hey there, welcome to my silly little blog @rosyynik - Tumblr Blog

Introduction and Friendly Disclaimer

Hello! Nikho here, passionate about movies, art, commentary, and video games. This space is part of my Digital Communities course (#MDA20009), where I’ll be diving into a range of fun and thought-provoking topics, from fandom culture and body modification, to gaming and digital trends. N.

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This blog is made for academic purposes only.

“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.”

#MDA20009

Crowdsourcing for Justice: The Case of Kshamenk, The Forgotten Orca🐋

Hello fellow readers!✨

Any animal lovers out there? As someone who deeply cares for animals, I wanted to shed light on a heartbreaking case: a forgotten orca named Kshamenk who has been held in captivity for over 20 years. In this blog, I’ll explore how people from around the world are still fighting to raise awareness and crowdfund campaigns in hopes of securing his freedom. Let's dive into how digital communities and social media have become powerful tools in the ongoing mission to #FreeKshamenk.

THE STORY OF KSHAMENK

In a quiet corner of Buenos Aires, at the Mundo Marino aquarium, there’s a lonely orca named Kshamenk, pronounced as Shamenk, who’s been held in captivity since 1992- making him the last remaining captive orca in all of Latin America (Ogao, 2024).

According to Mundo Marino, Kshamenk is believed to be around 35 years old. He’s just one of over 50 orcas still living in captivity at marine parks across the globe, based on data from the International Marine Mammal Project (Ogao, 2024).

Trapped in the smallest enclosure ever, where he has no other option but to circle around for what feels like an eternity. Eventually, Kshamenk’s dorsal fin has collapsed and years of confinement have left his body with a permanent curve. His tank is so small that he’s able to swim around it 500 times in just one hour (Free Argentina’s Forgotten Orca Kshamenk, 2025). Not to mention, he has no companion left as his female companion passed away in 2000.

The Power of Social Media

In 2024, a viral drone video surfaced on the internet posted by UrgentSeas captured Kshamenk barely moving in his small concrete enclosure sparked fresh outrage, leading to a global outcry with thousands urging for his release from captivity.

However, Mundo Marino argues that the footage shared by UrgentSeas was intentionally altered as part of a misinformation campaign, claiming it falsely portrays Kshamenk as inactive and unhealthy, despite there being no verified veterinary evidence to support those claims (“Free Kshamenk”: The Campaign to Release the Last Captive Orca in Latin America, 2024).

Despite all of that, the public and animal rights activists have continued to push for Kshamenk’s freedom. This fight didn’t just start recently, it’s been ongoing for nearly three decades, ever since concerns about his captivity first came to light.

This is where social media truly makes a difference. Through campaigns by UrgentSeas, along with petitions and crowdfunding efforts, people from all over the world have come together to raise awareness. When digital communities unite like this, it creates real hope for change and justice. The fast rise of crowdsourcing efforts for disaster relief has been made possible by the expansion of social media, which offers an open and accessible platform capable of gathering information from multiple sources quickly (Gao et al., 2011).

When the world unites together🌍

"Crowdsourcing is a dynamic form of cooperative work involving a large and often indeterminate number of civic participants conducting semi-autonomous tasks to address information management issues." (Liu, 2014)

Campaigns like #FreeKshamenk highlights the importance of people collectively working together in crowdsourcing a crisis. As Liu (2014) stated that collaboration usually happens in a decentralized manner, often using social networking tools to help different groups coordinate and work together effectively. Thanks to platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, campaigns are able to voice out and reach a wider audience for support and action.

That being said, when we hear “crowdsourcing,” our minds often jump to donations or fundraising. In fact, crowdsourcing also involves gathering public attention to raise awareness about a crisis in order to garner support. The foundation of crowdsourcing lies in gathering input from a wide range of people, each bringing unique knowledge or insights that could be valuable to others. On top of that, creating a system that supports large-scale participation while respecting diverse perspectives is key to generating real value through the process (Ferran Giones & Oo, 2017).

As Wazny (2017) highlights the benefits of crowdsourcing are the affordability and flexibility that makes it especially useful in global health contexts, where challenges like limited personnel, insufficient funding, conflict zones, and lack of baseline health data often hinder effective intervention efforts.

Other great examples of crowdsourcing campaigns:

The Ocean Cleanup – Help Clean The Oceans

GlobalGiving - COVID-19 Relief Fund

Doctors Without Borders- Emergency Relief Gift

Charity: Water – The September Campaign

American Cancer Society – Relay for Life

At the end of the day, Kshamenk’s story isn’t just about one orca- it’s about how powerful we can be when everyone unites together online. Crowdsourcing isn’t just about money; it’s about voices, attention, and collective action. With every post, share, and signature, we’re proving that even in a digital world, we can make real change.

So hey, if you’ve made it this far

First of all, thank you. 💙 If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, consider using them to sign a petition or share Kshamenk’s story. Time is ticking. While orcas can live up to 90 years, Kshamenk has already. Let's help him find a better environment to live in rather than that cruel lonely tank.

