Digital Communities

An insight to Social Media.

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Global social media: case study China

It has been said that the citizens of China are missing out of the social media revolution, due to their government blocking access to social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Social media users in China exceed users in Australia and other countries. This is because of the crazy demand China has for media platforms. They are insanely popular! The government in China has absolute control over the internet and is otherwise know as 'The great firewall of China.' 'Social media is exploding worldwide, and China is leading the way. A new McKinsey survey of 5,700 Internet users in China has found that 95 percent of them who live in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities are registered on a social-media site;1 in addition, the country has by far the world’s most active social-media population...' 

There is a huge amount of 532,000,000 people in China using instant messaging services such as Facebook messenger and as this usage grows, so too does the size of the government censors, site monitors and pro-government users. People who have this elite job to ensure 'The great firewall of China' is doing its job makes sure the government is cast in a positive light. There is an estimated 50,000 workforce dedicated to this process. This in turn creates huge employment opportunities over in China all dedicated to keep a lid on Social Media platforms. (Thomas Crampton 2011) explains, 'YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter are blocked in China, but their Chinese equivalents are expanding. By some measures, usage of Chinese social media is some of the most intense in the world.'

My exact thought is why China and why they have such strict laws against social media platforms when Australia does not...There are many factors that intentionally drive China to be against social media platforms. 'These include rural-to-urban migration that has separated families, the loneliness of the one-child generation, and a distrust of information from government-controlled media.' (Crampton 2011)

References

Chiu, C, Lin, D & Silverman, A 2012, China's social-media boom, McKinsey & Company, viewed 24 September 2014, <http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/marketing_sales/chinas_social-media_boom>.

Crampton, T 2011, 'Social media in China: The same, but differen't, China Business Review, Vol. 38, no. 1, pp 28-31, viewed 24 September 2014, <http://www.thomascrampton.com/china/social-media-china-business-review/>.

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Social gaming

‘Games can confuse reality and fantasy’ (Russel A 2010).

 Online gaming allows connection to real people in real time. This becomes an extension of complete reality with boundless opportunities. That is what makes social gaming truly addictive. There have been four themes that motivate players alike to indulge within social gaming. These are, emotion, friends and family competition and Investment. Despite these motivations, there are also many risks to consider when playing online; data and information sharing, time spent online and behavioural issues.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG’s) encourage people to be socially active online. This raises the risks of sharing personal information, who really are you talking too? It is important for gamers to know not to share any important and personal information online, even if it is to their friends. “Whilst social gaming is contributing to a rise in popularity so does the rising concerns about the impact it may have on an individual’s social life offline due to the amount of time exhausted playing online. (Kowert 2014).

'As I sit down at the computer screen to write this piece, a little person is at my elbow and a little voice is in my ear: "Can I go on it now, Mum?"The little person is my seven-year-old son Tony, and he wants to play his computer game, The Sims.' (Robinson W, 2007)

References

Russel A PH.D, 2010. ‘Negative potential of video games’ Updated on April 29, 2010. Available at: http://www.education.com/reference/article/negative-potential-video-games/

Kowert R, 2014, ‘Social gaming, Lonely life? Viewed February 01 2015, Available at http://blog.rkowert.com/social-gaming-lonely-life/

Robinson W, 2007, 'The computer games that become a terrible obsession' Last updated June 2007. Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-463466/The-games-terrible-obsession.html

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Social Imaging

‘Selfie image'

For some people their social image is the most important thing in their life right now. This is hard to believe, but it is the trend of the #selfie that has taken over the idea of photographs. Derived from the common self-portrait, the ‘selfie’ was initially defined as an arms-length mobile phone camera self-portrait shared via social media. Let’s admit it we all take ‘selfies,’ and we love it. Instagram users have hashtaged the word ‘selfie’ over 225 Million times, #selfies over 14 million and even #selfiesunday over 12 million. I know this as I used my own Instagram account to search for the hashtag ‘selfie’. Despite the ‘selfie’ addictions there is more to this trend then most people think. It allows for visual communication, public intimacy and self-presentation. It was written in the New York Times by the famous actor and ‘selfie’ taker James Franco, ‘now, while the celebrity selfie is most powerful as a pseudo-personal moment, the noncelebrity selfie is a chance for subjects to glam it up, to show off a special side of themselves — dressing up for a special occasion, or not dressing…’

One of my favourite apps I use on a daily basis is Snapchat. This application makes visual communication easily accessible and is literally communication through images, rather then around them in other social media platforms such as Instagram. ‘The selfie makes sense as the fundamental unit of communication on Snapchat because it marks the transition between digital media as self-expression and digital media as communication.’ (Herman 2014). Snapchat is all about self-image and overcoming anxieties associated with our personal image. It allows users to post what they like without the ramifications associated with other people accessing their photos. Snapchat and apps alike have taken visual communication to the next level. It has created a need for updated camera technologies, digitalisation and even a needed desire for collage apps with the latest filters. With the mix of digitalisation, social media platforms and the desired filter personal photography has risen to a form of communicating, not just a trend.

