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Crowd Sourcing in Times of Crisis

Welcome back to my post readers🥳🥳This time I will be talking about crowd sourcing and its impact when there are crises arising. Lets dive in then✨✨

Strength in Shared Information In crises, digital communities facilitate real-time information exchange, giving public agencies and citizens vital situational awareness. Studies of Hurricane Irma (2017) show that agencies’ Twitter accounts served as primary channels to relay alerts, updates, and safety guidance during emergencies (Noor et al., 2024). A comprehensive review of social media during disasters underscores how platforms like Twitter and Facebook become hubs for rapid, decentralized sharing of local updates, enhancing collective response and knowledge.

Crowdsourcing as a Lifeline Crowdsourcing enables the conversion of scattered, ground-level data into actionable intelligence. For instance, Ushahidi’s crowdsourced maps during the 2010 Haiti earthquake aggregated SMS and social media reports, informing rescue deployment in near real‑time (Mora, 2011). Further, research into humanitarian micro tasking initiatives such as Mission 4636 demonstrates that volunteer networks were capable of processing tens of thousands of SMS requests into structured, mapped outputs, enhancing aid delivery (Munro, 2012). Thus, volunteer crowdsourcing can effectively reduce disaster risk and supports all stages of disaster management.

Building Psychological Resilience Digital communities foster emotional support, reducing anxiety and isolation in uncertain times. Online forums and social media offer spaces for empathy and shared coping. As highlighted by Naslund et al. (2016), peer interactions through digital platforms contribute significantly to mental well-being during collective crises. 

Conclusion In times of crisis, digital communities and crowdsourcing serve as vital tools for both operational response and emotional support. Through real-time information sharing, platforms like Twitter and Facebook enhance situational awareness and enable timely decision-making for both authorities and the public. Crowdsourcing initiatives such as Ushahidi and Mission 4636 demonstrate how collective digital action can transform fragmented data into actionable intelligence, improving humanitarian response efforts. Moreover, digital spaces offer critical emotional support, fostering psychological resilience through shared experiences and peer connection. Together, these digital strategies significantly strengthen crisis preparedness, response, and recovery.

That is all for today! Thank you very much for all the readers out there🙌🙌Thank you for reading till the end, until next time🫡🫡

References

Mora, F. (2011). Innovating in the midst of crisis: A case study of Ushahidi. Invited talk. [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231537244_Innovating_in_the_midst_of_crisis_A_case_study_of_Ushahidi.

Munro, R. (2012). Crowdsourcing and the crisis-affected community. Information Retrieval, 16(2), pp.210–266. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10791-012-9203-2.

Naslund, J.A., Aschbrenner, K.A., Marsch, L.A. and Bartels, S.J. (2016). The Future of Mental Health care: Peer-to-peer Support and Social Media. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, [online] 25(2), pp.113–122. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-psychiatric-sciences/article/future-of-mental-health-care-peertopeer-support-and-social-media/DC0FB362B67DF2A48D42D487ED07C783.

Noor, N., Ratna Okhai, Tasnuba Binte Jamal, Naim Kapucu, Yue Gurt Ge and Hasan, S. (2024). Social-media-based crisis communication: Assessing the engagement of local agencies in Twitter during Hurricane Irma. International journal of information management data insights, 4(2), pp.100236–100236. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjimei.2024.100236.  

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Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

Welcome back fellow readers🤗🤗Today's topic will discuss about the conflicts on digital space. Please sit back and enjoy the reading😁😁

Digital Citizenship in a Connected World

Digital citizenship involves ethical, informed, and responsible participation in digital spaces. It fosters respectful online interactions and democratic engagement, especially as social media becomes central to communication. Without an understanding of digital rights and responsibilities, users may contribute to harmful digital behaviors (Choi, 2016).

Challenges of Conflict on Social Media

Social media often amplifies misinformation, hate speech, and ideological division, especially during political or social unrest. The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated how unmoderated online platforms can escalate public confusion and deepen societal conflict (Cinelli et al., 2020). Such digital conflicts undermine civil discourse and strain social cohesion.

