#mda20009

[ccjubilee]

“A look into how the “Greta effect” bespeaks digital citizenship and its standing significance.”

Digital citizenship is similar and equivalent to a national citizenship, just translated to technology use, and it’s being granted way less attention than it deserves. People spend hours on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Tumblr and etc. and this pretty much proves the undeniable significance of digital space and community to every individual in this modern day generation. 

Ribble (2011) states digital citizenship as the responsible and appropriate use of technology by the public. 

How do we measure and assess digital citizenship in ourselves and within digital communities? 

One useful framework for understanding digital citizenship is Mike Ribble’s 9 Elements of Digital (Ribble & Shaaban, 2011) .

The nine elements highlight the responsibilities individuals carry when participating in digital spaces. They also turn digital citizenship into a complete framework which covers the social, ethical, legal, and personal dimensions of online life (Yehya Rafaat, 2014) . 

The 9 elements of digital citizenship demonstrate responsible online behaviour includes equal access to technology, critical use of information, respectful communication, and awareness of laws, rights, and etiquette. They also emphasise the importance of protecting privacy and security, maintaining digital wellbeing, and engaging responsibly in online economic activities.

Now that we have understood the definition of digital citizenship, it’s time to look at profound examples of digital citizenship being carried into great practice.

Remember Greta Thunberg.

The young climate change activist established a “digital legacy” - one that stirred the digital wave and brought it to life - when she was just 15 years old. The overall impact exerted on the news agenda, online attention, and people’s attitudes and behaviours has been coined as “the Greta effect”. Studies affirm that successful public advocacies like the Greta effect can shape collective efficacy beliefs and motivate collective action, particularly among those with shared political ideology.

Thunberg’s first school strike led to a massive increase of public attention towards the global warming issue after 2016 (Lozano-Díaz & Fernández-Prados, 2021) . This is a result of growing newspaper coverage and online search volume. More importantly, her approach is a classic example of digital communication. Following COVID-19 restrictions, Thunberg shifted the Fridays for Future movement to a #DigitalStrike format, using social media to maintain momentum. This demonstrated a form of "distributed citizen participation," where online platforms acted as essential tools for civic awareness.

'Greta effect' spurring UK children's online activism, Ofcom says. (The Guardian, 2020)

Her most successful yet controversial movement has to be the #FridaysforFuture movement (Lozano-Díaz & Fernández-Prados, 2021) . It encourages students to protest every Friday, demanding immediate action on climate change in line with the Paris agreement. Her success has indefinite ties to her postings on Twitter Page. She has amassed a large following due to her passion already to begin with. To combat the media’s visible biases, Thunberg has wielded her Twitter following and notoriety to in many cases de-centralise her self-image for the sake of elevating a plethora of her other voices, at the same time asking others to do the same (Weadock, 2020) .

Nakate’s Twitter post. The photo, of Nakate and others protesting, stated: 

I am Vanessa from Africa. I have striked for climate [sic] for over a year now with fellow #Africanactivists. I have realised that our cries have not been listened to. It is important to know that #Africanlivesmatter. The #RiseUpMovement is changing that story this year! (Nakate, 2020). 

Thunberg’s retweet stated: 

Africa is so hugely underreported when it comes to the climate crisis (as well as everything else…). If you have a platform - help amplify the voices and stories from Africa. Africa has a key role in the fight for climate justice. Please acknowledge and share their perspective (Thunberg, 2020). 

Thunberg’s Twitter presence creates group identification by inviting collective identity surrounding “shared interactions” within “social institutions, organizational structures, patterns of social interaction and a constellation of experiences,” which are built on live experiences but that don’t privilege any individual’s voice or discount difference (Weadock, 2020), 

Her actions portrayed a “new type” of activist movement which is based upon the groundwork of digital citizenship, as she exercised controlling her digital image while turning online citizens into real followers. A conversion of public digital interaction to a physical active participation of people in the climate change movement further proved the importance of digital citizenship in influencing reality (Mede & Schroeder, 2024) . 

