NGOC QUACH

A place where your inner weirdo feels at home, memes are a lifestyle, and scrolling at 3 AM is basically a personality trait. Dive in—chaos never looked this good. 🌟😂📚

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⚡ The Hidden Power Behind Your Feed: Digital Citizenship & Conflict in Online Spaces

💥 Digital Citizenship Isn’t Always Peaceful

Conflict on social media reminds us that digital citizenship is about power—power over speech, platforms, and visibility (Mossberger et al., 2008). Governance doesn’t just happen in boardrooms or courtrooms. It happens in Facebook groups, subreddit rules, and Twitter’s trending tab.

As Marwick & Caplan (2018) argue, harassment isn’t always isolated; it’s networked, often driven by organized hate (e.g., Gamergate). Trolling, flaming, doxxing, image-based abuse—they’re not bugs. They’re part of how conflict operates in digital communities.

🧠 Who Gets Targeted—and Why?

Research consistently shows that women, girls, and trans people are disproportionately targeted by online harassment (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern, 2021). A Plan International (2020) survey of 14,000 girls in 31 countries found 59% had experienced abusive language online. And a Guardian study revealed that 8 out of the 10 most abused columnists were women—half of whom were women of colour (Gardiner et al., 2016).

These numbers matter because they expose the myth that the internet is a neutral space. It isn’t. Cyberhate reflects real-world systems of sexism, racism, and transphobia.

🔧 So... What Can Be Done?

While legal action is now better supported in Australia (e.g., Online Safety Act 2021), legislation alone isn’t enough. Solutions must be multi-layered:

Legal: Platforms must comply with removal orders within 24 hours under new laws (eSafety Commissioner, 2022).

Humour & Art: Comics like Hannah Gadsby use comedy as resistance.

Advocacy: Platforms like eSafety provide tools for reporting and protection.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Brands must stand with influencers, not just profit from them (Littleton in Crowther & Rayman-Bacchus, 2016).

Let’s be clear: if a brand uses influencers to reach audiences, they must also protect those influencers from digital abuse.

👁 Final Thought: Governance Is Ours to Shape

We must stop thinking of governance as something done to us by big tech. It’s also something we participate in. Whether you mod a Discord server or run a TikTok page, you’re part of the ecosystem of governance.

Conflict isn't just chaos—it's data. It tells us where systems fail, and where citizenship demands more than silent participation.

📚 References

Gardiner, B., Mansfield, M., Anderson, I., Holder, J., Louter, D., & Ulmanu, M. (2016). The dark side of Guardian comments. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/12/the-dark-side-of-guardian-comments

Haslop, C., O’Rourke, S., & Southern, J. (2021). Online harassment and identity. Feminist Media Studies.

Marwick, A. E., & Caplan, R. (2018). Drinking male tears: Language, the manosphere, and networked harassment. *Feminist Media Studies, 18(4), 543–559. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2018.1450568

Haslop, C., O’Rourke, F., & Southern, R. (2021). Gendered cyberhate, victim-blaming, and why the internet is more like a men’s rights activist than a feminist. New Media & Society, 23(6), 1548–1567. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820912543

Plan International. (2020).Free to be online? Girls’ and young women’s experiences of online harassment.https://plan-international.org/publications/free-to-be-online

eSafety Commissioner. (2022).Online Safety Act 2021: What you need to know. https://www.esafety.gov.au

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🎮 The Evolution of Social Gaming, Communities, and Live Streaming

👾 What Is Social Gaming?

Social gaming is defined as integrating networked technologies into gameplay to create virtual spaces for players to interact, collaborate, and compete together (Hardwick, 2020). These spaces aren't just about playing games—they're about building relationships and communities. Whether it’s teaming up in World of Warcraft or competing in esports tournaments, social gaming brings people together in a way that traditional single-player games never could.

Critical Engagement: Initially, gaming was an isolated activity; players enjoyed the thrill of personal achievement. However, the rise of social gaming challenges that narrative by emphasizing interaction, collaboration, and shared goals. As Hardwick (2020) notes, the nature of gaming has drastically changed with the increase of multiplayer formats, where social connections take precedence. Gaming communities are no longer small, insular groups but expansive networks that include people from around the world.

