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Factors Contributing to Conflict on Social Media

Anonymity and Disinhibition Effect

The concept of the disinhibition effect, as introduced by Suler (2004), suggests that the anonymity provided by social media platforms can lead individuals to feel less restrained in their online behavior. This anonymity removes the typical social cues and accountability present in face-to-face interactions, allowing users to act out in ways they might avoid in real-life situations. As a result, people are more likely to engage in aggressive or hostile communication, often expressing opinions and emotions more freely and intensely than they would offline. This can lead to increased instances of cyberbullying, trolling, and other forms of online harassment, creating a toxic environment that exacerbates conflicts.

Echo Chambers and Polarization

Social media algorithms provide material that matches users' ideas and tastes to enhance interaction. Sunstein (2017) claims this creates echo chambers where users only see material that confirms their beliefs. Selective exposure can increase polarization by making people more partisan and less open to new ideas. Echo chambers prevent meaningful debate and understanding, dividing society. Lack of exposure to various viewpoints can also distort consensus, making people think their beliefs are more popular than they are.

Emotional Responses and Cognitive Biases

The fast-paced and impersonal nature of social media interactions can trigger strong emotional responses and cognitive biases. Kahneman (2011) explains that cognitive biases, such as the fundamental attribution error, can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. The fundamental attribution error occurs when individuals attribute others' behavior to their character rather than situational factors. In the context of social media, where users have limited information about each other, this bias can result in negative assumptions and hostile interactions. Additionally, the immediacy of social media can amplify emotional reactions, leading to impulsive and heated exchanges that escalate conflicts rather than resolving them.

Lack of Nonverbal Cues

Online messages lack nonverbal indicators and social context to understand meaning and tone. Walther (1992) notes that this absence might cause misconceptions as users struggle to interpret written words' emotional complexity and intent. Facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice help communicate emotions and meaning in person. Without these cues, messages can be misconstrued, increasing conflict. The vagueness of social media texting leads to assumptions and misjudgments, which escalates misunderstandings and disagreements.

Misinformation and Disinformation

The spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media can significantly contribute to conflicts. Lazer et al. (2018) emphasize how false or misleading information can create a shared sense of grievance or outrage among users. Social media platforms facilitate the rapid dissemination of content, allowing misinformation to reach a wide audience quickly. This can lead to the formation of misinformed opinions and beliefs, fueling conflicts based on inaccurate or deceptive information. The virality of such content often exacerbates tensions, as users react to and share emotionally charged but false narratives. The resulting misunderstandings and divisions can deepen conflicts and undermine efforts to achieve consensus or resolution.

References

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Psycnet.apa.org. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-26535-000

Lazer, D. M. J., Baum, M. A., Benkler, Y., Berinsky, A. J., Greenhill, K. M., Menczer, F., Metzger, M. J., Nyhan, B., Pennycook, G., Rothschild, D., Schudson, M., Sloman, S. A., Sunstein, C. R., Thorson, E. A., Watts, D. J., & Zittrain, J. L. (2018). The Science of Fake News. Science, 359(6380), 1094–1096. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aao2998

Suler, J. (2004, July). The Online Disinhibition Effect. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8451443_The_Online_Disinhibition_Effect

Sunstein, C. R. (2017). #Republic: divided democracy in the age of social media. Princeton University Press.

WALTHER, J. B. (1992). Interpersonal Effects in Computer-Mediated Interaction. Communication Research, 19(1), 52–90. https://doi.org/10.1177/009365092019001003

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The Role of Live Streaming in Vietnam's Gaming Industry

Entertainment and Community Connection

Live streaming gives gamers a place to share their gaming adventures, socialize, make friends, and build communities. Take Độ Mixi Gaming, for instance. He's the most famous streamer in Vietnam with over 10 million subscribers on YouTube. In 2023, he held an offline event in Hanoi that drew thousands of participants, nearly 4 million views, and hit #2 on the trending tab (Hoang Duong, 2023). Viewers can watch their favorite streamers play games, pick up new skills and strategies, and have fun during their downtime. Additionally, livestream events gather large audiences, creating a vibrant atmosphere and strengthening community bonds.

