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Q#1)

Many of this week’s readings talk about online communities and how they help people connect. How can online spaces help marginalized people and grow their communities?

In Ethnic Online Communities, Steven McLaine talks about using email newsletters to keep people updated. This helps users feel included and informed about what is happening in the community.

I think online communities should also use other ways to connect, like phone calls or call-in services. Some people do not always have internet access. Using phones can help more people stay connected. Community is about bringing people together, even if they are not online all the time.

Q#2)

In the article What Is Gamergate, and Why? by Jay Hathaway, online harassment is discussed. How can online spaces be kept safe?

People should speak up when they see hate or bad behavior. Calling out harmful actions shows that this behavior is not okay. Online spaces should be safe places where people feel free and welcome.

People can also report users who threaten or harm others. Platforms should remove users who continue to act badly. Online spaces can also use filters to block hateful words. This helps make the space safer for everyone.

Q#3)

Dr. LaToya Lee’s article Virtual Homeplace talks about how online spaces help the African American community connect and express themselves. What other ways can people build online communities?

Podcasts are a good way to build community. Like newsletters, podcasts help keep people informed. They are helpful for people who do not like reading or who learn better by listening.

Podcasts allow people to share stories and ideas. Hearing voices from your own community can make people feel seen and supported.

Q#4)

How have beauty standards changed over time? Can you give examples from today?

Beauty standards today still focus a lot on white and European looks. Many makeup ads show white models with straight hair. Natural hairstyles like curls or afros are not shown often, especially on Black women.

Many makeup brands also do not offer enough shades for darker skin tones. This can make women of color feel left out. Beauty companies should include all skin tones and hair types so everyone feels represented.

Refrences:

Hathaway, Jay. “What Is Gamergate, and Why? An Explainer for Non Geeks.” Gawker, 10 Oct. 2014.

McLaine, Steven. “Ethnic Online Communities.” Digital Cultures Reader, edited by Sarah Banet Weiser and Victor Pickard, University Press, 2019, pp. 112 to 124.

Virtual Homeplace: (Re)Constructing the Body through Social

Media

Q1) What are some ways social media platforms can limit the impact of trolling in online spaces? A) One effective approach is for platforms to limit how frequently users can post and to use software that detects and blocks harmful or inappropriate language. This helps reduce impulsive, aggressive posting while keeping conversations respectful.

Growing up, I used an online platform called NeoPets, where everything users typed was monitored. The system automatically blocked foul language and froze accounts that broke the rules. Because of this, the space felt fun, safe, and well-protected. Platforms today can learn from this model by creating clearer boundaries, enforcing them consistently, and ensuring users know that harmful behavior has real consequences.

Q2) In Bergstrom’s “Don’t Feed the Trolls,” Reddit users responded to the account “Grandpa Wiggly.” Do you believe the user was engaging in trolling? A) Trolling can be defined in many ways, but several scholars describe it as behavior where someone pretends to be a genuine participant while hiding their true identity or intentions. Donath (1999) explains that trolls pass as legitimate members of a community, and Phillips notes that accusations of trolling can also function as a social deterrent against dishonesty.

In the case of “Grandpa Wiggly,” even if the user did not intend harm, they still created a false identity that misled the community. This made others suspicious and caused confusion, which is why people interpreted the behavior as trolling. It shows how easily trust can be damaged online even without malicious intent.

Q3) What effects can trolling have on individuals who are exposed to this type of behavior? A) In Maeve Duggan’s article Online Harassment, the data shows that exposure to trolling and similar negative behaviors can significantly affect mental health. Many people, especially those who spend time in online gaming or social spaces, experience increased anxiety, stress, and emotional exhaustion.

Because users can hide behind screens, individuals on the receiving end may face harassment, name calling, threats, or even sexually explicit aggression. For those without strong support systems or coping strategies, this kind of hostility can be overwhelming and may lead to long-term emotional consequences.

