Digital Communities by Lucy Di Maggio

A second year university student delving into the digital world and the way in which this technological age has impacted society. #MDA20009

[well-you-see]

Minneapolis, MN. May 28th 2020

[lucydimaggio]

#BlackLivesMatter

[lucydimaggio]

Little Mix's Jesy Nelson on surviving the trolls: 'People were saying horrific things'

Eight years after she shot to fame on The X Factor, Nelson describes how she navigated the trauma of being relentlessly bullied on social media

With relation to my last post on social media trolls, this article show how hurtful words can really impact an individual and influence their actions. Just because you are typing from a screen doesn't mean it won’t hurt the person reading it. If you wouldn’t say it to a persons face, then why say it at all? 

[lucydimaggio]

Trolls within Digital Communities

We all know that social media is a place where people can comment and share anything they like without restraint… although we would like to think this is a way to spread positivity and creative ideas, it may also lead to “online harassment” where users “engage in abhorrent behaviour” online, these users are also known as ‘trolls’ (Milne, E, 2020). Now, trolling is defined as “the art of deliberately, cleverly, and secretly pissing people off, usually via the internet, using dialogue” (Fuller, G, et al, 2013). A troll is not only creating “unintelligible noise” for the audience but is also generating an obstructive online space (Fuller, G, et al, 2013). A significant issue I will be diving into in this post is about “cyber-bullying” and the need to “protect children” against the negative online world (Ketchell, M, 2014). 

There are many ways in which users portray negative online behaviour. Doxing, “short for ‘dropping docs’” (Mahar, A, 2020), is one of the most dangerous forms of “networked harassment[s]” there is (Milne, E, 2020). Doxing entails users to view personal information that has been published online by an individual. This may be in the form of personal photos, phone numbers, banking information or addresses (Mahar, A, 2020). “Revenge porn of image based abuse” and “social shaming” are just other examples of how dangerous online “conflict” is (Milne, E, 2020)! Not only is this unfavourable to anyone, children can be seen as more vulnerable through the internet, making them a target online. 

It can also be quite difficult for children to voice their concerns about cyber-bullying with family as “there is approximately a generation and a half of parents who did not grow up with these technologies” (Ketchell, M, 2014). So, parents may not be able to help a child through a negative experience online as it may be “foreign” to them. Adults may not fully understand the scope of online bullying and “what standards to expect of social media services” when their child spends “almost as much time online as off” (Ketchell, M, 2014). 

The harm that can be caused by online bullying and harassment is just shocking, children and teens have turned to suicide in order to end “ongoing physical and cyber-bullying” (Carrick, D, 2014). Bullying over online platforms can play a “corrosive role” in somebody's life (Carrick, D, 2014). It is vital that people learn about the harm online bullying can cause, in order to reduce the amount of negativity posed through social media outlets. 

In an attempt to face the issues presented online, the Australian Government has created a page online entitled ‘eSafety’, which provides details about “helping Australians to have safer, more positive experiences online” (eSafety Commissioner, 2020). The eSafety Parents page targets what I have been discussing earlier, providing skills and advice on the “big issues” such as “sexting”, “cyber-bullying” and “COVID-19 Online safety advice” (eSafety Commissioner, 2020). This site has the ability to overcome the issues of foreignity within older generations in order to help children deal with any issues they may be facing through social media. This is just one way in which the Government are aiding Australians to safer use of media, which I think is crucial in today’s day and age!

References: 

Esther Milne, 2020, Week 11: Gaming Communities and Trolls, MDA20009 Digital Communities, Canvas Modules Week 11, Swinburne University of Technology, 27 May 2020, viewed 27 May 2020. 

Mahar, A, 2020, Why is doxing the most dangerous thing on the internet?, SAMAA, accessed 27 May 2020, https://www.samaa.tv/video/2020/02/what-is-doxxing/. 

Ketchell, M, 2014, ‘Cyber-safety’: what are we actually talking about?, The Conversation, accessed 27 May 2020, https://theconversation.com/cyber-safety-what-are-we-actually-talking-about-23505. 