Game Promotion and Revenue Generation

Streamers can showcase new games to their audience, sparking interest and drawing in potential players. Many game publishers team up with streamers to promote their games, hosting livestream trials and in-game events to engage players. For example, PUBG Vietnam frequently hosts livestream tournaments with big prizes, attracting millions of viewers and generating buzz for the game. Additionally, live streaming is a lucrative channel for streamers, allowing them to earn money through donations, ads, and sponsorship deals.

Skill Enhancement and Career Development

Live streaming helps gamers improve their skills by learning from more experienced players. Streamers can build a personal brand, gain a large following, and carve out a career in the gaming industry. Livestreamed esports tournaments draw huge crowds, giving professional gamers a platform to shine. Team Flash, for example, is one of Vietnam's most successful esports teams, with a roster of skilled and seasoned players. They regularly livestream their practice sessions and matches, attracting viewers and inspiring young gamers.

Boosting the Vietnamese Gaming Market

Live streaming helps make games more popular, especially among the teenagers. It raises awareness about esports and the potential of Vietnam's gaming industry. There are several channels in Vietnam dedicated to broadcasting games, esports competitions, and introducing new titles. Livestreaming attracts investment into the gaming market, creating more job opportunities for young people.

Live streaming is essential to Vietnam's gaming industry, providing countless benefits to gamers, streamers, and game publishers. It fosters entertainment, community connection, game promotion, skill development, market growth, and job creation. With its vast potential, live streaming is set to continue shaping the future of Vietnam's gaming industry, opening up new opportunities for growth and development in the gaming community.

References:

gamek.vn. (2023, April 4). Những con số “không tưởng” về sự kiện offline do Độ Mixi tổ chức. Gamek.vn. https://gamek.vn/nhung-con-so-khong-tuong-ve-su-kien-offline-do-do-mixi-to-chuc-178230404151836537.chn

PUBG MOBILE VN - CHÍNH THỨC TẠI VIỆT NAM. (2019). Zing.vn. https://pubgm.zing.vn/esports/pvnc/rules

Team Flash. (n.d.). Team Flash. https://teamflash.gg/

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How do beauty filters affect users' self-perception and confidence?

The widespread use of beauty filters on social media platforms like Instagram has profoundly influenced how users see themselves and their confidence levels. These digital tools, which can enhance, smooth, and even distort facial features, have become a staple for many, making their way into countless photos and videos shared online.

The Appeal of a Perfect Image

It's easy to see why these filters are so popular. They offer a quick fix to present a polished, idealized version of oneself. With just a tap, users can erase blemishes, make their eyes look bigger, lips fuller, and contours sharper. This can create a flawless, airbrushed look that many find aesthetically pleasing and initially confidence-boosting.

Psychological Impacts of Filter Use

However, the frequent use of beauty filters can have deeper psychological impacts. Constantly seeing a perfected version of oneself can warp one's perception of their real appearance. Our brains are wired to adapt to repeated images, and over time, the filtered face can start to feel like the "real" one (Wilcox & Laird, 2000). This makes the natural, unedited face seem less acceptable or even unattractive.

Increased Self-Consciousness and Insecurity

As a result, people can become more self-conscious, insecure, and might even develop body dysmorphia, where they obsess over perceived flaws. Research has shown that exposure to idealized images, such as "fitspiration" photos on Instagram, can increase body image concerns and tendencies to compare appearances (Fardouly et al., 2018). Trying to live up to these filtered ideals can create a harmful cycle, eroding self-confidence over time.

Unrealistic Beauty Standards

Additionally, the flood of filtered images on social media sets unrealistic beauty standards that can harm mental health, particularly among young people. Constantly seeing digitally-enhanced, flawless faces can make users feel inadequate and pressured to meet an impossible standard (Tiggemann & Slater, 2013).

Embracing Authenticity for Long-Term Confidence

While beauty filters might provide a temporary boost in confidence, their long-term effects can be damaging. It's crucial for users to recognize how these tools can distort their self-perception and strive to maintain a healthy relationship with their true appearance. Embracing natural features, imperfections included, is key to building genuine self-acceptance and confidence. Recognizing and celebrating the beauty in authenticity can help break the cycle of unrealistic expectations set by filtered images.