🌍 A Quick History of Games: From Arcade to Streaming

Hardwick (2020) walks us through the evolution of gaming platforms—from arcade games to online multiplayerexperiences and finally, to live-streamed games. In just a few decades, gaming has evolved from being a localized activity to becoming a global phenomenon. The introduction of networked games and the rise of live streamingplatforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have allowed players to share their experiences with a global audience.

Critical Engagement: The transition from arcade gaming to streaming games highlights a major shift in how gaming is consumed. Players are no longer just participants; they are now both performers and spectators. This raises interesting questions about the role of content creators in the gaming community. Streaming has blurred the line between viewersand players, allowing for a dynamic and interactive relationship. Streaming platforms have fostered vibrant communities that rely on collaboration, not only competition.

💥 Games Culture and Identity: Who Is a Gamer?

Gaming has long been associated with a certain stereotype: the young, white, male gamer. Hardwick (2020) addresses how these stereotypes shaped gaming culture, which has often been criticized for being exclusive. However, gaming culture is increasingly becoming more inclusive, with greater participation from diverse racial, gender, and age groups.

Critical Engagement: The increasing diversity in gaming communities is both a product of the industry's efforts to be more inclusive and a response to changing cultural attitudes. Platforms like Twitch have helped democratize gaming by allowing streamers of all backgrounds to find an audience. Moreover, games themselves are becoming more inclusive, allowing players to create and personalize their avatars in ways that reflect their identities. This shift challenges the historical notion of the “gamer” and opens the door to a more varied and inclusive community.

🎮 Live Streaming and the Gaming Economy: The New Frontier

One of the most transformative developments in gaming culture is the rise of live streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming. These platforms have not only changed how games are consumed but also created a new economic model for gamers. Streamers can now monetize their gameplay through donations, subscriptions, and sponsorships, turning gaming into a viable career.

Critical Engagement: The shift to live streaming is not just about watching others play—it's about fostering community engagement. As viewers interact with streamers, they become part of a digital ecosystem where gaming is a shared experience. The growth of esports and live-streamed competitions has turned gaming into a legitimate form of entertainment, with professional players and organizations now competing in front of thousands of viewers. This has brought capital investment into the industry, further legitimizing gaming as both a sport and an economic powerhouse.

🌟 Modding and Community Engagement

One of the most unique aspects of modern gaming is the modding community. Players now have the opportunity to modify games—creating new content, enhancing graphics, and even developing entirely new game modes. This fan-driven creativity has led to the rise of independent game development, where mods sometimes evolve into full-fledged commercial products.

Critical Engagement: The modding community plays a crucial role in the evolution of gaming culture. It represents a shift away from traditional game design, where players are no longer just consumers, but also producers. Modding encourages collaboration and fosters a sense of ownership among players, who are deeply involved in the development process. This kind of fan involvement has revolutionized how games are made, breaking down barriers between developers and players.

🎯 The Future of Gaming Communities

As Hardwick (2020) notes, modern games are as much about the communities around them as the games themselves. Whether it’s through streaming, modding, or just playing together in multiplayer games, gaming is increasingly becoming a social activity that brings people from all walks of life together.

Critical Engagement: The future of gaming communities is likely to see even greater integration of social features. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are poised to revolutionize the way we experience games, creating immersive social environments. As gaming continues to evolve, the concept of community will expand beyond current technological limitations and include even more diverse and global audiences.

📚 References

Hardwick, T. (2020). Social Gaming, Gaming Communities, and Live Streaming. MDA20009 Lecture Slides, Week 9, 2023.

Suits, B. (1978). The Grasshopper: Games, Life and Utopia. Temple University Press.

Järvinen, A. (2011). Social Games: Online games that adapt your friendship ties for play purposes.

Jenkins, H. (2006). Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York University Press. https://nyupress.org/

Sotamaa, O. (2010). Modding: Devoted followings and fan enthusiasm.

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🪞Do I Look Like My Selfie?

“Do I look like my selfie?” This isn’t just a meme-worthy question—it’s a reflection of a deeper social anxiety I’ve witnessed in myself and many others. As a student who regularly scrolls through Instagram and applies filters to look a little “better,” I’ve started to ask myself: what am I filtering out? This blog post is my reflection on how Augmented Reality (AR) filters have shifted from fun to something far more powerful—and sometimes, harmful.

