Anura Talks Media

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Get out of here ‘manosphere’, we don’t want you here. (Week 11)

“Carl is a man who literally profits from harassing me and other women: he makes over $5,000 a month on Patreon for creating YouTube videos that mock, insult and discredit myself and other women online, and he’s not alone. He is one of several YouTubers who profit from the cottage industry of online harassment and antifeminism; together, these people have millions of followers who are regularly encouraged by the videos and tweets of these individuals to harass me and other women who make videos daring to assert the basic humanity of women, people of color, trans folks, and members of other marginalized groups.” - Anita Sarkeesian, 2017

The above is a quote from prominent feminist Anita Sarkessian. She wrote this about her experience at the popular YouTube convention VidCon. This event has become synonymous within the online community because Sarkessian publicly attacked the man, known as Sargon of Akkad. Sargon and his online community, known as anti-social-justice-warriors (ASJW), then proceeded to post more videos online sharing his anti-feminist views due to the incident, leading to hundreds of thousands of people sharing attacking Sarkessian and other women on various digital platforms. 

This is just one example of how one person’s online harassment of another can explode and lead to a ‘mob’ mentality. 

But what is online harassment? 

It is best described as a combination of the following ten behaviours:

Being called offensive names

Being embarrassed online

Being physically threatened online

Being sexually harassed online

Being harassed over a long time

Being hurt online by a romantic partner

Being impersonated

Spreading damaging rumors online

Encouraging others to harass you online

Attempting to hurt the victim in person after online harassment.

All of these behaviours are abhorrent. No one should ever subject someone to one of these behaviours. But in my opinion, when we are talking about online harassment, calling for another person to contribute to harassing someone online is the worst of these behaviours. And it is unfortunate that the ‘easy’ targets for ASJW’s are people of colour and women. 

Online communities were formulated to help people connect. Content creators share content with their community because it makes their fans happy. But unfortunately, the internet has become the key in helping make men’s rights activism and ASJW’s so popular. Thus leading to phrases such as ‘toxic masculinity’ being thrown around online by men’s and women’s rights activists alike. 

With this in mind, there is a great term to describe this ‘internet bubble’. It is called the ‘manosphere’ and is best described as the culmination of many diverse communities that have been brought together by a common language that orients them in opposition of feminism.

So, how do we fight against ideas like ‘the manosphere’?

Honestly, there is no straight answer.

Governments have certain regulations against cyberbullying and trolls. Activists can raise awareness with things like comedy specials, fundraisers and blogs. And we can pressure platforms, like YouTube, to take a harsher stance on these sorts of behaviours. 

No one deserves to be belittled online - it is rude, unfair, appalling and just plain old disgusting. 

I am going to leave you here with another quote from Anita Sarkeesian, who in her TEDX Talks but it best by saying:

“We don’t usually think of online harassment as a social activity, but we do know from the strategies and tactics that they used that they were not working alone, that they were actually loosely coordinating with one another. The social component is a powerful motivating factor that works to provide incentives for perpetrators to participate and to actually escalate the attacks by earning the praise and approval of their peers.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of online harassment, please reach out to the following resources for support:

eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Kids HelpLine: 1800 55 1800

Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/

[anuratalksmedia]

It’s dangerous to stream alone… take this! (Week 10)

I would call myself a gamer. I have five different systems to play games on. I love DOOM, Fire Emblem, Assassin’s Creed, Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and Animal Crossing. I watch ‘Let’s Plays’, listen to D&D podcasts and read articles about new releases. I feel very much ingrained in a ‘gaming’ community by interacting with other people who like the same games as me through wikis, subreddits and YouTube. 

I may be a member of the gaming community, but one thing that I have never managed to get into is esports. 

