#MDA20009 Digital Communities

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Week 11 - Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming: Fun Run!

It’s finally Week 11! This semester felt like it’s endless. This will be my final-ever Tumblr post for the unit mda20009! I sincerely hope you have enjoyed reading these posts. For this week, we will be discussing on gaming! I am not really someone who plays a lot of video games but I do play a few. One that I recently have engaged with is ‘Fun Run’.

I was introduced to this game by my boyfriend and ever since then it has become my go-to game to connect with new friends. If you are not too familiar with this game, ‘Fun Run’ is basically a multiplayer online racing game with cute animals as its characters. What sets it apart from other games is the level of interactivity it offers. The fact that I was unaware of this game before is surprising considering how different it is from other racing games. This multiplayer game has not only provided me with hours of entertainment but has also become a means for me to interact and connect with people I've met, especially during my pop-up events that I have in Kuala Lumpur.

During my pop-up events, I would play this game with my both partners or even with other vendors when we have some spare time. I could clearly recall how we would all eagerly gather around, grab our phones, and immerse ourselves in the exhilarating races this game had to offer. 'Fun Run' provided us with a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of running our booths. It became a bonding experience as we laughed, cheered, and sometimes playfully taunted each other while navigating the game's vibrant and challenging courses.

Despite not being an avid gamer, my experience with 'Fun Run' during my pop-up events allowed me to relate it to the topics we've covered in this week's class discussions on gaming. It made me realize the power of gaming as a social and interactive medium, even for someone like me who doesn't play games extensively. Through 'Fun Run,' I witnessed firsthand how gaming can transcend its entertainment value and become a tool for connection and bonding. Just as we have learned in class, games have the ability to bring people together, fostering social interactions and creating shared experiences.

It is truly remarkable how games have the potential to evolve into a form of sport, which is called E-sports. Similar to traditional sports, e-sports involve dedicated players who invest significant time and effort in honing their skills, participating in competitive events, and vying for recognition, fame, and lucrative rewards (Taylor, 2018, p. 1). This realization struck me as I delved into the world of gaming, including my experience with 'Fun Run.'

To conclude, for someone who isn’t much of a gamer it truly impressed me that games have the ability to bring people together in a lighthearted and competitive environment. It served as a reminder of the power of technology to foster connections and create shared experiences, even when we are physically distant.

References

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

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Week 10 – Digital Citizenship and Software Literacy: Filters?

One of the many themes that we can apply to our own daily lives, in my opinion, is the discussion of Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat filters. Filters, in general, utilise augmented reality (AR), which “allows the user to see the real world, with virtual objects superimposed upon or composited with the real world.” (Azuma 1997, p. 355). The use of filters has skyrocketed and expanded significantly since Snapchat introduced its filters and Pokemon Go was released in 2016.

How does it work?

AR filters work by using the camera on a device to track facial features or the surrounding environment and then applying computer-generated effects, animations, or modifications to the captured image or video. These effects can range from simple colour filters and face masks to more complex transformations like adding virtual objects, changing backgrounds, or distorting facial features. Here is a simple metaphor to describe filtering. Technically, the coffee filter does prevent ground coffee beans from entering the pot below, but the filter's main purpose is to flavour water by delaying the flow of water through the coffee beans (Rettberg 2014, p.21). We could think of "imperfections" as the coffee grounds, which are "blocked" from entering the image by the AR filter, whilst "flavours", like the coffee, are able to "enter" the image. This metaphor improved my understanding when it comes to filtering and how it works.

Filters are also widely used as a form of entertainment among friends and social circles. They add an element of fun, playfulness, and creativity to social media interactions. Some filters can create entertaining and engaging experiences by adding amusing animations, interactive elements, or unique visual effects to images or videos. It transforms faces into funny characters, place virtual objects or accessories on people, or create imaginative and surreal environments. For instance, a Snapchat filter called “Cartoon 3D Style Lens” went viral and there were about 215 million users that engaged with it! (Silberling 2021).

Apart from that, AR filters also has benefits for brands and businesses! Because of the great engagement it fosters, the experience is one that is quite unforgettable. The existence of filters improves the client’s buying experience. There is no longer a necessity for people to visit physical stores. With the use of technology, we can easily try on cosmetics, which may lead to impulsive purchases. As a result, it is excellent for advertising a product or service because, in comparison with traditional advertising, it has a 70% memory recall rate. (Hamilton 2022).  A brand that I came across which practices this form of shopping is “NYX”. This brand offers a feature called “Try it on” on their website that allows consumers to try on their products virtually!