👁 From Fun to Filtered Pressure

Snapchat’s early filters were silly and obvious—the infamous dog face or rainbow puke. But things have changed. We’ve entered an age of ambient filters that edit our faces subtly, creating the illusion of flawlessness. Lavrence and Cambre (2020) describe this as ambient filtering—so subtle it’s hard to detect, yet it shapes our understanding of what “natural” beauty looks like. This resonates with Rettberg’s (2014) idea of Instagram as a platform that subtly trains users to present an idealized life.

🔍 The Digital-Forensic Gaze

We’ve all done it: zoomed in on a selfie and asked, “Is this face real?” That habit has a name—the digital-forensic gaze (Lavrence & Cambre, 2020). It’s the judgmental stare that detects filters but also enforces perfection. The more we search for flaws, the more we expect everyone to be flawless.

💄 Gendered Filters and Aesthetic Labor

I’ve noticed a pattern: my guy friends use silly filters, but my girl friends (myself included) use beauty filters—to fixthings.

Pescott (2020) calls this out: filters are gendered. Women do more aesthetic labour (Elias et al., 2017)—it’s unpaid work to make ourselves “presentable,” even digitally. Filters are marketed as fun, but for many of us, they feel like a requirement.

I Compared Myself to My Filtered Self

Here’s a confession: Sometimes I look at my filtered selfies and wish I looked like that in real life.

That’s Snapchat dysmorphia (Rajanala et al., 2018)—when people want plastic surgery to look like their filtered selfies. Burnell et al. (2021) found that the more you use filters, the more critical you become of your actual appearance. It’s a toxic loop.

 When Filters Enter Surveillance: Alipay’s Case

One of the most shocking case studies in class was when we learned Alipay added beauty filters to their facial recognition system. People wanted to look better in their bank app (Peng, 2020). This blurs the line between beauty and biometric control. If even our banking ID photos are filtered, what happens to authenticity?

Can Filters Be Feminist?

Not all filters are evil. Some artists use them for resistance—like glitch filters that distort rather than beautify. Haraway (1991) and Coy-Dibley (2016) argue that tech can empower identity beyond binaries. But Miller & McIntyre (2022) say this is rare. Most filters reinforce the same beauty norms. We need to push for more creative, inclusive tools.

🪞Final Reflection: Why Do I Want to Look Like That?

Filters aren’t just editing tools. They’re shaping culture, beauty, and identity. As students—and users—we need to ask harder questions. Do I look like my selfie? Maybe the real question is: Why do I want to? As a student, I’m learning to balance creativity and critical thinking—even in the way I post online.

📚 References

Coy-Dibley, I. (2016). Digitised dysmorphia. Palgrave Communications https://www.nature.com/articles/palcomms201640

Elias, A., Gill, R., & Scharff, C. (2017). Aesthetic Labour: Rethinking Beauty Politics in Neoliberalism. Springer. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137476661

Fredrickson, B. L., & Roberts, T. (1997). Objectification theory. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21(2), 173–206.

Fredrickson, B. L., & Roberts, T. (1997). Objectification theory. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21(2), 173–206. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1367549417705604

Haraway, D. (1991). A Cyborg Manifesto. The Anarchist Library. https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/donna-haraway-a-cyborg-manifesto

Lavrence, C., & Cambre, C. (2020). “Do I look like my selfie?”: Filters and the digital-forensic gaze. Feminist Media Studies. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2056305120965155

Miller, L., & McIntyre, K. (2022). From surgery to Cyborgs. Feminist Media Studies. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14680777.2020.1750779

Peng, A. (2020). Alipay adds “beauty filters” to face-scan payments. TechNode. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14680777.2020.1750779

Pescott, C. (2020). “I wish I was wearing a filter right now.” Journal of Youth Studies. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1461444821993038

Rettberg, J. W. (2014). Seeing ourselves through technology. Palgrave Macmillan. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137476661

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Digital Citizenship, Algorithmic Bias & The Body Modification Crisis

🧠 How Social Media Shapes Our Perception of Beauty Does social media make us change how we look? Platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritize visually appealing content, reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards. As a result, digital citizens feel increasing pressure to conform to "aesthetic templates"—leading to rising cosmetic surgeries, digital body modification, and self-esteem issues.

But who decides what beauty is? Algorithms.