The ‘selfie’ revolution has changed visual communication, with social media platforms allowing its’ expression to be recognised nationwide. Its’ intriguing nature has allowed users to express themselves like never before. Self-portraits have become a thing of the past with ‘selfies’ reining the world of photography.

References

Franco J, 2013 ‘ New York Times, The meanings of the selfie’ December 26. Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/29/arts/the-meanings-of-the-selfie.html?_r=0

Herrman, J 2014, ‘Meet the Man Who Got Inside Snapchat’s Head’, BuzzFeed, 28 January, viewed 24 September 2014, <http://www.buzzfeed.com/jwherrman/meet-the-unlikely-academic-behind-snapchats-new-pitch#3dlvjg2>.

‘Selfie’ Image available at: http://www.lovethispic.com/image/88485/selfie

Lange, P 2009, ‘Videos of Affinity on YouTube’, in P, Snickars & P, Vonderau (eds), The YouTube Reader, National Library of Sweden, Stockholm, pp 70-88.

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I recently had a wake-up call when it comes to conflict on social media. I follow Dick Smith Foods on Facebook and I find myself completely appalled by the racist/anti-religious posts on the page by some “supporters”. All stemming from a public statement that the company would not be going...

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This post from my fellow student is extremely informative with regards to conflict on social media. I too have been appalled by comments I have read on alike social media platforms. It is so easy for anyone to post what they like on these sites regardless of whether it is right or wrong. I am all for activism and support, although some people take advantage of their freedom of speech within social media platforms. 

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Crowdsourcing

After all the negativity surrounding social media platforms I feel a sense of relief to focus on some good it brings to society in times of crises. An example of a crisis may include natural disasters, and due to this it is often that our communication systems will go down. In the response to crisis, it is vital that our media and communication technologies deliver the correct information in a timely manner, and for classifying action. Social media platforms are extremely important in these instances and are some people’s only insight to information.

There is a way people can share information in times of crises, it is called ‘crowdsourcing’ when information can be gathered from a community to help out during a crisis. During many Australian disasters people have been able to express thoughts, experiences and images to social media sites such as Twitter and Ushahidi- (http://www.ushahidi.com/ ), a sophisticated tool for crowd mapping. Using these sites during crises can help immensely when there is little information known about the situation. ‘There is no doubt that projects using crowdsourcing platforms like Ushahidi can change the velocity and nature of political events: people can organise more quickly, find others who share their views and work together in disparate locations to produce powerful sources of information’. (Ford 2012) Ushahidi has been active since 2007 and has become one of the world’s imperative non for profit technology companies to date. There are over 20,000 crowdmaps, which mainly consist of small data maps. Crowdsourcing has the ability to help and support people in times of crisis.

'The force of Crowdsourcing'

References

Ford, H 2012, 'Crowd Wisdom', Index on Censorship, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 33-39

Star Wars Uncut: The Force Of Crowdsourcing’ Available at: http://ogilvynotes.com/49789/438235/home/star-wars-uncut-the-force-of-crowdsourcing

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Mean Tweets - NBA Edition

An example of ‘trolling’ in today's society is displayed in the Youtube video, ‘NBA players read mean Tweets.’

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Trolling and social media conflict

Embracing insecurities image: http://asi.cpp.edu/campuscrop/?p=13523

It’s true, haters gonna hate, and these haters are called Trolls. Everyday people are dealing with the backlash of what in today’s society is called trolling. Celebrities are forever dealing with hate mail, negative comments and destructive Tweets from their ‘followers.’ Although despite the online celebrity debacle it is the common online user who is dealing with severe online abuse. It is to my understanding that the word trolling is a ‘modern’ term for bullying, stalking or hating on someone. It has a negative connotation and would be used in online conflict. Our access to public communication is easier than ever, and for most of us we indulge in this form of communication on a daily basis. As a digital citizen we all have a responsibility when using the Internet and need to ensure our own safety and the safety of others when online.

We all know and use the social media platform site, Youtube. The video streaming site hosts main mainstream commercial video production, user-generated video’s, with each video open to user comments, with the ability to share through their social media platforms. Although this site is meant for the simple Internet user, the conflict and continuous moral panics due to trolling are associated with the use of Youtube. ‘They found a high prevalence of negative comments in videos with a high total number of comments, and that controversial or perhaps ‘provocative’, topics such as politics and religion were most likely to trigger and sustained comments and discussion.’ (Cosker 2014) This act of hating, stalking and trolling is what has lead to so many ‘digital citizens’ having immoral experiences online. 