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References

“Free Kshamenk”: The campaign to release the last captive orca in Latin America. (2024, September 10). CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/10/americas/free-kshamenk-last-captive-orca-latin-america-intl-latam

10 Inspiring Nonprofit Crowdfunding Campaign Examples | Zeffy. (2024). Zeffy.com. https://www.zeffy.com/blog/best-crowdfunding-examples#campaign4

Ferran Giones, & Oo, P. P. (2017). How Crowdsourcing and Crowdfunding Are Redefining Innovation Management. Palgrave Macmillan UK EBooks, 43–70. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-57475-6_3

Free Argentina’s Forgotten Orca Kshamenk. (2025). IDA USA. https://www.idausa.org/campaign/cetacean-advocacy/latest-news/free-argentinas-forgotten-orca-kshamenk/

Gao, H., Barbier, G., & Goolsby, R. (2011). Harnessing the Crowdsourcing Power of Social Media for Disaster Relief. IEEE Intelligent Systems, 26(3), 10–14. https://doi.org/10.1109/mis.2011.52

Liu, S. B. (2014). Crisis Crowdsourcing Framework: Designing Strategic Configurations of Crowdsourcing for the Emergency Management Domain. Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), 23(4-6), 389–443. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10606-014-9204-3

Ogao, E. (2024, September 15). Animal rights group calls for release of Argentina’s last captive orca. ABC News; ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/International/animal-rights-group-calls-release-argentinas-captive-orca/story?id=113614236

Wazny, K. (2017). “Crowdsourcing” ten years in: A review. Journal of Global Health, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.07.020601

#week 12 #mda20009 #crowdsourcing #wildlife #freekshamenk

Has Cancel Culture Gone Overboard? 📱

"You are CANCELLED!"

We often think of social media as a space of free speech but in reality, users are still faced with problems like hate-speech, cyber-bullying and inappropriate content. Nevertheless, social media platforms have established guidelines, turned them into specific rules, implemented both automated and human monitoring systems, and set up ways to enforce these rules when content is found to violate their standards (Tyler et al., 2019). For example, social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Instagram have their own community guidelines to protect users and prevent complications. In recent years, creators and users are held accountable through a kind of crowd-based justice known as cancel culture. This refers to a social media-driven phenomenon where public outrage escalates into a widespread backlash, leading to the rejection or boycott of a celebrity’s content, brand, or status within popular culture (Ho, 2019).

While cancel culture can be seen as a way to hold people accountable, it has arguably gone too far where almost anyone can be "cancelled" for every minor mistake. This has created an atmosphere of fear on social media, where users feel pressured to constantly monitor and censor themselves before posting anything. As Ng (2020) even added that cancel culture has now become a target of criticism itself, with some arguing that the harm it causes to those being "canceled" is often overstated or blown out of proportion.

The classic YouTube apology...

Take the now-familiar cycle of YouTube apology videos. Creators like Jake Paul, James Charles, PewDiePie, and Jeffree Star have all been through it. First, they get called out, then the backlash builds, and suddenly… the apology video drops. You know the type: sad piano music, no makeup, teary eyes, sloppy acting and lines like “I never meant to hurt anyone,” “I was young,” or “I didn’t know any better.” Sometimes it feels genuine, but other times it’s clearly just damage control dressed up to look sincere. Either way, it shows that creators know there’s this unspoken social contract between them and their followers and when they mess up, they know that they’re expected to answer to it or else they will lose their followers and getting cancelled results them to losing their platform. That’s the power of social media governance, even when it’s coming from the audience itself.

This is where social media governance becomes interesting. While traditional media has editors, producers, and legal teams overseeing content, social media governance is networked. Users become enforcers where calling out, reporting, boycotting, and reshaping reputations in real time. Algorithms also play a role such as boosting or burying content depending on how it performs. As Metzler and Garcia (2023) mentioned that algorithms that prioritize more thoughtful and balanced content could help reduce overwhelming climate anxiety and instead promote positive, solution-focused perspectives that inspire people to take meaningful action. Social media governance is no longer just top-down but it's community-driven, emotional, and algorithmic.

Is it truly okay?

But this raises ethical questions. Who gets to decide what’s offensive or truly “problematic”? Are people being held accountable or simply punished for public consumption? Some argue that cancel culture has created a hostile environment that leaves no room for growth or learning. Others see it as necessary for making digital spaces safer and more inclusive. Cancel culture shows how quickly and widely content can spread through digital platforms, allowing for immediate, large-scale reactions to behavior seen as offensive or harmful. While it can give a voice to marginalized communities and offer them a sense of power, it also reveals a lack of thoughtful discussion and balanced judgment in many of these responses (Ng, 2020).

Ultimately, social media governance isn't just about what platforms allow, it's about how we, as users, respond to conflict, navigate accountability, and shape online norms. 👁️💬

So, while freedom of speech exists, it's on us to use it responsibly. We should practice being respectful digital citizens, knowing when to speak up, when to listen, and how to engage without causing harm to each other.

Reference

Ho, S. (2019, July 21). From Bill Cosby to James Charles: The double-edged sword of cancel culture. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/viral/deep-reckoning-or-fleeting-outrage-cancel-culture-s-complexity-proves-n1031466

Metzler, H., & Garcia, D. (2023). Social Drivers and Algorithmic Mechanisms on Digital Media. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 19(5). https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916231185057

Ng, E. (2020). No Grand Pronouncements Here...: Reflections on Cancel Culture and Digital Media Participation. Television & New Media, 21(6), 621–627. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476420918828

Tyler, T., Katsaros, M., Meares, T., & Venkatesh, S. (2019). Social media governance: can social media companies motivate voluntary rule following behavior among their users? Journal of Experimental Criminology, 17(1), 109–127. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-019-09392-z

#Week 11 #mda20009 #social media governance #cancel culture

Escapism, Creativity, and Connection in The Sims Community.