This post explores how algorithmic bias shapes body modification trends, suppresses diverse beauty, and impacts digital citizens' autonomy over their identities.

Algorithmic Beauty Norms: Who Gets Seen & Who Doesn’t?

💡 Algorithms define beauty. Content with Eurocentric features, clear skin, and specific body shapes is promoted (Duffy & Meisner, 2022). Other appearances? Shadowbanned.

🔍 Case Study: TikTok’s Algorithmic Suppression of “Unattractive” Content

Internal reports from TikTok revealed moderators were told to suppress content from creators with “ugly facial looks” and “abnormal body shape” (Ghaffary, 2021). This discriminatory moderation policy shaped visibility for millions, showing how beauty standards are not just cultural—they’re coded into social media itself. 🔹 Aesthetic Labour: The Price of Visibility

Influencers engage in aesthetic labor by altering appearances to gain visibility (Marwick, 2013). More attractive = higher engagement = better algorithmic ranking (Becker, 2017). 💡 Result: Those who don’t fit these beauty norms are less visible, less marketable, and less likely to succeed in the creator economy.

The Rise of Cosmetic Surgery & Body Modification on Social Media

Why are influencers getting more surgery? The rise of digital beauty standards makes real-world features seem "flawed."

Filters & FaceTune: The “Instagram Face” Phenomenon

Studies show Snapchat Dysmorphia is driving cosmetic surgeries (Dorfman et al., 2018). Filters reinforce idealized facial features, making unfiltered faces appear "worse" by comparison. 2019 Plastic Surgery Statistics: 72% of surgeons reported clients wanting procedures to look like their filtered selfies (ASPS, 2019). 📌 Case Study: Brazil's Boom in Cosmetic Surgeries (2022)

Brazil became the world leader in cosmetic procedures, with 1.5 million surgeries per year, driven by influencer culture & algorithm-driven beauty norms (Adams, 2022). TikTok trends like #BBLTransformation & #GlowUpChallenge fueled unrealistic expectations. 💡 The problem?

It’s not just influencers modifying their bodies—it’s everyday users who feel forced to "catch up." Plastic surgery advertising on TikTok & Instagram normalizes body modification.

🚨 Algorithmic Discrimination & Marginalized Identities

🔹 Who gets suppressed?

Black creators reported lower visibility & engagement on TikTok compared to white influencers (Ghaffary, 2021). LGBTQ+ content is disproportionately shadowbanned, affecting queer influencers' ability to monetize their platforms (Duffy & Meisner, 2022). Tattooed & pierced influencers struggle for visibility, as platforms associate them with “non-mainstream” aesthetics. 📌 Case Study: Instagram’s 2021 "Racial Bias" Controversy

Black creators noticed their content was being removed while similar white-led posts remained. Instagram responded by pledging to fix racial bias in AI moderation (Frenkel, 2021). 💡 Bottom line: If beauty standards are coded into social media, marginalized identities will always struggle for visibility.

How Can We Disrupt Algorithmic Beauty Pressures?

Algorithmic Transparency

Platforms must disclose how they rank beauty content (Duffy & Meisner, 2022). 💡 Promote Inclusive Beauty Standards

TikTok & Instagram should support body-positive content, not suppress it. 💡 Educate Digital Citizens

We need better digital literacy programs to teach users how social media skews beauty standards. 💡 Support Marinalized Creators ✔️ Follow body-positive influencers. ✔️ Engage with creators outside of mainstream beauty standards. ✔️ Push platforms to audit their algorithms for bias.

💬 What Do You Think?

🔥 Is social media shaping how people view beauty? 🔥 Should platforms be responsible for algorithmic bias in beauty standards?

Comment below & reblog to continue the discussion!

