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Online Harassment and the Misunderstood "Snowflake Generation"

The term "snowflake generation" often casts university students as hypersensitive, but recent research reveals a different truth: students are enduring high levels of online harassment without always recognizing or reporting it (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern 2021). Far from being oversensitive, many students have grown to accept digital abuse, particularly female and transgender students who are disproportionately targeted. Common forms of harassment in university settings include abusive comments, unsolicited sexual images, and the misuse of personal information, all of which create a gendered digital divide by deterring marginalized groups from engaging online (Jane 2018).

This divide contradicts the "snowflake" label. Rather than being overly fragile, students often tolerate digital hostility, viewing it as an inherent part of online spaces. This tolerance doesn’t stem from resilience but from a lack of institutional support and understanding around online conflict (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern 2021). As Jane (2018) argues, the normalization of online harassment can have silencing effects, impacting students' online engagement and digital citizenship.

To address this, universities must take a proactive stance. Clear guidelines on digital consent, education on the impacts of online harassment, and resources for safe online engagement are essential. Empowering students to navigate digital spaces confidently isn't about protecting the “sensitive” but creating an inclusive online environment for all. Tackling these issues can dismantle the outdated "snowflake" stereotype and foster healthier digital engagement.

Reference list

Haslop, C, O’Rourke, F & Southern, R 2021, ‘#NoSnowflakes: The toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide, in a UK student online culture’, Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1418–1438.

Jane, E 2018, Gendered cyberhate- a new digital divide?, viewed <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328474307_Gendered_cyberhate-_a_new_digital_divide>.

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The Rise of Game Streaming: Why It’s So Popular Today

Game streaming has exploded in popularity in recent years, transforming the gaming landscape into a widely viewed spectator activity. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming are at the center of this movement, where millions tune in daily to watch others play, commentate, and interact with their favorite games. But what makes game streaming so engaging and appealing to so many people?

1. Real-Time InteractionOne major reason game streaming has gained so much traction is the direct, real-time interaction between streamers and their audiences. Unlike traditional video content, live streaming creates an immersive experience where viewers can chat, react, and engage directly with streamers, building a sense of connection and community. Platforms like Twitch include features like live chat, subscriber benefits, and emotes that foster this close interaction, making the experience feel less like passive watching and more like joining a vibrant community​

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2. Diverse Content and PersonalitiesThe gaming world is vast and varied, with each game offering a unique experience, and each streamer bringing their own personality to the content. Some streamers focus on skill-based gameplay, while others entertain with humorous commentary, reviews, or interactive challenges. This variety allows viewers to find streamers who align with their interests, creating a highly personalized viewing experience. Platforms like YouTube Gaming highlight these diverse creators, from casual gamers to professional e-sports players, attracting a wide audience.

3. Growth of E-sports and Professional StreamingThe rise of e-sports has fueled the streaming industry further. Viewers can now watch top players compete in real-time, and many aspiring players turn to streams to learn new techniques, observe strategies, and get insights from pros. Additionally, many streamers have transformed gaming into a full-time profession, supported by sponsorships, partnerships, and subscriptions, showing that streaming is more than just a hobby—it’s a viable career path.

4. Community and AccessibilityGame streaming fosters strong online communities where people from all over the world can connect over shared interests. For viewers, it offers a sense of belonging, a place to discuss their favorite games, and even meet friends. Accessibility also plays a big role: viewers can watch from anywhere, anytime, which has contributed to the consistent growth of the audience base.

In summary, game streaming’s popularity stems from the blend of interaction, diverse content, professional growth, and community that platforms foster—creating a dynamic ecosystem where gaming and entertainment come together.

Reference list

Nascimento, G, Ribeiro, M, Cerf, L, Cesario, N, Kaytoue, M, Raissi, C, Vasconcelos, T & Meira, W 2014, ‘Modeling and Analyzing the Video Game Live-Streaming Community’, 2014 9th Latin American Web Congress.

Smith, T, Obrist, M & Wright, P 2013, ‘Live-streaming changes the (video) game’, Proceedings of the 11th european conference on Interactive TV and video - EuroITV ’13, pp. 131–138.

