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Covid-19 info on Social Media?

               Social media has been a major tool for spreading COVID-19 knowledge worldwide, including in Malaysia. Governments, health authorities, and people have been using various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others to disseminate updates, guidelines, and safety measures pertaining to the pandemic. Similar to this, a number of studies have shown that using social media during the COVID-19 pandemic can be advantageous since it acts as a helpful coping mechanism that helps people feel less alone and anxious (Cho 2023). During the pandemic, the government uses social media to disseminate the most recent information, statistics on daily cases, and safety advice.  There might be some drawbacks to using social media during the COVID-19 shutdown, though.

               In my opinion, social media platforms afford individuals the chance to establish connections with friends, family, and communities, despite physical isolation. Online social interactions can lessen feelings of loneliness and provide emotional support. The field of public health is closely linked to social life and communication techniques (Chin,2023). According to Winslow (1920), the study and practise of preventing illness, extending life, and promoting health via planned initiatives and well-informed decisions made by the general public, businesses, communities, and individuals.

During COVID-19, we are unable to leave the house and carry on normal activities. The government states that our daily cases are crucial. The government uses social platforms such as social media to do updates and announcements. We as users share and forward the news on our social media platforms and friends to enable a wider audience to see it. People with similar interests or experiences can come together in online communities and social media support groups. An enhanced sense of mental health may result from this sense of belonging. This proves that the wide spread of information is achievable through social media especially during the peak of Covid-19. Users of social media platforms can frequently express their feelings and opinions. Emotional expression and catharsis can occur when experiences and feelings are shared with others.

In terms of vaccine, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on public health initiatives in the United States. The rapid development, production, and distribution of vaccines was prompted by the high mortality rates associated with COVID-19 cases and their high prevalence. Social media has become an increasingly important information bank, but because of regulatory variations and the widespread sharing of individual viewpoints, it has advantages and disadvantages of its own (Napoli 2022). It has taken a multipronged approach involving governments, health organisations, influencers, and the general public to promote COVID-19 vaccines on social media. The World Health Organisation (WHO), the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local health departments are just a few examples of government and health organisations that have shared accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines on social media using their official accounts. In order to dispel myths and concerns, they have responded to frequently asked questions and provided updates on vaccine efficacy, safety, and distribution schedules.

On social media, misinformation, deception, and malicious intent are some of the common sources of fake news. While disinformation refers to the purposeful dissemination of false information in an effort to sway public opinion, misinformation can result from well-meaning but inaccurate information sharing. The deliberate production and spread of false information for malevolent ends, frequently to sow division or further a specific agenda, is referred to as malintent. The public's perception is significantly impacted by the dissemination of false information about COVID-19 on social media. Confusion and a decline in public confidence in health authorities can result from false information about the virus, how it spreads, or the treatments that are available. Efforts to achieve widespread vaccination and control the virus's spread may be hampered by conspiracy theories and false information regarding the virus's origins or the safety of vaccines. Furthermore, anxiety and fear may be amplified as a result of fake news. Claims that are sensationalised or overstated can foster fear and make it difficult for people to make wise decisions regarding their health and safety. The rejection of evidence-based measures that are essential to slowing the virus's spread, like donning masks and avoiding social situations, can also result from this uneasy environment.

In conclusion, social media has played a substantial and varied role in Malaysian COVID-19 information dissemination. Social media platforms have been an invaluable means of quickly disseminating guidelines, updates, and public health measures; however, the efficacy of this communication tool depends on a number of factors. In Malaysia, social media has been effective in building community involvement, quickly disseminating important information, and reaching a large audience. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have been used by government health agencies, medical professionals, and the general public to dispel false information, provide real-time updates, and raise awareness of the virus.