Q4) How can we better educate people who are exposed to trolling and harmful online behavior? A) One helpful approach is to talk directly with individuals who have experienced trolling and encourage them to reach out for support rather than facing it alone. Creating safe spaces for discussion helps people recognize that what they experienced is valid and that they deserve protection, not silence.

It is also important to teach the consequences of harmful online behavior, whether someone is the target or the perpetrator. Monitoring online environments especially for younger or more vulnerable users can prevent further harm. Setting boundaries, modeling healthy digital communication, and limiting exposure to toxic spaces can all protect mental well being and promote healthier online communities.

Citations:

Bergstrom, K. (2011). “Don’t feed the troll”: Shutting down debate about community expectations on Reddit.com. First Monday. https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v16i8.3498

Phillips. “Defining Terms : The Origins and Evolution of Subcultural Trolling.” The Origins of Trolling

Q#1) Why do media conglomerates pick and choose what stories to broadcast?

In my opinion, media conglomerates decide what stories to broadcast based on what they believe will capture the most attention. For example, the public may be more drawn to a story about new school safety protocols than to coverage about the rising homelessness crisis. Unfortunately, race can also influence which stories receive attention. A news report about white Girl Scouts selling cookies might be highlighted, while coverage about non-white girls raising funds through a lemonade stand could be overlooked. This selective storytelling creates an unfair and unequal reality in modern media, where certain voices are amplified while others are muted.

Q#2) How has media served as a tool for people of color to share their stories? Can you think of new ways news can be spread?

In Nicholet Deschine’s article, she describes how she accidentally encountered the #StandingWithStandingRockmovement while showing her children the land. This moment became important because video recordings helped spread information that mainstream media ignored. Similarly, in Professor Lee’s article, she explains how people of color use hashtags to circulate news that traditional outlets fail to cover. These digital tools become a lifeline for marginalized communities seeking visibility.

If I were to share overlooked news myself, I would use platforms like blogs and attach specific hashtags so others searching for those topics could find them. Another approach would be posting short articles in public spaces like school bulletin boards, libraries, or coffee shops places where people can discover news they might not otherwise encounter.

Q#3) How can we educate others about trustworthy media and reduce bias in coverage?

One way to educate others is by discussing how media conglomerates often choose which stories to share and why that matters. We can introduce friends, family, and classmates to media outlets known for more balanced coverage, such as Mother Jones, PBS, and NPR. These sources aim to be more inclusive and less driven by sensationalism, helping people develop a more informed and less biased perspective on the news they consume.

Q#4) Is hacktivism an ethical form of activism when used to gain media attention?

In Classifying Forms of Online Activism by Sándor Vegh, the author explains how online political activism has become a powerful tool especially for groups whose voices have historically been silenced. While I understand the motivation behind hacktivism, I personally do not believe it is ethical. It involves breaking into protected servers, which violates privacy and security, even when the goal is to bring attention to an important issue.

This dilemma becomes even more complicated when we consider how companies and media conglomerates already collect our data without full transparency. Devices like Ring cameras, for example, store voice recordings and video that may include people who have no idea they're being captured. Just as this raises ethical concerns, hacktivism does as well. Both sides demonstrate the ongoing tension between privacy, media influence, and the pursuit of visibility.

References

Lee, Latoya A. "Black Twitter: A Response to Bias in Mainstream Media." Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1, 2017, pp. 26. MDPI, https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6010026. Accessed 5 March 2017.

Vegh, Sandor. “Classifying Forms of Online Activism: The Case of Cyberprotests against the World Bank.” Cyberactivism: Online Activism in Theory and Practice, edited by Martha McCaughey and Michael D. Ayers, Routledge, 2003, pp. 71–95.

Q#1) How has the term Cyborg influence todays world in technology and it's influence on individuals?

A)After reading A Cyborg Manifesto by Donna Haraway, I was surprised by how much technology can influence the way people think and live. Haraway talks about the idea of the “cyborg” someone who’s a mix of human and machine and it actually makes a lot of sense in today’s world. For example, in shooting games like Call of Duty or Fortnite, people don’t just play for fun they really get into it. They train their reflexes, memorize maps, and even start thinking like soldiers. Over time, that kind of connection to the game starts to change how they see themselves and interact with others. It’s like their real and digital lives start to blend. That’s kind of what Haraway means by being a cyborg letting technology become part of who we are and how we live every day.