The Role of Governance in Social Media Platforms

Social media governance includes rules, algorithms, and content moderation policies designed to manage online behavior. However, platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) often lack transparency and consistency in enforcing policies, which fosters user distrust and perceived bias (Gorwa, 2019). This governance gap allows harmful content to circulate unchecked.

Empowering Digital Citizens Through Literacy

Building digital literacy is essential to responsible digital citizenship. Educated users are more capable of evaluating online content, engaging in constructive dialogue, and resisting manipulation. Promoting digital education, particularly among youth, can reduce misinformation and conflict (Livingstone and Helsper, 2007).

Conclusion

Digital citizenship is vital in managing the challenges of social media, including misinformation and online conflict. Weak platform governance and limited digital literacy can escalate these issues, undermining respectful discourse. A balanced approach, combining transparent regulation with user education can promote ethical online behavior while protecting free expression. Empowering users through digital literacy and improving governance structures are essential steps toward fostering a safer, more inclusive digital environment.

That's all for today!! I hope you learned something through this😊😊Thanks for reading and stay tune for the next post🫡🫡

References

Choi, M. (2016). A Concept Analysis of Digital Citizenship for Democratic Citizenship Education in the Internet Age. Theory & Research in Social Education, 44(4), pp.565–607. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00933104.2016.1210549.

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Cinelli, M., Quattrociocchi, W., Galeazzi, A., Valensise, C.M., Brugnoli, E., Schmidt, A.L., Zola, P., Zollo, F. and Scala, A. (2020). The COVID-19 Social Media Infodemic. Scientific Reports, [online] 10(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73510-5.

Gorwa, R. (2019). The Platform Governance triangle: Conceptualising the Informal Regulation of Online Content. Internet Policy Review, 8(2), pp.1–22. doi:https://doi.org/10.14763/2019.2.1407.

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Livingstone, S. and Helsper, E. (2007). Gradations in digital inclusion: children, young people and the digital divide. New Media & Society, [online] 9(4), pp.671–696. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444807080335.

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Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming: Twitch

Gamerssss Arise!!!!! Welcome back to my blog everyone. Today will be about gaming and Twitch!!!🤩🤩Many of you must have known what is Twitch by now if you are a gamer yourselves, so lets dive in now!🙌🙌

Intro: Formation of Digital Communities Digital communities are virtual spaces where users gather around shared interests, cultures, or identities. Twitch, a leading live-streaming platform, fosters such communities through real-time interaction between streamers and viewers. Viewers participate in chat, contribute financially, and build ongoing relationships with streamers and fellow fans. Twitch communities are not just about watching games but about being together, thus reinforcing a sense of belonging and identity within niche groups (Hamilton et al., 2014). These communities often extend beyond gaming, incorporating discussions about mental health, social issues, and lifestyle.

Social Gaming and Viewer Participation Twitch exemplifies social gaming—games played and experienced socially. Streamers frequently play multiplayer games like Among Us or Fortnite while engaging viewers through polls, real-time chats, and interactive plugins. This turns passive spectators into active participants. Kaytoue et al. (2012) highlight that Twitch's social functions promote parasocial interaction, an illusion of friendship with the streamer, intensifying emotional investment and user retention. This interaction enhances the gaming experience, making it a communal rather than a solitary activity.

Live Streaming as Entertainment and Economy

Twitch has evolved beyond a platform for gaming entertainment into a fully functioning digital economy. Streamers sustain themselves by monetizing content through subscriptions, donations, Bits, advertising revenue, sponsorships, and branded partnerships. For instance, Kim et al. (2025) studied the proliferation of gift subscriptions on Twitch and found that they can encourage community engagement and foster reciprocal giving, demonstrating how monetization is deeply embedded in platform dynamics. Moreover, Twitch has become a launching pad for digital entrepreneurship, enabling content creators to transform their streaming into full-fledged careers (Milad Mousavi Haghshenas and Ehsan Shahghasemi, 2023).

Conclusion Twitch’s success lies in its fusion of digital communities, social gaming, and live entertainment. It exemplifies how technology redefines interaction, transforming viewers into participants and content creators into entrepreneurs. Hence, Twitch is not just a platform for watching games but a rich, dynamic space where identity, economy, and interaction converge.

Congratulation for clearing this topic gamers!!🙌🙌 Your reward? Another blog post of course!!😎😎 Please stay tune for my next post!!