Reference

Chin, B 2023, 'MDA20009 Week 7 public health campaign, MDA20009 Digital Communities, Learning materials via Canvas, Swinburne University of Technology, 10th November 2023

Cho, H., Li, P., Ngien, A., Tan, M. G., Chen, A., & Nekmat, E. (2023) 'The bright and dark sides of social media use during COVID-19 lockdown: Contrasting social media effects through social liability vs. social support', Computers in Human Behavior, Volume 146, Article 107795. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107795 (Accessed: 26 November 2023).

Napoli, C. (2022) Facilitators and Barriers of COVID-19 Vaccine Promotion on Social Media in the United States: A Systematic Review, Published online: 8 February. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8871797/ (Accessed: 26 November 2023).

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The respiratory disease known as COVID-19, or "Coronavirus Disease 2019," is extremely contagious and is brought on by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). After the illness was initially discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019, it sparked a pandemic that affected the entire world. Everyone around the world was forced to stay at home. This brings a very common benefit which involves gaming. The gaming community has strived during the world pandemic. Additionally, there was a slight rise in the number of female users and an increase in user engagement in online gaming among those between the ages of 25 and 35 (Bora 2020). The question is, how has the Covid-19 pandemic changed the public perception of gaming?

               The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the gaming industry, resulting in a number of modifications that have enhanced its growth and reputation in numerous ways. More people started using video games as their main source of entertainment when lockdowns and other social distancing measures were implemented. With more time to spend at home, players on different gaming platforms became more engaged, drawing in new players and growing the user base overall.   The popularity of online multiplayer games skyrocketed as more people looked for virtual means of keeping in touch with friends and family. Games that promoted communication, teamwork, and social interaction gained popularity and aided in the development of online gaming communities. When considering what gamers spent in 2020, it is evident that digital gaming spending on in-game content and paid downloads grew by 12% and 21% globally, respectively, demonstrating the expansion of digital revenues (Clement, 2022).

               Moreover, esports gained prominence as traditional sports were disrupted. The implementation of COVID-19 curfews, including lockdowns, resulted in delays, postponements, and cancellations of traditional sporting events. Since esports are digital by nature, it is simple to find them online. Because esports events are digital in nature, they can go on without any interruption, even in situations where lockdowns and safety concerns force physical events to be cancelled or postponed. International competitions for esports are common, and attendance is not always necessary. Because esports are worldwide, they can operate without requiring players to travel far, which was a major concern for traditional sports during the pandemic. The format of esports events can be more varied. Esports competitions can take on a variety of forms, such as online leagues and tournaments, whereas traditional sports frequently depend on a set schedule and location.

               In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the gaming industry, changing the landscape and accelerating already-emerging trends. The pandemic's effects on the gaming industry are complex, affecting different facets of gaming culture, technology, and business strategies. The increase in the number of people using gaming as a form of entertainment during lockdowns and social distancing measures has been one of the most obvious changes. There was a noticeable rise in the number of casual and serious gamers as more people stayed at home. This promoted the emergence of new gaming communities and genres in addition to increasing the user base of well-known gaming platforms.

Reference

Chin, B 2023, 'MDA20009 Week 10 social gaming, MDA20009 Digital Communities, Learning materials via Canvas, Swinburne University of Technology, 10th November 2023

Bora, G. (2020) 'For Indian gaming startups, Covid-19 lockdown is a boon for business', The Economic Times, April 13. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/for-indian-gaming-startups-covid-19-lockdown-is-a-boon-for-business/articleshow/75115595 (Accessed: 24 June 2020).

Clement, J. (2022) 'COVID-19 impact on the gaming industry worldwide - Statistics & Facts', Statista, October 18. Available at: https://www.statista.com/topics/8016/covid-19-impact-on-the-gaming-industry-worldwide/#topicOverview (Accessed: 26 November 2023).