To conclude, the Greta’s effect consolidates the standing significance of digital citizenship, its influence inevitably parallel to traditional citizenship. As digitization has rooted in human civilization to a point that is inseparable, society is in need of a digital monitorship to ensure digital citizenship is being taken care of. Thunberg's efforts, nevertheless, showcased a lively, spontaneous effect as a result of digital citizenship if being exploited to the fullest, if being used correctly. 

Week 6 Reflection: What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism

References:

“Greta effect” spurring UK children’s online activism, Ofcom says. (2020, February 4). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/feb/04/greta-effect-spurring-uk-childrens-online-activism-ofcom-says

Lozano-Díaz, A., & Fernández-Prados, J. S. (2021). Young digital citizenship in #FridaysForFuture. Review of Education, Pedagogy, and Cultural Studies, 44(5), 447–468. https://doi.org/10.1080/10714413.2021.1929012

Mede, N. G., & Schroeder, R. (2024). The “Greta Effect” on Social Media: A Systematic Review of Research on Thunberg’s Impact on Digital Climate Change Communication. Environmental Communication, 18(6), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/17524032.2024.2314028

Ribble, M., & Shaaban, A. (2011). Digital Citizenship in Schools Second Edition. ResearchGate; unknown. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340468314_Digital_Citizenship_in_Schools_Second_Edition

Weadock, C. R. (2020). @GretaThunberg: Navigating Critique and Identity Within Youth Climate Activism on Twitter. Digital Commons @ DU. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1861/?utm_source=digitalcommons.du.edu%2Fetd%2F1861&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages

Yehya Rafaat. (2014, January 1). The 9 elements of digital citizenship. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340682289_The_9_elements_of_digital_citizenship

[zhiyingy]

Sustainable… or Just Another Trend? 👗 You know what? Can we just talk about how impossible it is to escape the fashion content on TikTok, Instagram and even YouTube now?😭

Every time I open my phone to scroll on social media, I see someone posting a clothing haul, a "must-have" item or a new aesthetic that suddenly everybody wants to copy. One week people are obsessed with the “clean girl” look ✨ and the next week everyone's wearing bows and lace 🎀  as if we're back to 2014 Tumblr 💀. Sometimes I get influenced too 🤭. That is what makes social media so powerful. Fashion online is not simply about fashion, it's about lifestyle, personality and keeping up with the trend quickly enough before they disappear. But recently, I noticed something a little ironic 👀.

The same social media platforms that are getting people to consume more are also where they are learning more about sustainability and slow fashion 🌱♻️. And somehow… both things are happening at the same time 😭. Fast Fashion Basically Lives Online

Fast fashion and social media is a perfect duo 🤝. Brands work with influencers, because influencers know exactly how to make clothes feel trendy, relatable, and impossible to resist 😩. Younger audiences actively look towards influencers for fashion inspiration, especially on Instagram and TikTok (Hamedani et al., 2025).

Sometimes you might see the same jacket or shoes appear on your feed over and over again before suddenly wanting it too. A good example was the Adidas Chinese New Year Tang Jacket went viral online in Malaysia on TikTok and Instagram, with influencers and fashion creators contributing to its online popularity (Leong, 2026). The jacket became less of a necessity and more of a social trend people wanted to participate in online. Currently, fashion consumption is more related to belonging and visibility rather than useful. The thing about social media is, the trends move VERY fast ⚡. Algorithms are constantly feeding new fashion content into our feeds and making it easy to feel like we always need something new.

Haul videos, “get ready with me” posts, and sponsored videos make shopping feel fun and harmless, even when people are buying items they probably do not need. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) the fashion industry is one of the world’s most polluting and waste-intensive industries 🌍 (Mishra, 2025). However, social media continues the constant consumption. Because these videos are presented casually by influencers, overconsumption can start to feel completely normal online 😬.

Some brands even market themselves as "sustainable" while operating like fast fashion brands 🌱. The H&M "Conscious" collection is one example where the company actively supports materials that are environmentally friendly as it continues to produce large quantities of clothing (Whiting, 2024). This is referred to as "greenwashing" ♻️ - when brands appear to be environmentally friendly without making a significant change behind the scenes. Although sustainability is becoming more prominent online, overconsumption is still happening under the surface 🫠. Then Slow Fashion Entered the Chat 🌿 What I find interesting is how social media is also becoming the place where many people first learn about slow fashion 👗🌱. Now some influencers are encouraging capsule wardrobes, outfit repeating, thrifting, swapping clothes, and buying secondhand clothes instead of a huge shopping spree 🛍️➡️♻️. Suddenly, repeating outfits is no longer considered “boring” but it is stylish and eco-friendly ✨.