Fuller, G, et al, ‘Trolls and the negative space of the internet; Troll Theory?’, The Fibreculture Journal, no.22. 

Carrick, D, 2014, Can a cyber-bullying commissioner protect our kids?, ABC Law Report, accessed 27 May 2020, https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lawreport/5286036. 

eSafety Commissioner, 2020, Helping Australians to have safer, more positive experiences online, eSafety Commissioner Australian Government, accessed 27 May 2020, https://www.esafety.gov.au/. 

[lucydimaggio]

Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming

All of us engage in gaming in some way. For some, it is a way of relaxing and entertaining themselves in their spare time, whilst others utilise gaming to socially interact with friends and family. Gaming has since come a long way as it is now one of the most successful and profitable industries globally (Chikhani, R, 2015). In the 21st century, “mobile technology” has adapted the gaming industry and introduced it to a whole new generation. Now, it has become integrated with “modern popular culture”, so much so that “42% of Americans are gamers” (Chikhani, R, 2015). Due to the increased demand on the gaming industry and the growing need of media, live streaming was created in order to share content and experiences with viewers on behalf of streamers on Twitch and Mixer, which are streaming services. 

Tyler Blevins, also known as ‘Ninja’, is a popular Mixer streamer who provides content with the purpose of providing entertainment to viewers. In 2018, Ninja used his streaming platform to connect with celebrities such as Drake, Travis Scott and JuJu Smith-Schuster. This stream alone had over “635,000 viewers” which highlights how people are able to connect and communicate through gaming (Thier, D, 2018). 

In comparison to Ninja, another streamer, Kyle Giersdorf, named Bugha on his media platforms, has become world renowned since winning the inaugural World Cup for Fortnite, held at the “U.S.T.A. Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York”, which led him to be “$3 Million richer” (Taylor, D, B & Chokshi, N, 2019). Bugha’s successful with online gaming and streaming displays another purpose of gaming which is for monetary benefits. 

There are various benefits of gaming which include having a “fresh start”, as online games remove “physical identity”. All individuals become equal and are judged on “contribution” not who they are. For some, gaming may just be seen as a hobby, but it is also a way to make new friends, or enhance relationships with others (Sturart, K, 2013). There are always going to be people who “attract hateful [and] damaged” content, but gaming provides a “playful space” where people do not have to physically tolerate poor behaviour (Sturart, K, 2013). 

Gaming may also lead to increased costs and debt as players may put money towards upgrades or cosmetics in a game. This was seen through a “Multiplayer game” conducted by “EVE Online” which saw the loss of $300,000 “after a user forgot to pay [a] bill to defend their base” (Thornhill, T, 2014). Addictions to gaming is another negative to the industry as people, especially children are becoming addicted and “more aggressive” whilst “socialising less” (Sinha, R, 2018). 

‘Social Games’ refers to games specifically “made for, and profiting from, social network sites like Facebook” (Milne, E, 2020). Zynga is a perfect example of social games. This company is known for applications such as Draw Something, Words with Friends, ZyngaPoker and Farmville (Zynga, 2020). It is notoriously known for getting users to pay for features in games which increase the value of the gaming industry. Social networking sites like Facebook have since improved their gaming sites in order to “challenge Twitch [and] YouTube”. This is seen through new sections with the Facebook app which allows users to “watch”, “play” and “connect” with other gamers (Hutchinson, A, 2020). The popularity of gaming, live streaming and social gaming within the 21st century has seen the increased demand and popularity of the gaming industry which has had the ability to adapt society as it has become integrated with “modern popular culture” (Chikhani, R, 2015). 

References: 

Chikhani, R, 2015, The History Of Gaming: An Evolving Community, Extra Crunch, viewed 19 May 2020, https://techcrunch.com/2015/10/31/the-history-of-gaming-an-evolving-community/. 

Esther Milne, 2020, Week 10: Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming, MDA20009 Digital Communities, Canvas Modules Week 10, Swinburne University of Technology, 18 May 2020, viewed 19 May 2020. 

