Happynah

Week 10 Social Gaming Guest Lecture

Hi guys~ 👋 It’s back to my blog again! Just curious—are you into gaming? 🎮 Well, come to think of it, I’m not really a gaming person. But I do know that gaming is no longer just a game anymore; it’s a show, a performance, and a shared digital space we all experience together 🌐✨. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have transformed video games from passive viewing into active participation, allowing viewers to interact directly with gameplay and streamers in real time 💬🎥. This shift reflects the evolving nature of digital culture, where gaming has become part of the entertainment industry and a form of social connection rather than just gameplay 🎮🤝.

Streamers are becoming micro-celebrities, one of the most noticeable shifts in gaming culture in recent times. Streamers create their personal brands by continually interacting with their audience in live sessions, incorporating aspects of their gameplay alongside a personality, humour, and some aspects of their everyday life. They're not the same kind of celebrities: they're spread out, but their fame is built on accessibility and intimacy, so that anyone who sees them feels as though they're “always on”. This aligns with the concept of digital microcelebrity, which involves building a connection between the audience and creators without ever meeting face-to-face. This transforms streamers from mere gamers into entertainers, influencers, and community leaders in the realm of digital culture. To a larger extent, this is the transition of passive media consumption into active digital entrepreneurship, in which streamers create niche audiences, engage in strategic self-branding and monetise their content through streaming subscriptions, donations and sponsorships by bypassing traditional media gatekeepers and fostering loyal communities online (Törhönen et al., 2020).

Kai Cenat is a famous Twitch streamer, content creator, and musical artist known for his energetic livestreams, comedic gameplay, and strong interaction with his audience. While he is often recognised as an entertainer and internet personality, he is also a gamer at the core of his content, regularly streaming and engaging with video games as part of his live broadcasts. Through collaborations, viral moments, and music releases, he builds a strong entrepreneurial presence, showing how modern gamers can exist beyond traditional gameplay and become multi-platform digital creators (Social Media Influencer Giveaway Results in Massive Mob in NYC's Union Square, 2023).

Participation in viewership is another important aspect of live streaming culture, as it encourages a more interactive and real-time viewing experience. Rather than just passively consuming the content, the audiences can interact with the stream and make a difference to the game or how it is played by commenting, donating, subscribing, voting, and reacting to the stream (J. Li et al., 2019). This means that these streaming platforms are a co-created process of the streamer and the viewers, and that the digital communities are co-created and sometimes enhanced by parasocial relationships.

Theoretically, this change in gaming culture can be explained by Henry Jenkins' knowledge communities. Digital communities, according to Jenkins (2006), are voluntary, networks of people who share information, feelings, and involvement with one another with regard to a shared interest. This can be clearly observed in gaming streams as users and viewers share strategies, tips, and discuss the gameplay as it unfolds. Together, these communities create and share knowledge and demonstrate the role of gaming spaces as interactive spaces for shared learning and cultural engagement (Fuchs, 2014).

Streaming has changed gaming into a monetised entertainment business with passive viewers being replaced by real-time interactive experience on platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, and it's now a multi-billion dollar industry. With the introduction of subscription, sponsorship, donation, and digital advertising revenue, content creators can now make a sustainable income from their content.Now, content creators can make sustainable income from their content by offering subscription-based, sponsorship-based, donation-based and digital advertising revenue models (Limited, 2025). The professionalisation aspect, though, puts new pressures on streamers, who must keep the audience engaged, perform live and create entertaining content at all times. This means that the division between leisure and labor becomes ever more blurred, and streaming demands creative performance and emotional labor.