As much as we love interacting with filters, they are also downsides to it…

Regrettably, our perception of reality can be significantly impacted, especially when utilizing beauty filters. The influence of societal and media portrayals of beauty exacerbates this issue. Both men and women are consistently pressured by society to conform to a specific beauty standard in order to gain social acceptance. Consequently, individuals may develop body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), wherein they become excessively concerned about perceived flaws in their appearance (Coy-Dibley, 2016, p. 2). The situation can escalate to a serious level when individuals begin to experience anxiety and obsession related to their appearance, leading to compulsive behaviors and routines. These may include incessant grooming and attempts to conceal specific body areas perceived as 'unattractive' (Coy-Dibley, 2016, p. 3). It is safe to say that a significant number of individuals struggle with feelings of insecurity regarding their body or overall appearance.

To counteract these negative effects, it is crucial to promote body positivity and self-acceptance. Embracing diversity and challenging the rigid beauty standards set by the media can lead to a more inclusive and healthier perception of beauty. By fostering a culture that values individuality and celebrates all forms of beauty, we can help individuals overcome the negative impact of filters and societal pressures, ultimately cultivating a more positive and authentic relationship with ourselves and others.

References

Azuma, RT 1997, A Survey of Augmented Reality, Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, vol. 6, no. 4, p. 355.

Coy-Dibley, I 2016, ‘“Digitized Dysmorphia” of the female body: the re/disfigurement of the image’, Palgrave communications, vol. 2, no. 1, Palgrave Macmillan, London, pp. 2-3.

Hamilton, J 2022, AR Filters – Everything You Need to Know! | Eon Visual Media, Eon Visual Media - App, Web, Design, Animation & Video, viewed 12 June 2023, < https://eon-media.com/insights/ar-filters/>.

Rettberg, JW 2014, Seeing Ourselves Through Technology, Palgrave Macmillan.

Silberling, A 2021, Everyone you know is a Disney princess, which means AR is queen, TechCrunch, viewed 13 June 2023, < https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/14/everyone-you-know-is-a-disney-princess-which-means-ar-is-queen/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAB9cMjTC2ZQlrkVlQ40IO2X_B-ZSqfDqVMBx3sxJv8Qku_AO7EWapCmwka8vnOhldTmWYksxsMuGG8vHPYhWQguJdqe1Bjg-55i4neVEUEZDs9zfTkRJ-6jG5JqCs29gjHZgv2g9PocIVv3VvSx_SM98cOk86M62QTAtwzh-lq9M>.

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Week 9 – Digital Citizenship and Health Education: Body Modification on Visual Social Media

What a fun topic to talk about! This was the topic that I presented in class this week and it was by far the most interesting topics I’ve talked about. It is on Body Modification on Visual Social Media!

I am sure the first thing that comes into your head is “photoshop edits” or “cosmetic surgery”. Well, yes. Those are all part of this week’s topic. Before we dive deeper into this topic, here is a brief introduction of what the topic actually means.

Body modification on visual social media refers to the practice of sharing and showcasing various alterations made to the human body on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. It encompasses a wide range of intentional modifications, including but not limited to tattoos, piercings, scarification, hair dyeing, body painting, cosmetic surgeries, and even more extreme alterations like implants or extreme body modifications. In addition, body modification can also be done digitally through Photoshop apps. One can alter their appearance which includes modifying body shape, size, skin tone, facial features, or adding elements like tattoos, piercings, all through an app.

Plastic surgery is one of the most well-known and widely practiced methods of body modification. Plastic surgery involves surgical procedures that alter or enhance a person's physical appearance. It can be performed for various reasons, including reconstructive purposes to correct deformities or injuries, or for aesthetic purposes to enhance specific features or achieve a desired look. Some popular procedures of plastic surgery include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, facelifts, tummy tucks, and buttock augmentation, among others. The realm of plastic surgery is now completely surrounded by the Internet and social media (Robert 2018). According to a study conducted by Vardanian et al (2013) more than half of American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) members who participated in a survey reported using social media for either personal or professional reasons. Furthermore, 42% of surgeons claim that their patients want aesthetic surgery to enhance their looks on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and other social media platforms (American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2017).

