social media. After the pandemic hit, the first thing we wake up is to check on the news. Reason being, everyone has nothing better to do at home than scrolling through their screens. To look through news such as politics, social activisms and many more. Moreover, many countries has the freedom to post, search and read on the stuff they want on social media with no limitations. However, it is different for citizens in China. 

China’s Social Media = WeiBo / WeChat

According to Lu (2021), Beijing has been keeping their social sphere sealed from social media such as Facebook and Twitter while cultivating what has to become a dynamic social media ecosystem. WeChat in China has over a billion monthly users. It is a messaging service, however have become all-encompassing (means covering almost everything). You are able to play games, take out loans, make purchase, order food delivery and car services, book flights and many more. Though they do not have the social media platforms that we have, their WeChat platform pretty much has everything. China is a very evolved country. 

China’s Way

China’s citizens has the freedom of speech and press, however China authorities are able to pin down stories of citizens from the opacity of media regulations (Xu & Albert 2017).  Citizens must be careful and sensitive to what they say and post in public especially when it is related to politics. Moreover, materials that is considered a threat to political stability will be auto banned, that includes photos, videos and search terms (Xu & Albert 2017). China’s are so advanced that their security cameras has face recognition and each citizens has an amount of points. If the points are deducted to a certain amount, they will be banned from certain shops or do certain tasks. Which brings this back to the freedom statement, ‘citizens has the freedom of speech’? I do not think so. 

China’s Citizen Missing Out (Sucks to be you)

Due to China’s ‘overprotectiveness’ citizens in China are not able to participate in many activities / social events that is happening around the world. They are not able to expand their knowledge on the things that are on the other side. Other than that, the hypocrisy of allowing them to have the freedom to speak and post freely on the internet is pure hokum. Yet they keep track on every move they make on social media and censor what they believe can be a threat. 

Conclusion from GC

In conclusion, there should be a better way in for China to control the censorship and limitations instead of just censoring without letting their citizens know or choose. They may have their reasons to why they are strict in this area, but the way they try to control and forcing the citizens to be on the same track as them is a little too harsh for me. There is just no privacy where you would constantly feel ‘naked’ almost. For example, I personally experienced with Facebook warning me about using some ugly languages at the comment sections (I was not bullying okay I was using a term to call my friends and it was considered as a threat / cyber bullying), they asked if I would consider to delete the comment or I might get suspended if I continue to do it. So there is a choice for the user, if they do not follow the rules then they should get punished because they were warned. Instead of ‘overprotecting’ the citizens from sensitive issues or issues that might caused chaos to the society. Allow them to have the choice is better than just deleting without consent. However, as an Asian I kinda understand the overprotectiveness so... xD. 

References

Lu, C 2021, ‘China’s Social Media Explosion’, Foriegn Policy, 11 November, viewed on 24 November 2021, <https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/11/11/china-social-media-tech-linkedin-wechat-censorship-privacy-regulation/>.

Xu, B & Albert, E 2017, ‘Media Censorship in China’, Council Foreign Relations, 17 February, viewed on 24 November 2021, <https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/media-censorship-china>.

[gloriachua]

W10 - “Don’t You Dare Bring My Mother Into This”

Personally, I am not much of a gamer. The only game I do play and ‘invest’ in is Brawl Stars. Do leave your ID if you play Brawl Stars like me too :D Despite the lack of knowledge in the gaming area, I do understand what it means by the gaming community can be super duper toxic. I too experience toxic gamers in Brawl Stars where they get mad, give the thumbs down emoji and even giving up the game letting their team die. It will cost trophies if you lose, so it really sucks when you lose due to team mates who unreasonably give up the game and do not even try. Trust me, it can be SUPER frustrating. However, Brawl Stars is not so bad for they would censor all cursing vocabulary and we are not able to personally talk to the other players online. 

Can You Shush?