Hutchinson, A, 2020, Facebook Launches New Gaming App to Challenge Twitch, YouTube, SocialMedia Today, viewed 19 May 2020, https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-launches-new-gaming-app-to-challenge-twitch-youtube/576393/. 

Sinha, R, 2018, 15 Biggest Fortnite Controversies That Shocked Players (Maybe), Gaming Bolt, viewed 19 May 2020, https://gamingbolt.com/15-biggest-fortnite-controversies-that-shocked-players-maybe/3. 

Stuart, K, 2013, Gamer communities: the positive side, The Guardian, viewed 19 May 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2013/jul/31/gamer-communities-positive-side-twitter. 

\Taylor, D, B & Chokshi, N, 2019, This Fortnite World Cup Winner Is 16 and $3 Million Richer, The New York Times, viewed 19 May 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/29/us/fortnite-world-cup-winner-bugha.html?fbclid=IwAR1Btl0Wov1zr2IligsL3PizeLYDnKBx4Oo62IqAjjNw2mzUpvIOuYCCPVE. 

Thier, D, 2018, When Drake And Ninja Play 'Fortnite' On Twitch, Jeff Bezos Takes Home A Victory Royale, Forbles, viewed 19 May 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/03/18/when-drake-and-ninja-play-fortnite-on-twitch-jeff-bezos-takes-home-a-victory-royale/?fbclid=IwAR1alde-xFCQ5Tw2TnXOuAEfmWGfpGx0kywHgoE9WEjLtmr0VM1N03_7xzk#30f10eae6cbc.

Thornhill, T, 2014, The online videogame battle that cost $300,000: Gamers see hundreds of costly spaceships destroyed after user forgot to pay bill to defend their base, Daily Mail Australia, viewed 19 May 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2547908/EVE-online-sees-biggest-battle.html. 

Zynga, Free Mobile and Online Games, Zynga, viewed 19 May 2020, https://www.zynga.com/. 

[69shadesofgray]

@ohhappydani

[lucydimaggio]

Political Engagement and Activism through Social Media

As we all know, we are constantly on our devices connecting to others through social media, whether that be following the hottest trends and celebrities or gaining knowledge through digital outlets. In recent years, since the increased use of digital platforms, social media has also become a common place for “political groups and social movements to organise” (Pew Research Centre, 2016). Activism can be described as the action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about social or political change. However, in the 21st century, social media acts as a “tool for political and social activism” (Pew Research Centre, 2018) through the use of hashtags. Initially, hashtags developed as an “informal method” of “highlighting ideas in unformatted text” in an attempt to grow conversation about the topic. Twitter then expanded this idea to create hyperlinks and compile hashtags which are used to promote messages (Pew Research Centre, 2016). This is where activism comes in as the use of hashtags increases the awareness of social and political topics around the world. 

The hashtag: #BlackLivesMatter, is one of the most used hashtags globally. This hashtag supports the “movement to fight for freedom, liberation and justice” for “black communities” (Black Lives Matter, 2020). Social Media plays an important role in gaining the attention of “elected officials to pay attention to issues”, in order to create “sustained movements for social change [and] influence policy decisions” (Pre Research Centre, 2018). This is because it acts as an “immediate/ live” platform to communicate information, it has the ability to document and archive important information such as photography, videography and hashtags (Stickels, L, 2020).   

In 2016, Twitter released a list of the most used hashtags related to “social cause” and “issues of race” (Pew Research Centre, 2016). #BlackLivesMatter came in third with 13.3 million tweets. Not only do these statistics heighten the severity of the issue, it also displays how powerful social media can be, especially when actively promoting social and political change. 

When taking a look at the success of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, it is considered to be a “justice movement’s success” as technology users “produced, and widely distributed” compelling content across “digital space to inform and organise mass audiences” through the use of hashtags (Solutions Journalism, 2020). However, as seen in this weeks Lecture, digital campaigns “are not enough, offline and online action are necessary but not sufficient for revolution”, there needs to be a connection between online activism and the real world in order to make a chance in contemporary society. With enough promotion through social media, it can change society (Stickels, L, 2020). 