Through this data, it illustrates the extent to which social media can cause someone to feel self-conscious or insecure about their appearance and to desire plastic surgery. Social media platforms often promote and perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards through edited and filtered images. Seeing flawless and heavily edited photos can create a sense of inadequacy and make individuals feel that their natural appearance is not good enough. I can relate to this statement too because I used to go through something similar. In addition to this, Instagram has established itself as a leading platform for businesses seeking to promote to millennials, and its use in cosmetic surgery is on the rise. Many surgeons used Instagram as a tool for patient education and company growth quickly, and as a result, many now have sizable (Falzone 2016). In my opinion, this can be classified as social media misuse as it is causing plastic surgery to become more widespread as society advances. People may become more self-conscious about their appearance as a result and undergo plastic surgery right away with easy access.

All in all, the decision to undergo plastic surgery should be a personal one, driven by a genuine desire for self-improvement and an understanding of the potential risks and benefits involved. Loving the way we look involves a combination of self-acceptance, self-care, and making choices that align with our personal values and well-being. My advice would be to love yourself because you are perfectly imperfect just the way you are. You are YOU and that is what makes you special <3

References

Dorfman, RG, Vaca, EE, Mahmood, E, Fine, NA and Schierle, CF 2018, ‘Plastic Surgery-Related Hashtag Utilization on Instagram: Implications for Education and Marketing’, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 332–338.

Falzone, D 2016, Plastic surgery docs use Instagram stars to boost their practices, Fox News, viewed 12 June, <https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/plastic-surgery-docs-use-instagram-stars-to-boost-their-practices>.

Vardanian, AJ, Kusnezov, N, Im, DD, Lee, JC and Jarrahy, R 2013, ‘Social Media Use and Impact on Plastic Surgery Practice’, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, vol. 131, no. 5, pp. 1184–1193

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Week 8 – Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

Hey Tumblr fam, have you ever experienced online harassment?

We will be discussing just that in this week's topic. This week’s subject looks at the drawbacks of online communities, like the prevalence of online harassment.

Social media governance and online harassment are closely related because social media governance encompasses the policies and measures put in place to address and combat online harassment on social media platforms. Online harassment is a significant issue that arises within the realm of social media, and effective governance is essential to mitigate its occurrence.

In this era, technologies have substantially changed how people live their daily lives (Johanssen 2019). Without a doubt, most members of society are either directly or indirectly influenced by the modern era, which eventually encourages good effects in daily tasks as they grow simpler and quicker to do with the help of technology (Johanis, Bakar & Ismail 2020). Despite the fact that most users appreciate the advancements in communication network technology, some users exploit them as a new kind of bullying by insinuating negativity and trying to hurt other users' emotions and psychological well-being (Kipper & Ramey 2013). This new form of bullying is called cyberbullying, also known as online harassment. Did you know that Malaysia ranks second in Asia in 2020 for cyberbullying among youths? (The Star 2022). This information came from a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), which demonstrates unequivocally how prevalent online harassment is growing in the country.

Online harassment must be stopped, and social media platforms must do more to protect their users. Social media governance is crucial for this reason. Platforms can make the environment safer for everyone by establishing and enforcing clear rules and norms. However, social media platform owners are not solely accountable for social media governance. In addition to calling out and reporting online abuse when we see it, users also have a part to play.

A form of online harassment and abuse that is becoming more widely recognised is gaslighting (Gleeson 2018). Gaslighting refers to manipulating someone's perception of reality or sanity in an online setting. It involves deliberately causing doubt and confusion to make the victim question their own thoughts, emotions, and experiences. According to Gleeson (2018), a few common tactics can include denial of the gaslightee’s experience (“That wasn’t what happened!”), escalation (“Why would you question this? I wouldn’t lie to you!”), trivialisation (“You’re too sensitive, this is nothing”), and countering (“That wasn’t what happened, this was”).

In conclusion, social media governance plays a critical role in addressing and combating online harassment, including forms such as gaslighting. To tackle this problem, social media platforms must establish and enforce clear rules and norms to create a safer environment for users. By working together, social media platform owners and users can contribute to combating online harassment and fostering a more positive and respectful online community. It is essential that ongoing efforts are made to raise awareness, educate users about the impact of online harassment, and encourage active participation in creating a safer online environment for all.

References

Gleeson, J, 2018, Explainer: what does ‘gaslighting’ mean?, The Conversation, viewed 12 June 2023, https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-gaslighting-mean-107888.

Johanis, M, A, Bakar, A, R, A, and Ismail, F 2020, Cyber-Bullying Trends Using Social Media Platform: An Analysis through Malaysian Perspectives, Journal of Physics: Conference Series, viewed 12 June 2023, &lt;https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1529/2/022077>.