Q#2) In the lecture the term cyborg maybe a bit confusing to be defined a certain way can you furture anaylse and it's interpertation to the word to people who may not be familar to it?

A)

The term cyborg can definitely be a little confusing, especially if you’re only thinking of it in the sci-fi sense, like half-human, half-robot. But in Donna Haraway’s A Cyborg Manifesto, the word means something much broader and more symbolic. Haraway uses cyborg to describe how technology and society are so deeply connected that they shape who we are our identities, our choices, even our politics.

A good example of this is how people have responded to the government taking away abortion rights. After major legal decisions like the overturning of Roe v. Wade, people especially women have turned to technology and social media to organize protests, share information, and speak out. Online platforms become tools of resistance and empowerment, helping people fight back against systems that try to control their bodies. In this way, they become “cyborgs” not because they’re machines, but because their identities and actions are tied to technology in a meaningful way.

Haraway’s cyborg isn’t about having wires or metal parts it’s about breaking down traditional boundaries. It shows how people use tech to push back against control, rethink gender roles, and form new kinds of communities. Especially in political struggles like the fight for abortion rights, the cyborg represents how human beings and technology combine to challenge power and create change.

Q#3) How do video games like Grand Theft Auto and social media platforms contribute to reinforcing harmful stereotypes related to gender and white supremacy online?

A)

Video games like Grand Theft Auto often portray poor urban areas where players complete missions that involve violence against marginalized groups, like slapping sex workers or killing people to earn money. This portrayal can reinforce negative stereotypes about people of color, suggesting they live in violent, hopeless environments, while often sidelining white characters or implying they lack opportunities in these settings. These representations shape players’ views on race and class, normalizing violence against marginalized communities and supporting white supremacist ideas.

Similarly, on social media, women of color frequently face targeted harassment that is both sexist and racist. Hate groups use online platforms to spread white supremacist messages, making it harder for these women to participate freely and safely. This shows how technology isn’t neutral it can reinforce oppressive ideas about who belongs in public spaces and who doesn’t. Understanding these examples helps us see how online spaces can reproduce real-world inequalities related to gender and race.

Q#4) How does K. O’Riordan explain the way women are shown in online spaces, and why should we think carefully about it? Can you give some examples from games or movies?

A)

O’Riordan’s explanation really clicked for me because I’ve noticed how women in games and media are often drawn to look a certain way big breasts, tiny waists, tight clothes and it always seemed like it was for the male gaze. For example, in Yu-Gi-Oh!, female characters wear revealing outfits and even the monsters are sexualized. At first, I thought it was just the style of the game, but now I see it’s part of a bigger pattern.

Movies like Batman show this too. Catwoman’s character is sexy and dangerous, but she’s also kind of reduced to her looks and sexuality. It’s frustrating because it feels like women’s abilities or personalities take a back seat to how they look.

Reading Haraway made me think about how these images limit how we think about gender. It’s not just entertainment it affects how society views women in real life. I’ve started paying more attention to these portrayals and why diversity and more realistic representations matter so much.

Citations:

Daniels, Jessie. n.d. “Gender, White Supremacy and the Internet” 

Haraway, Donna. 1985. “Cyborg Manifesto” 

Q1: How has social media and its users created biases in everyday life, especially on dating sites?

A: Social media platforms, especially dating sites, were designed to help people connect virtually. Users create profiles, upload photos, write bios, and use hashtags to catch others' attention. While it's optional to leave your profile blank, users who do so typically receive fewer responses.

A common feature of dating apps is the "spotlight" function, which highlights certain users who are deemed popular in a given area. However, these spotlighted individuals are often white, and rarely people of color.

In the article Race and Social Media by T. Senft and S. Noble, the authors examine how the dating site OKCupid matches users based on similar traits and values. However, despite this design, white users tend to be more selective favoring other white users. The authors refer to this as a reflection of the so-called “post-racial” era of online romance, where racial bias still thrives under the surface.