References:

Fardouly, J., Willburger, B. K., & Vartanian, L. R. (2018). Instagram Use and Young Women’s Body Image Concerns and self-objectification: Testing Mediational Pathways. New Media & Society, 20(4), 1380–1395. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444817694499

Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2013). NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 46(6), 630–633.

Wilcox, K., & Laird, J. D. (2000). The Impact of Media Images of Super-Slender Women on Women’s Self-Esteem: Identification, Social Comparison, and Self-Perception. Journal of Research in Personality, 34(2), 278–286. https://doi.org/10.1006/jrpe.1999.2281

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Tattoo Trends in Modern Vietnam

Transformation of Tattoo Culture from Feudal Times to Modern Days.

Tattoo culture in Vietnam is experiencing a fascinating transformation. During the Ly and Tran dynasties, tattoos were an official requirement for entering the court, serving as a mark of the nobility (Hannah Stephenson, 2019). However, throughout most of the 20th century, tattoos were negatively associated with gangs and crime. This perception is now rapidly fading, especially among Vietnamese youth, who increasingly see tattoos as a form of self-expression and a powerful artistic statement.

Factors driving changing perceptions of tattoos.

Several factors are driving this change. Vietnam's economic growth and greater exposure to Western culture have played significant roles. Social media has also been crucial, introducing a wider variety of tattoo styles and sharing the stories behind them. Vietnamese youth are inspired by international celebrities and influencers who proudly display their body art. For example, Danis Nguyen, a pioneer in Vietnam's tattoo industry, noted that the early days were challenging, but over the years, he has witnessed significant changes (Ashley Corbett, 2017). Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi now boast hundreds of reputable tattoo parlors with skilled artists catering to diverse preferences.

Blending Tradition with Modernity.

This trend shows an interesting mix of tradition and modernity. Classic blackwork tattoos are still popular, but there's a growing demand for colorful, modern designs. Many artists are incorporating traditional Vietnamese motifs – like dragons, lotuses, and conical hats – into their work, creating a unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary style (1984Studio). This willingness to experiment reflects a broader cultural shift in Vietnam, where young people embrace global influences while staying connected to their roots.

Social stigma against tattoos still exists.

Of course, some social stigma around tattoos still exists, especially among older generations. In more conservative settings, visible tattoos can still be seen as unprofessional. Female tattoo artists often face more prejudice. Camille, a tattoo artist who owns a studio in the Thao Dien area, shared that when she tells people she’s a tattoo artist, they often respond with, "But you're a girl!" because they see it as a man's job (Hannah Stephenson, 2019). However, as Vietnam modernizes, these perceptions are gradually changing. With a more open and individualistic society, tattoos are likely to become even more popular.

A Bright Future for Tattoos in Vietnam.

Although the stigma surrounding tattoos in Vietnam hasn't completely disappeared, today's attitudes are much more relaxed than before. The tattoo industry is booming, and safety standards are higher than ever. As the country continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how tattoo art develops and finds its unique place in Vietnamese society.

References:

Corbett, A. (2017, July 10). Saigon’s Tattoo Culture Flourishes Thanks to Changing Attitudes | Saigoneer. Saigoneer.com. https://saigoneer.com/society/10595-saigon-s-tattoo-culture-flourishes-thanks-to-changing-attitudes

IN LOVE WITH CULTURES: TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE TATTOO. (2023, October 2). 1984 Studio - Tattoo & Piercing. https://1984studio.vn/in-love-with-cultures-traditional-vietnamese-tattoo/

Stephenson, H. (2019, December 18). The Changing Status Of Tattoos In Vietnamese Society. Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/vietnam/articles/the-changing-status-of-tattoos-in-vietnamese-society

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Slow Fashion in Vietnam: A Movement Gaining Momentum

Slow fashion is not just a trend; it's a shift in mindset. It's about valuing quality over quantity, investing in timeless pieces, and supporting sustainable practices. In recent years, the slow fashion movement in Vietnam has been steadily gaining momentum as consumers become more conscious of the environmental and social impacts of the traditional fast fashion industry. Fueled by a growing awareness of sustainable practices and a desire to support local artisans, Vietnamese brands and designers are embracing the principles of slow fashion and offering thoughtful, ethically-produced alternatives to the mass-produced garments that have long dominated the market.