📚 References

Adams, J. (2022). Bodies of Change: A Comparative Analysis of Media Representations of Body Modification Practices. Sociological Perspectives, 52(1), 103–129. https://doi.org/10.1525/sop.2009.52.1.103

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). (2019). Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2019/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2019.pdf

Duffy, B. E., & Meisner, C. (2022). Platform Governance at the Margins: Social Media Creators’ Experiences with Algorithmic (in)visibility. Media, Culture & Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/01634437221111923

Frenkel, S. (2021). Instagram's Racial Bias Problem. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/21/technology/instagram-racial-bias.html

Ghaffary, S. (2021). How TikTok’s hate speech detection tool set off a debate about racial bias. Vox. https://www.vox.com/recode/2021/7/7/22566017/tiktok-black-creators-racial-bias

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🌍 Digital Citizenship & The Slow Fashion Movement 🌱👗

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship encompasses the ability to utilize technology in a responsible manner to communicate, create, and interact with online content (Office of the eSafety Commissioner, 2022). As digital platforms increasingly permeate our daily lives, individuals who identify as digital citizens bear the responsibility of advocating for positive societal change and engaging in ethical online behavior. The concept of digital citizenship is pivotal in influencing various social movements, notably the Slow Fashion Movement. 

The advent of social media has empowered individuals to leverage their digital presence for activist purposes, promoting critical issues such as ethical consumption, climate action, and sustainability. One particular initiative that thrives on the principles of digital citizenship is Slow Fashion, which aims to mitigate the detrimental consequences associated with fast fashion. 

What is Slow Fashion?

Slow Fashion is a movement dedicated to advocating for sustainability and ethical production within the fashion industry. It seeks to facilitate the creation of durable clothing rather than rapidly-produced, inexpensive garments. This movement encourages consumers to prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that their clothing purchases exert minimal environmental and social impact (Domingos et al. , 2022). 

🔍 4 Key Principles of Sustainable Fashion

1. No Child Labor: Brands must guarantee ethical labor practices throughout their supply chains. 

2. Eco-Friendly Materials: Garments should be crafted from recycled, organic, or durable materials to reduce environmental harm. 

3. Ethical Production: Workers should be paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. 

4. Sustainable Business Practices: Companies should foster long-term relationships within their supply chains to maintain fair wages and pricing (Lai and Watkins, 2017). 

💡 Did you know? The fashion industry contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions, surpassing all international flights and maritime shipping combined (Statista, 2022a).

💰 The True Cost of Fast Fashion

The fast fashion sector stands as one of the most environmentally damaging industries globally:

- 17-20% of global water pollution arises from textile dyeing and processing (McKinsey and Company, 2021).  - 8. 2 million tons of clothing are discarded annually in the U. S. , contributing to landfill waste.  - Renowned brands like Burberry and H&M have faced criticism for destroying unsold inventory instead of repurposing it (Brewer, 2019). 

Moreover, the economic implications are staggering. The global fashion industry's value reached $1. 55 trillion USD in 2022 and is projected to soar to $2 trillion by 2026 (Statista, 2022b), though this growth often comes at the cost of human rights and environmental health. 

📲 How Digital Citizenship Supports Slow Fashion

Social media has become a powerful tool for promoting transparency within the fashion industry. Through digital platforms, activists and influencers can expose unethical practices and promote sustainable alternatives.

📢 Influencers Leading the Movement:

Venetia La Manna (@venetialamanna) – Calls out fast fashion brands and advocates for ethical production.

Tiffany Ferguson (@tiffanyferg) – Uses YouTube to educate audiences about sustainable fashion.

Big Sister Swap (@bigsisterswap) – Encourages clothing swaps as an alternative to buying new.

🌐 How to Be a Responsible Digital Citizen in Fashion: ✔️ Research brands before making a purchase. ✔️ Support second-hand & ethical brands whenever possible. ✔️ Use social media to spread awareness about sustainable fashion. ✔️ Engage with digital activism to push for industry change.

🚀 Join the Movement!

If you care about sustainability and ethical shopping, take action today! ♻️ 💬 What are your favorite sustainable brands? Share in the comments! Let’s build a community that supports ethical fashion. 📚 References

Lan, J., Xue, Y., Fang, D., & Zheng, Q. (2022). Optimal Strategies for Elderly Public Transport Service Based on Impact-Asymmetry Analysis: A Case Study of Harbin. Sustainability, 14(3), 1320. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031320

McKinsey & Company. (2024, November 11). The State of Fashion 2025: Challenges at every turn. McKinsey; McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion

Statista. (2020).  Fashion industry emissions share. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1262991/jordan-fertilizer-production-volume/

Statista. (2022). Global fashion market report. https://www.statista.com/statistics/513809/apparel-market-value-worldwide/

#SlowFashion #DigitalCitizenship #EthicalFashion #SustainableLiving

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The rise of digital technologies has transformed what it means to be a citizen in the modern era. Digital citizenship to the ability to engage positively and responsibly with digital technologies, including creating, sharing, and participating in online communities (Council of Europe, 2022). In an increasingly connected world, digital citizens influence political engagement, activism, and public discourse through online platforms.