But, it does generate important critical questions. Streamers can become so close to their viewers that they create one-sided psychological relationships, known as parasocial relationships when the viewers feel like they know the streamer, or feel like it is like a friend. These connections are heightened in the gaming world, where they are engaged in real time with the streamer responding to comments posted in the chat. Moreover, the visibility of streaming websites may contribute to inequality, as the more popular creators can attract more viewers while the less popular creators struggle to increase their viewership. However, the concept of inclusivity is further complicated by toxicity in gaming chat and community, which is also an ongoing problem. (Wulf et al. 2021)

In summary, live streaming has revolutionized the gaming industry by making it a more public and interactive experience, rather than a private and individual one. Games are not just being played, they are being viewed, shared, monetised and negotiated socially. This represents a larger attitude shift in the culture of the Internet, as entertainment, community, and identity are continuously produced in real-time with platforms, audiences, and creators.

References

Törhönen, M., Giertz, J., Weiger, W. H., & Hamari, J. (2020). Streamers: the new wave of digital entrepreneurship? Extant corpus and research agenda. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 46, 101027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2020.101027

Social media influencer giveaway results in massive mob in NYC’s Union Square. (2023, August 5). [Video]. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/kai-cenat-twitch-new-york-city-gaming-giveaway-rcna98287

Li, J., Gui, X., Kou, Y., & Li, Y. (2019). Live streaming as Co-Performance. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 3(CSCW), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1145/3359166

Fuchs, C. (2014). Social media as participatory culture. In Social Media: A Critical Introduction (pp. 52–68). https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446270066.n3

Limited, I. T. S. P. (2025, July 2). How Online Gaming is Changing the Entertainment Industry: Trends, Growth, and Community Impact - IdeationTS. IdeationTS. https://www.ideationts.com/index.php/how-online-gaming-is-changing-the-entertainment-industry-trends-growth-and-community-impact/

Week 8 Body Modification Guest Lecture

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram or TikTok and suddenly stopping at a cosmetic surgery journey video? 😳 From rhinoplasty recovery updates to lip filler transformation clips, cosmetic procedures have become highly visible across visual social media platforms. With hashtags like #PlasticSurgery, #GlowUp, and #Rhinoplasty pulling in millions of views, these platforms have become spaces where people don’t just observe beauty—they learn about it, discuss it, and sometimes even promote body modification 💉✨. Even I can admit, at times I’ve been influenced by those viral “before-and-after” videos that make the transformation look almost effortless and strangely appealing.

This raises an important question: Are these platforms genuinely educating users about cosmetic procedures, marketing them as beauty products, or subtly influencing people to change their appearance? 🤔

One concept that helps explain this phenomenon is the concept of aesthetic templates. Aesthetic templates refer to socially constructed ideas about what is considered attractive or desirable. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, repeated exposure to similar facial features and body types can shape users' perceptions of beauty. Features such as fuller lips, slimmer noses, smooth skin, and well-defined jawlines often become the standard that many individuals compare themselves against. These beauty ideals are linked to self-esteem and mental well-being. Over time, users may internalise these expectations, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and increased interest in cosmetic procedures to achieve the “online ideal (Paudel et al., 2025).

At the same time, social media can serve as a source of health education. Some plastic surgeons and healthcare professionals use these platforms to provide information about procedures, explain recovery processes, and answer common questions (Thawanyarat et al., 2023). Individuals who have undergone cosmetic surgery may also share their personal experiences, allowing viewers to gain insight into both the benefits and challenges involved. In this way, social media has the potential to increase awareness and improve public understanding of cosmetic procedures.

However, there are concerns about whether viewers are receiving accurate and balanced health information. Many videos focus heavily on dramatic “before-and-after” transformations while giving limited attention to potential risks, complications, costs, or psychological considerations. Cosmetic procedures can involve pain, lengthy recovery periods, and the possibility of unsatisfactory outcomes. Yet these realities are often overshadowed by polished content designed to maximise engagement and visual appeal, which may distort audience understanding of what cosmetic surgery actually involves (Mironica et al., 2024).