Johanssen, J 2019, Psychoanalysis and digital culture, audiences, social media, and big data. New York, Routledge.

Kipper, B, & Ramey, B 2013, No bullies, how to save our children from the new American bully, New York, Morgan James Publishing.

The Star 2022, Malaysia is 2nd in Asia for youth cyberbullying, The Star, viewed 12 June 2023, &lt;https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/01/14/malaysia-is-2nd-in-asia-for-youth-cyberbullying>.

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Week 7 - Digital Citizenship Case Study: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

This week is all about Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement! Unquestionably one of my favourite topics to speak about because I am so passionate about slow fashion and also primarily because I am part of the industry.

To start off, what is slow fashion?

Slow fashion is defined as slowing down the pace of the contemporary fashion life cycle by producing no more than four lines of clothing each year, emphasizing quality over quantity, and not using mass production (Joergens 2006; Joy et al. 2012). I would say that it is the exact opposite of fast fashion due to the fact it focuses solely on developing thoughtful, curated collections with high-quality finishing. Slow fashion incorporates a fashion philosophy that it advocates for environmentally friendly practices throughout the entire lifecycle of a garment. This includes using sustainable materials, minimizing waste and pollution during production, and prioritizing renewable energy sources.

In stark contrast to the exploitative labour practices of fast fashion, slow fashion champions fair and ethical treatment of workers. It promotes safe working conditions, fair wages, and the protection of workers' rights. Slow fashion brands prioritize transparency and traceability, forging partnerships with suppliers who adhere to ethical labor practices.

Another fundamental principle of slow fashion is the creation of high-quality garments that stand the test of time. Slow fashion emphasizes durable, well-made clothing designed for longevity, countering the disposable culture perpetuated by fast fashion. By investing in quality pieces, individuals reduce the demand for constant replacements, minimizing waste and the environmental footprint of their wardrobe.

Over the years, many influencers, bloggers and YouTubers have recognized the importance of sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry and have used their platforms to educate and inspire their audience on slow fashion. These individuals have the ability to reach and influence a large audience, making them powerful advocates for sustainable and ethical fashion.

An example of a YouTuber that practices slow fashion and minimalism is Sophie. Sophie has a YouTube channel called “Malama Life” where she emphasizes on slow living and minimalism, which are closely related to sustainability and slow fashion. Sophie educates her viewers through the videos she uploads about minimalism, building a capsule wardrobe and ways to participant in the slow fashion movement.

All in all, slow fashion represents a shift towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. By embracing sustainable production, ethical labour practices, and mindful consumption, slow fashion strives to mitigate the negative impacts of fast fashion. It encourages consumers to make deliberate choices, valuing quality over quantity, and supporting brands that prioritize the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. The slow fashion movement offers hope for a more conscious and responsible fashion culture, where style and sustainability go hand in hand.

References

Joergens, C, 2006, Ethical fashion: Myth or future trend? Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management.

Joy, A, Sherry, J, F, Venkatesh, A, Wand, J, & Chan, R 2012 Fast fashion, sustainability, and the ethical appeal of luxury brands, Fashion Theory.

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Week 6 – Digital Citizenship and Hashtags: Adidas #HereToCreate; Uniting Creativity

This week is all about digital citizenship and our favourite, “Hashtags”!

For starters, what does digital citizenship mean? Like every other topic we've looked at thus far, digital citizenship has various meanings, but this is the most understandable one I could find. Digital citizenship may be summed up as knowing how to utilize technology and the internet responsibly and being able to do so. On the other hand, hashtags, which are commonly identified by this sign, #, are used to draw attention to and emphasize a particular issue on social media. The term originated on Twitter and later spread to other social media sites including Facebook and Instagram (Biocommerce Essentials 2023).

The use of hashtags on social media is one of the concepts that I found interesting from this week’s module. In the world of social media, hashtags have become powerful tools for brands to connect with their audience, ignite conversations, and promote their values. One such hashtag that has gained substantial popularity is Adidas's #HereToCreate. With just four simple words, Adidas has managed to encapsulate the essence of its brand and inspire a community of creators worldwide. This hashtag was introduced in the year 2018 in an effort to motivate artists all over the world (Geyser 2023).

#HereToCreate represents the brand's commitment to fostering creativity, pushing boundaries, and embracing the spirit of innovation. When the campaign first began, it was meant to serve as a promotion for the 2018 Boston Marathon, in which 30,000 competitors' participation videos were produced. In addition to serving as a means of advertising, the campaign was also meant as a call to action for athletes, artists, and people from all walks of life to realize their full potential and realize their own visions. Even more powerful people were enlisted by the brand to promote the ad, including Lionel Messi, Dua Lipa, and Pharrell Williams.

