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xinotsine-3 · 10 days ago

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Week 12: Crowdsourcing in Times of Crisis

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my Tumblr blog. Today we will discuss Crowdsourcing in Times of Crisis.

When a crisis hits, whether it be an earthquake, flood, or wildfire, the conventional systems we rely on can break down fast. The digital analogue of “many hands make light work�� is crowdsourcing.

Although the term may seem like some tech bro buzzword, it has been used since the 1700s. One of the first instances of crowdsourcing innovation was when the British government’s incentive for anyone who could figure out how to calculate longitude. However, it is driven by human compassion, hashtags, and smartphones.

What is Crowdsourcing in a Crisis?

Crowdsourcing in crisis situations is when regular people use digital platforms to obtain, disseminate, and act upon real-time information (Tavra, Racetin & Josip Peroš 2021). From finding survivors to allocating aid, the public actively contributes to problem-solving rather than depending only on governments or the media.

Social media is crucial since it serves as a source of knowledge as well as an emotional outlet (Peng et al. 2024). Crisis communication becomes more decentralized, faster, and sometimes more successful with the help of apps like X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and community mapping tools.

Real Life Examples: Putra Heights blaze broke

On 1st April 2025 in Malaysia, there was an unexpected fire that broke out in a residential complex in Putra Heights. The first footage of the incident is not came from the news crews, it’s from a dashcam and the video went viral immediately on TikTok and Instagram Stories (The Star Online 2025). Before rescue personnel had reached the scene, residents and bystanders shared real-time footage, identifying specific places and warning about the smoke hazards. The hashtag #PutraHeightsFire trended within minutes, with locals sharing evacuation routes, offering shelter, and issuing warnings. When communities are in danger, social media platforms that are usually used for memes and trends can quickly transform into emergency tools. This was demonstrated in a raw, emotionally charged moment, where social media operated as a distributed crisis network.

Nowadays, authorities no longer manage crises alone. Anybody with a phone contributes to the response. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X have become digital lifelines that support quick, group action. This change is a reflection of collective intelligence, whereby online communities collaborate in real time to solve problems (Howe 2006). Additionally, it provides a voice to those on the ground, helps build emotional unity and increases the healing process. All in all, we contribute to the creation of crisis news rather than only consuming it.

Crowdsourcing isn’t perfect. False alarms or panic can result from the rapid spread of unverified information. Unauthorized viral distribution or retraumatization of communities can result from graphic content. Additionally, the pace and the chaos of internet updates continue to be too much for traditional emergency services to handle. Digital networks are therefore beneficial in times of disaster, but they also require care, empathy, and critical thought.

#MDA20009 #Crowdsourcing #SocialMediaCrisis #CrisisCommunication #PutraHeight

Howe, J 2006, The Rise of Crowdsourcing, WIRED, viewed 12 June 2025, <https://www.wired.com/2006/06/crowds/>.

‌Peng, L, Wang, J, Zheng, N & Guo, X 2024, ‘Traversing Emotional Spaces: Social Media Affordances and Emotion Regulation in Times of Physical Isolation’, Social Media + Society, vol. 10, SAGE Publishing, no. 1, viewed 12 June 2025, <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20563051241237273?icid=int.sj-full-text.citing-articles.88>.

Tavra, M, Racetin, I & Josip Peroš 2021, ‘The role of crowdsourcing and social media in crisis mapping: a case study of a wildfire reaching Croatian City of Split’, Geoenvironmental Disasters, vol. 8, Springer Nature, no. 1, viewed 12 June 2025, <https://geoenvironmental-disasters.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40677-021-00181-3>.

The Star Online 2025, Putra Heights inferno: Alleged dashcam footage shows excavation work at site of gas pipeline blaze, The Star, viewed 12 June 2025, <https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/02/putra-heights-inferno-alleged-dashcam-footage-shows-excavation-work-at-site-of-gas-pipeline-blaze>

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xinotsine-3 · 11 days ago

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Week 11: Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

Have you ever been in a group where one person making laugh of people in embarrassment and kept pushing the line “as a joke”? Or have you ever scrolled through TikTok that went viral and had comments that went from funny to disgusting in just a few seconds? It’s not just a drama, that’s what conflict in digital spaces looks like. And most important is: it’s not always about “freedom of speech”, it’s not new, and it’s not harmless.