Another important aspect to consider is the role of marketing. Aesthetic clinics increasingly collaborate with influencers to promote their services. Influencers may document their treatment experiences, offer discount codes, or recommend specific clinics to their followers. Because these endorsements are often presented in a casual and relatable manner, audiences may perceive them as trustworthy recommendations rather than advertisements. This blurring of boundaries between personal experience and commercial promotion raises ethical concerns, particularly when young audiences are involved. Audiences are more likely to trust sponsored content when it is presented in a relatable and personal style, which can blur the distinction between advertising and genuine recommendation (AlFarraj et al., 2021)

For example, Catherine Huang-Begovic (“Dr. Cat”) is a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who shares day-in-the-life videos, before-and-after results, and educational advice on plastic surgery risks and considerations with her large TikTok audience.

Celebrities and influencers significantly normalize body modification by openly documenting cosmetic procedures, sharing transformational journeys, and utilizing highly curated or filtered imagery on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This continuous exposure fosters unrealistic beauty standards and increases the likelihood of body dissatisfaction and surgical consideration among followers (Felimban et al., 2025).

From a digital citizenship perspective, it is essential for social media users to critically evaluate the content they encounter. Digital citizens should consider who created the content, whether it is sponsored, and whether the information provided is supported by qualified healthcare professionals. They should also recognise that social media often presents curated and edited versions of reality. Developing media literacy skills enables individuals to make informed decisions about their health rather than relying solely on trends or influencer recommendations (Santos-Meneses, 2021).

In conclusion, cosmetic surgery content on Instagram and TikTok exists at the intersection of education, marketing, and influence. While social media can provide valuable information and foster open discussions about body modification, it can also promote unrealistic beauty standards and encourage decisions based on incomplete information. The next time a cosmetic transformation video appears on your feed, perhaps the most important question is not whether the procedure looks appealing, but whether the information being presented is accurate, ethical, and truly in the best interests of those watching.

References

Paudel, S., Chalise, A., Tamrakar, S., & Khatri, D. (2025). Unpacking beauty norms and body image: Development and validation of the perceptions of beauty standards scale. SAGE Open Medicine, 13, 20503121251324085. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503121251324085

Thawanyarat, K., Hinson, C., Gomez, D. A., Rowley, M., Navarro, Y., Johnson, C., & Venditto, C. M. (2023). #PRS: A study of plastic surgery trends with the rise of Instagram. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 5, ojad004. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad004

Mironica, A., Popescu, C. A., George, D., Tegzeșiu, A. M., & Gherman, C. D. (2024). Social Media Influence on Body Image and Cosmetic Surgery Considerations: A Systematic review. Cureus, 16(7), e65626. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.65626

AlFarraj, O., Alalwan, A. A., Obeidat, Z. M., Baabdullah, A., Aldmour, R., & Al-Haddad, S. (2021). Examining the impact of influencers’ credibility dimensions: attractiveness, trustworthiness and expertise on the purchase intention in the aesthetic dermatology industry. Review of International Business and Strategy, 31(3), 355–374. https://doi.org/10.1108/ribs-07-2020-0089

Felimban, M., Shaikh, A. H., Jamal, A., Timraz, J. H., Khan, A. A., Rashid, W., Sultan, S. R. M., Khan, S., Hashim, S. N., Thalib, H. I., Albeez, S. F., Makki, F., & Khan, A. (2025). The Impact of Social Media on Beauty Standards: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient and Cosmetic Provider Perspectives. South Eastern European Journal of Public Health, 4045–4067. https://doi.org/10.70135/seejph.vi.5978

Week 9: Digital Citizenship and Software literacy: Instagram Filters

Have you ever taken a photo 📸, applied an Instagram filter🥵, and instantly felt more confident about posting it online? While filters can make photos more appealing, they may also influence self-perception and beauty standards in today’s digital world.

Hi everyone 🧸 welcome back to my blog again. Today, we will be exploring the topic of Instagram filters. Instagram filters have become a routine feature of online self-expression, especially among young users on platforms like Instagram, and I also use them when posting on social media. While they are often seen as harmless tools for enhancing photos, research suggests they play a much deeper role in shaping self-perception, body image, and digital identity (Qaili, 2024).