Baghel (2023) state that audiences are more likely to trust influencers because they appear more authentic and relatable online compared to traditional advertisements📱. It's a good thing that influencers talking about overconsumption or sustainable habits openly can actually make followers more aware of their own shopping habits too. But not all influencers are necessarily helpful 😶. Some creators turn sustainability into another aesthetic trend instead of encouraging real behavioural change. Brands use the terms such as ‘ethical’ or ‘eco-friendly’ for marketing than actual sustainability. So even when sustainability becomes trendy online, people can still end up consuming in a excessive manner, just in a different way😭. Malaysia’s Growing Thrift Culture 🛍️ What makes this even more interesting is how these changes are actually happening in Malaysia too 🇲🇾.

In recent years, thrifting, also known as bundle shopping, has been quite popular these days with many Malaysians ♻️🛍️. Second-hand fashion culture has grown among Generation Z in Malaysia as consumers look for more affordable and sustainable fashion choices (Nur et al., 2025). There are places like Refash and local thrift stores are now extremely popular. Even on Instagram, Malaysian creators also post "RM20 outfit challenges", thrift hauls and styling videos using second-hand clothing .

View this post on Instagram

Actually, thrift shopping feels a bit like treasure hunting because you never really know what you might find. Instead of showing expensive luxury items, many influencers are now sharing their second-hand treasures and teaching their followers how to style old clothing in creative ways ✨. I think this is one of the more positive aspects of the influencer culture, since it gives people a new perspective on fashion 🌿. Digital Citizenship and Responsible Influence This is where digital citizenship becomes important. Responsible digital citizenship is more than being a "good" net citizen 💻. Influencers have a huge amount of impact on audience behaviour, particularly those young audiences who spend hours online every single day ⏰. When influencers promote mindful shopping habits, slow fashion or thrift culture more responsible, they can positively influence online communities 🌱🤍.

But when sustainability becomes performative or purely aesthetic, audiences can easily be misled instead 😬. I personally feel that social media is a problem, as well as the solution 😭😭😭. It promotes overconsumption, but it also raises awareness on sustainability issues ♻️. It accelerates trends very quickly and it also helps normalise thrift shopping and outfit repeating 👗. And perhaps that is what makes digital culture so complicated 🫠. The internet can teach people to consume less... and at the same time convincing them to buy more 🛍️.

References Baghel, D. (2023). The Role of Influencer Authenticity and Brand Trust in Shaping Consumer Behaviour: Strategies to Engage Generation Z. ShodhKosh Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 4(1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387302346_THE_ROLE_OF_INFLUENCER_AUTHENTICITY_AND_BRAND_TRUST_IN_SHAPING_CONSUMER_BEHAVIOR_STRATEGIES_TO_ENGAGE_GENERATION_Z Hamedani, S. S., Lumat, Y., Ann, C., Bin Zainuddin, M. H., & Bin Minhat, M. F. (2025). Influencer Marketing and Consumer Purchase Decisions in the Fashion Industry: A Comprehensive Analysis. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, IX(VII), 5692–5710. https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-9-issue-7/5692-5710.pdf Leong, Z. W. (2026, January 18). 3 Malaysian Influencers on How They Are Styling The Viral Adidas Jacket. Harper’s BAZAAR Malaysia. https://harpersbazaar.my/fashion/viral-adidas-chinese-new-year-jacket/ Mishra, V. (2025, March 27). Fast fashion fuelling global waste crisis, UN chief warns. UN News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/03/1161636 Nur, W., Roslan, A. H., Muhamad, Hassan, & Shari, W. (2025). Exploring Consumer Intentions towards Second-Hand Clothing among Generation Z in Malaysia. Journal of Advanced Research in Business and Management Studies, 38(1), 17–25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391237387_Exploring_Consumer_Intentions_towards_Second-Hand_Clothing_among_Generation_Z_in_Malaysia Whiting, T. (2024, February 23). “Sustainable Style”: The Greenwashing Truth behind H&M’s Conscious Collection Adverts. Tabitha Whiting: Content Marketing Expertise for Climate Tech Start Ups. https://tabithawhiting.com/2024/02/23/hms-conscious-collection/

[daphanie18]

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

Hi everyone 👋 welcome back to my blog!