Activism in the 21st century is depicted through the use of social media. Although a significant change from boycotting, striking and violent protests, using hashtags is quite a compelling way to attract social media users to understand more about a political and social issue. As the use of social media platforms increase, the awareness for these issues, such as#BlackLivesMatter continues to spread to a wider audience, making an impact for the Black community but also by educating “elected officials” (Pre Research Centre, 2018).  

References: 

Anderson, M, Toor, S, Raine, F & Smith, A, 2018, Activism in the Social Media Age, Pew Research Centre Internet & Technology, accessed 12 May 2020, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/07/11/activism-in-the-social-media-age/. 

Anderson, M, Toor, S, Raine, F & Smith, A, 2018, Activism in the Social Media Age: Public attitudes toward political engagement on social media, Pew Research Centre Internet & Technology, accessed 12 May 2020, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/07/11/public-attitudes-toward-political-engagement-on-social-media/ 

Anderson, M, Toor, S, Raine, F & Smith, A, 2018, Activism in the Social Media Age: The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter emerges: Social activism on Twitter, Pew Research Centre Internet & Technology, accessed 12 May 2020,  https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/08/15/the-hashtag-blacklivesmatter-emerges-social-activism-on-twitter/ 

Black Lives Matter, 2020, Black Lives Matter About, accessed 12 May 2020, https://blacklivesmatter.com/about/. 

Stickles, L, 2020, ‘Digital Communities, political engagement and activism Week 9′, MDA20009 Digital Communities, Learning materials via Canvas, Swinburne University of Technology, 13 May, viewed 16 May 2020. 

[brookelevy]

Some ideas following up from my last post about slow fashion. Many of these ideas taken from the Swinburne Sustainability Society.

[lucydimaggio]

I really like this image posted by Brooke! It’s so easy to reduce your textile waste, we just need to change our habits and become more knowledgeable of the positive effects slow fashion can have on society! 

[lucydimaggio]

Digital Health Campaigns: Body Modification and Cosmetic Surgery

Today, on Digital Communities, I will be discussing body modification, body image and the increased use of cosmetic surgery due to Instagram’s ‘aesthetic’. Last week we focussed on the ‘good’ of Instagram, how social media can be put to good use to help the environment and people. But, this week, we will be taking a closer look at the negative side to the application. Have you ever doubted yourself because you don't look like a celebrity, don't workout every single day or like to have a sweet treat now and then? I'm sure we've all felt like this at some stage. Looking like this …. 

Is not something you should work towards or change yourself for! It's okay to think that people are ‘good looking’ but you shouldn't use that to doubt your self worth. Everybody is different and that is OKAY! Now, in the 21st century, it is more prevalent than ever, that people are modifying their bodies in order to look more like social media influencers in order to achieve the ‘perfect body’. 

Social Media and technology are “playing a greater role in … in the information sharing necessary to build health care capacity globally” (Thompson, S, 2016). The use of media applications like Instagram and Facebook have aided health studies significantly as users are able to consume knowledge by research. Although this is seen as beneficial, it may also lead to negative impacts on an individual. Even though social media has the power to educate its users about medical care, it is also educating users on the typical body stereotypes, which has led to an increase in body modification and plastic surgery. 

A study at Oxford University was conducted which monitored the use of Hashtags relating to body modification and plastic surgery. The study found that “patients are seeking aesthetic surgery to improve their appearance on Instagram and other social media” (Dorfman, G, et al, 2018). As Instagram is popularly used as a source for advertising and marketing, plastic surgery and body modification have also used the application to advertise to young adults which has significantly increased its usage (Dorfman, G, et al, 2018). The study found that the increase in plastic surgery is due to the aesthetic that Instagram displays. From this, influencers showcase their bodies, “before and after” images of body modification and the use hashtags in order to target Instagram users into getting surgery to change the way they look (Dorfman, G, et al, 2018). The amount of posts using these hashtags is remarkable, this just proves how influential the application is and how it uses its aesthetic function to persuade users to modify their bodies. 

