DIGITAL COMMUNITIES

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Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming

As online platforms have become more prominent in today's society, video games have become more social. Taylor (2018, p. 6) discusses the growing video game community and how Twitch and live streaming allow users to share their gaming experiences with others. This has enabled people to interact and converse with others who share their interests.

Gaming services such as Twitch, Discord, and even YouTube enable individuals to establish communities, play games, and have fun together. The gaming network is one of the world's largest communities of individuals. Gaming does not discriminate, and you may be whatever you want to be.

The good in gaming is limitless, the sense of community, the ability to keep youngsters off the streets and out of danger, the intense rivalry within these communities, but it isn't always good that comes from these Billion Dollar companies and gaming fans.

Unfortunately, the outcome is a basic distortion of gaming minority, namely females. Women, on the other hand, are carving out their own places in gaming, and by 2020, 41% of gamers will be female (Yokoi, 2021 (McDivitt, 2020). This indicates that an increasing number of female gamers are drawn to the enjoyment, flexibility, and independence that gaming provides across several devices. This is especially true in Asia, where mobile phones have become the primary internet-enabled device for many individuals, increasing by 19% since 2019 (BBC, 2020).

Social gaming is growing in modern digital age, thanks to the numerous newly developed platforms. We can do almost everything online, and gaming is a big part of that. Online gaming is one of the fastest-growing sectors, and it will only grow in the future as the industry expands.

REFERENCES

McDivitt, A. (2020, October 29). TOXIC VIDEO GAME CULTURE AND WHY I DON’T CALL MYSELF A “GAMER”. Retrieved from Blog : https://blog.degruyter.com/toxic-video-game-culture-and-why-i-dont-call-myself-a-gamer/

Taylor, TL 2018, ‘Broadcasting ourselves’ (chapter 1), in Watch Me Play: Twitch and the Rise of Game Live Streaming, Princeton University Press, pp.1-23

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Digital Citizenship and Software Literacy: Instagram Filters

Instagram filters have become a new trend in our society. Throughout my life, I have had to consume material that is continuously looking for new ways to make women feel uneasy and dissatisfied with themselves. As a member of the first generation to actually grow up on social media, I witnessed the evolution of our online presence. I recall when Snapchat's face-altering filters were first released, and they were simply a means to make yourself look funny, such as with a rainbow spilling out of your mouth.

Filters on Snapchat and Instagram have become an integral part of both social media platforms over time. Filtering, in and of itself, is a "technique for modifying or enhancing an image" by "improving the visual appearance of an image" (AlShehri 2020, p. 298).

These filters enable users to "see the real world, with virtual objects superimposed upon or composited with the real world" (Azuma 1997, p. 2).

These filters have the potential to cause major problems, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is comparable to Digitised Dysmorphia, which is allegedly caused by the usage of digital alteration programmes. According to Phillips, a major authority on Body Dysmorphic Disorder, "everyone with BDD is concerned with some aspect of their appearance that they consider ugly, unattractive, or "not right" in some way." Everyone is preoccupied—they are overthinking and worried about their bodies. Because of their concern, everyone is distressed or does not function as well as they could. The specifics vary from person to person, yet these fundamental themes are shared by all. Phillips (1998): 32.

In addition to the filters on these social media platforms, there are apps that allow users to change and edit their face and body. FaceApp and B612 apps allow consumers to change their appearance by retouching, reshaping, or changing/adding colours. They can modify the colour of their hair or eyes, add or brighten makeup, eliminate imperfections, and change the contour of their body or face. This enables users to alter their appearance and tweak aspects of their personalities in order to match society expectations.

Sadly, we live in a world that has high beauty standards that are tough and naturally unrealistic for women to meet, and women should not use social media to make themselves feel worse, insecure, or dislike their appearance. Spreading awareness about self-love, confidence, and natural beauty on Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms is one way we can assist young women all around the world fall in love with and appreciate themselves. Finally, they must refuse to let any cultural standard or beauty filter on social media tell them that they are not beautiful enough.