A 2021 Wall Street Journal report found that 32% of teenage girls said Instagram made them feel worse about their bodies when they were already feeling insecure (Frier & MacMillan, 2021). This highlights how social media platforms do not exist in isolation—they actively influence emotional wellbeing and self-evaluation. Earlier research suggests that social media can contribute to body dissatisfaction by exposing users to idealised and edited representations of beauty (Perloff, 2014).

Adding to this, beauty-filtered selfies can be more damaging to self-esteem than viewing filtered images of others. This is because individuals tend to engage in harsher self-criticism when comparing their edited self-image to idealised beauty standards created by filters (British Psychological Society, 2023). This pressure is particularly evident among younger social media users. Teenage girls often engage in self-presentation and peer comparison on social media platforms by posting selfies and carefully curating their online identities. The desire to gain approval through likes and positive comments can intensify concerns about appearance, encouraging users to rely on filters (Chua and Chang, 2016).

From a digital citizenship perspective, this issue is not only about individual self-esteem but also about how users behave and interact responsibly within digital environments. Digital citizenship involves understanding the impact of our online actions, including how we present ourselves and how this influences others. When filtered images become the dominant form of self-representation, they can unintentionally reinforce unrealistic beauty norms and increase social pressure within online communities.

Another important way to understand the impact of Instagram filters is through communication and media theories. Social media platforms often encourage users to continuously improve and curate their online image. As a result, users frequently edit photos to appear more attractive, confident, and successful, reinforcing a culture of visual perfection.

One useful explanation is Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954), which suggests that individuals evaluate themselves by comparing their appearance and lifestyle with others. On platforms like Instagram, this process is intensified because users are not only comparing themselves to others, but also to filtered and idealised versions of those individuals. This can lead to distorted self-evaluation, where natural appearance is perceived as less desirable than digitally enhanced images.

Similarly, Objectification Theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997) explains that individuals, particularly women, may begin to view their bodies as objects to be evaluated based on appearance. Instagram filters contribute to this process by encouraging constant visual self-monitoring, where users become highly focused on how they look rather than how they feel, think, or express themselves.

In conclusion, Instagram filters are much more than simple photo-editing tools. While they provide opportunities for creativity and self-expression, they can also influence body image, self-esteem, and perceptions of beauty. As digital citizens, it is important to recognise that the images we encounter online are often carefully curated rather than accurate reflections of reality. By developing critical awareness and practising responsible engagement online, we can navigate digital spaces more thoughtfully and promote healthier standards of self-perception.

References

Qaili, E. (2024). Instagram filters and self-perception: A quantitative study. In The teacher of the future: 36th International Scientific Conference (Vol. 64.1, pp. 135–138). KNOWLEDGE – International Journal. https://ojs.ikm.mk/index.php/kij/article/view/6791

Frier, S., & MacMillan, D. (2021, September 14). Facebook knows Instagram is toxic for teen girls, company documents show. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-knows-instagram-is-toxic-for-teen-girls-company-documents-show-11631620739

Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media effects on young women's body image concerns: Theoretical perspectives and an agenda for research. Sex Roles, 71(11–12), 363–377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-014-0384-6

British Psychological Society. (2023, July 21). Beauty-filtered selfies are more damaging than filtered photos of others. BPS Research Digest. https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/beauty-filtered-selfies-are-more-damaging-filtered-photos-others

Chua, T. H. H., & Chang, L. (2016). Follow me and like my beautiful selfies: Singapore teenage girls' engagement in self-presentation and peer comparison on social media. Computers in Human Behavior, 55, 190–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.09.011

Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202

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

Haloo guys! ❣️ Welcome back to Happynah Blogs 💌 Have you noticed that nowadays almost EVERY TikTok post has the hashtag #FYP? Whether it’s a dance trend, GRWM video, food review, or random 2am thoughts, people are constantly trying to get onto the “For You Page.” 🤧As someone who is part of Gen Z 😹 I find it super interesting how hashtags and algorithms are slowly shaping the way we communicate, express ourselves, and even build our identities online.