Body Modification and plastic surgery influenced by Instagram is getting more and more popular. It can be seen in a positive light due to the business it is providing to doctors and surgeons. However, it is quite negative in the way that people wish to modify themselves in order to fit into ‘stereotypes’. 

References: 

Instagram, 2020, Kylie Jenner, Instagram, accessed 30 April 2020, https://www.instagram.com/kyliejenner/?hl=en. 

Robert G Dorfman, et al, 2018, ‘Plastic Surgery-Related Hashtag Utilization on Instagram: Implications for Education and Marketing’, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 38, no. 3, pp 332–338. 

Thompson, S 2016, 'How social media is transforming medical care in the developing world' Fast Company, accessed 30 April 2020, https://www.fastcompany.com/3057869/how-social-media-is-transforming-medical-care-in-the-developing-world. 

Voss, B, 2019, Zac Efron Baywatch Body, Zac Efron Admits His “Baywatch” Body Was “Too Big,” “Unrealistic”,  NewNowNext, accessed 30 April 2020, http://www.newnownext.com/zac-efron-baywatch-body-too-big-unrealistic-ellen-wax-figure/05/2019/. 

[keashamcgowan]

Digital Citizen

This gif presents that it is our choice to either be sucked in media and news or not. Do we agree with the way it is presented? Is it bias depending on geographical location? Bias because of our narrowed interest as a nation or individually?

[lucydimaggio]

Keasha has made such an interesting point with this GIF. As social media users we are subject to so much content and influence, we don’t even take notice, we just let it consume us! Sometimes it is good to take a step back and really think about the media we are consuming daily. Is it something positive and beneficial to you? Or, is it manipulative? 

[lucydimaggio]

Instagram Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

Today on Digital Communities, I am going to be discussing Instagram influencers and the slow fashion movement. Now, you might be thinking … What is the slow fashion movement? Well, it’s perfectly described by this graphic!

Kat Collings describes the movement as the “intersection of ethical, eco and lasting fashion”. Slow fashion is designing and creating fashion for the sole purpose of quality and longevity. It encourages more sustainable production of fashion, including lowering carbon footprints, fair wages and less waste (Study New York, 2020). These three categories (Ethical, Eco and Lasting) highlight what the movement means, how it concerns you, as a consumer, and the world on a global scale. 

Ethical fashion is concerned with human and animal rights, eco-fashion is related to the “impact of clothing production on the environment”, and lasting fashion is referring to the “slowing down of the clothing consumption rate” (Collings, 2018). This means that the clothing is made of high-quality materials and is sustainable whilst keeping up with the current fashion trends of 2020. 

As you all know, Instagram is one of the most popular social media outlets filled with many social media ‘influencers’. Influencers are people who have “the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others” through their knowledge, credibility and relationship to the audience (Influencer Marketing, 2020). Not only are influencers a type of marketing tool, but can also relate a “district niche” market to a particular good or service. 

Venetia La Manna is an Instagram influencer who promotes ‘ethical fashion’. With an Instagram feed full of bright colours and sustainable outfits, her aim, being an influencer, is to promote recycled and sustainably made clothing in order to help the planet. Whilst she shares valuable tips on how to steer away from fast fashion, Venetia uses Instagram to connect with followers who are interested in social justice and ethical fashion. The use of Instagram in order to promote the slow fashion movement is quite clever as the application can attract such a wide audience through sponsored advertising, IGTV advertising and simply scrolling through content the application generates based on your taste. From this, information regarding slow fashion and its benefits can easily be identified by the millions of Instagram users daily. 

References: 

Collings, K, 2018, Why We're Celebrating the Slow-Fashion Movement in July, Who What Wear, accessed 26 April 2020, https://www.whowhatwear.com.au/slow-fashion-movement/slide3. 

Influencer Marketing, 2020, What is an Influencer?, accessed 26 April 2020, https://influencermarketinghub.com/what-is-an-influencer/. 