REFERENCES

Phillips, KA. (1998). ‘The Broken Mirror: Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder.’ Oxford University Press: Oxford.

Azuma, R, 1997, ‘A Survey of Augmented Reality’, In Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, vol 6 (9), pp. 1-48

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

In today's world, social media has evolved from a simple platform where people discuss their raw daily lives to a platform full of important figures who appear to live a perfect existence. It has become "ubiquitous in the world of plastic surgery" and has prompted worries about the influence of online celebrities in setting high aesthetic standards (Dorfman et al 2018, p. 332).

Instagram filters impact our perception of the people we see online. We can walk down the street and see people who depict themselves online as this great slender girl boss, but who are very different in person without the world of filters. I discovered an essay by Drenten in this week's readings that reveals the way women portray themselves on social media as some type of sexual dream to their followers.

Posing for their followers while wearing no clothing. The article examined how this may affect the mental health of those who use social media and how these females are projecting an image that younger girls, in particular, look up to. The demand on 'looking beautiful and sounding right' has become a battleground for many ladies nowadays.

Celebrities are frequently portrayed as unrealistic beauty standards on visual social media sites such as Instagram. Because of amazing editing and retouching skills used by media models, it has produced a quagmire of unattainable ideals that consumers, regrettably, attempt to meet. Instagram's popular aesthetic templates include publishing sexualized photographs on the platform while posing with promoted products that generate revenue for influencers (Drenten, 2018). Although money may benefit from the monetization of IG posts, there is a clear link between pornography and sexualized labour. Thus, it boils down to broader cultural forces that communicate to women that sexiness is both appreciated and a method of attracting attention.

However, in recent years, body positivity has enabled people to feel more at ease and secure in their own flesh. Instagram has also begun to include "content promoting acceptance of a diverse range of body sizes and appearances" (Lazuka et al 2020, p. 92). Lizzo is well-known for her online comments about body positivity and being "body normative" and "normalising" all body kinds (Mamo 2020). As a result, people can feel more confident and accept their appearance.

REFERENCES

Lazuka, R, Wick, M, Keel, P & Harriagar, J, 2020, ‘Are We There Yet? Progress in Depicting Diverse Images of Beauty in Instagram’s Body Positivity Movement’, Elsevier Ltd, vol.34, pp. 85-93

Drenten, J., 2018. Sexualized labour in digital culture: Instagram influencers, porn chic and the monetization of attention. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/gwao, pp. 1-26.

Dorfman, R, Vaca, E, Mahmood, E, Fine, N & Schierle, C, 2018, ‘Plastic Surgery-Related Hashtag Utilization on Instagram: Implications for Education and Marketing’, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 38 (3),  pp 332–338

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Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

People may now express themselves and share their lifestyle on a platform through social media. However, since its launch, social media has developed into an opportunity for online harassment and bad behaviour. To protect users who might become involved in conflict while online, governments and organisations have established social media codes of practise. This can take the form of other sorts of bullying, trolling, or hatred from anonymous accounts and secret identities, not only gaslighting. Conflict often occurs when someone is buried behind their keyboard due to the sense of anonymity that social media platforms provide.

Social media harassment often details the online activity of “being called offensive names”, “being embarrassed”, “physically threatened", “being sexually harassed”, “being harassed over a long time”, being hurt by a “romantic partner”, “being impersonated, spreading damaging rumors”,  “encouraging” the harassment of others and “attempting to hurt the victim in person after online harassment” (Marwick et al 2018, pp. 545).

Women are frequently harassed online, and there are numerous ways for them to do so. "The lack of social media sites policies and regulations to protect those who are harassed and verbally abused online is another flaw of social media "(Marwick,2018). Particularly, the lack of protection for women who are harassed online. This can include vile sexual harassment through DM (Direct Messages) and unsolicited pornographic images (Grey, 2016).