For those who don’t know, esports (also known as electronic sports) commonly refers to professional gamers, or amateurs, competing to win a video game, like Starcraft, Overwatch or League of Legends. Esports players are often part of a team, that is part of a league, that is part of a global tournament - so basically it is just another version of sports. I consider the individuals that play in these esports tournaments to be athletes. They are amazing at what they do - and watching them for even five minutes demonstrates just how skilled they are. 

Check this out to see what I mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhifJNjyozs

Esports is commonly streamed through the online streaming site Twitch. In April 2020, this site had an average of 2,233,910 viewers per 24 hours. That’s a lot of people! 

These individuals could be watching esports, or they may be watching other broadcasters, typically called “variety” streamers. These ‘variety streamers’ could still be gamers, playing AAA titles, indie games or even old NES classics, but they could also just be individuals chatting with their fans. These people are breaking out of the ‘Twitch is only for gamers’ stereotype and creating a new ‘in’ to streaming for those people who just don’t like video games. 

These ‘variety streamers’ are the type of livestreamer that interest me. I watch a few on Twitch - for example Joe Zieja, a popular voice actor. 

However, I find that I am slightly obsessed with streamed events on Twitch and YouTube called ‘charity livestreams’. 

These events are run quite frequently and typically involve a streamer, or a YouTube personality, playing a video game for an extended amount of time whilst encouraging their viewers and followers to donate to their page so they can give money to a certain cause or charity. A recent example of this took place in April 2020 when prominent YouTuber JackSepticEye raised over $650,000 for COVID-19 relief in the #HopeFromHome livestreaming event on YouTube.

These types of livestreaming events really highlight just how powerful streaming can be when it is done by non-esports gamers. Often it is these personalities that foster the kindest communities, whilst also allowing their communities the freedom to express themselves freely (under the watchful eyes of chat moderators) to help foster friendships amongst themselves… with the added benefit of supporting a worthy cause.

With this in mind, I cannot talk about charity livestreaming without talking about YouTuber and Twitch streamer Harry Brewis, who is better known as hbomberguy. In 2019, hbomberguy began a charity livestream supporting Mermaids, a charity in the UK that provides support for gender-diverse, LGBTQ+ and transgender young people. 

Here he is announcing the stream on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=WIM-GKRS9Vk&feature=emb_logo

So hbomberguy streamed Donkey Kong 64 on Twitch on January 18th 2019. Little did he know that he would end up streaming for 57 hours straight and would raise over $340,000. His stream managed to garner so much attention that U.S.Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) would begin to donate money, and even jump onto the stream with Brewis to have a discussion about the increased need for transgender rights in the US. 

This example is just one many that proves how valuable livestreaming is as a digital asset - especially if you have the online community to support it. Research has shown that a streamer is more likely to receive donations for their charity stream because their viewers and subscribers just really want to interact with them and be a part of the online “masspersonal” communication that is happening amongst their favourite streamers community.

The positive side of the gaming community is often lost due to the stereotype that all gamers live in their mother’s basement and are huge internet trolls… which is unfortunate to say the least. But by examining the interesting world of streaming, particularly charity livestreaming, it is clear that there is more to this strong community than meets the eye.

It will always be hard for those who are not ‘gamers’ to see the upside of streaming, but I believe that by examining the evidence of just how powerful the positivity of these streamers and their communities are that everyone can go on a quest to discover why these ‘gamers’ are coming out of the basement and into the light. 

[anuratalksmedia]

#WeAreHere (Week 9 - Activism)

#BlackLivesMatter.

#NotOneMore.

#Kony2012.

#MeToo.

Most people who are online would have heard of these hashtags and know what they represent. And this is because of the clever, strategic use of social media and digital environments by activists to help promote a message.

Social justice movements are becoming almost ‘invisible’ affairs. Unless someone comes out and shows the world that they started a particular movement - people tend to associate a movement with the event that caused it rather than the person that started using the hashtag first. A prime example of this is the ‘#IStandWithAhmed’ movement in 2015.