Osment-Le, H, 2020, Sustainable Fashion Influencers in 2020, Good on You, accessed 26 April 2020, https://goodonyou.eco/sustainable-fashion-influencers-to-follow-in-2020/. 

Pinterest, 2018, ‘What is the Slow Fashion Movement?’, accessed 26 April 2020, https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/create/link/?description=Why+We%27re+Celebrating+the+Slow-Fashion+Movement+in+July&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cliqueinc.com%2Fposts%2F261735%2Fletter-from-the-editor-july-2018-261735-1530461132557-image.700x0c.jpg&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whowhatwear.com%2Fslow-fashion-movement. 

Tara, Fast Fashion vs. Slow Fashion, New York Study, accessed 26 April 2020, http://study-ny.com/slow-fashion. 

Venetial La Manna, 2020, Venetial La Manna Instagram, accessed 26 April 2020, https://www.instagram.com/venetiafalconer/?hl=en. 

[lucydimaggio]

Digital Citizenship

Welcome back to another week of Digital Communities! 

This week has a focus on the use of social media for political purposes. Political parties, members, supporters and politicians are all using social media outlets to connect to people and promote campaigns. Political uses of social media can help connect to a wider audience of individuals in a community (Gil de Zúñiga, H, et al, 2014). Some argue that using social media for political advantage is not beneficial as it can easily sway peoples political opinions without factual information or evidence. However, others may argue that this is not the case as it is yet another source of information connecting to an even wider audience. Alongside newspapers, television and radio, social media enables those of younger generations to understand the purpose and need for a political view and digital citizenship through online platforms. 

#Auspol, short for Australian Politics, is being used on mediums such as Twitter to engage Australians in political conversations (Bogle, A, 2016). It has easily become one of the most used hashtags when discussing Politics within Australia, seen through the statistic that there are on average 9,000 tweets a day using the #auspol hashtag. Just the use of this hashtag is highlighting the increased use of social media for political purposes (Bogle, A, 2016). The need for digital citizenship in an evolving world where people communicate via media is vital. Having the knowledge to connect through online social mediums provides a diverse experience of communication unlike other regular forms such as text messaging. Social media enables an individual to adapt to the conforming needs of society, keep up to date with trends and stay on top of content as it is being delivered. 

During the current situation, COVID-19 has significantly increased the use of social media in all aspects, particularly through the political viewpoint. Specifically, in relation to Daniel Andrews, an Australian politician who is Victoria’s 48th and current Premier of the state. Andrews has been able to use social media in order to not only keep Victorians informed about the latest news surrounding the issue but also attempting to connect with them through relevant information for all Victorians facing diverse issues. Through his use of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, these outlets of communication have created the ability for Victorians to remain informed about the changing rules and restrictions put in place in the state. It is arguable that it can be quite difficult to understand rules ad regulations created by the Federal Government due to the changing circumstances every day. Andrews has tacked this issue in an attempt to engage with Victorians and get people to clearly understand what new laws have been created and what this means for Victorians on a national level, as well as a community. 

It is obvious, especially during these unprecedented times, that social media presence for political purposes is quite beneficial as provides yet another form of media where people can connect and learn more about the pandemic we are currently facing globally. In Andrews instance, this means connecting to locals, adapting information so it becomes easily interpreted and consistently keeping in contact with the needs of Victorians.

Daniel Andrews’ use of Twitter. 

Daniel Andrews’ use of Instagram. 

Daniel Andrews’ use of Facebook. 

References: 

Bogle, A, 2016, #auspol: The Twitter hashtag Australia can't live without, Mashable Australia, accessed 20 April 2020, https://mashable.com/2016/03/21/twitter-australia-auspol/#4tvfXtsZUEqV.

Dan Andrews, Dan Andrews Politician Facebook Page, accessed 20 April 2020, https://www.facebook.com/DanielAndrewsMP.

Dan Andrews MP, Dan Andrews Twitter Profile, accessed 20 April 2020, https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor.

Daniel Andrews MP, Dan Andrews Instagram Profile, accessed 20 April 2020, https://www.instagram.com/danielandrewsmp/.