One key aspect of digital citizenship is hashtag activism, which enables grassroots movements to gain visibility and mobilize supporters. Additionally, the concept of platformisation—the dominance of digital platforms in shaping public interactions—raises concerns about algorithmic control, online privacy, and the commodification of social discourse (Van Dijck, Poell, & de Waal, 2018).

This blog will explore the role of digital citizenship in political engagement, activism, and social change, analyzing the impact of digital platforms on citizenship behavior and rights.

Digital Citizenship: Definition and Evolution

1️⃣ What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship is defined as "competent and positive engagement with digital technologies" through participation in social, political, economic, and cultural activities (Council of Europe, 2022). It extends traditional notions of citizenship into the digital space, where users interact across global networks.

2️⃣ Digital Citizenship vs. Traditional Citizenship

Traditional citizenship involves rights and responsibilities within a nation-state (e.g., voting, paying taxes, free speech).

Digital citizenship expands this to include online behavior, digital literacy, ethical engagement, and online activism (Mossberger et al., 2008).

Both forms of citizenship influence governance, social participation, and identity.

Platformisation and Its Impact on Digital Citizenship

Platformisation refers to the process by which digital platforms shape interactions, behavior, and information access (Poell, Nieborg, & Van Dijck, 2019). While these platforms create new opportunities for digital citizenship, they also impose constraints through algorithmic control, data commodification, and selective content promotion.

1️⃣ How Platforms Shape Digital Citizenship

🔹 Algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy, leading to echo chambers and misinformation. 🔹 Platform moderation policies affect freedom of expression, as seen in content bans and shadowbanning. 🔹 Datafication of users raises ethical concerns about surveillance and privacy (Van Dijck et al., 2018).

2️⃣ Case Study: Facebook, Twitter, and Political Polarization

🔹 The 2016 U.S. Election demonstrated how social media platforms influence public opinion, with misinformation campaigns spreading widely (Enli, 2017). 🔹 Twitter and Facebook’s algorithmic feeds shaped voter behavior, reinforcing ideological divisions (Nelimarkka et al., 2020). 🔹 Calls for platform regulation have increased, with governments demanding transparency in political advertising.

Hashtag Publics and Activism

1️⃣ What Are Hashtag Publics?

🔹 Hashtag publics form when people use hashtags to collectively discuss and coordinate social issues (Bruns & Burgess, 2015). 🔹 Hashtags create visibility, mobilize activism, and connect global movements. 🔹 Examples: #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, #StandWithUkraine, #OscarsSoWhite, #March4Justice.

2️⃣ Case Study: The Role of Hashtags in Social Movements

🔹 #MeToo – Exposed sexual harassment and empowered survivors globally. 🔹 #BlackLivesMatter – Sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality. 🔹 #StandWithUkraine – Mobilized global support during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 🔹 #FreeBritney – Advocated for Britney Spears' legal independence, demonstrating digital activism’s power.

Hashtag activism has been both praised for amplifying marginalized voices and criticized for encouraging performative allyship without real action.

Digital Citizenship and Political Engagement

Political engagement has evolved with digital technologies, leading to new forms of participation beyond traditional voting and party membership (Vromen, 2017).

1️⃣ How Social Media Shapes Political Engagement

🔹 Sharing petitions, contacting public officials, following politicians, and engaging in political discussions online (Theocharis et al., 2023). 🔹 Fundraising and campaigning have become digitally optimized, making political participation more accessible. 🔹 Politicians use social media for direct voter engagement, bypassing traditional media.

2️⃣ Case Study: The Role of Digital Campaigns in Elections

🔹 2016 U.S. Presidential Election – Trump’s “amateur” digital strategy outperformed Clinton’s professional campaign, highlighting the role of authenticity in digital politics (Enli, 2017). 🔹 Social media as a fundraising tool – Obama’s campaign pioneered small-donor contributions via online platforms. 🔹 Misinformation concerns – Governments and tech companies struggle to combat fake news and electoral manipulation.