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Car Fandom

A fandom in the social media world is a subculture made up of members of the public who are passionate, enthusiastic, and have a shared interest in a certain topic. These groups are frequently found in the entertainment, pop culture, or niche subcultures. Henry Jenkins (1992) suggested that there are five levels of activities which are mode of reception, critical and interpretive practices, consumer activism, cultural production, and alternative community. The fandom for the automotive community is one that sticks out to me among the many fandoms out there. As you may question why cars? I personally love cars regardless of the year of model. With that said, let us take a dive into what makes the car community a big fandom.

            A car fandom also means a collection of people who have a deep and ardent interest in automobiles and the automotive industry. It is also referred to as an automotive or car enthusiast community. Car fandom members usually have a strong passion for automobiles, from sports cars and classic cars to custom builds and modern cars. Even though people tend to lump all of us together, there is so much diversity in style and taste in the automotive industry that it is nearly hard to keep up with it all (Christou, 2020). A lot of auto enthusiasts are interested in making changes and customizations to their cars. Members of car fandoms can display their modifications, exchange advice, and talk about the newest developments in automotive customization on these forums.

            On another note, social media is home to a thriving and diverse automotive fandom and communities that unite car enthusiasts from all over the world who are passionate about cars. These communities, which are spread across a number of social media sites, each provide a special setting for users to interact, exchange, and celebrate their passion for cars. Car enthusiasts frequently post images and videos of their vehicles on Instagram. Users often showcase their customized cars, share behind-the-scenes looks at modifications, and highlight the unique features of different automotive models. On platforms like Facebook on the other hand, the car community is united through Facebook marketplace. This is due to various people selling used rare car parts for an affordable price. Personally I have to admit that I usually use Facebook marketplace to buy replacement parts for my own car.

               The fandom of the car community is a worldwide phenomenon that consists of a wide range of enthusiasts who are all passionate about cars. The global automotive community is distinguished by its inclusiveness, as enthusiasts from various regions, cultures, and backgrounds unite to celebrate their shared passion for automobiles. Enthusiasts travel from all over the world to attend international auto shows and events. These events draw people from all over the world and offer a stage for exhibiting various automotive cultures. A vast array of vehicles is on display. Around early of this year, our hometown Kuching organize an event called KARS which stands for Kuching Automotive Raddest Show which brings car communities from all over Sarawak to showcase their cars.

               In summary, the global car community fandom unites enthusiasts for automobiles from all over the world and is a thriving and dynamic phenomenon. Overcoming linguistic, cultural, and geographic barriers, this broad and varied community is united by a mutual love of cars. Through social media, events, car clubs, and online platforms, enthusiasts connect and develop a mutual appreciation for all things automotive. This camaraderie is fostered within the car community. The ability of the car community to create connections between individuals who may be separated by great distances is just one of its many powers, in addition to celebrating a wide range of automotive interests. Through regional auto shows, global gatherings, or online discussion boards, enthusiasts exchange insights, know-how, and a profound admiration for the engineering, style, and technology that characterise the automotive industry. The way the automotive community develops over time is evidence of the cars' timeless appeal as symbols of individualism, ingenuity, and freedom. It is a place where people from all over the world come together to celebrate individuality, share ideas, and have a common love of the open road.

Reference

Chin, B 2023, 'MDA20009 Week 9 Fandom, MDA20009 Digital Communities, Learning materials via Canvas, Swinburne University of Technology, 10th November 2023

Christou, M. (2020) 'What Does Car Culture Mean To You?', Speedhunters, 26 August. Available at: http://www.speedhunters.com/2020/08/car-culture-mean/ (Accessed: 26 November 2023).

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Memes's Place in Politics

What is a meme? Richard Dawkins created the neologism "meme" in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene and defined as a self-reproducing and propagating information structure analogous to a gene in biology (New York Times,2022). Basically a meme is a picture with text for the reader to relate to. Memes have been a part of human communication for as long as symbolic systems have existed. In my opinion, the concept of a meme highlights the way cultural information and ideas can replicate and evolve, much like the way genetic information is transmitted and evolves in biological systems. Internet memes play a significant role in contemporary online culture, providing a means of expression, commentary, and humour that transcends traditional communication channels. The main question for this posy is do memes (as it is popular in Malaysian politics) provide a useful way of understanding politics?