The real toxic communities in the game world would be the games such as League Of Legends (LOL), Valorant, Mobile Legends, PUBG and unfortunately that is all the games I know. I am not targeting any of these games, these are just the games I know that constantly have toxic arguments (judging form the huge gamers in my life which are my brother and boyfriend). Some of these games offer the function and option to turn on the microphone in order to communicate with their team mates while in the game. I would often hear swearings and offensive sexist statements whenever they (individually) are on their game with their friends, even when it meant being on the other side of the room I could still hear the shouting and swearing which are always CRYSTAL CLEAR. 

It’s Not Just Gaming Anymore

The gaming community today create games to encourage people to have social interaction while in the game. When one is on an online game, it is not just about winning the game but it is also the communication and interaction  between the gamers. Online multiplayer games are created to encourage players to interact (University of Jyvaeskylae 2007). Moreover, it will slowly turn into a safe space where people would go to release and be themselves. It will benefit the introverts and to encourage them to socialise more.

The Sexist Insults

Though chatting while playing games can be fun, the insults will come in whenever someone makes a mistake. According to Purslow (2016), when on voice-chat one will experience many insults filled with curses and sneered commands from people who considered themselves as “pros”. Most women in the gaming industry came forward by claiming gender-based discrimination, harassment and sexual assault from online people (Lorenz & Browning 2020). There was a trending video about how gamers would sound like in real life. One part in the video was when one of the guys insulted the other guy’s mother in a sexual way. This is the link to the video >> https://youtu.be/wHOO-0urwnU . Just because women tend to look small, guys would often make fun of each other by using female’s physique or personality. Furthermore, guys who are straight would also ‘look down’ or make fun of guys who are homosexual aka gay. 

You Just Can’t Win

The gaming community has turned into a space where people who are women and part of the LGBT community feel uneasy to freely join the gaming community. It is unfair for people online to target and use them as insults. Those egoistic narcissist of a gamer can be very toxic and cruel. Even if you are playing well in the game you may be ambushed as hacker. There is just no winning. Furthermore, it will be considered as normal behaviour for new gamers. 

Conclusion of GC

The world is cruel, however we are not able to control or please everyone. Our responsibility is to just do our part and not be influenced by these people online. They may be daring online but in real life they are just a bunch of wussies. Just remember to be yourself, be kind and leave other’s mother alone. Thank you for your time. 

References

Lorenz, T & Browning, K 2020, ‘Dozens of Women in Gaming Speak Out About Sexism and Harassment’, The New York Times, 23 June, viewed on 16 November 2021, <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/style/women-gaming-streaming-harassment-sexism-twitch.html>.

Purslow, M 2016, ‘Why are gamers awful to each other? The psychology of online abuse’, PCGames, 2 February, viewed on 16 November 2021, <https://www.pcgamesn.com/league-of-legends/why-are-gamers-awful-to-each-other-the-psychology-of-online-abuse>. 

University of Jyvaeskylae 2007, ‘How Does Online Gaming Affect Social Interactions?’, Science Daily, 20 September, viewed on 14 November 2021,<https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070915110957.htm>.

[gloriachua]

W9 - “Oi, Why You So Siao?”

#Directioner4ever

I know what it is like to be a fan of a celebrity or a band. I had a fair share amount of crazy fangirling days. I do miss the carefree days where all I had to care for is which date and time the new album of One Direction would release. Not that anyone asked but my bias from One Direction (that has sadly spited up) was Niall Horan. Still keeping up with him on his instagram but not crazy crazy as before. Just a side note, the current hots I have for is Tom Hiddleston :D Alright enough of these nonsense about me. 

Fandom = I love them I could die

Fandom is the point of being a fan of someone, a band, a team or even a TV series. According to Elliott (2012), the word fangirl means a female usually a teen who is overly immersed to a band, book, movie or a person. Fangirls existed long before, however it was mainly on the musician addicts who would loyally follow the band tours. Screaming their lungs out during the performances or even fainting for them. I have seen a video of fans fainting during Michael Jackson’s performances. Love his songs by the way. 

The Kpop Department

The most recent crazy fan fonding Kpop groups would be BTS and BlackPink. According to Romano (2018), with the help of addictive melodies, well synchronised choreography and production values has hugely impacted and helped Kpop to become a global phenomenon. I used to be crazy for a particular Kpop group called SHINee. Personally, I would not call myself as crazy as the fans today that are truly crazy for the group BTS. The love and energy the BTS fans have is another level.