Embracing Sustainable Practices

One shining example of the slow fashion ethos in Vietnam is Kilomet109, a Hanoi-based brand that showcases the country's rich textile heritage. Founded by designer Vu Thao, Kilomet109 meticulously crafts each garment, utilizing eco-friendly materials and traditional techniques (Ngo Quynh,2022). Their dedication to sustainability extends beyond the production process, as they actively promote environmental awareness and encourage responsible consumption habits among their customers.

Another notable brand, Fashion4Freedom, shows the desire to use fashion to liberate and develop. Each F4F product is a true work of art thanks to its uniqueness in concept and processing. Dragon Shoes is an example. The sole of the shoe "takes advantage" of jackfruit wood purchased from local families, intricately carved. F4F also has many impressive products such as patterned costumes of the Ta Oi people, jewelry collections from phones and computers. and broken tablets, wooden jewelry... When looking at products from F4F, we have the right to be proud of a carving culture coming from traditional craft villages (Nhi Nguyen, 2022).

Environmental Benefits and Cultural Preservation

The environmental benefits of slow fashion in Vietnam are undeniable. Slow fashion brands typically utilize natural, organic materials like organic cotton, hemp, and Tencel. These materials require less water, energy, and harmful chemicals compared to conventional fast-fashion fabrics. Additionally, slow fashion emphasizes smaller production batches, minimizing textile waste, a significant environmental concern in the global fashion industry.

Furthermore, slow fashion in Vietnam celebrates and revitalizes traditional craftsmanship techniques. Many brands collaborate with local artisans who possess skills in weaving, dyeing, and embroidery passed down through generations. This not only preserves cultural heritage but also empowers local communities by providing sustainable livelihoods for artisans. Brands like Gia Studio, which uses natural dyes and handwoven fabrics to create traditional Vietnamese clothing, are examples of this cultural preservation (Pameyla Cambe,2024)

A promising for future

The slow fashion movement in Vietnam is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to make a significant impact on the global fashion industry. As more and more Vietnamese consumers embrace slow fashion principles, the industry is poised to play a significant role in reducing the fashion industry's environmental impact and promoting ethical labor practices.

The rise of slow fashion in Vietnam signals a promising shift towards more sustainable and socially responsible consumption. As this movement grows, it not only brings environmental and economic benefits but also strengthens the cultural fabric of Vietnamese society, weaving a future where fashion respects both people and the planet.

References

Cambe, P. (2024, April 2). Vietnamese Fashion Brand Gia Studios Is Crafting The Ultimate Minimalist Wardrobe. Grazia Singapore. https://grazia.sg/fashion/gia-studios-lam-gia-khang-vietnamese-fashion-brand-minimalist-interview/

Maker Profile: Kilomet109. (2017, September 21). THE KINDCRAFT. https://thekindcraft.com/kilomet109/

Nguyen, N. (2022, July 18). 5 thương hiệu thời trang việt bền bỉ theo đuổi sự bền vững. Vietcetera. https://vietcetera.com/vn/5-thuong-hieu-thoi-trang-viet-ben-bi-theo-duoi-su-ben-vung

Quynh, N. (2022). Top 10 thương hiệu thời trang bền vững nổi tiếng tại Việt Nam. Coolmate. https://www.coolmate.me/post/cac-thuong-hieu-thoi-trang-ben-vung-tai-viet-nam

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Online Activism and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement

In 2014, the "Black Lives Matter" (BLM) movement sparked an urgent national conversation about the police killings of unarmed Black citizens (Freelon et al., 2016). Since then, BLM has been a leading force against systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. The movement has harnessed the power of social media to raise awareness, organize protests, and advocate for policy reforms (Carney, 2016). The emergence of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on platforms like Twitter marked a pivotal moment, allowing information, personal stories, and calls to action to spread rapidly.