What is Social Media Governance?

Social media governance is a process where a structured framework of a business rules, practices, and systems that determine how digital platforms are managed its presence on social media platforms (Murthy 2024). International conventions, national laws, company rules, and user-driven moderation are all mixed together. Additionally, different governments have different positions on regulation; the European Union prioritizes individuals rights and safety, China prioritizes state control, while the United States prioritizes free expression (Bologa 2023).

Micro-level governance is also present on social media sites like Facebook and Reddit, where moderators enforce community rules and are frequently overworked and unpaid.

Online Harassment is more than just Trolling!

“Trolling” is more than just making jokes these days. It involves serious actions that could happen alongside at any time such as coordinated campaigns, image-based harassment, and threatening messages, particularly directed at women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of color (UNICEF 2025).

In Plan International’s 2020 global study, 59% of girls reported that they had been the victim of online harassment, which frequently took the form of abusive language, sexual threats, or harmful rumors (Plan International 2023). According to a Guardian study, between 10 most abused writers, eight of them are women, and the two men are black.

So what can we do to change this world?

Online harassment is illegal in Malaysia under a number of laws. Under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the use of network services to “annoy, abuse, or harass” other people is illegal (ZUL RAFIQUE & partners 2023). Sections 503-506 of the Penal Code address threats and intimidation, whereas Section 509 deals with insulting modesty. Although there is still a lack of cyberbullying law in Malaysia, these provisions provide some legal protection.

Beyond the law, NGOs like AWAM and EMPOWER provide victims with support and education outside of the legal system. In the meantime, young creators and influencers are raising awareness and fighting back against trolls on sites like TikTok.

But still, social media platforms need to have innovation. Whether it’s based on protecting victims from harassment, or setting the rules for users to express their freedom. Malaysians believe that platforms take too long to address abuse. We should keep putting pressure on them to enhance moderation and protect users, especially those most at risk.

Being a good digital citizen means more than just using the internet “correctly”. It means pushing back against injustice, calling for improved procedures, and enhancing the safety and inclusivity of the digital environment.

“It’s just the internet” is no longer sufficient.

#MDA20009 #DigitalCitizenship #SocialMediaGovernance #OnlineHarassment #Justice #PowerOfPlatforms

Bologa, A 2023, The Battle for the Soul of the Digital Economy –An Interview with Anu Bradford on Digital Empires - Groupe d’études géopolitiques, Groupe d’études géopolitiques, viewed 11 June 2025, <https://geopolitique.eu/en/2023/12/17/the-battle-for-the-soul-of-the-digital-economy-an-interview-with-anu-bradford-on-digital-empires/>.

Gardiner, B, Mansfield, M, Anderson, I, Holder, J, Daan Louter & Ulmanu, M 2016, The dark side of Guardian comments, the Guardian, The Guardian, viewed 11 June 2025, <https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/12/the-dark-side-of-guardian-comments>.

Murthy, S 2024, Social Media Governance: 9 Essential Components | Sprinklr, Sprinklr.com, viewed 11 June 2025, <https://www.sprinklr.com/blog/social-media-governance/>.

UNICEF 2025, Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it, Unicef.org, viewed 11 June 2025, <https://www.unicef.org/stories/how-to-stop-cyberbullying>.

Plan International 2023, State of the World’s Girls 2020: Free to Be Online? - Plan International, Plan International, viewed 11 June 2025, <https://plan-international.org/publications/free-to-be-online/>.

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xinotsine-3 · 13 days ago

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Week 10: Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming: Twitch

Hey mates! Welcome to the world of social gaming, live streaming, and online communities. Gaming it’s not just about reaching levels or breaking high records. For our generation, gaming is more than just something we do alone with a controller; it’s a way of life, a place which is more like a group hangout, and digital communities develop. Now it’s all about driving into Valorant with your squad, seeing your favorite Twitch streamer’s live, or hosting a chaotic Among Us nights.