BTS Fans, or Should I say BTS Army?

According to Pham (2021), the word ARMY stands for “Adorable Representative M.C. For  Youth” with a few more other meanings. It also relates to BTS’ full name, “Bulletproof Boyscouts” (in English), it means that the ARMY fans are the military while BTS is the armor for them. It is a metaphor to show that the band members and the fans will always be together. No offence but I personally thought it meant that the fans are so loyal that they will fight for the band and which is why they call themselves BTS army. 

Fans Are More Powerful Than You Think

According to Madden (2020), during the Black Lives Matter movement, the BTS Army organised and raise funds that was led by a fan which named the charity project as One in an Army. It is believed that the Kpop fandom community encourages people to stand up for each other and fight for their rights on social media, because social media is the place for them to connect with other people with somewhat similar experiences (Burner 2020). 

Conclusion of GC

When we are given a certain power, we should be wise on how we used them. We should help those that are unprivileged and those that are in need. Especially when the group is as big as the Army, they have the power and influence to speak out on issues. Thank you for your time. 

References

Burner, R 2020, ‘How K-Pop Fans Actually Work as a Force for Political Activism in 2020′, Time, 25 July, viewed on 8 November 2021,<https://time.com/5866955/k-pop-political/>.

Elliott, H 2012, ‘Fangirls, Through The Years’, Tampa Bay Times, 19 October, viewed on 8 November 2021,<https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2012/10/18/fangirls-through-the-years/>.

Madden, E 2020, ‘The BTS Army and the Transformative Power of Fandom as Activism’, The Ringer, 11 June, viewed on 8 November 2021, <https://www.theringer.com/music/2020/6/11/21287283/bts-army-black-lives-matter-fandom-activism>.

Pham, J 2021, ‘BTS Just Revealed They Almost Named Their Fans Something Other Than ARMY’, Style Caster, 14 July, viewed on 8 November 2021, <https://stylecaster.com/bts-army-meaning/>.

Romano, A 2018, ‘How K-pop Become A Global Phenomenon’, Vox, 26 February, viewed on 8 November 2021, <https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/2/16/16915672/what-is-kpop-history-explained>.

[gloriachua]

W8 - Ask Mr. Google

Do I Look Like Google to You?

To be frank, most of the information that I know are mostly from the internet / social media. News such as covid-19, celebrities, missing people and so on, are mostly from someone / some page sharing it on social media. Sometimes, we know too much that we are even qualified to be Mr google. “Kepo” I would say, but I am proud to say that I am part of “kepos” in some areas / topics. 

Crowdsourcing (NGL I did not know what it was)

So, crowdsourcing. According to White (2019), crowdsourcing is the habit of using source of a group focusing on the particular topic. Crowdsourcing has been practiced and existed long before, just that after the help of social media it helps connect people from all around the world. Social media has made it easier for us to search or fill in the gaps that we have in our minds on a particular topic. 

Personally, if you read my previous blogs, you would know that I am quite ignorant when it comes to politics and news that are more ‘adultly’ which are normally boring to me. However, I am a sucker for news relating to celebrities or movie theories. I often read news and click in links I see from Instagram and FaceBook (call me boring but bite me). The social media platforms I use often introduce articles that are related to celebrities or movies (which I am not complaining). Every time after I finish a movie or series, I would always have my own theories on what message the show is trying to portray. After that, I would google or go to the show’s instagram page to search and read on more information. 

Crowdfunding (Ahh this I’ve heard before)

According to Fundable, crowdfunding is one of the ways to collect money from families, friends, customers or even investors primarily through social media. After the help of social media, I often see influencers especially promoting other online users’ GoFundMe websites. The ones I have seen before is when an influencers or a well-known TikToker’s, relative pass away, they would share their GoFundMe page and ask for their fans’ support. 

Personally, I have experienced a time where one of my school mates from my secondary school did a GoFundMe page. Long story short, he/she went to UK for his/her studies. However, he/she had some family troubles happening along the way during his/her studies in UK which caused him/her not to have enough money to continue staying in UK. He/She had to come back to Kuching ASAP so he/she set up a GoFundMe page secretly, but it somehow spread until all of our ex school mates knew about it and donated to help him/her. Oh well that is just a bonus story for this blog. 