Gaming often gets a bad reputation, with some people viewing it as a waste of time. And yes, gaming addiction is real and shouldn't be dismissed. But when done in moderation and without neglecting responsibilities, gaming is simply a hobby that many enjoy or a fun bonding moment with friends. In fact, for some, it's even a full-time job through streaming and content creation on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Personally, I love playing video games and watching streamers and Let’s Plays. This interest has deepened my appreciation for both games and the vibrant communities that surround them.

The gaming community today is vast and diverse, but in this post, I want to focus on a game that many of us grew up with: The Sims. As an avid simmer myself, I find it to be the perfect game to pass time.

If you're unfamiliar with the game, here's a quick introduction:

What is The Sims?

A game with no rules where you get to play god, live out your dream life, or if you’re into something darker you can even trap your Sim in a pool with no ladder. The Sims franchise developed and published by Maxis and Electronic Arts (EA), an iconic life simulation game that has been around since the early 2000s and sold almost 200 million copies worldwide, is still very much relevant today (The Sims | EBSCO, 2025). Whether you’re building your dream home, decorating every inch of it to perfection, chasing your dream ambitions, or even watching them do laundry because you’ve been procrastinating on your own-The Sims has it all.

But what makes this game so special is the culture and community surrounding it. From their chaotic Simlish (a language with jumbled up words), their iconic Plumbob logo (a green diamond that floats above a Sim’s head), to a global community filled with creative mods, memes, and legacy challenges- The Sims is more than just a game. The franchise has been constantly evolving with their main titles such as The Sims, The Sims 2, The Sims 3, and the current The Sims 4. Each of these titles have their own charms and perks making it unique from one another. Fan favorites would be The Sims 2 and The Sims 3 due to the amount of gameplay and details it offers, not to mention the nostalgia as well. Moreover, the franchise offers a variety of Expansion Packs where players can purchase to enhance their gameplay and add even more features, builds, and interactions into the game. As of now, they currently have over 41 Expansion Packs excluding game packs, stuff packs, or kits for The Sims 4.

More than just a community

As mentioned, the Sims community is active due to many reasons. Firstly, the modding or custom content (cc) community where freelance artists or independent creators create free to download mods and custom content for Simmers to play. As Drayson (2012) explains modding is the act of creating and adding custom content, mods, known as modifications, are added by players themselves into an existing game. With the existence of mods, players won't have to break their bank in order to get extra gameplay or aesthetic cosmetics, making it accessible for anyone.

Many of these creators or modders use platforms like Patreon to share their work and receive support from the community. While downloading their content is often free, players have the option to donate or subscribe as a way of appreciating the creators’ efforts. This voluntary support system has helped foster a culture of mutual respect between modders and players. Simmers can also download mods and custom content from other platforms like Tumblr and the notable website The Sims Resource (TSR).

creating Custom Content for The Sims 4

A great example of a strong and dedicated gaming community is The Sims Resource (TSR), a fan-created website that has been active since 1999. Run by a small team of passionate Sims creators and players, TSR has grown to become the largest and most well-known site for downloading free mods and custom content (The Sims Resource, 2025). It serves as a central hub for Simmers worldwide, offering thousands of user-created items ranging from clothing and furniture to entire gameplay overhauls.

HOW ABOUT LET'S PLAYS CREATORS!

The Youtube gaming community also signifies as another example of how games connect people worldwide and players can share their interests or gain inspirations from each other.

Compared to other gameplay content on YouTube, The Sims stands out for its creativity and variety. Sims gameplays often go beyond just playing the game. For instance, they include building challenges, story-driven Let's Plays, custom content reviews, and helpful guides for both new and experienced players. This flexibility allows creators to showcase their imagination and connect with audiences in unique, engaging ways that set The Sims apart from more linear or combat-focused games. Popular Sims YouTubers like lilsimsie, Vixella, Kelsey Impicciche, and Syd Mac have built strong fanbases through their cozy gameplay and consistent engagement with the Sims community online. Aside from that, they often have weekly and monthly build challenges where Simmers and YouTubers are able to participate and share their creations with each other.

Not to mention, The Sims gameplays are always soo cozy to watch and great to fall asleep to! ✨

So how does this all tie into building a strong community?

As Saldanha et al. (2023) describe, a community is formed through

“a great diversity of experiences and people with different identities meeting together, mostly in a voluntary way, and moved by a common interest and feelings of affinity.”

This perfectly reflects the Sims entire fandom, where players from various backgrounds come together driven by their shared love for the game. The Sims community thrives on inclusivity, creativity, and mutual support.

In today’s digitized world, gaming reminds us that building community knows no boundaries as it takes effort, creativity, and shared passion. And through games like The Sims, we see just how easily people from all over the world can connect, collaborate, and create something meaningful both online and offline.

Okayy that's all for today, time to hop back into Sims and live my dream life. 🌴

References

Drayson, H. (2012). Players Unleashed! Modding The Sims and the Culture of Gaming by Tanja Sihvonen. Amsterdam University Press, Amsterdam, Holland, 2011. 224 pp., illus. Paperback. ISBN: 978-90-8964-2011. Leonardo, 45(5), 491–493. https://doi.org/10.1162/leon_r_00457

Saldanha, L., da Silva, S. M., & Ferreira, P. D. (2023). “Community” in video game communities. Games and Culture, 18(8), 155541202211500. https://doi.org/10.1177/15554120221150058

The Sims | EBSCO. (2025). EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | Www.ebsco.com. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/sims

The Sims Resource. (2025). The Sims Resource. https://www.thesimsresource.com/about/index

#mda20009 #week 10 #the sims #gaming #gaming communities #Youtube

#SpotifyWrapped: How a Simple Hashtag Becomes a Shared Digital Ritual 🎧

Shh, don't mind me shamelessly plugging one of my #SpotifyWrapped2024 top songs. 🎶

I'm sure anyone who's active on social media or someone who uses Spotify are aware of what Spotify Wrapped is, and don't worry if you don't! In this blog, I’m diving into the whole Spotify Wrapped phenomenon, how it somehow manages to bring people from all around the world together every December, and why a simple hashtag like #SpotifyWrapped holds way more power than we give it credit for. It's more than just sharing your top artist of the year, it is a perfect example of how something simple like hashtags can shape digital culture, build online communities, and boost engagement in a big way. Before that, let's first understand what is digital citizenship?

