Chats With Alex

[chatswithstreety]

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[chatswithstreety]

WEEK 11

Identify some of the ways that social media has changed how reality TV are produced or consumed. Try to give specific examples. 

With the world's obsession with drama, it's not hard to believe that there's a strong connection between social media and reality television. The idea of being able to express ideas, thoughts and even share a laugh over a funny moment as shows are being live broadcasted, is where the dominant connection between television and social media lies. However, not only for the viewers as celebrities are also known to take advantage of posting to social media as well, to set the facts straight or win over the audience as TV shows air. This allows the celebs to express their side of an issue or certain moment of a show, to sway the viewer's opinion or to clear the air. An example with the Kardashians can be shown with the announcement of Kendall's involvement in the failed 2017 Pepsi commercial or Khloe's issues surrounding her pregnancy announcement in the relative KUWTK episodes. Both examples saw Kendall and Khloe move over to Twitter posting explanations to fans to clear the air and express their truth or intentions concerning the issues. These two examples show the interaction of social media and reality television and hows it’s almost a middle ground between the audience and reality stars.

References:

Bone, B., 2020. How Social Media Changed Reality TV.  Medium. Available at: <https://medium.com/swlh/how-social-media-changed-reality-tv>

Digital Marketing Blog. 2011. Reality TV and Social Media Are a Match Made in Heaven - Digital Marketing Blog. Available at: <https://www.insegment.com/blog/reality-tv-and-social-media-a-match-made-in-heaven/>.

[chatswithstreety]

WEEK 10!

Stephanie From the First Required reading- Social media’s use for gaslighting has increased- how can this be monitored or prevented?

Gaslighting and toxic behaviour have become very common across all social media platforms. Gaslighting is very broad and is shown not only on social media but TV programs and in day to day life. Ways gaslighting could be monitored could be to implement algorithms into social media platforms to detect signs of gaslighting and either report, block or restrict the content from spreading and affecting the victim. Considering the psychological effect of gaslighting on the victim a simpler way to monitor and prevent gaslighting would be through education. Educating will help in identifying when gaslighting is occurring as author and psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis mentions “The more we know about it, the less vulnerable we are.” Us all being aware of the dangers of gaslighting will be the best foot forward we can have in monitoring and preventing gaslighting from happening.

References:

Jessamy, G, Research Officer, School of Global, Urban & Social Studies, RMIT University, 'What does Gaslighting Mean?' The Conversation, 2018 , https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-gaslighting-mean-107888

Neilson, K, 2019. Gaslighting at work: how do you manage it? - HRM online. HRM online. Available at: <https://www.hrmonline.com.au/how-tos/gaslighting-at-work-how-do-you-manage-it/>.

[chatswithstreety]

WEEK 9!

With the rise of fast-fashion mega-companies such as Zara and Shein, do you think it is becoming increasingly more difficult to shop slow-fashion? Do you, as a buyer, try to shop slow fashion? Why/why not?With the rise of fast-fashion mega-companies such as Zara and Shein, do you think it is becoming increasingly more difficult to shop slow-fashion? Do you, as a buyer, try to shop slow fashion? Why/why not?

With the rising popularity of people wanting to stay ahead of the trends and constantly having the latest and greatest things, it’s clear why fast fashion has become so popular. Fast fashion combines low pricing with trendy garments in an industry sitting at 1.5 trillion dollars as of 2020. As a buyer, a simple google search into the fashion industry will have you swamped with imagery, advertising and links to websites and brands selling fast fashion products. Unfortunately, as a buyer, I am guilty of shopping at brands like Zara and Uniqlo who are affiliated with the practices of fast fashion. Finding slow fashion websites and brands is becoming increasingly hard with a simple google search for a product taking you straight to brands and businesses selling fast fashion products. A way to combat this would be to push big brands like Fashion Nova and Zara and others mentioned to offer slow fashion products to raise more awareness about the existence of more ethically produced products. However, there are some good signs of slow fashion emerging into big brands with Levi’s and H&M conscious starting to offer slow fashion alternatives.