In this week’s reflection, I will be discussing digital citizenship through the case study of social media influencers and the slow fashion movement. Social media influencers have become highly influential in shaping consumer behaviour, especially in areas such as fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. At the same time, concerns about overconsumption and environmental issues have led to the growth of the slow fashion movement.

Slow fashion focuses on sustainability, ethical production, and encouraging consumers to buy fewer but higher-quality clothing items. Unlike fast fashion, which promotes cheap and rapidly changing trends, slow fashion encourages more responsible consumption habits (Niinimäki et al., 2020).

Social media influencers play an important role in promoting these ideas online. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow influencers to share content about sustainable brands, outfit recycling, thrift shopping, and ethical fashion choices. Influencers can shape audience opinions because followers often trust their recommendations and lifestyle choices (De Veirman, Hudders, & Nelson, 2020).

For example, many fashion influencers now create content about “outfit repeating” and second-hand shopping to reduce waste and promote sustainability. This reflects the idea of digital citizenship, where individuals use digital platforms responsibly to create positive social awareness and influence others in ethical ways.

However, there are also challenges within influencer culture. Some influencers may promote sustainability only as a trend rather than a genuine commitment, which can lead to accusations of “greenwashing.” In some cases, influencers continue promoting excessive consumption while presenting themselves as environmentally conscious. This shows that audiences should think critically about the content they consume online.

Overall, social media influencers have contributed to increasing awareness of the slow fashion movement and sustainable lifestyles. This case study demonstrates how digital citizenship is connected to ethical online influence, consumer awareness, and responsible communication in digital spaces.

Reference

De Veirman, M., Hudders, L., & Nelson, M. R. (2020). What is influencer marketing and how does it target children? A review and direction for future research. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 567225. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337710228_What_Is_Influencer_Marketing_and_How_Does_It_Target_Children_A_Review_and_Direction_for_Future_Research

Niinimäki, K., Peters, G., Dahlbo, H., Perry, P., Rissanen, T., & Gwilt, A. (2020). The environmental price of fast fashion. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 1(4), 189–200. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-020-0039-9

[pinkabombom]

Week 6: Digital Citizenship, Hashtag Publics,Political Engagement and Activism- BLACKPINK Broke the Internet Again 🌐

Welcome back to Pinkabombom’s Blog. This year, the Met Gala was celebrated the other day with the stunning theme of “Costume Art.” Once the red carpet looks were released, I noticed how my social media were filled with amazing fashion from some really artistic designers from across the world. Every person who attended the event came prepared to stun everyone with daring silhouettes and interesting fashion concepts. But the most shocking and exciting moment of the night was seeing all members of BLACKPINK🖤🩷 appearing at the event as solo artists, shining individually. I can’t believe how proud BLINKS feel when they see them there representing their incredible power in fashion and music as individual artists. Their appearances quickly became one of the hottest topics across social media, proving once again the powerful global presence of BLACKPINK.

Met Gala is much more than just another fashion show. It has already been established as a digital community event. Previously, celebrity events were covered via TV and magazines. However, today we have entered the age of digital citizenship and platformization, when fans no longer just watch an event, they become part of it on a virtual level.

K-pop fans collaborate in a participatory culture where they actively create media and take leadership roles within their fan communities by producing and promoting content on social media (Roslan et al., 2024). According to earlier research by Kim et al. (2022), pro-social and responsible actions taken by SNS members outside of their official roles are referred to as SNS citizenship behavior. Thus, BLINKS engaged in meme-making, reposting livestream footage, debating fashion elements, translating interviews, and posting updates across various social media platforms. In some cases, fans were even quicker than official news sources. Seriously, K-pop fandoms need journalism degrees at this point.