Uses of hashtags in digital activism demonstrates just how powerful networked technologies are as they allow us to take political action any time, anywhere. Digital activism also allows us to participate in an issue that we are passionate about. These hashtags are also long-lasting, often leading them to being used for years after a particular event horizon passes. For example, we are still using ‘#MeToo’ and that started in 2017.

And that’s the great thing about having a computer in your pocket. It allows you to immediately connect with others anywhere in the world that feel the same way about a political, social or economic issue as you do. There’s a constant “circulating data stream” of likes, shares, comments, emojis, memes and TikToks swirling around in the whirlpool that is the internet. And that means someone will always be able to connect with your intended message and support it in whatever way they deem fit.

However, there is a downside to this ideal. Some activists believe that just getting people to click on your posts and engage with them is a fundamentally flawed way to approach digital activism. This idea is called ‘clicktivism’ - a simple version of activism engagement. Micah White, the co-founder of the ‘#OccupyWallStreet’ movement stated in his book that clicktivism is “fatally flawed” and that “emphasis on analytics results… propagates a false theory of social change”.

He has a point. Social change should be measured by action not by social media analytics. But what if there was a way to understand clicktivism in a more positive way?

“... clicktivism… is the first step for many people into the world of activism. The ease and convenience of online actions (clicks, likes, tweets and shares) can be seen as a reason to dismiss their significance, but if it means introducing the issue to those who would otherwise never be exposed to it, then that is a game-changer.”

Quote from Larissa Ocampo, Online Community Manager at One Girl

I am of the belief, as Larissa stated, that even a single like on a post that encourages political or social activism is a step towards action. Sometimes that is all that people want to do. They might be scared of saying their opinion on an issue and getting attacked by SJW’s, racists or sexists. And being apprehensive is okay. Supporting an issue that you are passionate about by just retweeting a tweet that says ‘#BlackLivesMatter’ is okay.

Just being there is okay. 

You’ll be helping to fight for someone’s rights who needs us to fight for them. And if that isn’t an endorsement for digital activism… then I don’t know what is.

[anuratalksmedia]

Dr Google... please help me hide from the IG influencers! (Week 8 - Digital Health)

‘Hey, look at this new diet. You’ll lose 10kg in 10 days’.

‘Wow - want to look as good as me in my swimwear? Try this!’

Advertisements, like the ones I just made up, are everywhere - and you are more likely to see them on social media than anywhere else. Seeing this type of ad all day, every day will have an impact on the choices you make in regards to your healthcare. And this will inevitably lead you to good ol’ Dr Google to try and figure out what’s best for your health… and that is never really a good idea if you want a professional opinion. 

However, due to the increasing number of us that are on Instagram daily - around 500 million to be exact - avoiding health advice is nearly impossible. 

Instagram is a purely visual social media platform. You see photos and videos on there all the time, and the vast majority are ads that are trying to sell you something from some form of influencer. If you want to be an influencer who makes money off of how they look, you go ahead. But just remember that the unique visual mechanics of Instagram may make you want to consider getting plastic surgery.

There is proof of this thought pattern. According to a report from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2017, 42% of surgeons reported that their patients were seeking plastic surgery in order to improve their appearance on social media. This is an astounding number of people - but it makes sense.

You’re more likely to listen to an influencer trying to sell a health-related product from someone who looks healthy and ‘glowing’ than one who isn’t. You may try and deny it, but it’s a fact. 

With this in mind, it is important that we remember that there is a person behind that influencer - they are doing their job, they’re getting paid to tell you how this pill can change your life. Dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade put it best when she said that “social media is for inspiration and creative ideas, but be realistic with it. Most of us don’t eat dishes that look like they belong on our Instagram and Pinterest feeds. Even influencers don’t eat like that every day.” When a professional says this, it makes you think… how do medical professionals use Instagram when they have to compete with influencers?