Games have transitioned from solo adventures to complex social ecosystems. Whether we are joining up in Anime Vanguard on Roblox or Valorant matches, it’s rare to play alone nowadays. Today’s gaming community is made up of smaller, dynamic groups that we join and leave on Discord or Twitch chat. Both Discord and Twitch allowed us to engage in live discussions, and watch livestream gameplay in real-time (Jansen 2022). Social games like Animal Party became popular because they allowed us to gossip, blame, and laugh together on a chaotic moment especially during Covid-19 lockdowns, when we were craving for social interactions with people.

And then there’s Twitch, the wild, hilarious, sometimes wholesome, and watching gameplay is just the beginning. It’s more than simply watching someone grind Elden Ring or speedrun Minecraft; it’s about the community that grows in the chat, and serves as a community hub. Streamers such as Pokimane, Kai Cenat, and Sweet Anita do more than just play games; they also share their personalities, connect with followers and collaborate to build culture in real time. Twitch is currently the largest live streaming platform with an average of over 2 million viewers and 90,000 streams running at any time (Wit, Alicia & Joep Theeuwes 2020). It’s an example of a knowledge community, which is a voluntary, temporary network where people interact emotionally and intellectually through mutual interest and shared information.

But here’s the thing, gaming culture has been dominated by heterosexual, white, cis males. But communities are fighting back. Streamers such as Sweet Anita, Nikatine, and Skyrim Grandma prove that gaming allows for different voices, carving out a space for folks who have always liked games but have never felt “gamer” enough. Accessibility and diversity are now getting popular, with initiatives for safer spaces at events and in chats.

And let’s not forget about the massive rise of esports. Competitive gaming is no longer a niche;it is a billion-dollar industry with fan bases that rival traditional sports (Barman 2025). Let’s take a look at the League of Legends World Championship or the Counter Strike, which attract worldwide audiences, fan controversy, and TikTok edits like any pop star tour. Gen Z is not just watched for the gameplay, but we follow the drama, ever shipped on some players, and meme every spicy moment.

So yeah, gaming is not just a hobby. It’s how we connect, perform, relax, and sometimes cry when our Wi-Fi is disconnected in the middle of the match. Whether you’re altering The Sims 4, building in Fortnite Creative, or lurking in a Twitch chat at 3 a.m., you’re a part of something bigger. A digital community that never logs out.

#MDA20009 #DigitalCommunities #GamingCulture #Twitch #Esports

Barman, S 2025, Esports: The New Age of Competitive Sports - Rise & Inspire - Medium, Medium, Rise & Inspire, viewed 10 June 2025, <https://medium.com/rise-inspire/esports-the-new-age-of-competitive-sports-a4c75d6cad90>.

Jansen, E 2022, Gaming Communities and Social Interactions: Building Connections in the Gaming World, Hakia.com, viewed 10 June 2025, <https://www.hakia.com/gaming-communities-and-social-interactions-building-connections-in-the-gaming-world>. Wit, J de, Alicia & Joep Theeuwes 2020, ‘Live Streams on Twitch Help Viewers Cope With Difficult Periods in Life’, Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 11, Frontiers Media, viewed 10 June 2025, <https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.586975/full>.

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xinotsine-3 · 15 days ago

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Week 9: Digital Citizenship and Software Literacy: Instagram Filters

Hi fellow friends! Have you ever opened Instagram, scrolled through Story filters, and found filters that slimmed your jaw, brightened your eyes, and smoothen your skin to glossy porcelain, and thought about, “Why do I look prettier on Instagram?”. We all rely on beauty filters in our daily lives. It’s not just about beautifying your face; they actually redesigned it. People do not even notice it’s happening, and that’s what makes them so powerful.

With over 500 million daily Instagram Stories users, filters have become the norm for online self-presentation. Augmented Reality(AR) filters are not just for fun anymore, they have silently grown into a cultural mirror, reflecting and reinforcing an extremely particular and typically unachievable ideal of beauty. The so-called “Instagram Face” is now a thing: a perfect, ambiguously ethnic, almost AI-like combination of characteristics that appears “natural”, but is far from it (Haines 2021). It’s the result of ambient, subtly edited footage that gives you the impression that you’re still you, just better. But the term “better” version comes with a cost. But what happens when you switch back to your original camera? You might feel something wrong with your face. That is not a coincidence, that’s design.