And it’s here where the power of hashtag publicity comes. Omena et al. (2020) pointed out that using hashtags can convey local or international discussions, small or large events, and contentious or uncontroversial topics. Last night, hashtags like #BLACKPINK, #Jennie, #Lisa, and #MetGala2026 totally took over all of the social networking sites. People from all across the world who had never met each other suddenly found themselves interacting together online over dresses, hairstyles, luxury goods, and interactions between idols.

The other crucial idea mentioned was platformization. Based on James (2025), platformization is the process of changing daily interactions from offline to technologically mediated. They have evolved beyond being mere applications for communication since algorithms have become essential in defining users' media and cultural consumption online. TikTok consistently pushed BLACKPINK covers on people's For You Page feed, Instagram highlighted luxurious fashion content, while Twitter enabled users to participate in trending topics. People who did not consume K-pop music found themselves well-informed about BLACKPINK's Met Gala fashion despite their unwillingness (love Jisoo🪐 looks by Dior).

To sum up, BLACKPINK at the Met Gala is much more than celebrity fashion media. It speaks how digital community, hashtag public, digital participation, and platformization play roles in kpop fandom culture and global popularity. Social media have empowered fandoms, turning them into active content creators rather than passive consumers of content🌟

Anyways, Anna Wintour, can you invite my bias Kim MingYu from Seventeen after his military term ends in 2028👉🏻👈🏻

( BTW Isuccessfully secure the Asia Top Music Festival today to meet CxM🩵)

References:

James, S. (2025). Affective participation from the In-Between: the platformization of K-Pop fandom. Social Media + Society, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051251351390

Kim, J., Kim, K., Park, B., & Choi, H. (2022). The Phenomenon and Development of K-Pop: The Relationship between Success Factors of K-Pop and the National Image, Social Network Service Citizenship Behavior, and Tourist Behavioral Intention. Sustainability, 14(6), 3200. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063200

Omena, J. J., Rabello, E. T., & Mintz, A. G. (2020). Digital methods for hashtag Engagement research. Social Media + Society, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120940697

Roslan, M. A. A., Nasharuddin, N. A., & Murad, M. A. A. (2024). The social media effect: How K-Pop fans are driven by social influence and community norms. Journal of Media and Information Warfare, 17(2), 83-92.

[cryst-writes]

An Overall Discussion on Slow Fashion & Influencers 👗

I’d like to ask, does the term “slow fashion” actually click with anyone’s lifestyle? I believe some will… but let’s be real, most of us probably won’t 🤓

Just for context, slow fashion basically refers to a more conscious and ethical approach to clothing, focusing on sustainability, quality, and mindful consumption instead of just buying whatever is trendy at the moment. It’s about thinking twice before purchasing, and being aware of how our choices impact the environment and society. Studies have shown that slow fashion is closely tied to ethical values and conscious consumption, where people consider not just style, but also about social responsibility (Lira & Costa, 2022; Domingos et al., 2022).

Talking about social media influencers and slow fashion together though, I do believe most people would have at least one influencer in mind. And for me, that influencer is Mia Maples. If you are someone who loves watching YouTube and fashion contents, you’ll know her! She’s someone who consistently promotes more mindful consumption, especially through her clothing review videos. She is always looking out for any sustainability actions performed by the brand itself. For example, in her most recent brand reviewing video, “Watch BEFORE You Buy from Peppermayo”, she dives into their website to search for any statements or actions regarding sustainability.

She also often promotes thrifting in her contents, which aligns closely with the idea of slow fashion. And honestly, influencers like her play a huge role in shaping how audiences will think and behave. As discussed by Ozuem and Willis (2025), influencers today are increasingly shifting from promoting fast fashion to advocating for more sustainable consumption, using their platforms to influence followers’ attitudes and choices.

But here’s the thing… as much as I adore the idea of slow fashion reality hits. In today’s economy, not everyone can afford to fully commit to it. Sustainable clothing is often more expensive, the closest example in our real life is Uniqlo… they aren’t the cheapest brand as we know. And when you’re trying to balance budget and lifestyle, sometimes… price just wins. And that, I feel, is the biggest challenge of slow fashion. It’s not that people don’t care, it’s that not everyone has the privilege to choose it.

