MDA20009 Digital Communications

The Dark Side ....

Digital communities are often assumed to be entirely good, unproblematic and inclusive. This is the complete opposite of majority of digitisation , mainly social media platforms. Social media increasingly plays a role in conflict and contentious environments (Zeitzoff, 2017).

Social media governance is a framework which regulates the actions of the members of an organization within the social web ( Linkie & Zerfass, 2013). Social media governance looks at how the internet runs. Social media governance explores a set of conflicting interests such as commercial interests, public sector and industry bodies who develop standards. Governance also takes place at the micro level including Facebook groups and subreddits.

Online harassment is a growing issue on social media, leading social media governance to act. Online harassment encompasses a wide range of violent behaviours in the online space , including cyberbullying characterized by recurring attacks ( Farley et. Al, 2021). Online harassment can take many forms , such as spreading malicious rumours, sending abusive direct messages and non-consensual sharing of personal content. Harassing behaviour is often networked in that it is coordinated and organized. Network harassment such as doxing , image based abuse , social shaming and intimidation were refine by men's activist and anti-feminist gaming ( Jane et. Al, 2023). Until recently , there was no single piece of Australian legislation against bullying or online abuse. The Criminal Code Act 1995 regulates conduct in society to protect the community and provide sanctions against crimes.

This week's reading explored an insight into today's generation's impact to online harassment. The toleration of harassment in the UK has labelled young people a snowflake generation ( Haslop et. Al, 2021). Snow flake is a term used to mock their perceived intolerance and easily offended nature, following the hashtag #NoSnowFlakes (Nicholson, 2016). Describing young people as 'think-skinned' and 'mentally fragile' (Pinkstone, 2018).

References :

Alharbi, R , Funwie, A , Gankhuu, T & Gilbert, E & Grill, G & Im, J & Iriarte, M & Naseem, M & Schoenerbeck , S & Wilkinson, D 2023, 'Womens perspectives on Harm and justice after online harassment', Arxiv, vol. 1, no. 11, pp. 1-23.

Celuch, M & Savela, N, Oksa, R, Latikka, R & Okasanen 2022, 'Individual factors predicting reactions to online harassment among Finnish professionals', Science Direct, vol. 127, no. 4, pp. 1-12.

Haslop, C & O'Rourke, F & Southern , R 2021, '#NoSnowflakes : The toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide, in a UK student online culture', Convergence, vol. 5, no. 27, pp. 1418-1438

Linke, A & Zerfass, A 2013, 'Social Media Governance : Regulatory frameworks for successful online communications', Research Gate, vol. 3, no. 17, pp. 5-8.

To play a game is to attempt to achieve a specific state of affairs (Suits, 1978). Players engage in an artificial conflict , defined by rules, that result in a quantifiable outcome (Salen & Zimmerman, 2003).

Video games have been evolving since 1980 with the introduction of arcade games. An arcade game is a coin-operated game designed for play at an amusement arcade (Meriam Webster , 2023). Arcade games such as space invaders and Pac man were popular in the 1980's (Jones, 2023). In the 1990's the idea of local multi-player gaming became popular. This introduced online multiplayer gaming, in 1988 the first multiplayer computer games was released with up to 16 players (Larch, 2023). This relied on the introduction of networked computing technologies.

Games communities are an important aspect of gaming , following current technology advancements. A gaming community refers to a group of people who come together to share their interest for playing games. The purpose for gaming communities is to provide support among gamers (Meta Engine, 2023). Games communities have influenced social games. Social games are online games that adapt your friendship ties for play purpose , while accommodating your daily routines (Jarvien, 2011). Social games exploded in late 2000's - earl 2010's with the purpose of networking. Games platforms include consoles e.g. Xbox, PlayStation & Nintendo and streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube gaming and Facebook gaming. Streaming platforms are often live, providing content creators with profit, leading to a career.

Indie games are an important factor in the games industry. Indie games are popular in Melbourne, every year in November Melbourne hosts ' Melbourne international games week. Bringing together a number of different events of varying shape and size related to the video game field. The independent game festivals presents experimental videogames made by Australian students, artists and hobbyist (igf, 2023). In the first half of 2010 , the Melbourne industry shifted by necessity to an almost exclusively indie industry, following the closure of nearly every large studio in the country (FP, 2023). Melbourne have an overproduction of game making activity. The number of people able and eager to create video fames has outgrown what the local industry is able to commodify.