✨ What is #FYP?

The “For You Page” (#FYP) is TikTok’s main feature that personalises content for users through an algorithm-driven recommendation system. Basically, it’s the page that decides what videos appear on your feed based on what you watch, like, share, or interact with. Sometimes it feels scary accurate… like TikTok knows us better than we know ourselves haha😭

TikTok is heavily driven by its algorithm-based recommendation system, which continuously personalises content according to users viewing behaviour and interactions. Unlike traditional social media platforms, users do not need to actively follow creators to receive personalised content (Boeker & Urman, 2022). Instead, TikTok analyses factors such as viewing time, likes, hashtags, and engagement patterns to predict user interests (Bhandari & Bimo, 2022). The more users engage with the app, the more accurately the algorithm recommends videos tailored to their preferences.

In Malaysia, where there are approximately 6.41 million Gen Z users, TikTok plays a huge role in shaping everyday digital culture. Research shows that the platform is not only used for entertainment but also for self-expression, identity formation, and social connection, as users engage with personalised content that reflects their interests and participation in online trends (Razemi et al., 2026).

The famous content among GenZ

💟 Vlog

💟 GRWM

💟 Make-up tutorial

💟 Mukbang

Honestly, many Gen Z users can spend HOURS scrolling through TikTok because the content feels so relatable, entertaining, and emotionally connected to our daily lives. And yes… I’m definitely one of them 😭 Sometimes I open TikTok “just for 5 minutes,” and suddenly it’s already 2am. Scrolling through my “For You Page” before sleeping has basically become part of my bedtime routine at this point.

From the perspective of digital citizenship and hashtag publics, hashtags such as #FYP are more than just labels for entertainment content. They function as tools that organise online participation, increase visibility, and shape how users engage within digital communities. The rise and fall of hashtag popularity also reflects how quickly online attention shifts within algorithm-driven environments. Beyond entertainment, hashtags can also support digital activism by spreading awareness, encouraging discussions, and connecting users around social issues. This demonstrates how TikTok is not only a platform for trends and viral videos, but also a space where identity, communication, and digital participation are continuously shaped by both users and algorithms.

Overall, TikTok #FYP culture shows how digital citizenship today is strongly influenced by algorithms, participation, and online communities. For Gen Z users, TikTok is more than just an entertainment app — it has become part of everyday life, shaping the way we think, communicate, and interact in the digital world 🌐✨

References

Boeker, M., & Urman, A. (2022). An empirical investigation of TikTok’s recommendation system. Telematics and Informatics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0736585325000620

Bhandari, A., & Bimo, S. (2022). TikTok and the algorithmic culture of the For You Page. Telematics and Informatics.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0736585325000620

Razemi, M. S., Mahamad, T. E. T., & Yassin, Y. M. (2026). Understanding escapism as a key motivation behind Generation Z’s engagement in TikTok hashtag trends. Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities. https://qjssh.com/index.php/qjssh/article/download/1193/740

Week 7: Social Media Influencers and Slow Fashion

Good day! Welcome back to my blog. Today, I will be sharing something related to slow fashion.

What is slow fashion?

Slow fashion is a more sustainable clothing production and consumption that emphasizes quality, ethical practices, and longevity of design instead of being fast and trend-driven.

The emergence of fast fashion has turned clothing into a wasted product, with the customer purchasing more and disposing of products in a short period. Americans buy a new piece of clothing every five days on average, and a great deal of clothing are disposed of before they even reach the end of their usefulness. A study mentioned by McKinsey & Company postulates that among every five garments made, three are discarded, with as many as 90 percent discarded before the process is completed (Marquis, 2021). The environmental and social consequences of such overconsumption are severe, with such brands as Zara producing hundreds of millions of products per year, often at the cost of low-paid labour and contributing to the pollution of countries like China, India and Bangladesh. As a reaction, slow fashion has provided a more sustainable alternative, regarding ethical production, transparency, and long-lasting quality.

