Our Digital Community

This blog was created by Reanna for her Swinburne University Media & Communications degree.

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Week 10: Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

It is important to consider conflict in terms of social media governance as it rounds out the digital community experience; not all digital communities are inherently positive and welcoming online, and you'll very easily be able to spot areas of social media where communities are arguing and disagreeing on things. Digital citizenship needs to be understood with both positive and negative sides considered.

(Image: Edutopia)

In week 5, we defined digital citizenship as follows:

"Digital citizenship refers to the online participation of users in every facet of the community, be it social, economical, political or otherwise; it has the “potential to benefit society as a whole and facilitate the membership and participation of individuals within society” (Mossberger et al., 2008), and links with the idea of a “public sphere” in that participation is vital and must be accessible to all in order to succeed." (Week 5 Discussion Blog Post)

This "vital participation" means that everyone in a digital community is entitled to their own thoughts and opinions, and thus, conflict can ensue. Social media governance comes into play where authority figures are established and communities are "governed" to avoid these conflicts. An example of this would be a moderator of a Facebook group, who is able to remove or mute users at will when behavioural guidelines are not followed.

One large goal of these moderators are to reduce harassment online. Plan International (2020) surveyed 14,000 girls in 31 countries and found that 59% had been the victim of online abuse and insulting language. Studies by other bodies have uncovered that a vast majority of online users report experiencing the same harassment online.

From these statistics it is clear that online harassment is an enormous problem in our digital communities that needs to be addressed immediately. As digital citizens, it is important that we each do our part to uphold a safe and wholesome environment for other digital citizens.

The best ways for us to do so include putting pressure on platforms to denounce this behaviour and remove offending users, raise awareness of these issues and advocate for a more positive online experience.

Of course, the best course of action is and will always be simply to not participate in this behaviour ourselves. In this case, it is important to be the change we wish to see.

References

Mossberger, K, Tolbert, C & Mcneal, R, 2008, Digital Citizenship: The Internet, Society, and Participation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US

Ostini, J & Hopkins, S, 2015, "Online Harassment is a Form of Violence", The Conversation

Plan International, 2020, "Free to be Online? Girls Get Equal", Plan International

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Week 9: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

(Image: Who What Wear)

Digital citizenship is the pillar to our online communication and can be described in many ways. The NSW Department of Education stipulates a "good" digital citizen to possess "the skills and knowledge to effectively use digital technologies in a positive way to participate in society, communicate with others, and create and consume digital content".

With this in mind, we can evaluate digital citizenship as it relates to the online slow-fashion movement and see the ways in which each intertwine. The slow fashion movement (also referred to commonly as "sustainable fashion" has risen to popularity online within recent years, but has been around for a very long time. 60s counter-culture and 80's anti fur campaigns gave rise to this movement in which society started seeking out alternative options to less-than-ethically produced, cheap "trendy" pieces in favour of something high quality and manufactured in ethical conditions (Lai et al., 2017). Guidelines for sustainably produced fashion include lack of child and slave labour, humane working conditions and strong supply chain relationships.

In more recent times, the Internet has latched onto the idea of more sustainable options and has become a strong platform for advocacy on the topic. As a society we are beginning to seek not to consume on a mass basis, but rather on the basis of necessity with the intention of keeping fashion items for the long term.

(Image: My Wellness Me)

Social media, particularly YouTube and Instagram, are now full of content promoting sustainable fashion brands and advocating for a more ethical lifestyle. Examples of this include YouTuber Ashley, known as bestdressed, who regularly produces content sponsored by sustainable fashion brands.

(Image: YouTube)

Further, Alexa from alexasunshine83 regularly advocates for second-hand shopping and shares thrifting content to show how accessible pre-owned clothes can be for all.

(Image: YouTube)

As we continue to live in a digital society it will become increasingly important to promote and advocate for these positive societal changes that will have a positive influence on our environment and culture. We as internet users have the power to control our consumption and spending habits, and as a result have a direct effect on the companies who are currently getting away with treating their employees in an inhumane way.

References

Australian Department of Education, 2021, "Digital citizenship | Digital Technologies Hub", Digital Technologies Hub, accessed 22 May 2021, <https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teachers/topics/digital-citizenship#:~:text=What%20is%20it%3F,positive%20engagement%20with%20digital%20technologies.>

Lai, Z, Henninger, C, Alevizou, P & Cham, J, 2017, "An Exploration of Consumers’ Perceptions Towards Sustainable Fashion – A Qualitative Study in the UK", Springer International Publishing Sustainability in Fashion

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Week 8: Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming

(Image: Business Insider)

The online gaming community has been a constantly evolving community since the inception of the internet. Personally, growing up, I spent a huge amount of time on MMO games such as Club Penguin and Planet Cazmo, and have over time become quite a fan of online gaming content creators such as PewDiePie and others who make similar content. Online gaming provides consumers with a unique sense of community in which online friendships are formed, players are able to participate in large-scale multiplayer titles and endless fun can be had.