Conclusion of GC

In conclusion, social media really made it so much easier for us to search and know more on the topics that we had doubts before or even get to know new knowledge about new topics that we never knew of before. However, we should not abuse this power to spread rumours that can cause chaos. Be “kepos”, but be wise “kepos”. 

References

Fundable, “What is Crowdfunding? Clear, Simple Answers Here.”, viewed on 3 November 2021, <https://www.fundable.com/learn/resources/guides/crowdfunding/what-is-crowdfunding>.

Jacquelyn, W 2019, “What is Crowdsourcing and How Does It Work? Definition and Example”, TheStreet, 22 July, viewed 2 November 2021, <https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/education/what-is-crowdsourcing-15026002>.

[gloriachua]

W7 - “Today’s COVID-19 cases how many ah?”

Covid-19 News Fills Up Feeds

Before Covid-19 even got to Malaysia, news about Covid-19 has already been spreading all around different social platforms. Especially now when Malaysia is highly affected with the virus (unfortunately), the social media platform I do use are often filled with Covid-19 news (if not, 1 or 2 posts are surely about Covid-19). The reason to why everyone around the world talks and posts about the same virus is because Covid-19 has officially affected the entire world. Which is why everyone is cautious and concerned on it. 

#StaySafe

It is not possible to tell the virus to not affect us so all we can do is try avoiding them, and what better way to spread the news? Ding ding ding. Social media duh. Social media is one of the best way to spread news (*coughs* gossips *coughs coughs*), especially news that are important as to make sure we are safe and not putting our lives at risk. #StaySafe is one of the most popular hashtags that I have heard ever since the pandemic hit. Whether if its on social media, on radios or from celebrities there is always this hashtag. Other than using social media to warn and alert the world on what they should do to avoid the virus, it is also a good platform to allow people to know how many cases are there in their country or particular area. This is also a way for people to be more alert and not take social distancing rules for granted. Although there may be self-centred brainless imbeciles who do not care for protocols, we are still obligated to follow. 

 There is a friend of mine who would always get news from Sarawak news and reposts it on his story. I have built a habit to always turn in his stories at the end of the day to keep up on the cases in Kuching and which area in Kuching to avoid. The reason why I choose to rely on his stories and news is because he knows people from the board or something. Which is why I trust and rely on his sources so that I would not get false news.

Aunties and Uncles, Spread Fake News Police Will Fine You Oh!

Speaking of false news, my parents themselves got paranoid when they stumble on the WhatsApp messages from their friends and started to share the “news” to their families and other friends. I told them not to share unless it was from reliable websites. They did eventually stop especially during the times when the authorities announced that spreading fake covid-19 news would get fined. I mean, who wants to get fined right? Spreading false news could really cause the society to be in chaos. According to the Star (2021), a woman (housewife to be precise) was charged RM5,000 for spreading fake covid-19 news on WhatsApp. 

Solutions on Avoiding Fake News

I believe the best way to avoid false news is to make sure the news/resource comes from the government or trusted radio servers/websites such as Hitz and World of Buzz. These are the Malaysia platforms that I trust and know that their news and announcement are reliable, and like I said for Sarawak news I get it from my friend’s stories because he would upload daily Sarawak news. Moreover, I believe that the government are responsible to announce/update important news to the citizens and address fake news immediately in order to control keep the citizens at ease. The authorities falls short on trying to keep up the standard to revoke fake news, in result of lack of clarity discussion on the proclamation of the pandemic (Human Rights Watch 2021).

Conclusion of GC

Us citizens should have the responsibility to follow rules and respect the decisions made by the authorities. Despite the decision being made by the authorities are ridiculous, we must still obey because the Bible teaches us to obey our authorities no matter how ridiculous they may be or when they are obviously at wrong. While the authorities should also not abuse their power and take the responsibility to keep the community as peaceful as possible. Thank you for your time :) 

References

Human Rights Watch 2021, “Malaysia: Revoke ‘Fake News’ Ordinance”, 13 March, viewed on 25 October 2021, <https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/13/malaysia-revoke-fake-news-ordinance>.