So yeah… basically, while influencers can inspire change and raise awareness, the actual adoption of slow fashion still depends on individual circumstances. And overcoming that gap is quite a challenge. It’s a nice idea, a meaningful movement… but also a complicated one. 🥹

References: Domingos, M., Vale, V. T., & Faria, S. (2022). Slow fashion consumer behavior: A literature review. Sustainability, 14(5), 2860.

Lira, J. S. D., & Costa, M. F. D. (2022). Theory of planned behavior, ethics and intention of conscious consumption in Slow Fashion Consumption. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 26(5), 905-925.

Ozuem, W., & Willis, M. (2025). Social Media Influencers: Transition from Fast Fashion to Slow Sustainable Causes. In Sustainable Digital Marketing for Fashion and Luxury Brands: Theory and Practice (pp. 211-236). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.

[shiyingwong]

Are You a Good Digital Citizen? Life Online Beyond Likes and Shares

Week 6: What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism.

Every day, we spend hours online—scrolling through TikTok, sharing Instagram stories, commenting on posts, and joining trending conversations. But being online is more than simply consuming content. It also means becoming a digital citizen, someone who uses digital platforms responsibly, respectfully, and actively participates in online communities. Digital citizenship includes how we communicate, share information, protect others from harm, and contribute positively to society through digital spaces (Choi & Cristol, 2021). In short, our online actions reflect who we are as members of a digital society.

Social media has also changed how people engage with important issues through what scholars call hashtag publics. Hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateChange allow people around the world to connect, raise awareness, and organize discussions around social and political issues. These hashtags become digital gathering spaces where communities form around shared values and experiences. This shows how online platforms are no longer just spaces for entertainment—they are places for activism, public discussion, and collective action.

At the same time, digital citizenship is shaped by platformisation, where platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTubeinfluence what we see, what becomes viral, and how communities interact online. Algorithms, trending pages, and recommendation systems shape digital culture every day. Because of this, being a good digital citizen today means more than simply being active online—it means being critical, responsible, and aware of how digital platforms shape our choices and voices (Poell et al., 2019).

In the digital age, citizenship is no longer limited to the physical world. It now lives in our comments, shares, hashtags, and online communities. Every post, every interaction, and every digital voice contributes to the kind of online society we build.

References

Choi, M., & Cristol, D. (2021). Digital citizenship for all: Empowering young people through digital participation. Educational Technology Research and Development.

Poell, T., Nieborg, D. B., & van Dijck, J. (2019). Platformisation. Internet Policy Review, 8(4), 1–13.

Theocharis, Y., Vaccari, C., & colleagues. (2023). Social media and political engagement in digital democracies. Political Communication.

[jingdiyew]

“From Hashtags to Change: Understanding Digital Citizenship in the Age of Activism”

Week 6: What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism.

In today’s digital world, being a citizen is no longer limited to offline participation. The concept of digital citizenship refers to how individuals use online platforms responsibly, ethically, and actively to engage with society. It includes activities such as sharing information, participating in discussions, and even engaging in political movements through social media.

One important idea linked to digital citizenship is hashtag publics, which describes how people gather online around shared topics using hashtags. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok allow users to participate in large-scale conversations simply by using a hashtag. These hashtag publics are powerful because they enable individuals to feel part of a collective voice, even if they are geographically distant.

A strong example of this is the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which gained global attention through social media. Hashtags helped spread awareness, organise protests, and encourage discussions about racial injustice. This shows how digital platforms can transform individual opinions into collective action. Research suggests that online communities play a significant role in shaping political engagement by encouraging participation and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard (Crawford et al., 2021).

Another key aspect of digital citizenship is political engagement and activism. Today, young people especially are more likely to express their political views online rather than through traditional methods like voting or attending physical events. Social media platforms provide accessible spaces for activism, allowing users to share petitions, create content, and mobilise support quickly. However, this also raises questions about “slacktivism,” where users engage only at a surface level, such as liking or sharing posts without taking further action.