Over time the gaming community has grown exponentially; back in the day, "gamers" were seen as specky, nerdy boys who sat at their computers all day, however these days a gamer is anyone and everyone. From mobile games to console titles and PC games, the gaming community has a place for all.

Its humble beginnings through online role play sites and mobile games have quickly grown into expertly designed story games, ESporting events and g=hugely successful franchises.

My personal favourite aspect of the gaming community is the ways in which it can be consumed. One no longer has to buy or build their own gaming PC or console, and can instead opt to watch streams over the likes of Twitch and Discord or YouTube videos to experience the game without playing it themself.

(Image: HubSpot)

Twitch is a perfect example of a streaming site which highlights the development in the online gaming community. With over 2.2 million unique broadcasters and 10 million daily active users by 2017, and 26.5 million by 2020 (Twitch, 2017-2021), Twitch has paved the way for a new-wave content consumption platform in which gameplay is accessible to all and can be monetised for profit. Users create content that combines "gameplay, humor, commentary, and real-time interaction with fans and audiences" to create a truly unique experience (Taylor, 2018, pp.9).

I am personally very excited to see how the gaming community evolves next. What will the next wave be? Will these streaming platforms continue to see success or will a new method of consumption lead us through to the future?

References

Anonymous, 2021, "Twitch Statistics & Charts", TwitchTracker, accessed 20 May 2021, <https://twitchtracker.com/statistics>

Taylor, TL, 2018, "Broadcasting ourselves", Watch Me Play: Twitch and the Rise of Game Live Streaming, Princeton University Press, pp. 1-23

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Week 7: Digital Citizenship and Software Literacy: Instagram Filters

This week's discussion ties in closely with that of last week, where we discussed visual social media's growing issue of body modification through apps and procedures and the effects this has on the viewing audience. This week, we discuss more specifically social media filters and digitised dysmorphia.

(Image: Women's Health)

Western society's focus on the beauty and sex industries have long been using the female body as a commodity to sell products and bring awareness to brands (Coy-Dibley, 2016). As social media has matured, filters and editing softwares have been developed to provide users with an easily-accessible tool to modify one's body, face or any other feature.

As discussed previously, this can include not only Instagram and Snapchat's built-in filtering options, but also apps such as FaceTune, which "are designed to analyse, rate, evaluate, monitor or enhance appearance” (Elias & Gill, 2018, pp60). These filters and editing programs mask insecurities, often smoothing skin texture, thinning the face and body and altering features to the user's desire. These filters can lead to an online phenomenon known as digitised dysmorphia.

Digitised dysmorphia (coined by Coy-Dibley, 2016) helps to outline the pressure placed on women online by societal beauty standards. Filters and editing programs create beauty standards whereas users are expected to physically and aesthetically present in a specific way online. This can lead to dysmorphia in terms of users viewing themselves through the lens of these filters, and losing a true sense of their physical self. This also invites insecurities and comparison as users compare themselves to their own edited pictures and those of others. Seeing an unfiltered, unedited image of themselves may be shocking and cause great discomfort, as the "perfect" image is no longer visible.

I believe it to be so important to keep in mind just how much these filters and editing apps can effect our psyche, and try to maintain a real sense of self through avoiding these tools wherever possible. After all, true beauty comes from within.

References Coy-Dibley, I, 2016, “Digitised Dysmorphia” of the Female Body: The Re/Disfigurement of the Image", Palgrave Communications

Elias, AS & Gill, R, 2018, "Beauty surveillance: The digital self-monitoring cultures of neoliberalism", European Journal of Cultural Studies, SAGE Publications

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Week 6: Digital Citizenship and health education: Body Modification on Visual Social Media

(Image: King University Online)

Undisclosed body modification on visual social media is an ever-growing issue that continues to plague our favourite social media platforms. Sites such as Instagram and Facebook are becoming increasingly flooded with altered images that are receiving wide-spread praise and affirmation by content consumers who may not even realise that the content is edited in the first place.

Body modification through editing programs such as FaceTune and Photoshop instil insecurity and low self-esteem in users through the promotion of an unachievable standard of beauty, which leaves viewers feeling inadequate or in a constant state of negative comparison of themselves against others. Additionally, real-life body modification procedures such as plastic surgery and fillers are gaining large popularity on these platforms.