TheStar 2021, “Housewife Fined RM5,000 for Spreading False News on Covid-19″, 13 October, viewed on 25 October 2021,  <https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/10/13/housewife-fined-rm5000-for-spreading-false-news-on-covid-19>.

[gloriachua]

W6 - Activisms and Protest ‘pakat’ (collab) with Social Media

Activisms & Protest 

I believe most activists enjoy and prefer to protest physically rather than digitally, because the unity of everyone coming together gives powerful and unstoppable vibes (if you catch my meaning). The pandemic has forced activists to move their protest to social media. Despite the danger of social gathering during these times, there are still strong headed activists and protesters who still prefers to protest the normal physically way. 

While there are physical protests going on in some countries, I can only imagine how hard it is for some celebrities or influencers to make their decision on such matter. The meaning to my sentence would be, there are people who prioritise safety more instead of protesting and there are also people who prioritise protesting more instead of the virus.

Celebrities / Influencers being Sandwiched 

Celebrities/influencers are bound to be attacked by fans or non fans no matter what they choose to do. Whether if it is to stay home or going to the protest, stay speak on the issue or to stay silent, they will be called out. There is just no winning for them. The reason to this thought of mine was when Bretman Rock, an openly gay influencer, joining the pride month protest. I do not remember exactly if it was a protest on gay rights or a pride month gathering celebration, I only remember from what I saw on his Instagram stories which was him together with his sister (straight) went to the protest with their masks on. He kept emphasising that he was standing very far from the others and followed social distancing. 

It got me thinking, while some celebrities/influencers are concerned by the pandemic, the society will still expect them to participate protests. Especially those LGBT activisms, celebrities/influencers that are part of the LGBT community are expected to join despite the danger of the virus. They might be criticised and being called hypocrites if they do not meet the qualified amount of support the society expects from them. Which was why Bretman Rock still went to the protest and was very precautious of his safety (from the virus). Furthermore, celebrities/influencers who decide to stay silent and not speak of the issues will also be criticised as ignorant. It is impossible to please everyone.

Purpose of Activisms and Protests

In my opinion, the purpose of activisms and protests is to push for change. However, it still depends on how one looks at the situation. People are tide to their own opinions and cultures on how they were taught/brought up. It is not easy to force or try to convince someone to change and abide what the society expects them to. The world is changing, there are things that were not considered as normal before but is considered normal in today's generation.  For example, LGBT is not for everyone. It is impossible to force someone to change their mindset and accept what the society is accepting today. Which is why the purpose of activisms and protests can also be spreading awareness. People who are not able to accept the LGBT community will be more aware on the dangers of being part of the LGBT community.

Focusing on Social Media

I have been repeating this sentence a little too much but social media is really a good place to promote, share and search for news. Countries like Malaysia may not have protests so often compared to other countries. Some countries do not practice strong protesting for they do not have the freedom like the Americans do. Those countries may not be aware of the issues that are happening in their society until they are made known by other countries that such issues exists around the world. Which is why social media is a good way for people to gain more knowledge and to stay updated with what is going around the world. According to Maryville University, the power of social media can help uplift voices, spread information directly and increase collaboration across different groups of people around the world.

Conclusion of GC

Once again, everyone is tied to their own opinion. It is impossible to force everyone to follow or to have the mindset the society wants them to do. We can only either show support or simply just some respect even when we do not agree to the argument. Make peace not hate. 

References

Maryville University, ‘A Guide to Activism in the Digital Age’, viewed on 13 October 2021, <https://online.maryville.edu/blog/a-guide-to-social-media-activism/>.

[gloriachua]

W5 - Politics with the Help of Social Media

Social media has taken over the world. The minute we wake up, all we can think is our phones which are filled with different social media applications that we can access at any time. Social media is packed with all sorts of information and news. Not only that, social media makes it easy for us to search for the news that we want. Bye bye newspapers. 