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The Future of Filters: Beyond Beauty Enhancements

Filters are developing into more than merely instruments for altering eye color or smoothing skin. Digital filters of the future are heading toward an immersive, interactive experience that combines augmented reality (AR) with daily life. Although filters were originally used to improve appearance, they now include fun, interactive effects that may change settings, produce animations, and even incorporate 3D into videos. These technologies are already being used by platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, and as augmented reality develops, we should expect to see increasingly more imaginative and customized filter experiences.

It is anticipated that filters will advance in sophistication to better accommodate different faces and settings, enabling users to produce one-of-a-kind, highly customized content. The virtual and real worlds could be blended together by using filters that represent events, mood, or weather. In order to allow customers to digitally "try on" apparel, accessories, and even home décor before making a purchase, businesses are also experimenting with filters for virtual shopping experiences."

But there are also moral concerns with this advancement. Filters have come under fire for encouraging unattainable beauty standards and having a detrimental impact on mental health. There might be more pressure on the industry to make filter usage more transparent, possibly by including minor clues that show when an image has been altered. Additionally, consumers might be encouraged to embrace more natural content or utilize these tools more thoughtfully as filters become more immersive.

Filters of the future combine responsibility, innovation, and technology. With AR developments, filters could become more widely used outside of social media, fostering new forms of digital interaction and promoting safer online norms and behaviors.

Reference list

Arena, F, Collotta, M, Pau, G & Termine, F 2022, ‘An Overview of Augmented Reality’, Computers, vol. 11, no. 2, p. 28, viewed <https://www.mdpi.com/2073-431X/11/2/28/htm>.

Barker, J 2020, ‘Making-up on mobile: The pretty filters and ugly implications of snapchat’, Fashion, Style & Popular Culture, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 207–221, viewed <https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/fspc_00015_1>.

Coy-Dibley, I 2016, ‘“Digitized Dysmorphia” of the female body: the re/disfigurement of the image’, Palgrave Communications, vol. 2, no. 1, viewed <https://www.nature.com/articles/palcomms201640>.

Jill Walker Rettberg 2017, ‘Biometric Citizens: Adapting Our Selfies to Machine Vision’, Springer eBooks, pp. 89–96.

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Prejudice Against Body Modification: A Deep-Rooted Issue

Body modification, including practices like tattoos, piercings, and cosmetic surgery, has long been subject to societal prejudice. Despite its increasing popularity, individuals who choose to modify their bodies still face stereotypes and discrimination. These biases often stem from deep-rooted cultural norms and misunderstandings about body modification.

Body modification has historically been linked to deviance, rebellion, and countercultures. For instance, tattoos were frequently connected to alternative lifestyles, gang ties, or criminal activity. People with visible tattoos or piercings are often perceived as unprofessional, rebellious, or irresponsible, and these connections still influence public opinion today. This may lead to discrimination at work, as people who have altered their bodies may be denied employment prospects or subjected to unfavorable prejudices throughout the hiring process.​

Society's ideals of beauty also give rise to prejudice. Many cultures consider unaltered bodies to be the standard, and those who deviate from this are considered abnormal or undesirable. Women in particular are frequently chastised for changing their looks through cosmetic surgery. Although body alteration, in whatever form, is a personal choice intended to achieve one's ideal body image or to express oneself, they may be accused of being insecure or conceited.

Furthermore, racial and gender prejudices exacerbate this problem. Men who have body modifications, particularly tattoos or piercings, may be viewed as more aggressive or distant, while women who have them are frequently sexualized or considered as less feminine. Historically, racial minorities—especially Black people—have been subject to more scrutiny for body changes, and cultural preconceptions have led to harsher judgments of their decisions.​

Overcoming these prejudices requires a shift in societal attitudes. By promoting inclusivity and recognizing body modification as a form of self-expression, we can dismantle the negative stereotypes that persist. Public awareness and education are key in challenging these outdated perceptions, ultimately fostering a more accepting and diverse understanding of beauty and identity.

Reference list

Colón, EE, Catarina 2024, ‘Pretty-Privilege: The Ugly Truth About Appearance Discrimination’, Labor and Employment Law Insights, viewed <https://www.laborandemploymentlawinsights.com/2024/04/pretty-privilege-the-ugly-truth-about-appearance-discrimination/>.