The main offenders of this are microcelebrities, also referred to as microinfluencers. A microcelebrity is an online public figure focused on "creating and maintaining an online identity that resembles a branded good in order to gain status through visibility online" (Marwick, 2013; Senft, 2012). These influencers brand themselves as a "perfect" version of a person to gain following and attract brand deals and sponsorships, largely using body modification and editing to achieve this.

(Image: CNET)

A core issue is the lack of transparency when it comes to this body modification; influencers lie about having had anything done and lie about their photos being untouched, enforcing further insecurity in the audience. As a result, us consumers of this edited content, as well as the use of these editing platforms ourself, can lead to body dysmorphic disorders and self-image issues (Henriques & Patnaik, 2021).

Although, efforts to combat this lack of transparency on visual social media do exist. Instagram account beauty.false boasts over 1.2 million followers and aims to show social media users that their favourite influencers and microcelebrities create unrealistic and impossible-to-reach aesthetic expectations, to improve self-image and body confidence.

(Source: beauty.false on Instagram)

Whilst pages such as this can cause upset for those featured in posts, the page is created with positive intentions and spreads the message of advocating for body positivity and acceptance of all shapes and sizes.

In this highly digitised world, I believe it is extremely important to remember that all we consume is likely doctored or edited in some way, and keep our eyes open to find influencers who promote a natural and realistic body image. It is important to support influencers who showcase real bodies and real skin, for the sake fo our own mental health as well as the mental health of others who view this content regularly.

References

Dorfman, R, Vaca, E, Mahmood, E, Fine, N & Schierle, C, "Plastic Surgery-Related Hashtag Utilization on Instagram: Implications for Education and Marketing", Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 38, Issue 3, March 2018, pp 332–338

Henriques, M & Patnaik, D, 2021, "Social Media and Its Effects on Beauty", Beauty - Cosmetic Science, Cultural Issues and Creative Developments, InTechOpen

Marwick, A E, 2013, "Status update: celebrity, publicity, and branding in the social media age", Yale University Press, New Haven

Senft, T, 2012, "Microcelebrity and the Branded Self", sourced from Hartley, J, Burgess, J & Bruns, A, A Companion to New Media Dynamics, Blackwell, UK

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Week 5: What is digital citizenship? Hashtag Publics, political engagement and activism

(Image: Proud Parenting)

Digital citizenship refers to the online participation of users in every facet of the community, be it social, economical, political or otherwise; it has the "potential to benefit society as a whole and facilitate the membership and participation of individuals within society" (Mossberger et al., 2008), and links with the idea of a "public sphere" in that participation is vital and must be accessible to all in order to succeed.

A change that I have definitely witnessed over the past few years in the digital experience is the way in which politics and political discussions have been embraced by the younger generation. Particularly on platforms such as Twitter, teenagers and younger internet users are increasingly becoming politically informed and utilising their role as a digital citizen to actively participate in these discussions and spread awareness for global political issues.

Bogle (2016) discusses hashtag publics and online activism in the form of the Twitter hashtag #auspol, a distinctly Australian political hashtag utilised nationwide in the commentary and discussion of Australian politics online. #auspol provides an umbrella for this discussion where any user, Australian or otherwise, may participate. Particularly in a pandemic-ridden world, digital citizenship and hashtag publics are imperative to the continuation of democracy and political movements; with a steady decline in real-world participation at politically-based events, the internet steps in as an alternative which allows participation without the need for leaving the home. In order to engage the younger generations and move towards a truly inclusive democracy, it is imperative to include these online forms of communication which have largely been the way of life for those of us growing up in the digital age. The same has been seen in the enormous participation in political discussions online during the Federal Election in the United States last year.

Even in generations born five years prior, this level of political engagement and activism was not seen online. It marks the start of a new trend in which the digital citizenship of the younger generation is flourishing, and will hopefully continue to flourish over time.

References

Bogle, A, 2016, #auspol: The Twitter tag that Australia can't do without, Mashable, accessed 12 Apr 2021, <https://mashable.com/2016/03/21/twitter-australia-auspol/#4tvfXtsZUEqV>

Vromen, A, 2017, Digital Citizenship and Political Engagement: The Challenge from Online Campaigning and Advocacy Organisations, Palgrave Macmillan, London

Mossberger, K, Tolbert, C & Mcneal, R, 2008, Digital Citizenship: The Internet, Society, and Participation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US

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Week 4: Digital Community and Fandom - Reality TV

(Image: Skyegrid Media)

Reality television is a corner of the media universe of which I am very familiar. Growing up, I loved sitting down with my mum and watching reality shows (such as the likes of The Bachelor and The Block) to pass the time. Reality television shows such as these provide an escape for viewers in a short form, comedic, low-attention-span-friendly package; they're easy to watch, entertaining and distract from the reality of viewers' lives. There's something comforting about watching seemingly "regular" people going about their lives, whether it's mundane everyday tasks or competition-style challenges, regardless of how genuinely "real" it is.