Gil de Zúñiga, H, Molyneux, L & Zheng, P, 2014, ‘Social Media, Political Expression, and Political Participation: Panel Analysis of Lagged and Concurrent Relationships’, Journal of Communication, vol. 64,  no. 4, pp. 612–634.

[the-new-digital-era]

How does Tumblr function as a Digital Community?

The idea of a virtual landscape where content creators and creative individuals could come together to share, post and collaborate was the fundamental basis for establishing the digital platform that is now more commonly known as Tumblr. Founded in 2007 by David Karp, this ‘microblogging’ online community was used for people to publish “short-form” blogs, from which users could comment, repost and like.

Tumblr functions as a way of creators voicing their feelings and opinions. It uses the features of audio, video and text to construct a digital portfolio for the user. Similarly like YouTube and Twitter, it aggregates the topics and interests you interact with most and uses this to stylise a ‘dashboard’ that is personal to the user. 

Kruse, Norris and Flinchum demonstrates the way social media has an impact on the digital community by prompting that it “may revitalise the public sphere” (2018, p.63) and he cites “to challenge discourses, share alternative perspectives and publish their own opinions” (Loader and Mercea 2011:760). Furthermore, supporting the idea that Tumblr acts as an online space that is free from government intervention and is at liberty to express and voice reason.

In another study, Tumblr and many other social media platforms have been seen at the forefront for ‘self branding’ and ‘self-promotion’ for influencers and media companies . A set of interviews conducted by Scolere, Prunchniewska and Duffy found that these ‘creative professionals’ used the new media age to “promote themselves, their businesses, and their creative products.” (2018, p.4) with the intention of being across multiple media platforms as it is the “expectation that you have to be everywhere” (2018, p.4). Furthermore, this study found that individuals use media sites like ‘Tumblr’ to express themselves, their skills and even their businesses. Tumblr can be perceived as being a ‘digital community’ as it uses the collective nature of like-minded individuals to share, and communicate with one another. 

References:

Kruse, L.M Norris, D.R & Flinchum, J.R 2018, ‘Social Media as a Public Sphere? Politics on Social Media’, The Sociological Quarterly, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 62-84.

Leah Scolere, Urszula Pruchniewska and Brooke Erin Duffy, “Constructing the Platform-Specific Self-Brand: The Labor of Social Media Promotion”, Social Media + Society July-September 2018: 1–11.

[lucydimaggio]

Josh’s statement regarding a study about the ‘self-branding’ and ‘self-promotion’ found in Tumblr is quite fascinating. Tumblr does have the ability to be used for business purposes, however I believe it may be beneficial only for a specific type of audience or age bracket. Facebook and Instagram are mainly used nowadays to promote businesses due to its easy access and its common use amongst people. However, Tumblr is used for promotional purposes when individuals are showcasing their works online. Tumblrs business functions may not just be used by big companies, but also individuals. 

This could be hinting at the fact that Tumblr users are attempting to showcase their creative products in order to connect and communicate with others with similar interests in order to grow their personal brand as a creative professional. So, this may not be specifically for business As Josh states: that a digital community “uses the collective nature of like-minded individuals to share, and communicate with one another” it highlights the use of Tumblr as being a very independent medium for individuals to communicate and self-promote. And with the ability to voice their opinions through audio, video and text, Tumblr makes it easy to do that. 

[burninggravity]

It ain’t the blows we’re dealt that matter, but the ones we survive.

Stephen King, Rose Madder

(via burninggravity)

This quote stands out, giving the current circumstances we are facing. Although we are dealing with extremely difficult times, we will all get through it. There are many positive aspects that have come from this, not only for the health of our planet but also for our appreciation of the small things in life. Especially how digital platforms are available at the click of a button.  Use the digital community you live in to get through tough times, communicate to those you haven’t seen in a while, find a new show to binge watch. Do what makes you happy in a time that is so uncertain. 

[lucydimaggio]

[lucydimaggio]

Tumblr as a Digital Community.

