Yee Ling🐟

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📝 Essay Writing: The Academic Version of “I’ll Do It Tomorrow” 😭

Every student has experienced this.

Your lecturer announces an essay assignment that’s due in three weeks.

At first, you’re calm. You even make a study plan. Maybe you open a new Google Doc and proudly type the title.

Then… nothing happens. 😎

A week passes.

Two weeks pass.

Suddenly, it’s 11:47 p.m., your essay is due tomorrow, and you’re asking yourself why you spent three hours watching random TikToks about penguins instead of writing. 🐧😭

Welcome to the essay-writing experience.

One of the biggest challenges students face isn’t actually writing—it’s getting started. Research by Steel (2007) found that procrastination is a common problem among students and is often linked to avoiding difficult or unpleasant tasks. In other words, if you’ve ever cleaned your entire room instead of writing an essay, you’re not alone. 😂

Another challenge is dealing with stress. According to Tice and Baumeister (1997), procrastination may provide short-term relief, but it often leads to increased stress as deadlines get closer. That’s why the sentence “I’ll do it later” has probably caused more panic than any assignment question ever could. 😭

Of course, writing essays isn’t all bad. Essays help students develop critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively. Bean (2011) argues that writing encourages deeper learning because it requires students to analyze information rather than simply memorize it.

The secret to successful essay writing is surprisingly simple: start earlier than you think you need to.

Will most students follow this advice?

Probably not. 😂

But every semester gives us another opportunity to confidently say:

“This time, I’m definitely starting early.”🤫

References：

Bean, J. C. (2011). Engaging ideas: The professor’s guide to integrating writing, critical thinking, and active learning in the classroom (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Steel, P. (2007). The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 65–94. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.65

Tice, D. M., & Baumeister, R. F. (1997). Longitudinal study of procrastination, performance, stress, and health. Psychological Science, 8(6), 454–458. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1997.tb00460.x

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💬 Why Is Facebook’s Comment Section Always So Angry? 😭

Let’s be honest.

You could post a picture of your lunch on Facebook, and somehow someone would still find a reason to argue with you. 😂

A new haircut? Someone says it looked better before.

A holiday photo? Someone asks why you’re wasting money.

A personal opinion? Suddenly you’re in a debate with 50 strangers you’ve never met. 😭🍿

Social media was created to connect people, but sometimes it feels like it was created to test our patience.

Facebook, X (Twitter), and TikTok have given everyone a voice. That’s a good thing—until people forget there are actual humans behind the screen. One reason for this behavior is what psychologist John Suler (2004) calls the online disinhibition effect. People often feel more confident, aggressive, or rude online because they don’t face the same consequences they would in real life.

Think about it. Imagine walking into a restaurant and telling a stranger, “Your face looks weird today.” Most people would never do that. Yet similar comments appear online every day. 👀

Another reason social media becomes so toxic is because of echo chambers. Social media algorithms tend to show us content we already agree with. According to Cinelli et al. (2021), this can create communities where people mostly interact with like-minded individuals. When different opinions appear, disagreements can quickly become arguments.

We’ve all seen it happen. Someone posts about politics, religion, football, or even pineapple on pizza 🍍🍕, and the comments become a battlefield within minutes.

Research by Boulianne, Koc-Michalska, and Bimber (2020) suggests that social media can sometimes strengthen divisions between groups instead of encouraging healthy discussions.

This is why digital citizenship matters. Being a good digital citizen doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone. It means knowing how to disagree respectfully.

Because at the end of the day, not every Facebook comment needs to be treated like a final boss battle. 🎮😂

References

Boulianne, S., Koc-Michalska, K., & Bimber, B. (2020). Right-wing populism, social media and echo chambers in Western democracies. New Media & Society, 22(4), 683–699. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444819893983

Cinelli, M., Quattrociocchi, W., Galeazzi, A., et al. (2021). The echo chamber effect on social media. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(9). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2023301118

Suler, J. (2004). The online disinhibition effect. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 7(3), 321–326. https://doi.org/10.1089/1094931041291295

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✨ The Glow-Up Culture: Why Are We Always Trying to Upgrade Ourselves?

Have you noticed that social media is full of “before and after” transformations? 📱✨

One minute you’re watching a study video, and the next minute you’re deep into a rabbit hole of skincare routines, makeup tutorials, hairstyle transformations, and glow-up challenges. 😭

Somehow, social media has turned self-improvement into a full-time hobby.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are filled with people sharing their beauty routines, fitness journeys, and appearance transformations. While these posts can be motivating, they can also make us feel like we constantly need to improve the way we look.