There is a reason why we’re discussing this in the context of digital citizenship and software literacy. Let’s just be honest, when filters become so commonplace that your own natural face feels strange, it’s not just about beauty. It’s all about power, control, identity, and mental wellness; it’s about how apps influence us while claiming to help us.

Snapchat dysmorphia is a term created to describe what we’re experiencing nowadays. People used to bring photos of celebrities to cosmetic surgeons, now they bring filtered selfies of themselves (Migala 2025). Studies show that more frequent usage of beautifying filters selfies is associated with higher body image problems, particularly among young people. What about the gender divide? Oh, this is real. Guys typically use filters for memes and jokes. Meanwhile girls “expected” to appear cute, faultless, and filter-polished. Even 10-year-olds understand how to perform beauty online.

But, just maybe, there is space to push back. Some people see filters as an opportunity to experiment, challenge binaries, and play with identity. This relates to cyberfeminist theory - Donna Haraway’s cyborg vibes, in which technology can be used for liberation (Haraway 2017). But it isn’t the norm, is it? Most filters simply duplicate the same Western, sleek, white-coded beauty ideal, only now it’s ambient. Filtered to appear natural. Fake, but believable. Real, but only because we have forgotten what it looks like.

You are not a filter. You are not a brand. You are not a glitch.

YOU are YOU. And this is enough.

#MDA20009 #DigitalCitizenship #InstagramFilters #filter #unfilteredselfies

Haraway, D 2017, Key Thinker: Donna Haraway - Rethinking Political Thinkers Resources - Oxford Learning Link, Oup.com, viewed 10 June 2025, https://learninglink.oup.com/access/content/ramgotra-choat1e-resources/ramgotra-choat1e-key-thinker-donna-haraway#:~:text=Haraway%20argues%20that%20the%20fusion,for%20technological%20progress%20(see%2038.2..

Haines, A 2021, From ‘Instagram Face’ To ‘Snapchat Dysmorphia’: How Beauty Filters Are Changing The Way We See Ourselves, Forbes, viewed 9 June 2025, <https://www.forbes.com/sites/annahaines/2021/04/27/from-instagram-face-to-snapchat-dysmorphia-how-beauty-filters-are-changing-the-way-we-see-ourselves/>.

Migala, J 2025, What Is ‘Snapchat Dysmorphia’? A Detailed Look at the Trend, EverydayHealth.com, viewed 9 June 2025, <https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/united-states-of-stress/what-snapchat-dysmorphia-detailed-look-trend/>.

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xinotsine-3 · 19 days ago

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Week 8: Digital Citizenship and Health Education: Body Modification on Visual Social Media

Hey everyone, welcome back to my Tumblr blog!

Today we will be discussing Body Modification on Visual Social Media. I believe that everyone has ever felt that: “Why is my face not pretty enough?” “Why am I not fit enough?” or even “Why am I not as pretty as those influencers in social media?” Not only you, so do I thought the same thing. That thought of not being “enough” didn't come from nowhere. In fact, it’s not just your imagination. It’s a symptom of how visual social media is rewiring our perceptions of ourselves, which isn’t necessarily healthy.

In today’s digital age, platforms such as Instagram and TikTok is a place where beauty is promoted, filtered, and it’s not just about connecting. They are ruled by aesthetic templates, which the term “aesthetic” means by the overall visual style of content on social media platforms (Aesthetic Social Media Explained - Voyager Marketing 2023). And basically this kind of visual checklist has locked people inside how we’re “supposed” to look like. For example, women should have large lips, small waist, and flawless skin, while men need sharp jawlines, strong shoulders, and a gym-sculpted appearance. These looks are more than just trends; they are the algorithm’s preferences. Other than that, influencers take this chance to copy them, making us believe that’s what we have to look like to be “valid”.