References:

Aishwariya, S., 2019. Fast vs Slow Fashion. Fibre2fashion.com. Available at: <https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/8460/fast-vs-slow-fashion>.

Major, J, N/A . fashion industry | Design, Fashion Shows, Marketing, & Facts.  Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/art/fashion-industry>.

[chatswithstreety]

WEEK 8!

Taylors 2018 article 'broadcasting ourselves, it covers the rising popularity of online gaming and live broadcasting sites, and suggests a possibility for live-stream sites like YouTube to overcome mainstream television. Do you think there's a possibility this could happen?

Being that I hosted this week, I wanted to extract certain points mentioned in that week’s reading Taylors “Broadcasting ourselves”. Two points that stood out to me following the article was the potential for platforms like YouTube and Twitch to overcome mainstream television and the effect of gaming on younger audiences mentally. The following paragraph is a response to the second question stated above.

In this day in age, the domination of the internet has been profound with over 30 million daily users on YouTube alone. Considering the popularity of the internet with younger generations the gradual transition of live streaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube to overcome mainstream television is almost inevitable. Daily over 65% of Gen Z’ers are logging in and out streaming platforms like Twitch and Youtube. Technology is also adjusting for this movement with new televisions offering integrated links straight to platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Considering that platforms like Youtube, Twitch and other streaming services offer content suitable for all demographics whenever and wherever the proof is in the pudding. Mainstream television is full of too many ads and interruptions and there's nothing worse than missing half an hour of your favourite show because it started at 7 instead of 7:30. Streaming platforms are the answer to all these issues with free to use content that you can pause, fast forward and record.

References:

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 

Join. 2019. YouTube versus Television: Why YouTube Wins Every Time. [online] Available at: <https://join.marketing/blog/youtube/>

[chatswithstreety]

WEEK 7!

Within the reading for this week, it is believed that in years to come, many of us will not be able to recognise ourselves in images that have been digitally modified, through Photoshop and apps for example. Do you think this is true? Or is this an over-exaggeration to the digital modification of images some of us may post or come across on social media?

Considering the growth of technology these days, the variety and rising popularity of apps offering tools to modify and add effects to our online image are massive. I agree with the idea that editing software has become better at hiding any adjustments or tweaks we make to our online appearance whether that be cosmetic, surrounding landscape or just a filter. But in saying that the reality of our physical appearance simply won't change to cater for the extreme photoshopping and changes some people are doing, without creating an almost alien appearance online. Digital modification is also massively detrimental to people who are self-conscious and suffer from mental illnesses like eating disorders, now, further being faced with a false perception of beauty standards. In summary, I agree with the idea that platforms like photoshop will continue to offer tools to allow us to modify our digital appearance. However, our physical appearance can only be photoshopped and altered so much to a shape that we will all know as still being human.

References:

MURRAY, S, 2016. Yes Photoshop Is Bad, But Getting Rid of It Won’t Solve Our Self-Esteem Issues. Verily. Available at: <https://verilymag.com/2015/06/photoshop-body-image-beauty-self-worth-how-you-define-yourself>.

Coy-Dibley, I. July, 2016. “Digitised Dysmorphia” of the Female Body: The Re/Disfigurement of the Image  download. Palgrave Communications. 2:16040 doi: 10.1057/palcomms.2016.40

[chatswithstreety]

WEEK 6!

Is the over-editing of images posted to visual social media platforms, such as Instagram, driving the increase of cosmetic surgery? If so, explore ideas that these platforms can take to prevent the act and culture of over-editing images?

Understanding editing software and the wide variety of features frequently added to these programs there’s undeniably a clear link between cosmetic surgery and some of the features available in these editing programs. Despite the links between editing software and cosmetic surgery I believe it’s not the sole driving factor for an increase in cosmetic surgery. I think the desire for cosmetic surgery influences people to use editing software to adjust or remove anything they might be self-conscious about. Especially with society in this day in age, there’s an unwritten rule of a ‘perfect image’ with smooth skin, symmetrical features, and strong structural features. I feel as though filters and editing software allow people to experiment and explore with their image, however cant be blamed as being the sole motivator for people wanting or resorting to getting something cosmetically enhanced.