Adidas's #HereToCreate has also been instrumental in building a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity. Through this hashtag, people were able to share their stories, showcase their accomplishments, and find inspiration in the journeys of others.

If we take a look at the hashtag on Instagram, there is a total of 702k posts on #HereToCreate (Instagram.com 2020). Adidas's hashtag #HereToCreate is more than a marketing strategy; it embodies a powerful message that resonates with individuals worldwide. This leads us to discuss hashtag activism's influence and its ability to create a space for people to unite. I personally believe that hashtags are amazing as it allows people to start online conversations and connect to one another.

References

Geyser, W, 2023, 8 Best Hashtag Campaigns on Social Media and Why You Need One, Influencer Marketing Hub, viewed 9 May 2023, https://influencermarketinghub.com/hashtag-campaigns/>.

Instagram.com, 2020, #HereToCreate hashtag on Instagram • Photos and videos, viewed 9 May 2023, <https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/HereToCreate/>.

What is a hashtag? Social media tips for online businesses 2022, Bigcommerce.com, viewed 9 May 2023, <https://www.bigcommerce.com/ecommerce-answers/what-is-a-hashtag/>.

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Week 5 – Digital Community and Fandom: Reality TV Case Study

Week 5 is all about Reality TV! I am not that big of a fan of reality TV shows but I do have a few that I enjoy watching. To begin with, let’s see what reality TV shows are all about and how it connects to public sphere.

According to Miss. EL (2023), reality TV has recently evolved into a ‘dominant form of television programming’ in the past few years due to its rising popularity. Reality TV also serves as a catalyst for political discussions to occur and this creates a forum for people to engage with the public in deliberation by connecting information, identities, and experiences to society (Graham 2011). Thus, the existence of reality TV has somehow expanded the public sphere by providing a wider spectrum of people access to reality TV.

An example of a famous reality TV show that I personally watch, and that left a significant impact on both the entertainment industry and the public sphere is “Hell’s Kitchen” (2005-2023).The show, hosted by renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, brings aspiring chefs together in a competitive environment to showcase their culinary skills. Beyond its entertainment value, "Hell's Kitchen" has expanded the public sphere by fostering discussions about food, cooking, and the restaurant industry, and even touching on political issues.

One way in which "Hell's Kitchen" has expanded the public sphere is by popularizing the art of cooking and making it accessible to a broader audience. The show's format allows viewers to witness the challenges and intricacies of the culinary world, exposing them to new techniques, expert skills, flavours and the transformation of ingredients into gourmet dishes (Sinewe 2017). As a result, it has sparked interest and curiosity about food among viewers who may not have been previously engaged in cooking-related discussions.

Moreover, "Hell's Kitchen" has stimulated conversations about the restaurant industry and its inner workings. The high-pressure environment, the intense competition, and the quest for perfection depicted on the show have shed light on the demanding nature of the culinary profession. Viewers have been exposed to the realities faced by chefs, ranging from the long hours to the creative pressures and the complex dynamics of restaurant kitchens. These discussions have led to a greater appreciation for the work that goes into delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Additionally, "Hell's Kitchen" has not shied away from addressing political issues within the culinary world. The show has explored topics such as workplace dynamics, leadership styles, and the effects of intense competition on individuals' mental and emotional well-being. It has sparked debates about effective management, gender dynamics in professional kitchens, and the importance of fair treatment and respect within the workplace. By raising these discussions, "Hell's Kitchen" has played a role in shaping public perceptions and challenging societal norms within the food and restaurant industry.

To conclude, "Hell's Kitchen" has expanded the public sphere by creating a space for discussions about cooking, the restaurant industry, and political issues within the culinary world. The same concept applies to other existing reality TV shows out there. Although reality TV can be depicted as unrealistic, it has the ability to generate political talk in the public sphere as it focuses on 'cultivating a public sphere where free, equal, and open communication, deliberation, and exchange of information among citizens can flourish' (Graham & Hajru 2011).

References

Graham, T. & Hajru, A 2011, ‘Reality TV as a trigger of everyday political talk in the net-based public sphere’, European journal of communication (London), vol. 26, no. 1, SAGE Publications, London, England, pp. 18–32.