📖 Conclusion Digital citizenship is an essential aspect of modern society, influencing political participation, activism, and social engagement. While platforms provide opportunities for digital empowerment, they also introduce new risks related to surveillance, misinformation, and polarization. Understanding and critically engaging with digital citizenship ensures more informed and responsible participation in the digital world.

📖 References (APA 7)

Council of Europe. (2022). Guidelines on digital citizenship education. https://www.coe.int/en/web/digital-citizenship-education

Enli, G. (2017). Twitter as arena for the authentic outsider: Explaining the success of Donald Trump. European Journal of Communication, 32(1), 50-61. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0267323116682802

Poell, T., Nieborg, D., & Van Dijck, J. (2019). Platformisation: The transformation of networked publics. Oxford University Press. https://academic.oup.com/book/31886

Van Dijck, J., Poell, T., & de Waal, M. (2018). The platform society: Public values in a connective world. Oxford University Press. https://academic.oup.com/book/27231

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Reality TV as a Digital Public Sphere: Social Engagement, Hashtag Activism, and Cultural Impact

We have all watched Reality TV shows and followed the contestants, winners, or controversies on-screen. However, beyond entertainment, Reality TV has a significant impact on how we engage with the digital public sphere. This is a space where users can discuss social, political, and cultural issues through social media platforms. In fact, shows like Big Brother, The Bachelor, and RuPaul’s Drag Race do not only satisfy the entertainment needs of viewers but also spark discussions about important societal issues. This blog will explore how Reality TV influences digital publicsand the political participation of viewers through social media platforms.

I. Reality TV and the Digital Public Sphere

According to Habermas’s theory of the public sphere, it is a place where citizens can freely discuss societal issueswithout interference from political authorities. In the digital age, these spaces are not just restricted to formal discussions but are also expanding into smaller, niche communities (micro-publics) formed on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Reality TV can be seen as one of the key tools in creating these digital public spheres. Reality TV shows do not only attract viewers but also encourage them to participate in online discussions, create hashtags, and memes, which intensify the discussions of relevant issues. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have become places where public debates about the topics featured in these shows take place.

II. The Impact of Reality TV on Digital Communities

1️⃣ Social Media and Viewer Interaction

Shows like Big Brother and Love Island create not only tension-filled moments for entertainment but also offer viewers opportunities to engage in real-time online discussions. For example, during the airing of the show, viewers can tweet or comment on Facebook about the contestants' actions, creating a public conversation. These discussions often expand beyond the show’s content and touch on gender, relationships, and media power.

2️⃣ Hashtag Activis

Hashtags like #MAFS or #BBUK (Big Brother UK) help viewers build communities where they can discuss the show. These hashtags serve not only as a tool for searching content but also as a way for viewers to join in on social conversations — especially when topics such as domestic violence, gender equality, and race are addressed in the show.

One of the special aspects of Reality TV is its ability to link social issues to political campaigns. Shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race are not only about the contestants performing but also have a strong influence on the LGBTQ+ community. Through the show, viewers not only see competition but also witness political matters such as LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and discrimination.

Furthermore, shows like The Circle simulate social media platforms, prompting participants to discuss issues like digital culture, privacy rights, and political topics. Although it is a reality show, it offers viewers a chance to reflect on important societal issues, from online voting to the influence of technology on personal life.

In conclusion, Reality TV is not only an entertainment tool but also plays a significant role in creating digital public spheres where viewers can participate in social discussions and political debates. Shows like Big Brother, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and The Circle play an important role in connecting viewers to social issues through social media platforms. However, we must also consider the ethical issues and authenticity of these shows, as well as the impact of misinformation and media campaigns on digital platforms.