Let’s just not forget that most influencers are not just posting to share their daily lives, they used it for building their own brands. This is a part of microcelebrity culture, which means that people turn themselves into a digital product through social media (Andreea B 2024). They use the system to obtain followers, fame, and brand details. Meanwhile, we are forced to compare ourselves with their Facetuned highlight reel.

I couldn’t lie about this, the comparison affects one's self esteem and confidence really badly. Constantly seeing “perfect” people online can make us feel broken. Identity dissonance can result in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which is a mental health condition more likely to occur when there is a huge gap of perception between how we appear offline and what we perceive online (Alice E. Schluger, Ph.D. & Anne Artley, M.S. 2019). According to BDD Foundation (2022), approximately 2% of people are dealing with this issue, and social media makes it even worse.

Body modification is no longer just nose jobs and lip fillers; it is more popular at younger ages and in more extreme ways.

Let’s talk about Abby Wu, a Chinese influencer who went viral after documenting her transformation and underwent more than 100 operations to meet a hyper-curated, doll-like beauty standard (Zuo 2025). Her social media preference is sharp, sleek and unapologetically controlled. She has undergone surgeries on her nose, chin, eyes, jaws, many other areas, and posted these changes to her fans as a lifestyle content. In fact, she is not the only one. Her appearance has become the sample of “internet-celebrity face” for platforms such as RedNote.

While she claims that it makes her feel more confidence, the impact for her followers is complicated. Over 260,000 teens aged from 13 to 19 had cosmetic surgeries in 2022, and social media pressure plays a huge role in this (Greenfield 2025). Even worse, pornification is on the rise, with women feeling particularly pressured to share sexualized content in order to gain likes and support.

So what can we actually do? Start by being smarter online, which is known as digital citizenship, learning on how to identify edits, examine trends and make informed choices. Many plastic surgery posts are disguised advertisements, so do not believe what you see online, it could be dangerous. We also need to improve the health education in school, including topics like filters, Facetune, and mental health awareness.

In conclusion, everyone is born unique and you are not a flaw to be corrected. We don’t have to follow Instagram templates to make ourselves worthy. Bear in mind, be clever, and remember that you are more important than the filter.

#MDA20009 #DigitalCitizenship #BodyModidfication #Microcellebrity #AbbyWu

Aesthetic Social Media Explained - Voyager Marketing 2023, Voyager Marketing, viewed 1 June 2025, <https://voyagermark.com/aesthetic-social-media-explained/>.

Zuo, N 2025, China’s plastic surgery boom: ‘I’ve had 100 operations and will never stop’, Bbc.com, BBC News, viewed 6 June 2025, <https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3xv653k6do>.

Andreea B 2024, 38. Microcelebrities and the Culture of Influence on Social Media, Medium, viewed 6 June 2025, <https://medium.com/@andreeab7/38-microcelebrities-and-the-culture-of-influence-on-social-media-a9538aec9c99>.

Alice E. Schluger, Ph.D. & Anne Artley, M.S. 2019, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) - HelpGuide.org, HelpGuide.org, viewed 6 June 2025, <https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd>. Greenfield, B 2025, Increasingly, teens want injectable fillers, peels, and other cosmetic procedures—and a surprising number of parents approve, Yahoo Life, viewed 6 June 2025, <https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/increasingly-teens-want-injectable-fillers-120000737.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJfPHq-abnq4Cfs5woAr-PDFZ-gyxTft96z7Pe1UMwPp0GTAFo12TV0aoGeb-Ah863YeuIFduoRdZvFGDSifQTmRx2q1gXLPVG96-OUcqJWSTZx-IiPwf069NCsNbsnm9cfNWXjEasC7m5fT2QyQHza7dFZuakvbEysBUvNRQmn6>.

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xinotsine-3 · 1 month ago

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Week 7: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

Welcome again to everyone! Today we are going to discuss social media influencers and the slow fashion movement.

Most of us spend hours scrolling through social media everyday, but did you know that the way we use the internet can actually change the world? This is what digital citizenship is all about. It is the ability to utilize the internet in responsible, respectful, and positive ways whether that is about voicing out concerns, educating others, or just simply sharing useful content (Team 2025).

So... what even is slow fashion?