Ma, L 2023, ‘The Legality of Tattoo Discrimination in Employment’, Princeton Legal Journal, viewed <https://legaljournal.princeton.edu/the-legality-of-tattoo-discrimination-in-employment/>.

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Slow Fashion: Quality Over Quantity

Can Slow Fashion Defeat Fast Fashion?

In recent years, the slow fashion movement has gained significant momentum as more people become aware of the negative impact fast fashion has on the environment and society. Fast fashion refers to the mass production of trendy, low-cost clothing that is often discarded after only a few wears. It has contributed to pollution, unethical labor practices, and enormous amounts of textile waste. But can slow fashion truly defeat fast fashion?

Understanding Slow Fashion's Strengths

The slow fashion movement places a strong emphasis on ethics, quality, and sustainability. Slow fashion emphasizes making clothing that is made to last, in contrast to rapid fashion, which places a higher priority on speed and cost effectiveness. Eco-friendly materials are frequently used in the creation of clothing, and ethical labor methods are highly valued. This trend pushes people to buy fewer things, pick better products, and make long-lasting, well-considered purchases. The emphasis that slow fashion has on transparency is one of its main advantages. Companies that adhere to the concepts of slow fashion frequently offer comprehensive details regarding their labor conditions, materials, and supplier chains. Customers may shop with confidence knowing that their purchases promote ethical business practices and fair salaries. Additionally, slow fashion brands, such as Reformation and Patagonia, have built strong reputations for ethical production and quality craftsmanship, attracting consumers who care about sustainability.

The Challenges Ahead

Because it is more accessible and affordable, fast fashion continues to rule the runway despite the rising popularity of slow fashion. Fast fashion retailers with lower price points and rapidly evolving trends, including Zara, H&M, and Shein, target a mass clientele. Many shoppers, especially those on a tight budget, find it hard to resist the appeal of affordable, contemporary apparel. It is difficult for slow fashion to compete at the scale that rapid fashion operates at. Due to their vast worldwide supply chains, fast fashion companies are able to quickly release new collections and satisfy the ever-increasing desire for novelty from their customers. In contrast, slow fashion is typically more expensive because it is produced on a smaller scale and uses ethical sourcing, which makes it less affordable for the typical consumer.

Can Slow Fashion Win?

To truly challenge fast fashion, slow fashion needs wider adoption. Education about the environmental and social costs of fast fashion is crucial. Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of these issues, and movements like #whomademyclothes from Fashion Revolution encourage greater transparency and demand for ethical production.

In the near future, it appears unlikely that rapid fashion will be totally defeated. Nonetheless, by influencing consumer behavior and industry standards, slow fashion might keep expanding. The dominance of fast fashion may eventually be challenged if consumers begin to prioritize quality over quantity and if companies begin to use more sustainable practices. In conclusion, slow fashion has the ability to change the direction of fashion through ethical and aware consumerism, even though it might not totally vanquish rapid fashion overnight.

Reference list

Christopher 2024, ‘Style Sustainability: Fast Fashion vs Slow Fashion’, Uphance, viewed <https://www.uphance.com/blog/fast-fashion-vs-slow-fashion/>.

Loewe, E 2024, ‘mindbodygreen’, Mindbodygreen.com, viewed 19 October 2024, <https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-does-slow-fashion-mean>.

Morgan, L 2022, ‘Slow Fashion vs Fast Fashion: What Are the Main Differences?’, Cleo Madison, viewed <https://www.cleomadison.com/slow-fashion-vs-fast-fashion/>.

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Democracy Affects Digital Citizenship

Participatory democracy emphasizes active engagement, collaboration, and collective decision-making within society. In the digital age, this democratic ideal extends into online spaces, influencing how we understand and practice digital citizenship. Digital citizenship refers to the responsible and ethical behavior of individuals in digital spaces, particularly in terms of participation, communication, and engagement with online communities and information. When participatory democracy is integrated into digital citizenship, it transforms how individuals interact online, fostering greater involvement in civic processes and encouraging the use of technology for social change.