A good example of slow fashion in action is Patagonia. The brand has been well known in the environmental and social responsibility. Patagonia is also actively involved in minimizing the effect of the business on the environment by using recycled materials, ensuring fair labour practices, and maintaining transparency throughout the supply chain (Patagonia, n.d.). In addition to these efforts, the company also advocates a circular model of consumption whereby customers are encouraged to repair, reuse, and recycle their garments instead of continually buying new clothes.

Notably, the strategy that Patagonia pursues confronts the prevailing business model of fast fashion, which makes its profit through a high-volume production and speedy consumption. Patagonia has incorporated the concept of sustainability into the core strategy of the company by focusing on the importance of responsibility towards the environment, rather than on the maximisation of short-term profits. This signifies a fundamental change in the manner fashion brands can be conducted that ethical behavior can create brand value which can be built over the long term not by mass consumption but by ethical behaviour (Schillmann, 2020).

Nevertheless, even though Patagonia can be viewed as a perfect example of slow fashion, it also prompts some significant questions regarding accessibility and scalability. Sustainable products are more costly and this could restrict the involvement of lower-income earners. This is one of the main contradictions of the slow fashion movement: the ethical consumption does not necessarily apply to all buyers.

Moreover, social media influencers have a major influence on the perception and adoption of slow fashion. Influencers who market such brands as Patagonia tend to underline the concepts of sustainability, minimalism, and conscious consumption. They use their content on Tik Tok and Instagram to persuade audiences to make more responsible consumption choices, and this is how digital communities can change the consumer behaviour.

See u all next time!!!

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📚 Reference (APA 7th)

Marquis, C. (2021, May 14). What does slow fashion actually mean? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/christophermarquis/2021/05/14/what-does-slow-fashion-actually-mean/

Patagonia. (n.d.). Our footprint. https://www.patagonia.com/our-footprint/

HALOO! Welcome to my first Tumblr blog! ❣️ Today, I will be sharing about Week 5’s lecture on Digital Community and Fandom, with a focus on reality television. As someone who love watching reality TV, especially Korean shows, I find this topic particularly interesting and relatable.

The rising popularity of Korean reality dating series like Better Late Than Single (Netflix Korea) 💟 reflects broader changes in societal perceptions of relationships. The program focuses on individuals who have never experienced romantic relationships, highlighting emotional vulnerability and personal growth rather than traditional goals such as marriage. This aligns with wider social shifts, as audiences remain highly interested in romantic narratives while becoming increasingly skeptical of conventional relationship expectations. Reality television often blurs the boundary between entertainment and real life, shaping how viewers perceive relationships, authenticity, and social norms (2025, BBC News).

This is evidenced by broader socioeconomic trends in South Korea, where younger generations are increasingly hesitant about marriage and family despite continued interest in romantic content. The popularity of dating shows has reached an all-time high even as real-life commitment to marriage declines, highlighting a gap between media consumption and lived social reality (Fran Lu, 2026).

One of the theory about this lecture is Aslama and Pantti (2006), the appeal of reality TV stems from the revealing of "true" emotions, particularly through monologues in which participants talk directly to the camera.This phenomenon can also be understood through the concept of confessional culture in reality television. In Better Late Than Single, competitors regularly disclose personal thoughts and sentiments during private interview sessions, creating an atmosphere of closeness and genuineness. These monologues serve as a "truth-sign," giving the sense that the listener is witnessing genuine feelings. As a result, viewers are more likely to identify with the participants and get emotionally immersed in their travels..

Overall, reality TV is not just entertainment but also a reflection of social values and emotional experiences. Through digital platforms, audiences can further engage with these shows by sharing opinions, reactions, and discussions, forming active fandom communities that extend beyond the screen.

References

Aslama, M., & Pantti, L. (2006). Talking alone: Reality TV, emotions and authenticity. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 9(2), 167–184.

BBC News. (2025). When reality TV blurs the line with real life. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4nedxl3wyo