Social Media = Big Help to Politics

Social media definitely influenced a whole lot of us (well, for me at least) to be involved or to be even bothered by politics of any kind. It is actually our responsibility as citizens to know our own country’s politics. Moreover, it is a bonus of knowledge for us to know other country’s politics as well. If you are as lazy and as ignorant as me, I do not really care for politics ‘thingies’. However, my family and friends around me made me realise that it is actually good to have the knowledge on politics. Of course with the help of social media, I actually start care to search and read on some politics news. According to Intyaswati (2021), studies show that social media influences students to gain more knowledge on politics and have discussions on different social media platforms. The study implies that social media helps instructors to create a more interesting way/environment for students to have political discussions and to know the students political knowledge level on politics. 

Celebrities using Social Media for Politics

From what I can recall, before Donald Trump won the election of being United States’ president, popular celebrities such as Taylor Swift was posting Instagram stories about the vote. She was reminding her fans and viewers everyday to think and vote wisely because she was sure as heck that she did not want Donald Trump to win. She was basically like a daily reminder, her Instagram stories were all about why Trump was a bad idea. Although Trump did won, I still believed that celebrities have the power to change the way or opinions people have on politics. BUT without the help of social media I do not think that their opinions/stands can travel that fast and far. People around the world that has nothing to do with the voting of United States’ president are also highly aware and either agrees or disagrees to what the celebrities has to say about the situation. All thanks to social media. According to Zilinsky et al (2019),  celebrities entertain for free while a huge amount of users/followers either re-share the political content from celebrities or stay engaged. 

Dangers of Social Media & Politics

Though social media is an efficient way to be free and share our opinions, especially sensitive topics like politics, there is also a downside to it. People tend to get more aggressive voicing out on social media compared to real life. Reason being, there’s nothin’ you can do to me behind those screens now can you Karen? A little tease is fine but things get heated up on sensitive/serious topics, one thing leading to another death threats and insults start coming in. Different countries hating one another or even worse, own country hating on each other. Ain’t got no space for peace. 

Conclusion of GC

In conclusion, social media is definitely an easy place for us to search and even share our opinions on politics. However, we must always remember that not everyone has the same mindset and idea. It is impossible to force people to follow the way we/society wants them to. Everyone is tied to their own opinions. We can listen but to go against and turning the situation ugly is a choice. 

References

Intyaswati, D 2021, ‘Social Media as an Information Source of Political Learning in Online Education’, SageJournals, 11 June, viewed on 5 October 2021, <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21582440211023181>.

Zilinsky, J 2019 et al, ‘Think celebrities get punished for being political? In fact, they get retweeted.’, The Washington Post, 28 October, viewed on 5 October 2021, <https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/10/28/think-celebrities-get-punished-being-political-fact-they-get-retweeted/>.

[gloriachua]

W4 - Blogging? Meh. Tiktok and Instagram? Sounds about right.

For a 00s baby, I don’t actually search for blogs on the internet nor do I write them. So it’s clear to say that this is my first blog. I may not know much about blogging, but I do know what’s vlogging xD. 

So, blogging. From what I understand about blogging, it’s where one writes a short or a long paragraph on a situation, someone sharing their opinion or just simply sharing photos. To compare blogging with Tiktok and Instagram, Tiktok and Instagram appears to be more interesting I guess. 

The reason why I believe that is because Tiktok is filled with videos with many different kinds of content such as fun challenges, pranks, weirdly satisfying videos and many more. 

As for Instagram, it is where people post aesthetic and “perfect” photos. Not only that, Instagram has added new features such as stories and reels instead of just photos and videos on their feed. 

Which is why, I believe that blogging is not relevant in the times of Tiktok and Instagram (which is right now).

Hadian(2021) says that blogging may not be completely forgotten in today’s societies. Instead, he claims that people has replace blogging with social media platform today. That does not necessarily means that blogging is forgotten because they have turned to social media platforms to share their contents, photos and videos (social media platforms such as FaceBook, YouTube, Instagram, etc). However, long paragraphs after paragraphs are not often seen or posted on today’s most used social media platform. <https://www.virlan.co/education/what-has-replaced-blogging-is-blogging-still-relevant-in-2021/>.