               To me, some memes have the power to make complex political issues more approachable and relatable to a larger audience by demystifying them. Memes frequently simplify and make difficult political topics easily readable. This can increase the accessibility of political information for a larger group of people, including those who might not normally participate in traditional political discourse. Social media apps such as Facebook and Twitter help influence the political landscape. But most importantly it helps politicians gain a larger audience. Political polls are an important part of every campaign. The quantity of poll results we see every day has significantly increased thanks to the internet, just like it has with other political news. This has happened even faster thanks to social media. Social media platforms not only share poll results, but they also allow users to take part in Facebook polls (Satterfield, 2020).

               Aside from that, memes are particularly well-liked by younger audiences. Memes in politics can be an effective tool for involving younger people who might not otherwise feel interested in or connected to established political systems. It may also serve as a tool to promote youth civic engagement. There are currently plans for online voting, which might encourage more young voters to cast ballots. Youths could vote just moments after reading the most recent links or comments on Facebook or Twitter, which could increase the influence of social media.

               Furthermore, memes can occasionally be strategically used to advance political goals. According to Mortensen & Neumayer (2021), memes can be useful rhetorical devices in political disputes where political authority and hierarchy are either affirmed, contested, or challenged. Memes during a political campaign can affect a crucial factor that voters consider when making decisions. As a result, politicians and political parties may produce and disseminate memes to change public opinion, disparage their opponents, or bolster their own message in an attempt to gain support.  Asides from that, memes can assist in framing political messages so that the target audience finds them appealing. Political actors can utilise relatable cultural allusions, humour, or satire to sway public opinion and construct a narrative that advances their objectives. Memes have the potential to be an effective tool for bringing particular issues to light. Political players can increase awareness and garner support for their policy positions by simplifying complex subjects into content that is easily readable and shareable.

               In conclusion, even in the context of Malaysian politics, memes are unquestionably a valuable and significant tool for understanding politics. These digital artefacts are crucial in influencing public opinion, interacting with a wide range of audiences, and changing the face of political communication because of their capacity to reduce complicated subjects into relatable and shareable content. Memes provide a way to connect traditional political communication with the tastes of a tech-savvy, socially engaged public in Malaysia, where political dynamics are complex and varied. Political events, personalities, and policies can be critically analysed through the humour, satire, and cultural allusions found in memes, offering a unique perspective that fosters both commentary and introspection. Moreover, memes also encourage youth outreach and participation by appealing to a demographic that might otherwise be disinterested in traditional political avenues. Memes give rise to a richer and more inclusive political discourse by giving voice to satire, dissent, and alternative narratives. This allows citizens to express their opinions and engage with political issues in a way that feels relevant to their everyday lives. Some or probably most memes can be misleading, so it's important to approach them with caution and acknowledge their limitations in oversimplifying complicated topics. Memes can be a useful addition to political knowledge, but they shouldn't take the place of more thorough analysis and critical investigation of political developments.

Reference

Chin, B 2023, 'MDA20009 Week 5 social media and political engagement, MDA20009 Digital Communities, Learning materials via Canvas, Swinburne University of Technology, 10th November 2023

Satterfield, H. (2020) 'How Social Media Affects Politics', Meltwater Blog, 11 March. Available at: https://www.meltwater.com/en/blog/social-media-affects-politics (Accessed: 26 November 2023).

Mortensen, M., & Neumayer, C. (2021) The playful politics of memes, Information, Communication & Society ,Volume 24, Pages 2367-2377. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1369118X.2021.1979622 (Accessed: 26 November 2023).

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Is Blogging Still It??