References:

Adrian Furnham, J., n.d. Factors that motivate people to undergo cosmetic surgery. PubMed Central (PMC). Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3513261/>

[chatswithstreety]

WEEK 5!

Over the last year during the pandemic the internet and social media has been a huge part of activism and to raise awareness for specific causes and movements, why do you think it plays such a vital role now in activism and what is one example where social media has helped to make a difference?

Recently with the pandemic, our lives have all changed dramatically with new laws restraining our ability to leave the house, catch up with friends and attend functions. Factors like this have limited the ability for activists to practice traditional forms of raising awareness resulting in many turning to online platforms. Social media allows anyone to participate and express their opinions online regarding modern issues to a global audience instantly. Its platforms like these where people can interact and exchange their personal views. An example of an activist group using social media to further raise awareness would be the Black Lives Matter movement. Through the use of hashtags (#blacklivesmatter/#BLM), posts, stories, emojis and stickers that represent the movement, it allows people to easily navigate to content regarding the community. Other examples referencing the BLM movement on social media is the clenched fist image used in many profile pictures across all social media platforms to represent 'the blackout movement'. The blackout movement addresses all injustices of the black community including the inconsistencies on social media platforms with algorithms and the number of rising white creators in respect to other cultures. Although only referencing the BLM movement, social media has allowed many minorities and people to express their beliefs inside not only their community but allowing us outsiders insight into the lives of other cultures or groups.

References:

Hu, J., 2021. The Second Act of Social-Media Activism. The New Yorker. Available at: <https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-second-act-of-social-media-activism>.

Maqbool, A., 2020. Black Lives Matter: From social media post to global movement. BBC News. Available at: <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53273381>.

[chatswithstreety]

WEEK 4!

What fandoms have utilised online digital communities to spread a message or help a cause? Subsequently, what has been their chosen platform, and how did they do it?

Fandoms or digital group’s use hashtags, posts, and forums to interact with one another and bond over common interests. There’s a variety of fandoms as of 2020 with some pop culture examples being BTS with over 40,000 active members and One Direction stan’s. These digital communities utilise platforms like Tumblr, Twitter and Reddit to interact and share views and interests over popular trends, music culture or global issues. In contrast to pop culture fandoms, there’s plenty of online groups that act as a hub for minorities to use to interact and raise awareness for the issues these minorities face. Examples of these digital communities in recent times would be the Black Lives Matter movement and LGBTQ+ communities. These communities are spread across all social media platforms and can be identified through the black and white clenched fist for BLM and LGBTQ+ pride flag. Both BLM and LGBTQ+ communities are very open to educating the public and address issues that these minorities face to work towards building equality

References:

Collins, K., 2019. Available at: <https://www.cnet.com/news/tumblrs-a-rare-safe-haven-amid-all-of-the-internets-ugliness/v>.

POWER RADIO. 2020. Winners Revealed For Power Radio's Best Fandom 2020.  Available at: <https://www.wearepoweruk.com/news/winners-revealed-for-power-radios-best-fandom-2020>.

[chatswithstreety]

WEEK 3!

Explore the different ways that fan communities use social media. For example, do particular fandoms seem to prefer one platform over another? What particular features of a platform help build fan communities? Are there any fan controversies or conspiracies you think need to be shared?

Understanding that fandoms are communities of people coming together to share passions online, regarding either pop culture, sports teams or group movements. Examples of popular fandoms in recent times are the Star Wars Stans, Belieber’s and digital communities regarding global, cultural and minority issues. Fandoms can be found on all social media platforms, and usually interact through fan accounts and hashtags to easily navigate to content revolving around a certain theme. The most popular social media platforms for fandoms would be Tumblr and Reddit, shown through the user’s ability to post anonymously on Tumblr, and the potential to follow and interact with their idols in a small community on Reddit. Analysing the atmosphere on Tumblr the ability to customise your profile and remain anonymous, would allow the user to feel more comfortable interacting with others and expressing thoughts they’d usually feel uncomfortable sharing to a public audience. As for Reddit fandoms, the structure of being able to follow an idol or passion and post content and questions into the group, allows the user to interact and feel a part of a community. Having the private community on Reddit not only allows the user a higher chance of being either recognised by the community or host it also offers both visual and literal ways of posting content. Comparing Reddit and Tumblr to more commonly used social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook it shows how the unique atmosphere of Reddit and Tumblr allows fandoms to grow and develop with ease.