References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6V8N4Gwo88

Paresa B, 2014 ‘Embracing your insecurities’ November 17, Available at: http://asi.cpp.edu/campuscrop/?p=13523

McCosker, A 2014, YouTrolling as provocation: Tube's agonistics publics, Convergence, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 201-217.

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Digital Activism

The likes of Twitter and Facebook have introduced a social revolution. There are some seriously powerful platforms! This is why so many Activist groups are using social media platforms as part of their campaign. A very recognisable activist group 'Greenpeace' have been using blogging, posts and videos to spread their important messages and raise money towards their campaigns such as ‘get involved’. Digital Activism has allowed anyone to 'get involved' with campaigns expressing their views and supporting what they think is right. Today it is easy as a simple hashtag and you are on board with the latest campaign showing your support sending your message for the entire nation to view. “In terms of using social media for digital activism it has been said that Facebook can be utilised to form groups and change people’s minds in order to establish strong but flexible connections with other like-minded people” (Gerbaudo 2012)

I personally have never taken part as a Digital activist. Although, while I have been researching this forever debatable topic, I am going to make a conscious effort to get involved with campaigns I feel strongly about. Taking a closer look at the Digital Activism Project http://digital-activism.org/ I was able to undertand the true importance of Digital Citizenship. I was introduced to the likes of the #bringbackourgirls campaign and how these types of campaigns strive for the viewers attention. This is a great way to spread the word about overseas events and how we as a nation can create a better place for all society. ‘But as activists learn what can help them in their non-violent fight, we the people living in the “democratic West” are going to learn as much from them. Democracy is not a given, it is a process: and we need to maintain it, we need to care about it. Activists from all over the world help their people. But they also help us.’ (Arzaba 2013).

Digital activism workshops for human rights defenders, held in Florence. Picture by Andrea Arzaba 2013.

References

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/getinvolved/

https://www.facebook.com/greenpeace.international

Gerbaudo, P 2012, Tweets and the streets: Social media and contemporary activism, Pluto press, London. Pg 3.

http://digital-activism.org/about/about-the-project/

[image] Available at: http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/05/28/human-rights-activists-hone-digital-skills-in-2013-empowerment-lab/

Arzaba, A 2013, Human Rights Activists Hone Digital Skills in 2013 Empowerment Lab, found at: http://globalvoicesonline.org/2013/05/28/human-rights-activists-hone-digital-skills-in-2013-empowerment-lab/

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Twitter for Prime Minister

It is silly to think that a social media platform could ever run for Prime Minister but who are you really voting for? In order for politicians to win over the votes they need an edge, a catch, and social media allows this. They can tweet, #hashtag and post just like you and me and all of a sudden you are liking their tweet, commenting on their post and you feel included, important even. This is how they win you over.  

Who would you prefer to have over for dinner? American President Barak Obama or the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott? I know my answer, the man Obama. I guess you could say Obama is a likeable guy, and Tony Abbott, well, he isn’t. Obama has 51.2 Million followers on Twitter, Tony Abbott a mere 395K. It is obvious I am not the only one who thinks Obama is the more likeable guy here. Despite this when it comes to sending a message via a social media platform Obama has it covered. Politicians know that when reaching out to a large audience there is no better way then posting a simple tweet or recording a message and posting to it via Youtube. It is with these social media platforms that politicians can reach out to the younger audience and somewhat relate to them on their level. We may not be up to date on the news but we sure are up to date with what is happening on Facebook. The belief has been that a YouTube presence is essential if a candidate wants to be noticed and admired by younger voters. So if I can give any advice to our future politicians they need to be a little more social media obsessed to make a difference. Lucky for future generations they wont have a choice in the matter as social media is now seen as a lifestyle, than just simple internet use.

Social media without a doubt has changed the nature of public debate, including claims that it has radically altered concepts such as audiences, news and journalism in ways that will have profound implications for society and democracy (Young 2010). Social media is not seen a positive leap for democracy and it's politicians. Despite the negative views on the matter it is not social media itself causing a disturbance but the user itself. Twitter is unable to Tweet without its Tweeter. For many politicians, the risk- averse nature of the profession, with gotcha moments lurking around every microphone, means that the benefit of engaging with social media- especially Twitter, where, as Sky News’ John Kerrison advises, you need to imagine every one of your tweets written on the side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge- is a difficult concept to grasp. (Jericho 2012)

References

Jericho, G 2012, 'How many votes are there on Twitter?', in The Rise of the Fifth Estate, Scribe, Victoria, Australia.

Young, S 2010, 'News, political reporting and the internet', in How Australia Decides, Cambridge University Press, Victoria, Australia.

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Does anyone else have 'Phantom Vibration Syndrome'? 