These biases are deeply embedded in media platforms especially dating sites and often go unchallenged, particularly when it comes to race.

Q2: Why do you think frequent gamers design their avatars a certain way? Do you think they are trying to hide something?

A: In my opinion, many gamers design their avatars as a form of self-expression. For some, it’s a way to represent themselves in a virtual space where they feel more comfortable than in real life. Others may choose avatars that reflect how they wish to be seen, or how they feel inside especially if their real-life identity feels too vulnerable or private.

Are some people hiding behind their avatars? Maybe. But for many, it's about freedom being able to explore identities they can't comfortably express in real life. For example, some may present as a different gender in-game because they don’t feel safe or accepted doing so in public.

Speaking from personal experience, I play Pokémon Go, and my avatar is a stocky, dark-skinned guy in comfy clothes representing how I like to dress. I also gave him a lucha mask to honor my Latino heritage, which I’m proud of. So for me, my avatar is both personal and cultural.

Q#3 Which term from this week’s readings stood out to you and why? How does it affect our daily lives?

A: The term that stood out to me most is white privilege. It refers to the unearned advantages that white individuals often have simply because of their skin color. These privileges are built into our social institutions, from schools to workplaces to the justice system.

For example, when you walk into an Apple Store, it's not uncommon to see staff gravitate more toward white customers possibly assuming they have more money or are more likely to buy something. That’s white privilege in action.

Another example is in politics. Many elected officials, especially during and after Donald Trump's presidency, have been white individuals, reinforcing a system that favors whiteness. Representatives like Congress Woman Jasmine Crockett of Texas speak out against this imbalance, highlighting how white supremacy still shapes access to healthcare, criminal justice, and economic opportunities. White privilege isn’t just a buzzword it affects real people every day.

Q#4 What do you think motivates people to spread hate or bias online based on race?

A: The motivation behind online hate is often rooted in a desire to uphold white supremacy and suppress racial equality. Many people build biases based on skin color alone, without knowing anything about the individual they are targeting.

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) give people the tools to spread this hate anonymously. Sometimes these individuals have been raised in environments where racism is normalized and passed down through generations.

Meme and hashtag culture also plays a role. Racist ideas can be spread under the guise of humor, making it easy to share harmful content without understanding its impact. These tools allow hate to circulate freely, often without accountability and that’s dangerous.

References

Benjamin, R. (2019). Race after technology: Abolitionist tools for the New Jim Code. Polity Press.

Daniels, J. (2018). White supremacy in the digital era: An introduction. Routledge.

Q1: In what ways can you relate the article “The Revenge of the Yellowfaced Cyborg Terminator” to other fictional characters that are similar?

A: The article explores Donna Haraway’s concept of the cyborg as something not born, but constructed shaped by the hands of others and not confined by traditional ideas of innocence or guilt. This version of the cyborg is dominant and privileged, continuing to "colonize" everything in its path. Haraway suggests that in the digital world, anyone can become a cyborg, as the internet allows people to exist beyond visible categories like gender, race, or class.

One fictional character that parallels this idea is Godzilla. Like the cyborg, Godzilla is a powerful, unstoppable force a symbol of destruction and dominance. Both characters are created by society and media, yet often their deeper meanings or cultural implications are overlooked. These narratives reflect how entertainment can shape and distort the identity of these figures without fully understanding what they represent or the systems of power they might symbolize.

Q2: Why do you think media and the World Wide Web can be harmful places to socialize? What can be done to prevent user attacks in the future?

A: The internet is a powerful tool, but it can also be very harmful. Online, people can portray themselves however they want changing their gender, customizing their avatars, or choosing unique usernames. While this can be empowering, it also opens the door to judgment, prejudice, and discrimination. Something as simple as your username or the appearance of your avatar can become a reason for others to attack or harass you.