Hello! My name is Lucy and I am studying MDA20009 (Digital Communities) this semester! I am exploring the way in which this social media platform; Tumblr has played a role in creating and functioning the digital community individuals engage in every day. 

Tumblr allows for the expression of creativity and control over what content is produced (Bromwich, J, 2019) which enables users of the application to feel apart of a ‘digital community’. Tumblr has a range of specific features exploring how exactly it acts as a digital community, these features enable users of the application to come together virtually and connect, whether it be for personal or business purposes (Scolere, L, Pruchniewska, U & Duffy, B. E, 2018). 

Since July 2019, Tumblr has 472 million blog accounts, in comparison to Facebook, the worlds most popular application, it seems as though Tumblr is not used as often as other mediums (Petrov, C, 2019). Facebook has 2.5 billion active daily users, this highlights the extreme difference in numbers between the two platforms (Statista.com, 2019). However, these statistics do show that Tumblr is a unique medium which allows people to communicate in diverse ways, also though it may not be considered the ‘usual’ form of social media is can still be used for diverse purposes through its blog format. 

Unlike other applications, when you sign up to a Tumblr account, you have the ability to follow, create and share content by any digital user globally. Tumblr users have the capability to make new friends based off having similar interests and things they chose to follow. It also allows viewers to share content with friends or to a private blog, so users have the option to interact on a global level or just to their friends through the application (Menedez, S, 2013). These features create digital communities as users virtually come together through the sharing of content online. Tumblr’s simple user interface enables users to create unique portfolios which is another great way for people to communicate through the use of art. Portfolios allow for people to upload and view content that is relevant to their own, again, allowing for the creation of digital communities through the application (Menedez, S, 2013). 

As a result of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the use of digital media has become even more prevalent in recent times due to self-distancing and isolation. Hence why more and more people have turned to online sources and media outlets to spend time and communicate with others. According to the Digital Information World, it is predicted that the use of online media will increase due to the need to self-isolate as well as keep distracted during this time (Muhammad, Z, 2020). The ability to create digital communities is crucial in times such as this as people rely on each other to get through everyday activities, including work, socialising with family and friends and education. 

References: 

Bromwich, J, 2019, What’s next for Tumblr?, viewed 30 March 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/22/style/tumblr-matt-mullenweg-interview.html. 

Getty Images, 2020, ‘Coronavirus Outbreak through use of Social Media Platforms’, Volkin, S, 2020, SOCIAL MEDIA FUELS SPREAD OF COVID-19 INFORMATION—AND MISINFORMATION, John Hopkins University Hub, viewed 30 March 2020, https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/03/27/mark-dredze-social-media-misinformation/. 

Menendez, S, 2013, The 7 Best Uses for Tumblr, viewed 30 March 2020, https://mashable.com/2013/12/09/tumblr-uses/. 

Muhammad, Z, 2020, The Coronavirus Pandemic Will Increase Social Media Usage, viewed 30 March 2020, https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2020/03/66-percent-of-consumers-expect-their-social-media-consumption-to-increase-during-coronavirus-confinement.html. 

Petrov, C, 2019, Tumblr Statistics 2020, TechJury, viewed 30 March 2020, https://techjury.net/stats-about/tumblr/#gref. 

Scolere, L., Pruchniewska, U. and Duffy, B. E., 2018, Constructing the Platform-Specific Self-Brand: The Labor of Social Media Promotion, SAGE Journals, viewed 30 March 2020, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2056305118784768#articleCitationDownloadContainer. 

Statista.com, 2019, Number of monthly active Facebook users worldwide as of 4th quarter 2019, Statista, viewed 30 March 2020, https://www.statista.com/statistics/264810/number-of-monthly-active-facebook-users-worldwide/

[lucydimaggio]

Portions of this site and the works within it are being produced with the intention of critique and/or educational use under Australia's 'fair dealing' exceptions to copyright (Section 40 & 41). However, if you feel your IP is being infringed, please contact my service provider (Tumblr) with the appropriate DMCA requests, as I, the single author take full responsibility for the content of this site.