Enhanced Civic Engagement

The improvement of civic engagement is one of participatory democracy's most important effects on digital citizenship. Citizens can now actively participate in political processes by voicing their thoughts, participating in conversations, and helping to change policies through online platforms. People can participate in online protests, share petitions, and have real-time conversations with public authorities thanks to social media and other digital platforms. This direct and decentralized approach to political participation subverts established hierarchies and gives people more sway over larger decision-making processes.

Creation of Inclusive Online Communities

Applying participatory democracy to digital citizenship, it encourages the development of inclusive and varied online communities by promoting inclusion. By providing a forum for underrepresented groups to express their viewpoints and fight for their rights, digital platforms help to democratize public conversation. Here, intersectionality is crucial because the internet provides a platform for different voices to unite and confront offline power structures. This promotes a deeper, more complex experience of digital citizenship where a range of perspectives lead to more comprehensive and just answers to societal problems.

Empowerment and Critical Thinking

Digital citizens raised in a participatory democracy are not just active but also critically involved. It pushes people to examine current power structures, carefully consider media portrayals, and reject false information. The principles of radical digital citizenship, which support using technology to advance social justice and challenge prevailing narratives, are in line with this critical engagement. Participatory democracy ensures that people make constructive contributions to the digital environment by promoting digital literacy, which enables people to evaluate the effects of their digital actions critically.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

However, participatory democracy in digital spaces also presents challenges. Digital platforms, while fostering inclusion, can perpetuate inequalities due to uneven access to technology and the digital divide. Ethical considerations, such as privacy, data security, and misinformation, also come into play. To mitigate these challenges, digital citizenship education must prioritize critical perspectives, intersectionality, and a focus on responsible use of technology.

In conclusion, by encouraging participation, inclusivity, and critical thinking, participatory democracy has a substantial impact on digital citizenship. Its influence enables digital citizens to become more than just passive content consumers; rather, it empowers them to actively and intelligently participate in the digital transformation of society. Building a more inclusive and participatory digital future requires this transition.

Reference list

Aires, L & Dias, P 2015, E-Learning and Education for Sustainability, UM Azeiteiro, W Leal Filho & SS Caeiro (eds), Peter Lang D, viewed 13 October 2024, <https://repositorioaberto.uab.pt/handle/10400.2/4061>.

Armony, AC 2004, The dubious link : civic engagement and democratization, Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif.

Cacciattolo, M 2015, ‘Ethical Considerations in Research’, brill.com, Brill, viewed <https://brill.com/display/book/edcoll/9789463001120/BP000005.xml>.

Menser, M 2018, We decide! : theories and cases in participatory democracy, Temple University Press. Copyright, Philadelphia.

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Reality TV in the Age of Social Media: A New Era of Engagement

Although reality TV has long been a significant component of popular culture, it is changing in unexpected ways in the social media era. A hybrid media landscape where TV formats and internet platforms feed into each other is being created by the increasingly porous boundaries between social media content and reality TV. What occurs then when social media and reality TV collide? Now let's get started. 

Blurring the Lines Between TV and Social Media

Despite their apparent differences, reality TV and social media use the same strategies. Consider the candid vlogs or Instagram stories where creators address the camera directly, emulating the private and emotional moments of reality TV stars. But social media adds a touch of its own: stickers, emojis, and humorous filters make it less formal, more polished, and far more active. Users will have a distinct storytelling experience as a result of this change, feeling more like participants in the narrative than passive viewers. 

Performances of Spontaneity

The length and organization of content is one of the main distinctions between reality TV and social media. Short, uncensored videos of ordinary life, such as a YouTube vlog, an Instagram story, or a TikTok dance, are what make social media so popular. Social media has made room for what experts refer to as "performances of spontaneity," which are theatrical and staged just like reality TV. Errors, gaffes, and informal moments are not only tolerated but also appreciated, enhancing a creator's relatability and genuineness. 

The Circle: A Perfect Blend of TV and Social Media

An excellent example of how social networking and reality TV are combining is The Circle. Without ever meeting in person, competitors compete to become the most popular through interactions on a specialized social media platform. Curating online personalities, forming relationships through screens, and navigating the complicated realm of digital influence are all intriguing reflections of modern life. The Circle demonstrates the extent to which social media and reality TV have merged. 