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References Hamilton, W., Garretson, O. and Kerne, A. (2014). Streaming on Twitch: Fostering participatory communities of play within live mixed media. Streaming on twitch: fostering participatory communities of play within live mixed media, [online] pp.1315–1324. doi:https://doi.org/10.1145/2556288.2557048.

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Kaytoue, M., Silva, A., Cerf, L., Meira, W. and Raïssi, C. (2012). Watch me playing, i am a professional. Proceedings of the 21st international conference companion on World Wide Web - WWW ’12 Companion. doi:https://doi.org/10.1145/2187980.2188259.

Kim, J.E., Ha, S., Kim, S. and Hemphill, L. (2025). The Spread of Virtual Gifting in Live Streaming: The Case of Twitch. [online] arXiv.org. Available at: https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.09235

Milad Mousavi Haghshenas and Ehsan Shahghasemi (2023). The Economic, Educational, and Creative Capacities of the Twitch Platform in the Digital Games Industry. [online] doi:https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4381445.

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Digital Citizenship and Software Literacy: Instagram Filters

Welcome back everyone!!!! Its nice to be back once again! Today's title will be about Instagram Filters which I think most of you will be very familiar with😁😁Hope you stay with me till the end🤗🤗

Introduction Digital citizenship involves responsible and ethical behavior when engaging with digital technologies. On Instagram, filters are more than visual effects, they represent users' identities and values. Filter use reflects how users curate online personas, influencing self-perception and social interaction. According to Greenhow and Robelia (2009), social media encourages participatory cultures, where users shape their digital identities through shared norms and tools. This makes Instagram filters a mechanism of self-expression within digital communities.

Software Literacy: Knowing What Filters Do Software literacy is the ability to understand and critically use digital tools. Many users apply Instagram filters without awareness of their algorithmic or aesthetic impacts. Manovich (2017) emphasizes that visual software like Instagram shapes cultural practices, as it defines how people edit and share images. Filters standardize beauty ideals and alter perceptions of authenticity, highlighting the need for users to critically assess how filters influence representation.

Ethical Implications: Filters and Social Responsibility Instagram filters raise ethical concerns around body image, beauty standards, and mental health. Research by Chae (2017) found that exposure to digitally enhanced images correlates with increased body dissatisfaction among young women. Being a responsible digital citizen means recognizing how filter usage contributes to broader societal issues, such as unrealistic beauty norms and digital deception. Users must develop ethical judgment when presenting modified images.

Conclusion Promoting digital and software literacy helps users engage critically with Instagram’s visual culture. By understanding how filters shape meaning and affect perception, users become more conscious participants in digital spaces.

Thank you for staying till the end with me🫡🫡I hope you enjoyed and learned well with this!! See you again soon✨✨

References

Chae, J. (2018). Explaining Females’ Envy Toward Social Media Influencers. Media Psychology, [online] 21(2), pp.246–262. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2017.1328312.

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Greenhow, C. and Robelia, B. (2009). Old Communication, New Literacies: Social Network Sites as Social Learning Resources. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 14(4), pp.1130–1161. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2009.01484.x.

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Manovich, L. (2015). Instagram and Contemporary Image. [online] Manovich.net. Available at: https://manovich.net/index.php/projects/instagram-and-contemporary-image.

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Digital Citizenship: Social Media Influencers and Slow Fashion

Whatsuppp readers, hope you have a nice day!!!🤗🤗

Welcome back to my third blog post where I'll discuss about social media influencers and slow fashion! ✨✨

Introduction Digital citizenship involves responsible and ethical behavior when engaging with digital technology. In today’s digital age, social media influencers are powerful agents of change, particularly in shaping attitudes toward sustainability.

One growing movement they support is slow fashion. Slow fashion emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging the use of sustainable materials, fair labor practices, and long-lasting clothing. It rejects mass production and overconsumption in favor of thoughtful, ethical choices.

As global awareness of fashion’s environmental and social costs increases, influencers are using their platforms to advocate for slow fashion and influence consumer behavior in meaningful ways.