Let’s have a quick look at the most ‘Instagrammable’ health profession - dietitians and nutritionists. Now, it is their job to sit down with clients and help them better look after themselves through changing their health habits. These individuals also help people manage chronic conditions that can have a huge impact on someone’s quality of life. 

Experts suggest that the integration of social media, and other digital tools, into healthcare may have a benefit in improving patient care, as well as increasing communications between a patient and their practitioner. Now this idea is still quite young, but in Australia there is a large number of nutritionists and dietitians that are quite active on social media. And for them to be on social media, they must follow a set of guidelines that are set out by industry bodies. These are in place to ensure that a practitioner is not breaking any ethical codes, spreading misinformation or breaking patient confidentiality. But if they follow the rules, there is a great potential for these practitioners to share their knowledge and help guide the public in an appropriate, scientifically accurate health direction.

Influencers on Instagram can be dangerous when they talk about public health online. Not only can they influence someone to change their body, but they also have the potential to harm someone who does not get their health information from a professional source. This is why the regulation of public health information online is tricky - but there are some dedicated individuals out there that are trying to help spread health information responsibly. Check them out below:

https://www.instagram.com/chloe_mcleod_dietitian/

https://www.instagram.com/shiftnutrition/

https://www.instagram.com/simone_austin/

https://www.instagram.com/melaniemcgrice/

https://www.instagram.com/jacquiplozza/

https://www.instagram.com/the_nutrition_pharmacist/

https://www.instagram.com/thelifestyledietitian_au/

[anuratalksmedia]

The Devil Wears Sustainability. (Week 7 - Fashion)

Fashion. You either love the idea of it or you hate it. 

Fashion is something that has been around for centuries and has shaped the ‘look’ of every century in some way shape or form - like c’mon what was happening with puffy short shorts and codpieces?

Terrifying outfits aside, in the 21st century, I think it’s reasonable to suggest that when anyone visualises the fashion industry, they think of the impeccably dressed Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada and how the movie portrays the industry.

Cutthroat. Ruthless. Beautiful. Breathtaking. 

All of those words will resonate with someone's idea of fashion. And with more and more people shopping online - through sites like The Iconic and ASOS - fashion is becoming an increasingly digital venture. Which means that savvy consumers are looking more closely at what is happening in the fashion world and where their clothes are coming from. This is why the movement of ‘slow’ or sustainable fashion emerged.

But what does that even mean? And how do you know what’s ‘slow’ fashion? And no, it’s not just wearing a hessian sack (like I thought). In fact, it is actually more complicated than The Paper Bag Princess.

‘Slow’ fashion seeks to slow down the pace of fashion life cycles. There are not five different ‘spring looks’ in sustainable fashion, there is longevity in the garment and style. There is a strong focus on quality rather than quantity that incorporates environmental, social and economic elements. This helps to better protect the environment and the workforce.

With the prominence of this fashion trend increasing every year, there has been a stronger uptake from big brands like H&M, Marks & Spencers and Stella McCartney. But how did they know what classifies as ‘slow’ fashion? Is there a certain criteria for it? 

I am glad you asked as yes, yes there is a criteria that was set out by Fletcher in 2008. They state that:

Across the entire supply chain, anything produced must be child labour free

Any materials used must be recycled, upcycled and/or more durable, reinforcing the fact that ‘slow’ fashion is very different to ‘fast’ or ‘throw away’ fashion

Production must be both socially and ethically responsible (i.e., fair wages and promotes local jobs)

Promote long-term relationships between all aspects of the supply chain, leading to fair prices and wages as well as helping to develop positive relationships that foster ‘slow’ fashion as a movement

Brands who wish to become more environmentally friendly and ethically sound must consider if they can sustain those four points within their business. If they can’t, then they cannot become a ‘slow’ fashion representative. 

Have I piqued your interest in investing in the ‘slow’ fashion movement? Want to help foster some sustainable fashion habits? Below is a list of some of the most prominent sustainable clothing brands, initiatives and influencers to help you along in your journey. 