Research suggests that social media encourages people to compare themselves with others. Chae (2018) found that viewing influencers online can lead users to compare their appearance and lifestyle with those they follow. After scrolling through hundreds of carefully edited photos, it’s easy to feel like everyone else has flawless skin and perfect hair every single day. 👀

Similarly, Fardouly, Willburger, and Vartanian (2018) reported that Instagram use is associated with greater body image concerns and self-comparison. The more time people spend viewing idealized images, the more likely they are to focus on their own perceived imperfections.

Another challenge is that filters and photo-editing tools have become incredibly common. Ramphul and Mejias (2018) explained that digital enhancements can influence people’s perceptions of beauty and appearance. When perfect images become the norm, reality can start to feel surprisingly ordinary.

Of course, wanting to improve yourself isn’t a bad thing. Trying a new hairstyle, taking better care of your skin, or learning makeup techniques can be fun and empowering. 💖

The problem begins when we believe we need to look perfect all the time.

Maybe the real glow-up isn’t becoming someone else—it’s learning to appreciate yourself without comparing your life to someone else’s highlight reel. 😎✨

References：

Chae, J. (2018). Explaining females’ envy toward social media influencers. Media Psychology, 21(2), 246–262. https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2017.1328312

Fardouly, J., Willburger, B. K., & Vartanian, L. R. (2018). Instagram use and young women’s body image concerns and self-objectification. https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2016.1267647

Ramphul, K., & Mejias, S. G. (2018). Is “Snapchat Dysmorphia” a Real Issue? Cureus, 10(3), e2263. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.2263

Facial [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ599k2ESRc/?igsh=MWNmMGZzNnJnd2U1dA==

[yeeling25]

🎮 Online Games: The Only Place Where Strangers Become Best Friends in 10 Minutes 😂

Have you ever met someone online, played a few matches together, and suddenly found yourself talking about life at 2 a.m.? 🌙🎧

Welcome to the world of social gaming, where your teammates might live thousands of kilometers away, but somehow know more about your gaming struggles than your real-life friends. 😭

Games like Minecraft, Fortnite, Valorant, and Among Us aren’t just games anymore—they’re social spaces. Players chat, cooperate, build friendships, and sometimes argue over who forgot to heal the team. 👀

One of the biggest reasons people enjoy multiplayer games is the social connection. Research by Cole and Griffiths (2007) found that online games often help players develop meaningful friendships and social interactions. In fact, many players reported forming relationships that extended beyond the game itself.

Gaming can also be especially valuable for people who are shy or struggle with face-to-face communication. Kowert and Oldmeadow (2013) found that online gaming environments can provide opportunities for social interaction and help players connect with others who share similar interests. 🎮🤝

Another interesting finding is that online games can help emotionally sensitive individuals build friendships. According to Kowert, Domahidi, and Quandt (2014), gaming-related friendships can provide social support and a sense of belonging.

Of course, not every gaming experience is perfect. Sometimes you’ll encounter toxic players who blame everyone else for losing. 🙄 But despite the occasional drama, social gaming continues to bring millions of people together every day.

At the end of the day, social gaming isn’t just about winning matches or collecting achievements. It’s about teamwork, laughter, and meeting people from around the world.

So the next time someone tells you gaming is a waste of time, just tell them you’re busy maintaining your international friendship network. 😎🌍✨

References

Cole, H., & Griffiths, M. D. (2007). Social interactions in massively multiplayer online role-playing gamers. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(4), 575–583. https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2007.9988

Kowert, R., & Oldmeadow, J. A. (2013). (A)Social reputation: Exploring the relationship between online video game involvement and social competence. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1872–1878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.03.003

Kowert, R., Domahidi, E., & Quandt, T. (2014). The relationship between online video game involvement and gaming-related friendships among emotionally sensitive individuals. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(7), 447–453. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2013.0656

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📸 When Filters Know Your Face Better Than You Do 😭✨

Let’s be honest. Most of us have opened Instagram or Snapchat looking like a sleepy potato 🥔 and, within seconds, transformed into a glowing influencer with flawless skin and perfect lighting. ✨📱

Face filters are basically modern magic. Want bigger eyes? Done. Clear skin? Easy. A jawline sharp enough to cut vegetables? No problem. 😂

That’s why filters have become so popular on social media. They help us create fun content, look more confident, and sometimes make us wonder why we can’t look like our filtered selfies in real life.

But here’s the plot twist. 👀

Research shows that constantly viewing idealized images on social media can encourage people to compare themselves with others, which may affect self-esteem and body image (Chae, 2018). When everyone online seems to have perfect skin and flawless features, it’s easy to forget that many of those photos are edited or filtered.