Miss.EL, 2023, Week 5: Digital Community and Fandom: Reality TV Case Study (Powerpoint Slides) Swinburne University of Technology, viewed 9 May 2023.

Sinewe, R., Baron, C. & Lockford, A, 2017, COMPLIMENTS TO THE ONSCREEN CHEF: COOKING AS SOCIAL AND ARTFUL PERFORMANCES, viewed 9 May 2023, &lt;https://etd.ohiolink.edu/apexprod/rws_etd/send_file/send?accession=bgsu1491165097470373&disposition=inline>.

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Week 4 – Digital Community and Blogging; Tumblr Case Study

A German philosopher named Jürgen Habermas developed the concept of the "public sphere" in the 1990s to help explain how society's social and technological developments have changed through time. It serves as a forum for public discussion of societal concerns and problems, serving as the foundation for political discourse and thereby influencing political action. 

According to Bruns and Highfield (2016), the traditional public sphere is now made up of micro-publics or communities. ‘None of which are mutually exclusive but which co-exist, intersecting and overlapping in multiple forms’, is crucial for understanding the ongoing structural transformation of ‘the’ public sphere (Bruce & Highfield 2016).

A perfect example that depicts micro-publics or digital communities is blogging, especially on Tumblr.

If we’re looking into now, it is safe to say that I’m a newbie to Tumblr as I’ve never really used it or even showed any interest to understand how the platform works. I definitely am aware that it's not as popular as it was between 2012 and 2014. So, I did a little research on Tumblr and what’s it all about.

Tumblr is known as a social media platform and microblogging website that was created by David Karp in the year 2007. Currently, an American software company called Automattic, owns the website and is demonstrating that they are very distinct from other social media platforms out there.

Tumblr has a few functions to it and the main ones are;

Custom Domain/Anonymity; it is not necessary for users to have a ‘real name’ to create an account on Tumblr, so it is truly personalized.

Customized Design; Users are able to customize their Tumblr account with the variety of available themes.

Use of Hashtags; Tumblr was the first social media platform to utilise hashtags to create a community of people with the same interests.

Relatively public; The platform does not require users to follow other users in order to view their posted content.

I have always been curious about why Tumblr’s active user base suddenly stopped growing like how it used to, so I did some independent research to figure out why it got out of favour. The big question here is, what happened to Tumblr that once used to be a popular platform to connect?

Through a mini research that I have conducted, I discovered a few causes for the decline of Tumblr’s, and they are;

Emergence of new media platforms; users turned to other platforms that has better creative tools to offer, such as Instagram, TikTok and Discord (Maheshwari 2023).

Lack of app modification; Unable to modify the application with new features that reflect the trends or culture of media platforms that already exist.

Banned NSFW content.

Along with my research, I found one of the required materials to be quite intriguing because it discusses how feminist teenage girls like to participate in different types of feminist action on their favourite platforms. To justify, a Tumblr user claims the platform portrays feminism as a "proper black hole." This is made possible by people's ability to anonymously share their own experiences, which may aid those who are going through a similar situation (Keller 2019). In conclusion, i do believe Tumblr has a chance to make its wat back up in the media industry by implementing a few improvements.

References

Keller, J 2019, “Oh, She’s a Tumblr Feminist”: Exploring the Platform Vernacular of Girls’ Social Media Feminisms’, Social media + society, vol. 5, no. 3, SAGE Publications, London, England, p. 7.

Maheshwari, M, 2023, Is Tumblr Dead? Reason Why No One Is Using Tumblr Anymore, viewed 9 May 2023, The SocioBlend Blog, &lt;https://socioblend.com/blog/is-tumbl-dead-reason-why-no-one-is-using-tumblr/15/04/>.

University, W.G, and University, F, 2023, What Are Tumblr’s Best Features for Bloggers?, ThoughtCo, viewed 9 May 2023, &lt;https://www.thoughtco.com/tumblr-features-for-bloggers-3476404.

Bruns, A & Highfield, T 2016, Is Habermas on Twitter? Social media and the public sphere, in G Enli, A Bruns, AO Larsson, E Skogerbo & C Christensen (eds), eprints.qut.edu.au, Routledge, United States of America, pp. 56–73.

‌https://eprints.qut.edu.au/91810/41/Is%2BHabermas%2Bon%2BTwitter.pdf

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Introduction !

Hey there! I would like to introduce myself before I start with my weekly discussions from my MDA20009 tutorials. My name is Shalini and I am a second year advertising student studying at Swinburne University of Technology. I hope these posts would somewhat interest you in some way. Enjoy :D