What is digital citizenship?

"Digital citizenship can refer to both being a citizen of the digital, as if government portals, social network platforms and online shopping were in themselves their own kind of states or empires in which its citizens had several roles, functions and so forth. At the same time, it can also refer to the ways that classic traditional models of citizenship (of a nation state) now can involve citizen actions through new and changing voting systems and civic forums." (Pangrazio & Sefton-Green, 2021)

Digital citizenship is all about how we act, interact, and express ourselves online. In simpler terms, it refers to ‘the right to participate in society online’ (Pangrazio & Sefton-Green, 2021). An example like Spotify Wrapped translates as a form of participation within the digital culture. It shows how we use digital tools to connect with others, join in on global trends, and even start conversations.

By posting, liking, and discussing Wrapped results under hashtags like #SpotifyWrapped, users are practicing engaged and responsible digital behavior. We become part of a larger digital community, one where we share our identities, express our tastes, and sometimes critique the platforms we use . All of this falls under the umbrella of digital citizenship such as being aware, active, and ethical in how we live our digital lives.

The Power of #HASHTAGS

Social media has always been known as an interactive platform, where people from all over the world are able to connect and exchange ideas with each other. That being said, Ta’amneh and Al-Ghazo (2021) emphasized that social media platforms play a crucial role in many aspects of our lives. They remain one of the most powerful tools for spreading awareness.

Therefore, hashtags have become a powerful tool on social media, allowing users to raise awareness, boost visibility, and align themselves with topics or communities that share their interests. Apart from that, hashtags are a convenient search tool for content tied to specific events or topics. For example, Twitter (X) has a whole trending page dedicated to the most active hashtags, letting users dive into discussions or discover updates in real time. The algorithm even tailors these trends based on your activity and interests. Personally, when I was eagerly waiting for Spotify to announce their 2024 Wrapped, I found myself deep in the #SpotifyWrapped hashtag, refreshing constantly for leaks, updates, and wild guesses from other excited fans.

From Campaign to a Strategic Marketing Move

Introduced in 2016, Spotify Wrapped is Spotify’s yearly way of saying thank you to its users and creators. It celebrates the music, podcasts, and audiobooks that shaped our lives over the past year. Through a personalized and interactive experience, listeners get a recap of their own music journey along with custom playlists and global highlights that show how people around the world listened, shared, and connected through sound (Spotify, 2025). Spotify even includes thank-you messages from artists to fans who had them in their Top 10. Over time, Wrapped has turned into a kind of online tradition something users look forward to proudly share as a yearly recap, on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter (X), TikTok or even just among friends.

With how massive Spotify Wrapped has become, it’s no surprise that other platforms decided to do the same. In 2019, Apple Music introduced Apple Music Replay, making it their own version of a year-end music recap.

The Spotify Wrapped campaign is more than just a fun yearly trend or a tech novelty, it’s a clever and strategic marketing move by Spotify. Each year, the campaign goes viral, drawing in massive engagement from users worldwide. In 2017, approximately 30 million users participated in Wrapped. By 2021, this number had soared to over 120 million, and the trend only grew stronger in 2022 with more than 156 million users joining in (Ismi Alivia Wulandari et al., 2024).

Just last year, everyone (myself included) was eagerly counting down to their 2024 #SpotifyWrapped. The way Spotify kept teasing by dropping hints, building up the hype that felt like waiting for a season finale. Only to be a huge disappointment that let users down. For example, using weird titles like Pink Pilates Princess Roller Skating Pop...yeah pretty questionable. Of course, people speculated it was all AI-generated. With how popular and highly anticipated Spotify Wrapped has become, there's a growing pressure to meet users’ expectations each year. This presents a major challenge for Spotify to constantly elevate their creativity, design, and user experience.

This "controversy" quickly sparked an uproar on Twitter (X), causing the hashtag to trend as users came together to share their opinions, critiques, and memes.

Spotify Wrapped is more than just a yearly recap, it’s a digital ritual. It reminds us of how deeply music is tied to memory, identity, and community as a whole. With just a simple hashtag, it's amazing to see how millions of people are able to come together. At the same time, it shows how digital culture can amplify both connection and controversy. Whether you love it or hate it, #SpotifyWrapped proves the power of digital participation and how something as simple as a playlist can spark global conversation.