📖 References

Brennan, N., & Gudelunas, D. (2017). Drag Culture, Global Participation, and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Palgrave Macmillan.  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74537-3

Deller, R. A. (2019). Reality Television in an Age of Social Media. Emerald Publishing. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/S2050-206020190000019005/full/html

Kruse, H. (2018). Digital Public Spheres and the Challenges of Inclusion. New Media & Society, 20(9), 3231-3248.  https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444817741723

Statista. (2019). Audience Perception of Reality TV. Statista Report.  https://www.statista.com/statistics/1136956/reality-tv-audience-perception/

Graham, T., & Hajru, A. (2019). Reality TV as a Trigger of Everyday Political Talk in the Net-Based Public Sphere. European Journal of Communication. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0267323119851332

Brennan, N., & Gudelunas, D. (2020). RuPaul’s Drag Race and the Shifting Visibility of Drag Culture: The Boundaries of Reality TV. Palgrave Macmillan.  https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-43571-9

Big Brother is Coming Back: The Reality TV Landscape Today Will Demand a More Caring Show. (2022).The Conversation.  https://theconversation.com/big-brother-is-coming-back-the-reality-tv-landscape-today-will-demand-a-more-caring-show-188313

Enli, G. (2017). Twitter as Arena for the Authentic Outsider: Explaining the Success of Donald Trump. European Journal of Communication, 32(1), 50-61. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0267323116682802

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Micro-publics on Tumblr

WEEK 3

In the digital age, online communities have transformed how we communicate and discuss social issues. One platform that stands out in creating micro-publics is Tumblr. With its reblogging system, hashtag usage, and high anonymity, Tumblr has become an ideal space for niche groups to connect and share information without the strict algorithms of platforms like Facebook or Twitter. This blog will analyze how micro-publics on Tumblr operate, the role of reblogging and hashtags in expanding communities, and the challenges the platform faces.

Micro-publics are small communities in the digital space where participants can discuss shared interests without being interrupted by larger, more public audiences. Habermas’ theory of the public sphere emphasizes the role of open forums in forming public opinion, but in the digital age, we see many smaller, specialized spaces where the focus is more niche. Tumblr is the ideal platform for fostering micro-publics because it encourages users to interact anonymously, freely share content, and participate in deeply specialized communities without the need to “friend” others, as on social networks like Facebook.

Unlike Facebook or Instagram, where algorithms control the visibility of posts, Tumblr operates by allowing users to reblog (share) content from others. This feature facilitates organic content spread, connecting people with similar interests.

Hashtags on Tumblr are not just for categorizing content; they also play a critical role in connecting communities. For example, hashtags like #LGBTQ+, #Feminism, #MentalHealth not only help users search for relevant content but also create a shared space for discussions on social issues.

Hashtags also help social movements thrive on Tumblr. Movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter have attracted millions of interactions, proving that even a small platform can have a significant impact on global causes.

One prominent community that has flourished on Tumblr is the LGBTQ+ community. With a high level of anonymity, Tumblr allows users to express themselves freely without the fear of judgment. According to a study by Byron et al. (2019), approximately 45% of LGBTQ+ users spend at least one hour a day on Tumblr because they feel safe discussing gender and identity issues.

Tumblr has created a space where users can learn, share experiences, and build communities. Posts on coming out, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights spread rapidly, thanks to the reblogging system and hashtag usage.

Although Tumblr provides a free space for discussion, it also faces challenges related to misinformation. Without strong content moderation systems like those on Facebook or Twitter, misleading information can easily spread unchecked.

Tumblr can create an echo chamber effect, where users only interact with those who share similar views and are not exposed to diverse perspectives. This leads to communities becoming isolated and not engaging with opposing viewpoints.

In 2018, Tumblr implemented a NSFW content ban, which led to a significant drop in users, particularly among communities like artists and LGBTQ+ groups that were directly affected. Many people migrated to other platforms because of this policy.

In conclusion, Tumblr has demonstrated that a platform smaller than Facebook or Twitter can still have a profound impact on community building and social discussions. With its reblogging system and hashtag features, Tumblr has allowed micro-publics to flourish, especially within communities like LGBTQ+, fandoms, and social justice movements.

However, the platform also faces several challenges, including misinformation, echo chamber effects, and content moderation issues. Despite these challenges, Tumblr remains an important space where marginalized voices can connect and discuss freely.

References

Byron, P., Robards, B., Hanckel, B., Vivienne, S., & Churchill, B. (2019). “Hey, I’m Having These Experiences”: Tumblr Use and Young People’s Queer (Dis)connections. International Journal of Communication, 13, 2239–2259.

Bruns, A., & Burgess, J. (2015). Hashtag publics: The power and politics of discursive networks. Peter Lang.

Van Dijck, J., Poell, T., & de Waal, M. (2018). The platform society: Public values in a connective world. Oxford University Press.