To reduce the risk of being targeted, people might choose to limit their time online or avoid unnecessary conversations. Another helpful step is picking a neutral, simple username that doesn’t give others a reason to judge or stereotype you. On a broader level, more awareness and better moderation tools are needed to create safer online communities for everyone.

Q3: Can you relate any of Marx’s theories to the readings? Can you give an example from one of the articles?

A: Yes, Marx’s ideas especially about power and societal structures can be seen in the article Race in Cyberspace. One connection is to his "normative dimension," which relates to how the internet is deeply embedded in our lives and continues to shape how we live and connect.

The article explains that in cyberspace, identities like gender or race can become "invisible," allowing users to present themselves however they want. This aligns with Marx's view of how societal systems shape our roles and behaviors. Online, people can escape traditional social constraints but that also means those constraints (and biases) often find new ways to show up. The digital world might seem free and open, but it still reflects many of the inequalities found offline.

Q4: Why do you think some people who harass others online do it? What can online platforms do to prevent harassment?

A: Some people may feel insecure or uncomfortable expressing themselves in real life, so they turn to the internet where they feel more confident or anonymous. Unfortunately, that anonymity can lead to toxic behavior. Prejudice can show up in many forms from how someone speaks to how they design their avatar and some use this to target or exclude others.

To prevent harassment, online platforms should implement stronger reporting systems. Users should be able to flag harmful behavior such as racism, hate speech, or bullying. After multiple reports, offenders could face temporary bans or more serious consequences. Consistent moderation and ethical enforcement can help create safer, more respectful online environments where everyone feels welcome.

Resources:

Race in Cyberspace: An Introduction By Kolko, Nakamura and Rodman

Question 1: In the article The New Jim Code, can you correlate the reading with any of Max’s dimensions?

The dimension that stood out to me the most is struggles and political practice. I chose this because the article highlights how technology today often reinforces racism and other forms of inequality. Although technology is often seen as a tool for promoting equality, it can also contain algorithms that identify “normal” or “acceptable” names, assigning coded narratives that influence outcomes. For example, someone with a common name might have an advantage in securing a job, while a person with a more unique or “exotic” name might face discrimination even if both candidates have the same qualifications and experience. Reading this article made me realize how many people encounter daily inequalities rooted in confirmation bias and systemic prejudice embedded in technology.

Question 2: What kind of reaction does cultural coding affect software programs, and what is its impact on society?

Cultural coding often carries negative implications because it is frequently rooted in discrimination. The data fed into software programs may reflect biases embedded in the algorithms, leading to unfair or skewed outcomes. This week’s lecture made me think about access not just to devices like phones, laptops, and tablets but also about who creates these technologies and who writes the code behind them. The lack of diversity among programmers can unintentionally perpetuate biases, which then affect how software impacts society.

Question 3: In the article Afrocentricity and the Digital Public Sphere, what is the main issue, and how can you tie it to today’s world?

This article discusses the unequal access to technology, which is largely influenced by socioeconomic status and class. It highlights the “digital divide” and how many Black communities face both a lack of resources and a disconnect with technology due to limited exposure and opportunity. The article points out that this disparity creates bias against Black people by restricting their access to technological tools and platforms. However, it also notes that since 1995, there has been growth in technology use among African Americans, including the creation of the first African American newsletter and black press online demonstrating the community’s resilience and effort to claim space in the digital world.

Question 4: In what ways does Benjamin express that The New Jim Code point is valid, and how does society contribute to this?

One example Benjamin discusses is meme culture and how certain racial biases are perpetuated through it. For instance, Professor Lee shared the “Daquan” meme, which stereotypically portrayed a Black person in a way that spread harmful assumptions about Black culture. This meme went viral globally, reinforcing negative stereotypes and hurting the Black community. What makes this especially troubling is that many creators and sharers of such memes may not understand or empathize with the harmful impact their content has. In today’s digital culture, anyone can create and share content anonymously, which often allows harmful stereotypes about people of color to spread unchecked.

Resources:

Benjamin, Ruha. Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code. Polity Press, 2019.

Everett, Anna. The Revolution Will Be Digitized: Afrocentricity and the Digital Public Sphere. Social Text, no. 71, 2002, pp. 125–146.