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References

Fedushko, S., & Kolos, S. (2019, September 3). Effective Strategies for Using Hashtags in Online Communication. ArXiv.org. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1909.01474

Ismi Alivia Wulandari, Muria Putriana, Wina Puspita Sari, Asep Soegiarto, & Menati Fajar Rizki. (2024). The Role of the Spotify Wrapped Digital Campaign on Spotify Brand Advocacy on Social Media Instagram, Twitter (X), and Tiktok. Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities, 4(1), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.47679/jrssh.v4i1.96

Pangrazio, L., & Sefton-Green, J. (2021). Digital Rights, Digital Citizenship and Digital Literacy: What’s the Difference? Journal of New Approaches in Educational Research, 10(1), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.7821/naer.2021.1.616

Spotify. (2025). Spotify Wrapped - Spotify. Spotify. https://support.spotify.com/us/article/spotify-wrapped/

Ta’amneh, I. M., & Al-Ghazo, A. (2021). The Importance of Using Hashtags on Raising Awareness about Social Issues. International Journal of Learning and Development, 11(4), 10. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijld.v11i4.19139

#Spotify #week 6 #digital citizenship #hashtags #spotifywrapped

Even Clothes Are Virtual Now?! AR Filters & the Future of Fashion. 👗

Filters have come a long way, so let's talk about AR filters and specifically AR filters within the fashion industry.

BUT FIRST.

WHAT IS AR? AKA AUGMENTED REALITY.

As Gillis (2024) describes that Augmented Reality (AR) is the real-time integration of digital information into the user’s environment. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which provides a completely created environment, AR users are immersed in a real-world environment with generated perceptual information over it. For instance, features like face filters fall under the (AR) category. Throwback to 2015 when Snapchat was all of the craze, with them creating one of the first ever AR face filters where they dubbed lenses, filters were largely used by users solely for comedic and entertainment purposes. These filters we know and loved back then such as the infamous dog filter or the rainbow vomit filter (What’s Behind Augmented Reality Face Filters? – Quantilus Innovation, 2021). After Snapchat left the trending scene, Instagram took over with their Stories feature where users can capture their daily life and special moments, or even just expressing themselves with text, music, interactive stickers, filters, and GIFs to elevate their stories (Instagram, 2024). Eventually, Instagram rolled out Face Filters and opened the feature up to creators/users, allowing anyone to design their own filters for the platform publicly.

AR STEPPING INTO THE FASHION INDUSTRY, IS THIS REALLY NECESSARY?

Augmented Reality (AR) is starting to take over the fashion industry to improve users shopping experience and promote sustainability. By bridging digital elements with the real world, AR offers customers engaging, interactive experiences such as virtual try-ons and high-detail product previews (Sarkis et al., 2025).

Introducing DRESSX, one of the largest digital fashion platforms in the world, with major partners including tech giants like Meta. What started as just a place to buy digital clothes has now turned into a full-on fashion tech universe (DRESSX: Revolutionizing Fashion through Technology, 2025). Their mission is to merge fashion with technology and challenge the idea that fashion only exists in the physical world. According to DRESSX, the future of style isn’t limited to just fabric but data, design, and digital expression.

I remember stumbling across this video by YouTuber Safiya Nygaard where she decided to try using DRESSX for a week to see if anyone would notice she was wearing virtual clothes. Spoiler: people did notice. The process is kind of like Photoshop where they overlay the digital garment onto your body using AR. Safiya also pointed out how the company claims that AR fashion is actually a sustainable move, arguing that it reduces waste by limiting physical production, lets people hop on trends without buying fast fashion they'll only wear once, and even makes luxury pieces "affordable" without paying a fortune.

Here’s the wild part: Safiya paid $1000 for a virtual dress. Naturally, the comments section were fuming. Most viewers were confused, annoyed, or straight-up creeped out. Many called the digital pieces pointless and called out on their poor rendering of the 3D clothing. One comment really stuck out:

“I can't believe we've actually arrived at ‘digital clothes for your Internet persona because what you seem like on social media is so much more important than real life’ stage of dystopia already.”

While DRESSX also launched an app called MetaCloset that allows users to try on and plan outfits using AR technology. On the surface, it sounds cool, especially for fashion lovers who want to experiment without waste. In fact, virtual try-ons are becoming an integral part of online shopping on most platforms. As it can help users preview how something might look before committing to a purchase. According to Hilpert and Zumstein (2023), they mentioned that many fashion brands such as Gucci and Burberry are adopting technologies like AR as it is increasingly becoming more important within the e-commerce scene, it benefits customers during the pre-purchase stage, where they can conveniently explore and decide on products. Thus, it provides users a simulated in-store experience without the hassle of travelling and trying on physically.

Nonetheless, buying AR clothing with real money just to wear in a photo can be ethically questionable. You’re paying for something intangible, and most likely for a single-use edit just so you can post on your Instagram. It raises questions about digital consumerism, value, and whether self-expression online is becoming just another thing to monetize. More than that, it highlights how curated our digital identities have become and how far some are willing to go for likes, clicks, and the illusion of aesthetic perfection.

The virtual world has the potential to pull people so deeply into their digital personas that they begin to lose touch with their true selves, or become so invested in their carefully curated online identities that they avoid facing real-life issues. As Thomas (2016) notes, social media often blurs the boundary between authenticity and performance, leading to a distorted sense of reality. In this context, while AR filters can be entertaining and creatively expressive, they may also have harmful effects particularly for individuals struggling with body dysmorphia or low self-esteem, as these filters promote unrealistic standards and edited appearances.

So, would you want to try AR fashion?