Slow fashion is a thoughtful way of making clothes that doesn't pollute the environment, protect animals, and respect people at the same time . In simple terms, it means that it focuses on quality and sustainability over speed and low cost (Marquis 2021). In comparison between slow fashion and fast fashion, fast fashion pushes out trendy prices in a bunch of quantities, while show fashion focuses on quality and care. Asks us to buy less, think wisely, and the value we give for what we wear.

Emma Chamberlain is one of the influencers that silently supports activists for this effort. She is well-known for her relevant YouTube content, coffee obsession, and bold fashion sense. She often shopping on second-hand, thrifting, in a way that feels effortless and cool styling vintage clothes (Escalante 2024). Her passion for upcycled objects, flea markets, and mixed-thrift fits with designer goods is a wonderful illustration of how bloggers should use their platforms to encourage thoughtful consumption. Emma shows that fashion can have a meaning beyond just looking stylish. She has also worked with companies that value sustainability and participated in campaigns and interviews that highlight eco-friendly living. Emma is demonstrating what is known as “digital citizenship” by utilizing her social media presence to inform, inspire, and spread moral principles.

But why does this matter?

This is because the fashion industry has a significant impact all around the world. Fast fashion uses toxic chemicals, generates enormous amounts of textile waste, and frequently exploits workers in hazardous and underpaid conditions. One simple and effective approach to reduce this impact is to choose slow fashion. Whether it's upcycling, DIY-ing old clothes, trading clothes with friends, or even purchasing ethical labels can all help to cut down on waste, promote fair labour practices, and make fashion become more sustainable.

Slow fashion isn't just a trend. It’s a mindset.

It’s about asking, “Do I really need this?”

It’s about making choices that feel good and do good.

#MDA20009 #DigitalCitizenship #SlowFashion #EmmaChamberlain

Team, L 2025, What Is Digital Citizenship? Skills & Guidelines for Students | Learning.com, Learning, viewed 15 May 2025, <https://www.learning.com/blog/what-is-digital-citizenship/>.

‌Marquis, C 2021, What Does Slow Fashion ‘Actually’ Mean?, Forbes, viewed 15 May 2025, <https://www.forbes.com/sites/christophermarquis/2021/05/14/what-does-slow-fashion-actually-mean/>.

Escalante, A 2024, Emma Chamberlain’s Closet Clean-Out Is Inspiring My Minimalist Era—5 Finds I’d Steal, Who What Wear, viewed 15 May 2025, <https://www.whowhatwear.com/fashion/shopping/emma-chamberlain-capsule-wardrobe>.

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xinotsine-3 · 1 month ago

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Week 6: What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism

Hey there! Today we are going to discuss Hashtag Public.

Here’s my question for you guys: Do you use hashtags when posting on social media? And why?

In today’s digital age, I believe that every one of us has their own social media platform. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or even Tumblr! We’ve all seen and ever used hashtags at some point. But do people ever stop to think about the real impact of hashtags?

Generally, people think that a hashtag is just simply a trendy symbol. However, it acts like an index which allows people to point out specific topics, which also impacts the overall performance of social media content at the same time (Clodagh O'Brien 2025). Hashtag is a digital thread that connects groups, discussions, and causes. Using hashtags while posting makes it easier for people to join conversations, navigate material, and even organize social events.

Let’s use #MeToo as an example. It originally began in 2006 but went viral again in 2017 when actress Alyssa Milano encouraged people to post “#MeToo” if they had ever experienced sexual harassment or assault. This hashtags lead to over 19 million users around the world, not just celebrities, sharing their stories with #MeToo on social media (Geiger 2018). It showed how widespread the issue was, how it encouraged people to speak up, and led to real changes in workplaces and even in the laws.

So why are hashtags so POWERFUL? This is because they bring people together, make people feel connected and heard, and allow them to take action. Hashtags turn regular people into online activists, and help small movements become global.

Hashtags play a crucial role in bringing people together and help people show support or take a stand. For example, when someone shares a personal story or a strong opinion with a hashtag, they can instantly see others doing the same. When something unfair happens, hashtag creates a space for people to express how they feel and demand change (Sahin 2025). This creates a sense of community, and people realize they are not alone in what they're going through. Even if it’s just a few words in a tweet, the hashtag connects them.