If there were appropriate restrictions in place, it would take into account the consequences of using online platforms to stop violence against women. From a study conducted by Plan International Children's Rights organisation found 58% of young women experienced online harassment on social media platforms of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (Sakay, 2020).

Finally, people must be informed on the many types of online abuse and harassment. They must not only be able to identify it, but they must also be aware of their rights. Social media is a digital community where people may interact and engage with others who share their interests. If people could simply bring a degree of kindness and love to the site, it could become a positive one.

REFERENCES

Sakay, Y. (2020, October 5). Almost 60% of girls, women worldwide harassed online on social media BY AGENCIES ISTANBUL LIFE OCT 05, 2020 1:25 PM GMT+3. Retrieved from Daily Sabah : https://www.dailysabah.com/life/almost-60-of-girls-women-worldwide-harassed-online-on-social-media/news

Marwick, A & Caplan, R 2018, 'Drinking male tears: language, the manosphere, and networked harassment’, Feminist Media Studies, vol. 18(4), pp. 543-559.

Grey, F. (2016, October 13). Trump and tram reactions show social media’s complex role in responding to sexual harassment. Retrieved from The Conversation : https://theconversation.com/trump-and-tram-reactions-show-social-medias-complex-role-in-responding-to-sexual-harassment-66762

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Digital Citizenship case study: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

Slow fashion is a movement that advocates for environmental and social justice in the fashion industry. Its defining point is that it zeroes in on the problem of overproduction and overconsumption (EARTH.ORG, 2022). Social media has become a platform in which influential figures promote and educate their followers on the importance of supporting the slow fashion industry.

Slow fashion concept itself focuses on “sustainability” as well as the fashion “[designs] incorporating high quality, small lines, regional productions, and fair labor conditions” (Pookulangara et al 2013, p. 201)

With the higher demands given to social media influencers, many have cancelled collaborations with fast fashion companies in favour of moving towards sustainability in an effort to increase engagement. These influential people are using their platforms to emphasise the importance it is to be a part of the slow fashion movement.

The economic benefits that these fast fashion businesses create seem to keep them up and running and avoid large scale criticism (Chi et al, 2021).

People have come up with a lot of ideas for how to help the slow fashion movement. People who want to live sustainably should think about alternatives to purchasing clothing from affordable brands. Thrifting and upcycling clothes are the new trend. The influencers promoting the slow fashion movement by vlogging their thrifting experience and showing of hauls of ‘What I got Thrifting Today’. Customers' purchasing decisions are greatly influenced by influencers, and larger platforms significantly excludes the slow fashion movement.

REFERENCES

Pookulangara, S & Shephard, A 2013, ‘Slow fashion movement: Understanding consumer perceptions—An exploratory study’, Journal of retailing and consumer services, vol. 20 (2), pp.200-206.

Chi, T, Gerard, J, Yu, Y & Wang, Y 2021, ‘A study of U.S. consumers intention to purchase slow fashion apparel: understanding the key determinants’, International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 101-112.

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What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtags Publics, Political Engagement and Activism

Digital citizenship, which often involved with politics, activism, and people's general online conduct, can be defined as being able to benefit society as a whole by encouraging individual participation within that society.

Social media sites like Instagram and Twitter have made it simpler than ever for users to participate actively as citizens in their online communities, particularly when it comes to politics. Many politicians are becoming more active online, using sites like Twitter to spread the word about their programmes and win support for them. For example, during election, people used social media as a way of communication, using their platforms to support a certain party or urge their followers to vote.

It also has allowed news to be more “direct” and therefore is able to “bypass the editorial media” (Enli 2017, pp. 52-53).

This is seen when Hillary Clinton tweeted that she would be running for president or when Donald Trump utilised his social media to “critique the mainstream media as biased and untrustworthy” (Enli 2017, p. 53).

The two major platforms used by campaign managers are… Twitter was utilised for information and for gathering and exchanging opinions, but Facebook was used for official campaigning, commending, and showing support.