Influencers as Ethical Role Models Social media influencers who advocate slow fashion embody the principles of digital citizenship by promoting sustainable consumption and ethical production. Influencers are increasingly using their digital presence to engage with environmental activism and support sustainable lifestyles (Abidin, 2020). These influencers often reject brand partnerships with fast fashion companies, opting instead to highlight upcycling, thrifting, and sustainable brands. Their actions demonstrate accountability, one of the key aspects of digital citizenship.

Creating Informed Digital Communities Influencers not only showcase eco-friendly clothing but also educate their followers about the social and environmental impacts of fast fashion. This contributes to the development of informed digital communities. Such influencers engage in knowledge-sharing practices that enhance public understanding of sustainability issues in fashion (McNeill, 2015). Hashtags like #WhoMadeMyClothes and #SlowFashionMovement encourage users to question production practices and become active participants in online sustainability discourse.

Image Credit: @twinscott on Instagram

Challenging Consumerism Through Engagement Rather than promoting constant consumption, slow fashion influencers advocate for mindful shopping. For instance, fashion blogger Kristen Leo uses YouTube and Instagram to discuss minimalist wardrobes and ethical brands. Such content reframes fashion as a long-term investment, not a short-term trend (Rocamora, 2017). This mindful use of digital platforms reflects the civic engagement principles that are fundamental to digital citizenship.

Conclusion In the age of digital media, social media influencers have a powerful platform to promote sustainable behaviors. By using their influence to support slow fashion, they uphold the core principles of digital citizenship—ethical use, civic responsibility, and informed participation.

Again, thank you so much for reading!! 🫡🫡Hope you have fun and see you again! 🙌🙌

References

Abidin, C. (2021). Mapping Internet Celebrity on TikTok: Exploring Attention Economies and Visibility Labours. Cultural Science Journal, 12(1), pp.77–103. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5334/csci.140.

McNeill, L. and Moore, R. (2015). Sustainable fashion consumption and the fast fashion conundrum: Fashionable consumers and attitudes to sustainability in clothing choice. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 39(3), pp.212–222.

Rocamora, A. (2016). Mediatization and Digital Media in the Field of Fashion. Fashion Theory, 21(5), pp.505–522. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/1362704x.2016.1173349.

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Good day everyone!! Welcome to my Tumblr blog where I'll be sharing my discussions on various subjects from MDA20009 (Digital Communities).

I hope that everyone enjoys reading my blogs!!😁😁

Portions of this site and the works within it are being produced with the intention of critique and/or educational use under Australia's 'fair dealing' exceptions to copyright (Section 40 & 41). However, if you feel your IP is being infringed, please contact my service provider (Tumblr) with the appropriate DMCA requests, as I, the single author take full responsibility for the content of this site.

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Digital Citizenship: Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement, and Activism

Welcome back fellow viewers. This will be my second post of the week. Enjoy!!! 😎😎

Introduction Digital citizenship encompasses the norms, rights, and responsibilities of individuals in the digital world, particularly concerning how they engage with society through online platforms. One of the most influential aspects of digital citizenship today is the use of hashtags, which have become powerful tools for political engagement and activism. Hashtag activism allows individuals to participate in public discourse, raise awareness, and mobilize communities on a global scale.

Hashtags as Tools for Political Engagement Hashtags is a very excellent tool to demonstrate how digital platforms foster political participation.

Popular hashtags that foster political participation includes:

#BlackLivesMatter

#MeToo

#ClimateStrike

For instance, the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which began in 2013, gained momentum following the 2020 killing of George Floyd. It prompted widespread protests and policy discussions about police brutality and systemic racism (Ince et al, 2017). Social media users, even those not physically present at protests, contributed to the movement by sharing information, organizing events, and amplifying marginalized voices.

Hashtag Publics and Participatory Politics Hashtag publics is where networks of users organized around a shared hashtag to facilitate participatory politics and where engagement is less hierarchical and more accessible to ordinary citizens (Bennett, 2012).

The #MeToo movement is a prime example of this, as it encouraged survivors of sexual harassment and assault to share their experiences, resulting in tangible cultural and institutional changes across industries.