References:

EDELMAYER, S. 2019. Where Do All the Fans Hang Out on the Internet? The Best Sites to Check Out. whatNerd. Available at: <https://whatnerd.com/best-sites-where-fans-hang-out/>

LANE, C., 2019. What does fandom's ultimate online destination look like?. [online] SYFY WIRE. Available at: <https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/what-does-fandoms-ultimate-online-destination-look-like>.

[chatswithstreety]

How does Tumblr function as a digital community?

A digital community is an online hub where individuals can interact with one another over the internet to create friendships, share common interests, and have a sense of belonging. Digital communities are becoming more popular due to the ease of communication tools, trends and accessibility to the online platforms.

So, considering the wide array of social media platforms how is Tumblr unique? Tumblr offers its users the option to remain anonymous, allowing them to interact on the platform without showing the community any personal details. Unlike other social media platforms, on Tumblr “you can let your inner fan flag fly high” (N. Brennan, p. 61.), and you can address your beliefs or views without the concern of other users expressing their negative opinions on your character. Tumblr also offers users to select and focus on specific content through the use of hashtags which allows users to focus on their interests and allowing them to converse with others who share their similar interests or views. Tumblr is also fully customisable, allowing the individual to fully express themselves creatively through the appearance of their profile and posts.

Overall, the anonymity of Tumblr has empowered groups and individuals to speak up and support voices that would otherwise be marginalized (N. Brennan, p. 59.) in society. An example of this is the LGBTQI+ community, as well as varying cultures and races who have become under-represented in our world. As far as the LGBTQI+ community, it is in these online platforms like Tumblr that brings visibility to issues surrounding their community and allows individuals to seek comfort with others who have been in similar situations to themselves (N. Brennan & D. Gudlunas p.4). Tumblr also helps individuals understand their sexuality, which is evident with real stories referring to people being able to “find themselves in a safe environment” with the assistance of people in LGBTQI+ communities on Tumblr (The Conversation. 2017). Unfortunately, however, due to ignorance and ‘online courage’ some people have on online platforms, some communities like LGBTQI+ still aren’t fully accepted in society, which is often where Tumblr becomes a safe haven and allows outsiders to actually gather insight into the real-life issue’s members of these community’s face.

So due to the varying facets of Tumblr, it acts as a great digital community for individuals to discuss and interact artistically with one another in a manner that’s positive and encouraging to the user.

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References: Microsoft. 2017. What does digital community mean to you?, (Accessed 23/3/2021)<https://www.microsoftpartnercommunity.com/t5/Announcement-Discussions/What-Does-Digital-Community-Mean-to-You/m-p/3054?fbclid=IwAR0DDdMZysLoKFQyyPOSbyRIyWRebE0Q1a9cUHGfQgYPfDoi9cKHJbo95_k>.

McCracken, A. Cho, A. Stein, L. Neill Hoch, I. 2020. A Tumblr Book. (Accessed 23/3/2021) https://www.fulcrum.org/epubs/8s45qb61c?locale=en#/6/2[McCracken-0001]!/4/4/1:0

Keller, J. 2019. Oh She’s A Tumblr Feminist (Accessed 23/3/2021) https://swinburne.instructure.com/courses/33896/pages/week-3-readings?module_item_id=1919438

Byron, P. And Robards, B. 2017. Theres something queer about Tumblr. The Conversation. (Accessed 24/3/2021) https://theconversation.com/theres-something-queer-about-tumblr-73520