(Image: Twitter)

The discussion I wanted to touch on was the impact of globalisation and the digitisation of our media on these shows and the ways in which they are consumed by digital communities.

Personally, when I have in the past been a consumer of these Bachelor style reality shows, I have always consumed them in tandem with a social media-based discussion group made specifically for the show. The Facebook group The Bachelor, Bachelorette and Bach in Paradise Australia Fans was my go-to page for live episode discussion threads, memes and general show-related chat with over 14,000 participants (Facebook, 2021).

In this new digital age, audiences of reality television (and any other media, for that matter) have a unique ability to discuss the content in real time with global viewers of the show as well as gain new information, debate topics and participate in a community with like interests that has never been seen previously. It's a powerful vehicle for reality television production companies to utilise in order to gain a loyal cult following; shows often have their own pages and accounts across the likes of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter where the show is not only promoted, but memes are shared and the community is included in discussion of the show.

Another example is RuPaul's Drag Race (RPDR), which has indeed gained a cult online following and has created a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community in its own right. RPDR is also an example of a show in which these "reality" participants have ascended to celebrity status through their appearance on the program in a way that was largely not seen in the past. Past contestants have been known to harness their online support and popularity in order to advance their careers, through embarking on solo tours and featuring in spin-off programs (Brennan & Gudelunas, 2017). These "celebrities" create social media pages where they continue living as their reality character counterpart, sharing intimate details of their lives and creating an online "identity" of sorts (Arcy, 2018).

Overall, I think the idea of fandom culture and how it fits into reality television is fascinating, and I am very interested to see the ways in which it continues to develop over time.

References

Arcy, J, 2018, "The digital money shot: Twitter wars,The Real Housewives,and transmedia storytelling", Celebrity Studies, vol. 9, no. 4, 487-502, Routledge, United Kingdom

Brennan, N & Gudelunas, D, 2017, "Drag Culture, Global Participation and RuPaul’s Drag Race", RuPaul’s Drag Race and the Shifting Visibility of Drag Culture: The Boundaries of Reality TV, Palgrave Macmillan

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Week 3: How does Tumblr function as a digital community?

(Image: LinkedIn)

Tumblr, originally founded in 2007 by David Karp and later acquired by Yahoo in 2013, is an online social networking platform where users create personal blogs to share content relating to their individual hobbies and interests.

Tumblr exists as a digital community in a unique sense, in which users can choose to share and create content either publicly or anonymously; there are no "user profiles" on the platform, and users rather use their blogs as expressions of who they are and the content they wish to share with the world.

As a platform, it gave rise to the idea of an online "alternative world" (McCracken et al., 2020, pp. 2-3) , in which users "come together over mutual passions and desires in a queer, carnival-like atmosphere", a cultural forum where users can be anyone they wish to be and say anything they wish to say. This culture cultivated an inclusive environment which attracted marginalised and oppressed groups within society (the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC etc.), who were able to make Tumblr their digital home.

As a digital community, Tumblr functions through its unbridled inclusivity and useful features which assist users in finding their 'people' on the platform. Hashtags are a heavily-utilised feature which allow users to comment and add value to posts indirectly, as well as signposting areas of interest to be revisited at a later point:

(Image: Tumblr)

It's a unique method of communication, fairly unique to the platform in its usage yet intrinsic in the formation of communities on the platform.

The platform has also become particularly popular with younger feminists, as described by Keller (2019). Female feminist "millennials" view the platform as an "anonymous, disorienting, and deep space" in which their views are safely kept from the "outside" internet world. The private elements of the platform encase the digital feminism community in a safety net of sorts, in which the conversations held on the platform are sheltered from view by others.

For these reasons, Tumblr exists and functions as a unique digital community where users can harness its features to their advantage to share content and cultivate safe spaces online.

References

Keller, J, 2019, ""Oh, She's a Tumblr Feminist": Exploring the Platform Vernacular of Girls' Social Media Feminisms", Social Media + Society, pp. 8-9, Sage

McCracken, A, Cho, A, Stein, L & Neill Hoch, I, 2020, A Tumblr Book: Platform and Cultures, pp. 2-3, University of Michigan Press