Pages created are able to gain followers from digital citizens and therefore gain attention and grow (Nelimarkka, 2020).

As a result, social media allows users the chance to establish a platform. Modern way of communicating and spreading a message is through social media, whether it be during an election or when trying to make a difference.

REFERENCES

Enli, G 2017, ‘Twitter as an arena for the authentic outsider’: Exploring the social media campaigns of Trump and Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, European Journal of Communication, vol 32, no 1 pp 50-61

Matti Nelimarkka 2020, Salla-Maaria Laaksonen, Mari Tuokko and Tarja Valkonen Platformed Interactions: ‘How Social Media Platforms Relate to Candidate–Constituent Interaction During Finnish 2015 Election Campaigning’, 

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Digital Fandom and Reality TV

Reality TV is a type of television programming that involves unscripted scenarios, real-world occurrences, and frequently unproven performers in place of actors. Such programmes frequently feature participant interviews that serve as the show's narration, and they can place an intense focus on drama and emotional conflict. Reality TV is extremely popular in Australia, the category coming second to the news as the most watched program in the country, seen by about 41% of Australians per week in 2018. (Roy Morgan, 2019)

New reality shows are constantly being introduced in Australia due to the popularity of existing shows as well, such as The Masked Singer in 2019 and the return of Big Brother in 2020.

In relation to the digital public, reality TV is interesting because as mentioned in the reading, it offers insight into what everyday people care about, (Graham & Hajru 2011, p. 29) 

Giving viewers the chance to talk about a variety of connected issues on social media and through hashtags. Reality television may also be political by drawing attention to and raising awareness of social problems. In reality, the #MAFS hashtag on Twitter is a digital community within itself, enabling viewers to express and discuss their thoughts with others in a digital environment. In a result, the hashtag is frequently trending on Twitter when new episodes are broadcast.

These discussions could possibly focus on how women are treated, how marriage functions in modern society, romantic relationships, and friendships.

Political discussion is no longer just reserved for people in power, the internet has worked to “enhance the public sphere” (Graham & Hajru 2011, p.19)

This has led to a better understanding of how regular people "talk politics" and how they might relate what they see on TV to their own daily activities.

REFERENCES

Graham, T & Hajru, A 2011, “Reality TV as a trigger of everyday political talk in the net-based public sphere”, European Journal of Communication, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 18-32.

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Tumblr: Digital Community

People can now connect with others who share their interests to form groups and digital communities with the help of social media. An online community known as a digital community is one in which members can join various groups that share similar interests.

Tumblr is a social networking website that enables users to publish their blog articles. A blog, video, quote from someone else, or link can all be posted by individuals. The site's emphasis on freedom of expression and users' ability to precisely customise their own sites make Tumblr stand out from other social media platforms. This constitutes an exception to the rule since the vast majority of informal communities still in existence have normalised profile pages with constrained plan adaptability. Although Tumblr seems to be less popular than other platforms, it has some features that Tumblr can absolutely be a digital community.

While Tumblr can be a positive community, it is worth noting that there can also be negative impacts or even negative communities that can cause harm to individuals and communities.

Kruse (2018 pp.76) Tumblr has eventually made it possible for people to connect with like-minded people all across the world and to establish a space where digital communities may be authentic, despite the possibility of negative effects.

This is evident as “platform vernaculars that allow antifeminism to circulate, such as those that shape misogynist spaces like Reddit and 4Chan” (Keller 2019 pp. 9).

The idea of "The Public Sphere," which German philosopher Habermas established in the 1990s to define social and technical changes in society, is another name for digital communities. The key argument of "The Public Sphere" is that it creates a space for discussion among the general public. Media researchers disagree on whether "The Public Sphere" genuinely exists or whether it is just an ideal that society should try to realise in the future.

The increasing of popularity and growth of these virtual communities can arguably “contribute to the reinvigoration of the ‘Public Sphere’ and the development of an electronic democracy” (Siapera 2012, p. 194).