Hail and well met - see you on the fashion road! 

https://bigsisterswap.co.uk/

https://www.biome.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/tuulavintage/

https://www.instagram.com/the_second_runway/

https://www.instagram.com/littlepineneedle/

https://threadharvest.com.au/

https://slowclothes.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/venetiafalconer/?hl=en

[anuratalksmedia]

Politics. Poli-what? (Week 6 - Politics)

Politics can be intimidating at the best of times. What does this policy mean? How do I vote? Who is the best candidate?

So many questions… and where do we go when we have a question? The internet! 

During the US presidential elections in 2008, Barack Obama became the figurehead for social media-based election campaigning. Since then, social media has established itself as the best way to communicate political and socio-economic messages. This is evident by the fact that social media platforms have quickly replaced campaign websites leading to social media profiles becoming the main information channel. 

This change in political engagement means that it is now easier than ever to become politically-aware. As the 2020 US election campaign ramps up, all you need to do is search Twitter for less than a minute and you will stumble across some form of message from a US politician. Politicians can now connect with their voters directly - leading to a higher amount of engagement with potential policy. Let’s take the profile of Bernie Sanders. He tweets relentlessly to his 11.8 million followers and they will know exactly where he stands on issues because of it. This haphazard form of campaigning may seem clumsy and miscalculated at times but, in actuality, the authentic style can prove to be successful - just look at Trump’s approach in 2016.

The success of political campaigns on social media is becoming more and more evident as global elections come and go. But if all of this work is going in to educate us about political policies, how do we actually engage with it? The idea of replying to a tweet about politics is intimidating at the best of times. What if I say something wrong? Will I have to defend my opinion? The thought of this really just makes you want to run away and hide, right?

If you want to learn, you have to give it a try.

Share your thoughts. What pisses you off? Who isn’t taking action? What should they do about it? It’s your right as a digital citizen to be able to engage with a democratic conversation. It is all part of being a part of an online society. By having access to the internet you have access to a tonne of political information, meaning that you can become a well-informed individual who can make a change. You just have to start tweeting about it. 

[anuratalksmedia]

So... what is Tumblr?

When you think about Tumblr as a platform, most people will cast their mind back to when they first discovered the Internet as a 13-year-old highschooler. Tumblr became a safe haven for young people to share their thoughts, loves, hates and interests. Were you a fan of anime, or Supernatural? There’d be a set of Tumblr blogs dedicated to sharing and discussing that one thing you loved.

Reposting, commenting, sharing and posting something again for the fifth time are all ways that allow Tumblr to function like an online community. It doesn’t seem like it - but it’s those little things like giving someone a ‘like’ for that one gif they made about The Good Place and then sharing it to your friends that really defines this idea of a digital community. The community that you build on Tumblr makes you feel like you’re having a conversation with 25 people without having to leave your phone.

But let’s get down to specifics here, so bear with me… if you’re familiar with media theory, you’ll know about Habermas’ public sphere theory. He says that individuals who are usually private come together as a public for the purpose of furthering critical knowledge. 

Now why is this relevant? That kinda makes no sense.

But in actuality, Tumblr is more connected to this theory than any of us realise.

We, as part of the Tumblr community, are a part of something called an issue publics, which is an offshoot of the public sphere. It’s a weird name,yes, but issue publics, AKA issue communities, are best described as groups that gather in online platforms, like Tumblr. In your daily life on Tumblr, you will most likely interact with people that are your online friends, as well as complete strangers. You’re likely to have a private chat with your friends, and will only comment on a post from a stranger. Very different interactions. But it’s this sudden shift in interactions, the movement between interpersonal and public conversations, that really highlights how both in theory and in practice Tumblr is a highly functioning digital community. 

Who knew Tumblr was so complicated? 

[anuratalksmedia]

Please standby as we boot up this blog!