Fans as Part of the Show

Lastly, the way we interact as viewers has changed the most. We used to be passive viewers, but social media has made us active players. These days, discussions about what we're seeing, memes, and real-time comments take place on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. As new episodes air, fans trend hashtags and live-tweet their favorite moments. With this group-based, interactive experience, audience members can direct the story. 

Reality TV may never be the same, and in the age of social media, that's a good thing.

Reference list

Endresen, J 2023, ‘Viewers Favor Spontaneity in Entertainment and Sports – Except When They Don’t’, Cornell SC Johnson, viewed 5 October 2024, <https://business.cornell.edu/hub/2023/03/16/viewers-favor-spontaneity-entertainment-sports-except-when-they-dont/>.

Hagar, A 2021, ‘Netflix’s “The Circle” Draws Attention to Social Media’s Impact on Our Lives’, The Spectator, viewed <https://seattlespectator.com/2021/05/23/netflixs-the-circle-draws-attention-to-social-medias-impact-on-our-lives/>.

Kaur, P 2024, ‘Reality TV in the Social Media Economy / The Winner Edit as a Narrative Interface’, ASAP/Review, viewed 5 October 2024, <https://asapjournal.com/node/reality-tv-in-the-social-media-economy-the-winner-edit-as-a-narrative-interface/>.

Mahapatra, A 2023, ‘Blurred lines between reality TV contestants and social media influencers: Psychological impact on the youth’, The Sunday Guardian Live, viewed <https://sundayguardianlive.com/featured/blurred-lines-between-reality-tv-contestants-and-social-media-influencers-psychological-impact-on-the-youth>.

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#BodyPositive on Tumblr: A Journey of Self-Expression and Self-Objectification

Social networking sites such as Tumblr have become indispensable places for self-expression in the current digital era, particularly for women attempting to resolve the intricacies of body image. Social media users are being encouraged to embrace their individuality by the #bodypositive movement, which has become a potent critique of conventional beauty standards.

The #bodypositive community encourages sharing personal narratives that highlight the process of achieving self-acceptance in addition to showcasing physical appearances. Selfies with motivational captions reflecting their achievements and challenges are frequently shared by women. People can identify with the rich image of experiences that are created when written and visual storytelling are combined. The study discovered that users candidly discussed the difficulties they had appreciating their bodies in most of their posts, which were primarily about self-acceptance.

However, research also emphasizes the dual nature of self-expression within the framework of the #bodypositivity movement, whose main objective is to inspire people to love their bodies and appreciate the diversity of beauty. Although members of the community frequently experience exhilaration and affirmation, there is also an underlying theme of "self-objectification", and the pressure to conform to social norms to win others' acceptance can result in an overreliance on outside standards. "Self-objectification" specifically describes the experience of a person believing that their value is determined by how other people see them, particularly about their looks. This has the potential to undercut the movement's core principles by making women believe that they must “perform” a particular ideal image to be accepted, as opposed to merely embracing and enjoying who they are. Thus, even if #bodypositivity can foster a positive environment, it's crucial to be mindful of any possible constraints it may place on one's ability to express oneself. 

Women are encouraging others to embrace their uniqueness and challenge social standards by being true to who they are. The #bodypositive movement on sites like Tumblr reminds us that beauty is varied and nuanced as we continue to negotiate the challenges of self-expression in the digital age, embracing the strength that comes from community support and the power of authenticity.

Draper, Jimmy, and Andrea M. McDonnell. “Fashioning Multiplatform Masculinities.” Men and Masculinities, vol. 21, no. 5, 6 Mar. 2017, pp. 645–664, https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184x17696190.

Griffin, Meridith, et al. “#BodyPositive? A Critical Exploration of the Body Positive Movement within Physical Cultures Taking an Intersectionality Approach.” Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, vol. 4, no. 908580, 10 Oct. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9589104/, https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.908580. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024.

Hutchinson, Jonathon. “Micro-Platformization for Digital Activism on Social Media.” Information, Communication & Society, vol. 24, no. 1, 13 June 2019, pp. 35–51, https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2019.1629612.

Kondakciu, Klaudia, et al. “Self-Presentation and Gender on Social Media: An Exploration of the Expression of “Authentic Selves.”” Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, vol. 25, no. 1, 13 Dec. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1108/qmr-03-2021-0039.