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A blogger would be nothing without their followers

“Blogs, essentially are ‘words of mouth on steroids,’ as one CEO put it, a wisdom of the crowd way to find out what’s going on because they bypass officialdom and establishment gatekeepers and have more credibility as unfiltered news and opinion.” Got Blog (Cross 2011)

It is one thing to post this ‘unfiltered’ news to a site for people to read, but who are the people reading it? Who are you reading this right now.. after all a blogger would be nothing without their followers. The word used to describe an audience of social media platforms is ‘Publics’. As you are reading this right now you are considered a Public. So what role do we as a ‘Public’ play in society, keep in mind this is in relation to Social Media. According to (Michael Warner 2002), a ‘Public’ is self organised, a public is a relation among strangers, the address of public speech is both personal and impersonal, a public is constituted through mere attention, a public is the social space created by the reflexive circulation of discourse, publics act historically according to the temporality of their circulation, and my favourite a public is poetic world-making. All of which he goes into ALOT of detail about, but now you understand being a ‘public’ or simply an audience is extremely important, bloggers alike. I never would have thought that reading something had such an impact in todays society. Understanding the role I play as a 'Public' has shifted the way I view anything I read online. Hopefully we can all start to understand our importance in our virtual online communities, and begin to create a positive social media experience for everyone one blog at a time. #weareallequal 

If you think you need practice being a good ‘Public’ here is a link to the 15 most popular blogs. http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/blogs

  Happy reading.

   References

Cross, M 2011, Got Blog, in Bloggerati, Twitterati: How blogs and Twitter are transforming popular culture, Praeger, Santa Barbara.

Michael Warner, 2002, ‘Publics and Counterpublics’ in Public Culture 14(1) 49-90; pp. 49-50).

http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/blogs

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Social media platforms revealed. 

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I have known people as young as 6 years old who own their own mobile phones. They can text, call, MMS, viber, download apps, play games, snapchat and scarily connect within the online community. It worries me for my own children who are growing up in this new tech savvy generation they will begin to forget how to speak, listen and learn as we all have. If a 6 year old can use an iphone easier then majority of us out there what can we expect is next. The great social media guru Danah Boyd discusses how social media is practically running our lives, in fact I would say most of us seem to be #social media obsessed. So how many of you check twitter in the middle of the night when you wake up from a bad dream? Danah does, and I can agree with her, I have two very young children and am up in the middle of the night, every night, and I too will sneak in a FB stalk while rocking them to sleep. We can all agree that since being able to connect with the world at such a quick speed we have held on tightly and not let go, but how did this happen so fast?

  It has been told that changes in society began all the way back in the Industrial Revolution. In the 21st Century, sociologist Ferdinand Tonnies focused on how people moved from living in villages to living in the city creating a shift from community to society. This shift from simple communities to impersonal societies is demonstrated by a loss of human contact. Nowadays we are all part of what is called a ‘Virtual Community’ which represents a brand new type of community ‘based merely on proximity and relations made possible by sharing a given space, but common ideas, beliefs, experiences and so on’. You may be part of a virtual community you didn’t even realize existed. I know I am part of many for example, my FB community, #instagram, my online mothers group and now Tumblr. Honestly I couldn’t imagine my life without being a part of these virtual communities and believe they give people a sense of belonging.

  If I was asked what a platform was I would have told you it was something you stood on waiting for a train, right? Wrong… and right. A social media platform is what you are on right now when reading this. It is your Tumblr, facebook, twitter even myspace back in the day. The online community is extremely complex, to understand what a Platform really is you need to know its features, cultures of use, its potential and its limits. Have you noticed that your Facebook news feed is always changing, a new look, bolder heading and bigger pictures. This is to stop us users from changing the way social media is ‘meant’ to be used. Dirhaj Murthy explains ‘social media has been broadly defined to refer to the many relative inexpensive and widely accessible electronic tools than enable anyone to publish and access information, collaborate on a common effort of build relationships.” So in the future when accessing information via a social media site, approach the platform with care. 

  References

Boyd, D 2012, Participating in the Always On Lifestyle, in Mandiberg (ed) The Social Media Reader, NYU Press, pp 71-76.

Siapera, E 2012, ‘Socialities and Social Media’, in Introduction to New Media, Sage, London, pp 191-208.

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In the mood for some serious blogging #blogpostduemondayneedtohurryup

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I’ll admit it, like most people I can be a little social media obsessed. So for my Digital Communities Assessment which requires us to Blog and share thoughts with other students regarding the number one topic in todays society #socialmedia I actually became excited.. yes excited for this assessment. Never thought I would say that. This blog will focus on all things social media, down to the nitty and gritty. I will be sharing my personal experiences as well as research I have found along the way through my unit to explore the real meaning of ‘Digital Communities’.