Social media has played a crucial role in highlighting incidents of police violence and racial injustice. Viral videos and personal accounts shared on platforms like Facebook and Instagram have challenged dominant narratives and reframed the national conversation on race (Bonilla & Rosa, 2015). This digital activism has been key in driving narrative change and building public awareness about the need for systemic reform.

Researchers have examined how social media has amplified the visibility and impact of the BLM movement. A study by the Center for Media & Social Impact found that hashtags like #Ferguson and #BlackLivesMatter were used millions of times on Twitter, often to highlight police brutality and racial disparities (Freelon et al., 2016).

Moreover, social media has enabled effective on-the-ground organizing for the BLM movement. Digital tools like live-streaming and event planning apps have helped coordinate protests, marches, and demonstrations nationwide (Ray et al., 2017). The decentralized nature of online activism has both strengths and weaknesses. While it allows for rapid mobilization and the inclusion of diverse voices, it also presents challenges in maintaining cohesion and leadership (Freelon et al., 2018).

However, the long-term impact of this digital activism on institutional change remains to be seen. Researchers have cautioned that while social media has been instrumental in amplifying the movement's message and mobilizing supporters, it may not be sufficient to achieve lasting structural reforms (Carney, 2016). The decentralized nature of online activism and the challenges of maintaining momentum over time can limit the movement's ability to translate digital engagement into tangible policy changes (Freelon et al., 2018).

Overall, existing research suggests that social media has played a vital role in the BlackLivesMatter movement, helping to raise awareness, organise protests, and advocate for policy reforms. The movement's digital activism has transformed the landscape of social movements, challenging dominant narratives and pushing for greater accountability. As the movement continues to evolve, understanding the role of social media and its potential limitations will be crucial in assessing the long-term impact of the fight for racial justice.

References: BONILLA, Y., & ROSA, J. (2015). #Ferguson: Digital protest, hashtag ethnography, and the racial politics of social media in the United States. American Ethnologist, 42(1), 4–17.

Carney, N. (2016). All lives matter, but so does race: Black lives matter and the evolving role of social media. Humanity & Society, 40(2), 180–199.

Freelon, D., McIlwain, C. D., & Clark, M. D. (2016). Beyond the Hashtags: #Ferguson, #Blacklivesmatter, and the Online Struggle for Offline Justice. SSRN Electronic Journal.

Freelon, D., McIlwain, C., & Clark, M. (2018). Quantifying the power and consequences of social media protest. New Media & Society, 20(3), 990–1011.

Ray, R., Brown, M., Fraistat, N., & Summers, E. (2017). Ferguson and the death of Michael Brown on Twitter: #BlackLivesMatter, #TCOT, and the evolution of collective identities. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 40(11), 1797–1813.

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The Entangled Relationship: Reality TV Shows and Social Media

This week, I will discuss the impact of reality television shows on social media. Reality TV and social media are like the ultimate BFFs taking over entertainment. They feed off each other in this crazy way that keeps us all hooked. Reality shows give us drama, juicy characters, and something to obsess over, and then social media lets us explode about it all with our friends (or the whole world). It's like a never-ending cycle of entertainment that we just can't seem to get enough of!!

Reality TV shows are like the water cooler chats of today, but way more dramatic and happening live! Studies show that when a hot reality show is on, people jump on social media like Twitter and Facebook to chat about it with everyone – literally, tweets about the show can go up by over 300% (Highfield et al., 2013)! It's like everyone's watching and freaking out (or maybe swooning) together online. Viewers use social media to share their immediate reactions to the drama unfolding on screen, make predictions about what might happen next, and engage with other fans of the show by commenting, sharing memes, or live-tweeting their thoughts (Wohn & Na, 2011). for example, People use social media to share their wild reactions to what just happened ("Did you SEE what A did?!"), guess what might go down next ("Do you think B will pick C?"), and connect with other fans who are just as obsessed ("OMG I can't believe that twist!"). Shows are even starting to use this social media buzz to their advantage. Some have live polls where viewers vote on what happens next, or they share exclusive behind-the-scenes stuff online to keep us even more hooked (Buschow et al., 2014).