Criticisms and the Hybrid Nature of Digital Activism However, the effectiveness of hashtag activism is debated. Critics argue that it may lead to “slacktivism,” where online expression substitutes for real-world action. Yet research shows that digital activism can complement offline efforts, creating a hybrid model of political engagement that blends digital participation with on-the-ground mobilization (Tufekci, 2017).

Conclusion In conclusion, digital citizenship, through the strategic use of hashtags, has reshaped the political landscape by enabling grassroots activism and inclusive dialogue. While not without limitations, hashtag activism has proven to be a vital force in contemporary civic participation.

I hope that you enjoyed the read!! 🙌🙌

Peace out!!😎

References

Bennett, W.L. and Segerberg, A. (2012). The Logic of Connective action: Digital Media and the Personalization of Contentious Politics. Information, Communication & Society, 15(5), pp.739–768. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2012.670661.

Ince, J., Rojas, F. and Davis, C.A. (2017). The social media response to Black Lives Matter: how Twitter users interact with Black Lives Matter through hashtag use. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 40(11), pp.1814–1830. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2017.1334931.

Zeynep Tufekci (2017). TWITTER AND TEAR GAS: the power and fragility of networked protest. Editorial: S.L.: Yale University Press.

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Week 5: Digital Community and Fandom: Reality TV Case Study

Good day to everyone reading! Welcome to my first post where I will write about Digital Community and Fandom. In this post, I will use reality tv show, Love Island as my example.

Love Island is a British reality tv show that has been aired for 11 seasons since 2015! It’s a show where contestants known as “Islanders” who live together in a villa while coupling up and competing for love and cash prize. The show combines romance, drama, and viewer interaction which features public votes on favorite couples is an instantaneous hit among British viewers and thus contributes to its season long airing.

Introduction: Digital Engagement in Reality TV

The rise of digital platforms has transformed reality television fandom into vibrant, participatory communities that extend far beyond the screen. Fans now engage in real-time discussions, form emotional bonds with contestants, and even influence show outcomes through digital tools.

Participatory Culture: Fans as Co-Creators

Love Island utilized both social media and mobile application to maximize fan engagement throughout their airings. Through its official app, viewers can vote on contestant pairings, determine eliminations, and create challenges, effectively becoming co-creators of the show's narrative. This participatory model aligns with Henry Jenkins' concept of "convergence culture," where media consumers are not just passive spectators but active participants across multiple platforms (Jenkins, 2006).

Virtual Living Rooms: Social Media and Community Social media platforms such as Twitter, serve as "virtual living rooms" where fans congregate to discuss episodes in real-time. These digital gatherings create a sense of community and shared experience, akin to traditional communal viewing but on a global scale (Dobson, 2021). Hashtags like #LoveIsland trend during broadcasts, enabling fans to connect, share opinions, and even organize meetups.

Parasocial Bonds: Emotional Attachment in Digital Fandom The phenomenon of parasocial relationships where viewers feel intimately connected to media personalities, is amplified in the digital age. Fans of Love Island often develop strong attachments to contestants, engaging with their social media profiles and defending them in online forums. These interactions can foster a sense of belonging and community among fans, contributing positively to their well-being (Kim et al., 2023).

Ethical Concerns: The Dark Side of Digital Intimacy This digital intimacy also raises concerns about privacy and the psychological impact on both contestants and viewers. The constant online scrutiny can lead to cyberbullying and mental health issues for participants, while fans may experience emotional distress over the show's developments. These dynamics underscore the need for responsible media consumption and production practices.

Conclusion: Reality TV as a Digital Community Experience Love Island illustrates how reality television has evolved into an interactive, community-driven experience through digital platforms. The show's integration of social media and audience participation exemplifies the transformative power of digital communities in shaping modern fandom. As media consumption continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for both creators and audiences.

That's all, thanks for reading and hope to see you again 🙌🙌

References

Dobson, J. (2021). The formation of the ‘virtual loungeroom’ by reality television audience on Twitter as a third place. [online] Debating Communities and Networks XII. Available at: https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2021/2021/04/26/turningtvonline/  

Jenkins, H. (2006). Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York: New York University Press.

Min Sung Kim, Wang, S. and Kim, S. (2023). Effects of Online Fan Community Interactions on Well-Being and Sense of Virtual Community. Behavioral sciences, 13(11), pp.897–897. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13110897.