Some researchers have even identified a phenomenon called “Snapchat Dysmorphia,” where people become so accustomed to their filtered appearance that they wish to look exactly like it in real life (Ramphul & Mejias, 2018). Imagine showing a doctor your selfie and saying, “Can you make me look like this filter?” 😭📸

Studies also suggest that heavy social media use is associated with more negative feelings about physical appearance and a greater interest in cosmetic procedures (Ateq et al., 2024). In other words, spending too much time comparing yourself to filtered faces can sometimes make you forget that nobody actually wakes up looking like an Instagram filter. 😅

Of course, filters aren’t the villain of the story. 🎭 They can be creative, entertaining, and a great way to express yourself. The key is remembering that filters are designed to enhance reality—not replace it.

So go ahead and use your favorite filter. Have fun, take selfies, and collect those likes. ❤️ But remember: the person behind the filter is already enough.

References：

Ateq, K., et al. (2024). The association between use of social media and body image concerns and attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1324092

Chae, J. (2018). Explaining Females’ Envy Toward Social Media Influencers. Media Psychology, 21(2), 246–262. https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2017.1328312

Ramphul, K., & Mejias, S. G. (2018). Is “Snapchat Dysmorphia” a Real Issue? Cureus, 10(3), e2263. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.2263

[yeeling25]

Sharing our award🏆

——Best photography for social media marketing🤭hahaha…so surprised

[yeeling25]

🌐 From Fangirls to Activists: How Fandom Culture Became Political 💥

“Stan culture is no longer just about celebrities anymore — sometimes it becomes activism.”✨

When people think about fandom culture, they usually think about memes, fan edits, or people obsessing over fictional characters 😭. However, fandoms today are more than entertainment spaces. Online fan communities can also become places for political discussions and social activism.

Social media has changed the way people participate in society. This connects to the idea of digital citizenship, where people use the internet to engage with social and political issues online. According to Erni and Zhang (2022), digital spaces now allow users to form political identities and participate in activism through online communities.

Hashtags are especially powerful in fandom culture 🌍. A simple hashtag can connect thousands of strangers and turn online conversations into global movements. Fans use hashtags not only to support celebrities, but also to spread awareness about social issues.

K-pop fandoms are one of the best examples of this 🎤💜. Fans who usually stream music and post fancams have also helped raise donations and share protest information online. Research by Sumardiono (2022) found that BTS fandom communities used Twitter for digital activism and online fundraising activities.

At the same time, online activism can also be controversial 😭. Some people think reposting hashtags or changing profile pictures is only “slacktivism,” where people appear supportive online without taking real action offline. Still, online activism can spread awareness very quickly among young audiences.

Fandom culture also shows how online communities create strong emotional connections. Daros (2023) explains that fandom spaces encourage participatory activism, where fans work together to create and spread messages online.

Personally, I think fandom culture proves that the internet is no longer just entertainment. Many young people now learn about politics and social issues through social media before traditional news. Whether through hashtags, memes, or fan edits, fandom communities now have real influence on society ✨

References ：📚

Daros, O. (2023). *Prosumer activism: The case of Britney Spears’ Brazilian fandom*. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 26(2), 227–243. [https://doi.org/10.1177/14695405221103411]

Erni, J. N., & Zhang, Y. (2022). *Wild hopes: Sourcing the political vocabulary of digital citizenship from the LIHKG forum*. International Communication Gazette, 84(4), 349–375. [https://doi.org/10.1177/17480485221094123]

Sumardiono, N. (2022). *Aktivisme digital dalam konteks penggalangan donasi fandom BTS (ARMY) Indonesia melalui Twitter*. Jurnal Komunikasi, 16(2), 113–128. [https://doi.org/10.20885/komunikasi.vol16.iss2.art2]

[yeeling25]

🔥 Everyone is losing their minds over Single’s Inferno 4 and honestly… same 💀💘

I thought I was going to watch Single’s Inferno 4 casually while eating snacks but somehow this show completely took over my life 😭

One episode in and suddenly I’m:

watching TikTok edits at 2AM and emotionally investing in couples who literally made eye contact for 3 seconds 👀

That’s the thing about reality TV now — we don’t just watch it anymore. We experience it together online.

What makes Single’s Inferno 4 so addictive is not only the dating drama, but the fandom culture surrounding it. The moment a new episode drops, social media explodes. Everyone becomes a relationship expert overnight 💀

People analyze:

* body language

* awkward silences

* jealousy moments

* Instagram follows

* who sat next to who for 0.2 seconds 😭

And somehow it becomes even more entertaining than the actual show.