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References

DRESSX: Revolutionizing Fashion Through Technology. (2021). Dressx.com. https://dressx.com/company/mission?srsltid=AfmBOoqS2GP2Dfm0p04uJvO9hTQnUXemsTp5BMEux1An7lT8VxnLgTa2

Gillis, A. S. (2024). augmented reality (AR). WhatIs. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/augmented-reality-AR

Hilpert, L., & Zumstein, D. (2023). Augmented Reality in Fashion E-Commerce. International Conference on E-Society and Mobile Learning 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369169046_Augmented_Reality_in_Fashion_E-Commerce

Instagram. (2024). Instagram | About | Official Site. Instagram.com. https://about.instagram.com/

Sarkis, N., Jabbour Al Maalouf, N., Saliba, E., & Azizi, J. (2025). The impact of augmented reality within the fashion industry on purchase decisions, customer engagement, and brand loyalty. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/17543266.2025.2470187

Thomas, S. (2016, October 7). A Virtual Life - How Social Media Changes Our Perceptions . Insight Digital Magazine; The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/insight/from-the-magazine/a-virtual-life/

What’s Behind Augmented Reality Face Filters? – Quantilus Innovation. (n.d.). https://quantilus.com/article/whats-behind-augmented-reality-face-filters/

#mda20009 #ar filter #face filters #fashion filters #DRESSX #AR fashion #Youtube #week9

From Taboo to Trend: How Tattoos Became a Symbol of Expression

Growing up I was always fascinated by tattoos. As I recall, my first exposure to them was through famous singers and actors, I just thought to myself “they looked so cool and I want one when I grow up”. The idea of having a permanent piece of art on your body felt like such a powerful way to express who you are. On a side note, do you guys remember those temporary tattoo sheets we used to get as kids? I used to collect them and loved wearing them during the school holidays like they were my little badges of rebellion.

Now that I’m 23 and have four real tattoos of my own, it still feels surreal that they’re permanently part of me. Of course, having tattoos comes with mixed reactions, some good and some not so much. One comment that stuck with me was from a relative who said I looked “prettier” without them. Thanks, I guess?

It really made me reflect on how much perceptions of tattoos have changed over the years. While older generations may still associate them with “gangsters” or something “unfeminine,” the younger generation embraces tattoos as a form of art and individuality. What used to be considered taboo is now one of the most common and accepted forms of body modification.

In this post, I want to explore how tattoos have evolved from being stigmatized to becoming powerful tools of self-expression especially in today’s world where identity, creativity, and authenticity matter more than ever.

WHAT IS BODY MODIFICATION?

"Body modifications include all semi and permanent alterations made to the body, such as piercing, tattoos, tongue splitting, cranial binding, and plastic surgery, whereas body decorations include all non-permanent alterations made to the body, such as wearing hair clips, jewelry, cosmetics, and body paint. " (Weiler et al., 2024)

While tattoos were once seen as taboo, they have actually existed for thousands of years and played significant roles in various cultures and tribes. From ancient Egypt to the Polynesian islands, tattoos served as meaningful symbols such as life milestones, spiritual beliefs, and personal identity. These intricate designs often told stories of ancestry, celebrated achievements, and were even believed to provide protection (Caiden Media, 2023).

If you want to dive deeper into the rich history of tribal tattoos, especially within Polynesian culture, this insightful article by National Geographic is just for you. It explores the meanings and traditions behind these stunning designs that have inspired tattoo art worldwide.

Across the Pacific, tattoos are etched into the culture. Finding meaning in your own ‘story on skin’ helps honor the tradition.

In contrast, modern tattoos have become increasingly popular as a form of self-expression. While tattoos in the past were often associated with gangs or rebellion, today’s designs are more dainty, minimalistic, and widely accepted. According to a 2024 study by the Pew Research Center cited by Anderson (2024), 32% of adults in the United States have at least one tattoo, often sharing similar motivations. Of those surveyed, 69% said they got tattooed to honor or remember someone or something meaningful, 47% wanted to express their beliefs, and 32% cited self-image and self-expression as their main reasons. From this study, we can definitely see how body modification in general is becoming more normalized.

THE IDEA OF BEING UNIQUE IN YOUR OWN SKIN

"Tattooing has increasingly become a way for individuals to express their uniqueness and stand out through body modification. Studies suggest that people who get tattoos often have a strong desire to feel distinctive. Rather than being a sign of psychological issues, tattooing can actually provide emotional benefits by helping individuals feel less like they blend in and more like their true selves." (Tiggemann & Golder, 2006)

As mentioned above, there’s something undeniably fulfilling about getting something so unique as it feels amazing to carry a piece of art that’s entirely your own, inked onto your skin for life. It offers a deep sense of validation and satisfaction, knowing this artwork will stay with you until your very last day.

But it doesn’t just stop there! Having tattoos also means you get to exercise your own creative liberty. Many tattoo artists and parlors welcome custom designs, where you as the client can share your ideas, inspirations, or even your own sketches. This makes tattooing a powerful creative outlet, not just for the artists, but for anyone looking to tell their story in the most personal and artistic way possible.

You can draw inspiration from anything that speaks to you such as your favorite movies, games, characters, hobbies, or even meaningful memories. These elements help create a tattoo that’s not just art on skin, but a piece of who you are.

To wrap things up, body modification can be a powerful and positive way for many people to enhance their self-confidence and express their identity. That said, balance is important as there’s always a line to consider when making choices about our own bodies.