1. How can Fuchs’ critique of domination and exploitation help new users better navigate the web?

Fuchs' critique provides valuable insights into how power operates in digital spaces. For new users, this perspective encourages a deeper understanding of how their data and behavior online can be used often without their full awareness.

One way users can protect themselves is by carefully reading the terms and conditions when signing up for platforms like LinkedIn, Tumblr, or Facebook. These documents often outline how companies collect and use personal data. Another important strategy is limiting access to personal content, such as photos and videos. Keeping a small, trusted circle of followers and setting profiles to private can reduce unwanted exposure.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial. Many companies collect user data to build consumer profiles and influence buying behavior. By being aware of this, users can make more informed choices about how they engage with digital platforms.

2. With digital culture increasingly shaping younger generations, what critical reflections should users consider before posting online?

In today’s digital age, the internet is a powerful space for self-expression. However, it also comes with responsibility. What you share online whether in a tweet, blog post, Reddit thread, or comment can be seen, shared, and critiqued by a global audience.

Before posting, it’s important to consider the tone, content, and possible interpretations of your message. Empathy and respect are essential acknowledging that others may have different beliefs, experiences, or perspectives fosters healthier dialogue.

Digital culture is indeed a double-edged sword: it can empower voices and spread awareness, but it can also amplify misinformation, hate, or misunderstanding. Reflecting on both the potential impact and intention behind your words can make you a more thoughtful digital citizen.

3. How can people critically evaluate political content online and distinguish between biased and balanced reporting?

Distinguishing biased news from objective reporting is an essential skill in today’s media landscape. Start by reading critically ask yourself: What message is the author trying to convey? Is there a noticeable slant or emotional language? Are key facts missing?

Look for the use of loaded words or phrases, as well as whose voices are included or excluded in the piece. A biased article often relies on one-sided narratives, while balanced journalism presents multiple perspectives and avoids emotionally charged language.

It’s also helpful to cross-reference news from multiple reputable sources to get a broader view of the issue. Critical reading, skepticism, and curiosity are key tools in navigating media bias.

4. Which of Max’s critical theories resonated most with you, and how do you see it applying to everyday life—especially for those who may not have access to a wider perspective?

The theory that stood out most to me is Critique of Political Economy. This resonates strongly when looking at how political power can influence access to information. For example, recent efforts to defund or limit public broadcasting networks like PBS threaten to reduce access to unbiased, educational content particularly for underserved communities.

PBS plays a vital role in educating the public and offering balanced news coverage. Removing such resources can be a political strategy to control narratives and restrict public understanding. This not only limits access to factual information but also disproportionately affects communities that already struggle with educational and economic inequality.

I don’t know if you’re like me, but whenever I buy something new like a telescope I tend to skip the instructions and just figure it out myself. It always seems simple enough. How hard could it be, right?

I had just bought my dream telescope, an expensive one, and I couldn’t wait to use it on a trip to Joshua Tree. My plan was to capture a stunning time-lapse video of the Milky Way. I’ve always been fascinated by the outdoors, even as a kid, and this telescope felt like a step closer to the stars.

The night was perfect, clear, magical, and filled with stars. I proudly set up the telescope on my own, confident I had done everything right. Adjust the lenses, press a button, and let it record. I even took special care handling it because I knew how valuable it was.

As I sat beneath the night sky, I felt proud. I had assembled it myself, and I imagined how amazing the footage would look. I couldn’t wait to see it the next day.

When I got home and played back the video it was pitch black. Not a single star, not even a flicker of light. I stared at the screen in confusion, trying to understand what went wrong.

That’s when I finally opened the instruction manual.

Near the end, in big bold letters, it said: “DON’T FORGET TO REMOVE THE LENS COVER BEFORE USE.”

My heart dropped. In all my excitement, I had forgotten to take off the lens cap. The telescope recorded the entire night completely blind.

I felt frustrated, embarrassed, and honestly, a little defeated. All that excitement turned into one big lesson: read the instructions.