At the same time, digital activism can have real-world impact. Studies show that online fandoms and communities can mobilise quickly for causes, raising funds or spreading awareness effectively (Johnson et al., 2024). This demonstrates that digital participation is not always superficial—it can lead to meaningful change when organised effectively.

However, digital citizenship also comes with responsibilities. The spread of misinformation, online harassment, and echo chambers are major concerns. Algorithms on social media platforms often reinforce existing beliefs, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. This can weaken constructive political discussion and increase polarisation (Li & Pang, 2024).

In my opinion, digital citizenship is about balance. While social media gives individuals the power to speak and act, it also requires critical thinking and ethical responsibility. Being a good digital citizen means not only participating but also ensuring that our actions contribute positively to online communities and society as a whole.

References

Crawford, G., Fenton, A., Chadwick, S., & Lawrence, S. (2021). ‘All Avatars Aren’t We’: Football and the experience of football-themed digital content during a global pandemic. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 57(4), 515–531. https://doi.org/10.1177/10126902211021529

Li, E. C., & Pang, K. (2024b). Fandom meets artificial intelligence: Rethinking participatory culture as human–community–machine interactions. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 27(4), 778–787. https://doi.org/10.1177/13675494241236146

Johnson, T., Li, M., & Mitchell, C. (2024). Activism through fandom for the Black Lives Matter movement. Psychology of Popular Media, 13(3), 382–394. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000516

[choojiaxin]

Week 5: The Digital Community and Fandom – Reality TV (Love Island)

Hi everyone 👋 I 'm really Glad you stopped by my blog.

This blog is part of my weekly reflection for MDA20009, where I explore topics related to social media, digital culture, and online communities. Feel free to browse and share your thoughts if you find anything interesting 😊

This week, I will be discussing digital communities and fandom, with a focus on reality TV, specifically Love Island.

A digital community refers to groups of people who interact and communicate online based on shared interests. In today’s social media environment, fandoms are one of the strongest examples of how digital communities are formed and sustained through constant interaction and participation (Gray, Sandvoss, & Harrington, 2017).

Love Island as a Digital Fandom Community

A good example is Love Island, a popular reality dating show that has developed a strong global fanbase. Fans from different countries actively use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to share clips, GIFs, memes, and episode discussions.

Memes and GIFs play an important role in this fandom. Iconic moments such as “I got a text!” or dramatic arguments between contestants are quickly turned into reaction GIFs and shared widely online. These visual formats allow fans to express emotions, humour, and opinions in a fast and engaging way.

Participatory Culture and Fan Engagement

Fandom communities are highly active and participatory. Instead of passively consuming content, fans create edits, comment on episodes, and use hashtags to organise discussions and express opinions.

For example:

Fans create short video edits of favourite couples on TikTok

Viewers live-tweet reactions during episodes

Meme pages repost viral moments daily

This reflects what Henry Jenkins describes as participatory culture, where audiences actively contribute to media content rather than simply consuming it.

Research also shows that digital fandom activity is strongly influenced by platform design and algorithmic recommendations, which shape what content becomes visible and popular.

Community Interaction and Emotional Connection

This creates a sense of belonging within the fandom, where viewers feel connected not only to the show but also to other fans. These interactions strengthen the digital community and encourage continuous participation.

Positive and Negative Aspects of Fandom

There are both positive and negative aspects of these communities.

On the positive side:

Fandoms create a sense of belonging and shared identity

Fans can express creativity through memes and edits

Global audiences can connect regardless of location

However, there are also challenges:

Toxic comments and online harassment

Fan conflicts over favourite contestants

Algorithm-driven platforms can amplify negativity and polarisation (Yin, 2020)

Conclusion

Overall, Love Island fandom demonstrates how reality TV audiences are no longer passive viewers but active participants in digital culture. Through memes, GIFs, and social media interaction, fans contribute to the spread and meaning of the show.

Social media has transformed how audiences engage with reality TV, turning it into a shared, interactive experience that extends beyond the screen.

References Gray, J., Sandvoss, C., & Harrington, C. L. (Eds.). (2017). Fandom, Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1pwtbq2

Yin, Y. (2020). An emergent algorithmic culture: The data-ization of online fandom in China. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 23(4), 475–492. https://doi.org/10.1177/1367877920908269

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