But it's not all fun and games. Research also suggests that reality TV can actually influence how we think and talk about things on social media. For instance, one study showed that exposure to reality dating shows led participants to hold more stereotypical beliefs about gender roles and romantic relationships (Tukachinsky & Eyal, 2018). So, the drama we see on screen might be shaping how we see things in real life!

So, reality TV has become this wild social media beast. It sparks conversations, fuels online friendships (or arguments!), and even changes how we think about the world. It's a wild ride, but it's important to be aware of how it might be influencing our thoughts and interactions online and maybe even beyond.

References:

Buschow, C., Schneider, B., & Ueberheide, S. (2014). Tweeting television: Exploring communication activities on Twitter while watching TV. Communications, 39(2), 129–149.

Highfield, T., Harrington, S., & Bruns, A. (2013). TWITTER AS A TECHNOLOGY FOR AUDIENCING AND FANDOM: The #Eurovision phenomenon. Information, Communication & Society, 16(3), 315–339.

Tukachinsky, R., & Eyal, K. (2018). The Psychology of Marathon Television Viewing: Antecedents and Viewer Involvement. Mass Communication & Society, 21(3), 275–295.

Wohn, D. Y., & Na, E. K. (2011). Tweeting about TV: Sharing television viewing experiences via social media message streams. First Monday, 16(3).

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Is Tumblr a healthy public space?

These days, it's hard to ignore the progress of digital technology; every day, new tangible and intangible creations are being developed. The advancement of digital technology is booming, and That being said, more and more places are going digital. Now that anyone can say whatever they want online and remain anonymous, the question becomes what factors determine the health and suitability of that online public space for users. In this piece, we'll examine whether or not Tumblr is a healthy public area, which is the goal of the social networking site.

Imagine a giant digital town square – that's kind of what philosopher Jurgen Habermas (1991) had in mind with the public sphere. It's a space where everyone can freely chat, debate, and shape public opinion. Think of it as a key ingredient for a healthy democracy. But does Tumblr measure up?

On the plus side, Tumblr gets a big thumbs up for giving a voice to the unheard. From feminists and racial justice advocates (Hillis et al., 2015; McArthur, 2017) to LGBTQ+ groups, Tumblr offers a platform for those who might otherwise struggle to be seen. This inclusivity is exactly what a public sphere should be about – welcoming a variety of viewpoints.

But here's the rub: Tumblr also lets users huddle up in little online echo chambers, surrounded by people who already agree with them. This means they might miss out on those crucial dissenting opinions that spark lively discussions. Some folks worry this creates a filter bubble effect (Highfield, 2016), where you only hear what reinforces your existing beliefs. Habermas also stressed the importance of reasoned debate.

Tumblr's structure, with its focus on sharing and reblogging content, can be great for spreading ideas and getting conversations going. However, critics argue that the platform's "call-out culture" and "cancel culture" can sometimes prioritize outrage over actual discussion (Phillips & Milner, 2017). Not exactly the recipe for productive public discourse.

On the bright side, Tumblr has demonstrably played a role in social movements and political action (Bonilla & Rosa, 2015). So, it can be a forum for important conversations and civic engagement.

To sum up, whether Tumblr is a healthy public space depends on how you use it. If everyone behaves responsibly and respects diverse viewpoints, it can be a thriving digital town square. On the other hand, if people just use it to preach to the choir and shut down dissent, it can quickly turn toxic. The choice is ours!

REFERENCES:

Bonilla, Y., & Rosa, J. (2015). #Ferguson: Digital protest, hashtag ethnography, and the racial politics of social media in the united states. American Ethnologist, 42(1), 4–17.

Civitate. (2018, February 9). Healthy digital public sphere. Civitates. https://civitates-eu.org/healthy-digital-public-sphere/

Habermas, J. (1991). The structural transformation of the public sphere : an inquiry into a category of bourgeois society. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology.

Highfield, T. (2016). Social media and everyday politics. Polity.

Hillis, K., Paasonen, S., & Petit, M. (2015). Networked affect. The Mit Press.

Phillips, W., & Milner, R. M. (2017). The ambivalent Internet : mischief, oddity, and antagonism online. Polity Press.