References

Anderson, C. L. U. B. S. (2024, May 1). The worldwide history of tattoos. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-worldwide-history-144038580/

Caiden Media. (2023). The Evolution of Tattoo Culture: From Taboo to Mainstream - Colibri Tattoo & Piercing. Colibri Tattoo & Piercing. https://colibritattoo.com/the-evolution-of-tattoo-culture-from-taboo-to-mainstream/

Tiggemann, M., & Golder, F. (2006). Tattooing: An expression of uniqueness in the appearance domain. Body Image, 3(4), 309–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2006.09.002

Weiler, S. M., Mühlenbeck, C., & Jacobsen, T. (2025). Body alteration: On the mental function of body modification and body decoration. Culture & Psychology, 31(1), 181–223. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354067X241242414

#MDA20009 #body modification #tattoos #week 8

The Overconsumption of Fast Fashion on TikTok

“YOU are not the problem, Social Media is.”

Brands like Zara, H&M, Forever 21, and Mango are fast fashion names that many of us have, at some point, fallen for. As fast fashion continues trending and more people become aware of sustainable shopping, it’s now common to label those who still buy from these brands as unethical or ignorant for not choosing slow fashion. However, the real issue doesn’t lie in someone purchasing an item or two out of necessity. It lies in influencers with the money and platform to splurge on massive hauls, buying abnormal amounts of clothing just for a quick try-on video. And let’s be honest, how many times are those pieces actually worn before they end up in a thrift store bin... or worse, the trash? People continue to turn to fast fashion because, for many, it’s simply more affordable. Not everyone can access or afford slow fashion alternatives. For some, clothing isn’t about being trendy or stylish, it’s about having something to wear, plain and simple.

According to Ray and Nayak (2023), fast fashion is defined as the rapid and low-cost production of trendy clothing. This has dramatically increased material throughput in the system, flooding the market with cheap, disposable clothes.

This brings us to SHEIN that stepped into the spotlight in 2020, a popular China fast fashion brand that blew up on TikTok due to it's low prices and variety of designs that fit any aesthetic. Espostia, Mortarab, and Robertic (2024) noted that SHEIN originally operated on a drop-shipping model, a business system where sellers deliver products directly to customers without ever handling the inventory themselves. Over time, the brand evolved into a fully integrated retailer, developing its own production chain and widespread distribution network (Nguyen, 2021). TikTok influencers were quick to hop on the bandwagon of fashion haul trends featuring the brand. Though haul videos have been around since the early 2000s, they were reborn on TikTok, where the fast-paced content format made them go viral. These videos often labeled as "Try-On Hauls" became a normalized part of fashion content, promoting consumerism under the guise of fun and relatability. Many influencers use them as a form of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) marketing (Haines et al., 2023), and their influence only continues to grow. These videos portray overconsumption influences on shoppers consumer’s behaviour and to motivate them in purchasing more products. According to studies, TikTok influencers can increase view-through rates by 193%, with 35% of users discovering products and brands through influencers, and 65% engaging with content featuring those products and brands (Hazari et al., 2023).

"According to the UN Environment Programme, the industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Unfortunately, the industry’s problems are often overlooked by consumers." (Maiti, 2025)

While it's clear that the overconsumption of fast fashion harms the environment in multiple ways, it also ties into larger social issues including labor exploitation, consumer ethics, and the growing movement toward sustainable alternatives like thrifting and slow fashion.

Not to mention, fashion trends and aesthetics are changing at the speed of lightning which contributes the mass production in the fast fashion industry. Dominus (2023) mentioned how social media has changed the way trends take place. It has evolved into a specific item, aesthetic, or brand. The ability to instantly share links and brand names online only accelerates this collective urge to purchase the same things.

Stolen designs and "DUPE CULTURE"

This leads to what we know as "Dupe culture". Chances are, you’ve seen knockoffs of trending branded items being sold through drop shipping websites or fast fashion platforms like SHEIN. While some see dupes as affordable alternatives, they often come at the expense of original designers especially small or independent ones. Their work gets copied, mass-produced, and sold for a fraction of the price, stripping away credit, value, and ethical production practices in the process.

Even though it might not be easy to completely stop purchasing fast fashion, we can still take baby steps to become more mindful consumers and support sustainable alternatives. Small changes in our habits can go a long way in reducing overconsumption and waste.

ALTERNATIVES YOU CAN TRY:

Upcycle your old clothes into something fresh and unique- it’s a fun and creative way to give your wardrobe a second life.

Thrift shopping can be an adventure! You never know what hidden gems you might discover.

Buy with intention- choose clothes based on what you need, not just what’s trending. Trends fade fast, but your personal style lasts longer.

Be skeptical of social media hype- most influencer content is curated, sponsored, or part of a PR cycle. What you see isn’t always the full truth.

Remember, it's not about being perfect but about making better choices when we can.

BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY, for those interested in getting the gist of the issue with fast fashion and SHEIN as a brand, this video I've watched by Mina Le is definitely worth your time!

So remember to shop smart and happy shopping!

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References

Aponte, N. O., Gómez, J. H., Argüelles, V. T., & Smith, E. D. (2024). Fast fashion consumption and its environmental impact: a literature review. Sustainability Science Practice and Policy, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2024.2381871

Dominus, L. (2023, March 29). Make fashion slow again: How social media sped trends up. The Michigan Daily. https://www.michigandaily.com/opinion/make-fashion-slow-again-how-social-media-sped-trends-up/

Espostia, P. D., Mortarab, A., & Robertic, G. (2024). Unsustainable Fashion: SHEIN and the Fast Fashion Consumption Model. Italian Sociological Review, 14(3), 929–951. https://doi.org/10.13136/isr.v14i3.822

Haines, S., Fares, O. H., Mohan, M., & Lee, S. H. (Mark). (2023). Social media fashion influencer eWOM communications: understanding the trajectory of sustainable fashion conversations on YouTube fashion haul videos. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 27(6), 1027–1046. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMM-02-2022-0029