   What is a blog? The word "blog" has permeated our online experience in the digital age, influencing how we access information, exchange ideas, and connect with people around the world. A blog, which is short for "weblog," is a dynamic and adaptable online platform where people, companies, and organisations can express themselves, share their knowledge, skills, and experiences, and interact with a large audience. According to Caroline Forley (2023), blogging can help you establish your online authority in a certain field and bring in more qualified leads to all of your website's pages. The term "weblog" was created in 1997 by Robot Wisdom blogger Jorn Barger to describe his method of "logging the web" while he browsed the internet. Programmer Peter Merholz first abbreviated "weblog" to "blog" in 1999 (Caroline Forley,2023). As we go more into the world of blogging, we can determine that there are many types of blogs such as blogs about cars, food, motorcycle and many more.

   Regarding the main topic, “is blogging still relevant in the age of TikTok and Instagram?”. In my fair opinion, I do believe that blogging is still relevant in this modern age. According to Polly Cover(2023), she stated that numerous studies have shown that people read blogs daily, and her personal experiences as a blog author support this. Asides from that, blogging used to be more of an online diary. Today, blogging is mostly used for marketing or earning money via ad revenue (Polly Cover,2023). While short-form, aesthetically pleasing content on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has become extremely popular, blogging offers a distinctive and long-lasting area for in-depth, long-form, and specialised content.

   Blogging in this modern society also brings us to another point which is, a blog can be a form of journalism. Blogging has a higher ground in the world of social media such as Tik Tok and Instagram. The majority of journalist do not blog but some do and it is called Weblog (Paul Andrews,2003). Bloggers who strive for truth, reliability, and impartiality in their reporting have adopted journalistic practises. Some blogs are renowned for their thorough reporting and excellent investigative journalism. Regardless to all mentioned above, a blog's content, intent, and the blogger's strategy will determine if it qualifies as journalism. While some blogs may have a journalistic bent, blogging as a medium is more varied and adaptable, allowing people to communicate with audiences in a variety of ways and express themselves in ways that go beyond what is typically allowed in traditional journalism.              

   The variety of content is another reason why blogging is still significant in the age of Tik Tok and Instagram.  Blogs can contain text, passages, images, video, graphics in different forms and other types of media. However, we are only given the option of sharing either photos or videos to Tik Tok and Instagram. Additionally, each Instagram post can only contain a limited number of photographs on a single post. Videos on the other hand can only be one minute long. If the video is longer than a minute however, the video would be turned into a reel and be less likely to gain the attention span of people. If blogs want to gain more viewers, keywords and SEO (search engine optimization) must be a part of the strategy before getting started (Megan Marrs,2022). Other than that, a striving blog can be better than content on Instagram and Tik Tok due to eye catching headlines.

In conclusion, a blog is a dynamic and adaptable medium that keeps playing a big part in the online world. It provides a platform for individuals, companies, and organisations to communicate with a global audience about their ideas, knowledge, experiences, and creativity. Although the popularity of TikTok and Instagram has highlighted new kinds of content creation, blogging is still relevant and important for several reasons. Blogging is a testament to the continuing power of long-form material, careful topic study, and the creation of online communities in an ever-evolving digital world. Blogging continues to be a useful and complimentary tool for individuals wishing to enlighten, engage, and connect with their audiences on a deeper level as content creators continue to adapt and combine other mediums into their online presence. Even though blogging is different from traditional journalism, it can include journalistic practises if bloggers follow the rules of ethics and reporting.

Reference 1.https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-a-blog

2.https://www.pollycloverwrites.com/blog/do-people-still-read-blogs#:~:text=People%20absolutely%20still%20read%20blogs,if%20you%20do%20it%20right.

3.https://www.proquest.com/openview/872adcbc14790bc516b4953cde3f4a1b/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=48335

4.https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2015/01/27/increase-blog-traffic

5.https://www.tutorialspoint.com/social_media_marketing/blogging.htm

6.https://youtu.be/NjwUHXoi8lM