This is where Henry Jenkins’ theory of participatory culture becomes really interesting. Jenkins (2006) explains that fans are no longer passive audiences because they actively create and share content online. That is literally what happens with Single’s Inferno 4. Fans make memes, GIF sets, TikTok edits, Tumblr posts, reaction videos, and even detailed “evidence threads” about who might still be dating after the show ends.

The fandom basically becomes part of the entertainment itself.

I also noticed how Netflix designs the show in a way that encourages online discussion. The “Inferno” and “Paradise” concept feels almost like a dating game. Every episode ends with cliffhangers that make viewers panic and immediately open social media to discuss theories 😭🔥

Even after episodes end, the audience keeps the show alive online.

Fans stalk contestants’ social media accounts like FBI agents:

“why did he like her photo?”

“why did she unfollow him?”

“ARE THEY STILL TOGETHER???”

According to Baym (2018), digital media creates a stronger sense of intimacy between audiences and media personalities. Because contestants share Instagram posts and online updates, fans feel emotionally connected to them, almost like they personally know them.

And honestly… maybe that’s why reality dating shows are so powerful now.

The real drama is no longer happening only on the island 🌴

It continues on TikTok, Reddit, Twitter/X, Tumblr, and Instagram every single day.

I think Single’s Inferno 4 shows how reality TV has changed in the digital era. The audience is no longer just sitting quietly and watching television. Fans now create discussions, trends, memes, and entire online communities around the show.

Without fandom culture, Single’s Inferno would probably just be another dating show.

But because of digital communities, it becomes an online obsession 💘🔥

📚 References：

Baym, N. K. (2018). *Playing to the crowd: Musicians, audiences, and the intimate work of connection*. New York University Press.

Jenkins, H. (2006). *Fans, bloggers, and gamers: Exploring participatory culture*. New York University Press.

Netflix. (2025, January 6). *Single’s Inferno season 4 returns January 14: Meet the hottest singles in the new trailer*. Netflix. [https://about.netflix.com/news/singles-inferno-season-4-trailer](https://about.netflix.com/news/singles-inferno-season-4-trailer)

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👗📱Influencers Made Me Buy Too Many Clothes

“Just one more video.”

That is always my biggest lie before sleeping. 😭

I open Instagram or TikTok for a few minutes, then suddenly I’m watching outfit reels, clothing hauls, and “Get Ready With Me” videos for an hour.

And somehow… I end up opening my shopping app too. 🛍️

Sometimes influencers make fashion look so effortless and aesthetic that I immediately want to buy the same clothes. One cute outfit video later, and suddenly there are three new items sitting in my cart. 😂

Because of social media, buying clothes has become super easy. New trends appear every week, and influencers are always showing “must-have” outfits. Slowly, my wardrobe became fuller and fuller. 👚👖

But recently, I started thinking about slow fashion.

According to Earth.Org (2022), slow fashion is “a movement that advocates for environmental and social justice in the fashion industry.” 🌿

Instead of constantly buying trendy clothes, slow fashion encourages people to buy less and wear clothes longer.

Honestly, this made me realize something funny.

The clothes I wear the most are not the trendy outfits I bought because of influencers. They are actually my oversized T-shirts, hoodies, and jeans that I’ve worn for more than three years. 😭 They are comfortable, simple, and never go out of style.

Social media influencers really affect shopping habits today. Faverio and Anderson (2022) found that “39% of social media users say influencers impact their decisions about what to purchase.” 📲

After reading this, I realized I’m definitely part of that 72%.

But slow fashion reminds us that style is not about buying new clothes every month. As Rauturier (2024) explained, “the most sustainable clothes are the ones that are already in your wardrobe.” 👀

That quote really changed how I think about fashion.

I still love watching outfit videos because they are fun and inspiring. But now, before buying clothes, I try to ask myself:

* Will I actually wear this often?

* Am I buying this because I truly like it?

* Or because an influencer made it look cool?

Maybe I’ll still do impulsive shopping sometimes during sales season 😂

…but I want to learn how to appreciate the clothes I already own.

Because maybe fashion is not about owning more.

Maybe it’s about wearing what makes us feel comfortable and confident. 💚

---

References ：

Earth.Org. (2022, July 27). What is slow fashion and how can you join the movement? Earth.Org. https://earth.org/what-is-slow-fashion/

Faverio, M., & Anderson, M. (2022, November 21). For shopping, phones are common and influencers have become a factor, especially for young adults. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/11/21/for-shopping-phones-are-common-and-influencers-have-become-a-factor-especially-for-young-adults/

Rauturier, S. (2024, February 1). Is it really high quality? An expert guide to choosing clothes that last. Good On You. https://goodonyou.eco/high-quality-clothing/