Without hashtags, certain voices of individuals would go unheard, especially for individuals who are in minority communities or people in countries with less freedom of speech. In this point, hashtags act as a tool for empowerment and visibility.

Again, hashtags are more than just an internet trend. They are a way to help us connect, express ourselves, and stand up for what we believe in.

#MDA20009 #DigitalCitizenship #MeToo #SocialMovements

Clodagh O'Brien 2025, How to Use Hashtags Effectively on Social Media, Digital Marketing Institute, viewed 14 May 2025, https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/how-to-use-hashtags-in-social-media.

‌Geiger, A 2018, How social media users have discussed sexual harassment since #MeToo went viral, Pew Research Center, viewed 14 May 2025, https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/10/11/how-social-media-users-have-discussed-sexual-harassment-since-metoo-went-viral/.

‌Sahin, DC 2025, Hashtags to Streets: Social Media’s Impact on Modern Protests | Policy Panorama, Medium, Policy Panorama, viewed 14 May 2025, https://medium.com/policy-panorama/hashtags-of-rebellion-social-movements-in-the-age-of-social-media-421566a1b486.

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xinotsine-3 · 1 month ago

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Week 5: Digital Community and Fandom

Hello guys, welcome to my first Tumblr blog!

Today we are going to talk about digital communities and fandoms! Digital communities have evolved into potent venues for fans to meet, show their support, and participate in deep discussions in the hyperconnected world of today.

But before I continue, let me ask if anyone here is an anime fan? I’d love to connect with someone who shares the same interest as me! And no worries if you’re not familiar with anime, anyone is welcome here.

When I was about 15, I became obsessed with anime immediately after I saw Soul Eater for the first time. Well, not many people know this, but I’ve been a cosplayer since 2023! Although I’m officially an ‘otaku’, anime and cosplay are not just a hobby to me. They are part of my lifestyle, and I found my pace online.

So. What are digital communities and fandoms? Let me break it down real quick:

Digital communities are a group of people who come together online to share experiences and engage in online activities related to common interests. While fandom is a subculture of popular culture that is defined by fan communities that obsess over a certain popular culture (Gong 2021). Platforms like Discord, X(formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook are used to serve as a digital public space that support fans to discuss their biases, create content, or even build relationships (Parsakia & Jafari 2023).

We’re a part of something greater, no matter whether posting cosplay glow-ups or creating a thread about why Levi Ackerman is the HOTTEST character that we all agree on.

What about cosplay? Dressing up isn’t the only thing, cosplay is about storytelling your favourite fictional character. It’s about bringing a fictional character into real life, and its success is fueled by the online community. I’ve gotten photo editing advice from RedNote, learned how to build props from YouTube tutorials, and received love and support from random people who simply understood. According to Hu(2024), cosplay groups use online and offline interactions to enhance the experience by co-creating cultural meanings.

I’ve seen a lot of cosplay teams recruit members, spend months to organize photoshoots across continents, raise funds for charity, and even provide emotional support. My Pripara cosplay and Attack on Titan cloak mean more than just a costume. It connected me to the thousands of fans who screamed their hearts out during every Survey Corps mission.

Honestly, these internet anime fandom spaces have introduced me to some of the most creative, craziest, and kindest people I’ve ever met. These online forums have taught me that being an otaku is not strange, it’s about passion. Even when real life feels lonely, there is always a place for me here.

#MDA20009 #DigitalCommunities #Anime #Cosplay #Fandom

Gong, S 2021, Fan Culture: Social and Cultural Transformations during the Digital Era, Medium, viewed 14 May 2025, https://stevengongwrites.medium.com/fan-culture-social-and-cultural-transformations-during-the-digital-era-324ce5d5bc65.

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Hu, H 2024, ‘Staged Creativity and Co-creation of Meanings: The Commodification of Spaces for Cosplay in Japanese Cosplay Culture’, Cultural Sociology, SAGE Publishing, viewed 13 May 2025, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17499755241279495. ‌

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