Hazari, S., Talpade, S., & Brown, C. O. (2024). Do brand influencers matter on TikTok? A social influence theory perspective. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 32(3), 271–289. https://doi.org/10.1080/10696679.2023.2217488

Ray, S., & Nayak, L. (2023). Marketing Sustainable Fashion: Trends and Future Directions. Sustainability, 15(7), 6202-. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076202

Pr, A. (2024, October 10). What is a Haul? What is a Haul? | About PR. ABOUT PR Studio. https://www.aboutprstudio.com/blog/what-is-a-haul/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20popular,a%20%E2%80%9Cthrift%20shop%20haul%E2%80%9

#MDA20009 #fast fashion #slow fashion #social media #TikTok #week 7 #Youtube

Hello Kitty: The Cult Classic That Conquered the World (and My Heart)

Hello Kitty isn’t just on your stationery, she’s in your heart, your wardrobe, and your emotional support system.

Hello Kitty, a Sanrio icon that most of us have grown up with in some shape or form. You’ve seen her on food packaging, fashion items, toys, stationery, accessories, and honestly, just about everything else. Despite being introduced over 50 years ago, Sanrio characters remain wildly popular among people of all ages from children to full-grown adults (guilty!). As someone whose life has been happily consumed by Sanrio with Pompompurin reigning as my personal favorite, I wanted to dive deeper into the Sanrio craze and the passionate fan culture that surrounds it.

BUT FIRST, a quick introduction to Sanrio and the origins of Hello Kitty.

It all began in 1974, when illustrator Yuko Shimizu brought Hello Kitty to life. Little did she know that this simple character would become a global cultural icon, generating nearly $80 billion for Sanrio to date (BBC, 2024). Although she’s widely recognized as a cute white cat with her signature red bow, Sanrio once confirmed that Hello Kitty is actually not a cat but a British little girl named Kitty White. Iconic behavior, honestly.

(Just a quick fun fact while I was writing this- I realized that the same Yuko Shimizu, who created Hello Kitty, is also an illustrator I’ve admired for years. Her current art style is deeply rooted in Japanese heritage and often explores complex, serious topics, a stark contrast to the sweet simplicity of Hello Kitty. I urge you to check her current works as well!)

Hello Kitty’s rise to fame is closely tied to the Kawaii movement and the global spread of Japanese pop culture. Her design; minimal, expressive, and mouthless became synonymous with all things cute. This ambiguity made her emotionally versatile and universally relatable, transcending language and culture. And from a business standpoint? She’s the perfect mascot. That recognizability turned Hello Kitty into the face of Sanrio, and fans across the globe have been building a thriving community around her ever since.

What defines someone as a “Fan”?

Fans are deeply passionate individuals whose strong enthusiasm for a particular interest becomes a meaningful part of how they see themselves and connect socially with others (Reysen & Branscombe, 2010; Reysen et al., 2015).

With the rise of the internet and social media, Sanrio fandom only grew stronger. People connected online through fan art, collection hauls, memes, and niche character discourse (My Melody vs. Kuromi is a real debate). Offline, they gather at conventions, travel to Sanrio Stores or Cafes in Japan, and proudly display their Hello Kitty merch like treasured heirlooms. What began as a simple design has become an emotional symbol, a form of comfort, and for many a whole lifestyle.

An unforgettable example of Sanrio fan culture was Hello Kitty Con, held in 2014 to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 40th anniversary. This convention brought fans from all over the world to Los Angeles for a fully immersive experience complete with themed seminars, DIY workshops, exclusive merchandise, and Hello Kitty everything, from food to fashion. Attendees showed up decked out in full Hello Kitty attire, many blending the iconic red bow with Harajuku-style fashion for the ultimate kawaii aesthetic.

And for some, their love went even deeper to literal ink deep. Tattoo parlors were on-site offering permanent tributes to the beloved character, because for many fans, Hello Kitty isn’t just cute but she’s personal. One of the most emotional moments for attendees was the opportunity to meet Yuko Yamaguchi, the third and current Hello Kitty illustrator, who would sketch Hello Kitty live for fans. When asked about Hello Kitty’s enduring magic, Yuko said:

“She creates friendship and makes people happy. She’s like a blank canvas, and her fans transcend generation and gender, people just love everything about Hello Kitty.” (Reporter & Hinson, 2018)

Sure, it’s true that some fans or fandoms can take things to the extreme and sometimes it can cross into unhealthy territory. But at its core, being a fan is totally normal. We all have different passions and interests that bring us joy. The beautiful thing about fandoms is that they’re not inherently bad, in fact, they can be really positive spaces. They bring people together across cultures, generations, and even continents. Being part of a community where you can share what you love can be meaningful, comforting, and honestly just fun.

So… what are you a fan of?

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References

BBC. (2024). Witness History - “I created Hello Kitty.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/YR49cBP9YY9wzmSqxhTLDX/i-created-hello-kitty

Plante, C. N., & Reysen, S. (2024). “They’re Just Weird”: Cognitive and Affective Mediators of the Association Between Perceived Nonprototypicality of, and Prejudice Toward, Fan Culture. Psychology of Popular Media, 13(1), 55–65. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000440

Reporter, G. S., & Hinson, T. (2018, July 2). Inside the cult world of Hello Kitty. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/nov/30/inside-the-cult-world-of-hello-kitty

#MDA20009 #fandom #hellokitty #sanrio #week5

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