References :

Esports 2023, 'eSports History: How it all began', ISPO.com, viewed 7 May 2023, < https://www.ispo.com/en/sports-business/esports-history-how-it-all-began#:~:text=Netrek%3A%20A%20classic%20among%20video,each%20other%20over%20the%20Internet >

FP 2023, 'FreePlay Independent Games Festival', FP, viewed 7 May 2023, &lt; About - Freeplay >

Jones, E 2023, 'The 25 Best 80's Arcade Games of All Time, ONE37PM, viewed 7 May 2023, &lt; The 25 Best 80s Arcade Games of All Time (one37pm.com) >

Kepgh, B 2021, 'The Melbourne Indie game scenes : value regimes in localized game development', Taylor & Francis, vol.1, no.2, pp. 2-14.

Merriam-Webster 2023, 'Arcade Game', Merriam-Webster, viewed 7 May 2023, &lt; Arcade game Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster >

Meta Engine 2023, 'What is A Gaming Community And How To Build One', Meta Engine, viewed 7 May 2023, &lt; What is a Gaming Community and How to Build One (metaengine.gg) >

Face Filters Are Taking Over ....

Filters utilise augmented reality "which allows users to see the real world , with virtual objects superimposed upon or composited with the real world" (Sand foundry ,2023). These filters detect and transform facial features by overlaying digital masks on moving faces (Isakowitsch, 2023).

Filters have increasingly grown on social media since the introduction of face filters on snapchat in 2015 (Bunuba, 2021).  Snapchat filters apply virtual accessories and modify facial features. This week's reading heavily focused on the positive and negative impacts filters have on users. Snapchat filters rely upon a facial detection tool , recognising patterns of light and dark pixels as distinct areas of the face (Barker, 2020).  The rise of filters on social media platforms have contributed to the toxic beauty standards in society. Beauty and surgery filters appear to be amongst the most popular on Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok (Miller & Mclyntyre, 2022).

There is a limited definition of beauty attached to the filters users use. Face filters correct women's faces to the 'ideal' beauty standard. Filters have been recently popularized by the beauty industry. Beauty filters immediately enhance the face of users , following the current beauty trends. This includes smoothing lines on the face, evening skin tone and adding glow and highlights.

Although facial filters support a creative and fun environment, the other side of filters have created a toxic culture users experience. Social media and photo editing have been linked to self-objectification , negative self-comparison, lower mood and increased trends in plastic surgery (Ozimek et. Al, 2023). Filters increasingly make users feel detached from their natural faces , causing identity confusion when comparing unfiltered selfies and filtered selfies (Barker, 2020).

'Snapchat dysmorphia' is a new term influenced by the new beauty standards on social media platforms. Snapchat dysmorphia refers to a psychological phenomena of patients bringing  filtered selfies to their surgeons , to illustrate the desire surgical changes they want to achieve (Osmani, 2020).

A topic I found interesting in this week's lecture was the focus on 'genders & filters'. Boys/ Men are known to use filters on social media for humour and entertainment, whilst girls / women use filters to look 'prettier' and 'flawless'. Use of filters by straight men lead to questions of heterosexuality and masculinity being questioned (Laverance & Cambre, 2020).

References

Barker, J 2020, 'Making-up on mobile : The pretty filters and ugly implications of Snapchat', Fashion , Style & Pop Culture, vol. 7, no.2& 3, pp. 1-16.

Osmani, S 2020, 'The Impact of Social Media on Body Image', BHS, viewed 27 April 2023, < The impact of social media on body image – The BHS Beat >

Ozimek, P , Lanias ,S , Bierhoff , G & Rogmann, E 2023, 'How photo editing in social media shapes self-perceives attractiveness and self-esteem via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons', BMC, vol. 11, no.99, pp .1-14.

Poetker, B 2019, 'A Brief History of Augmented Reality', g2 , viewed 27 April 2023 , < A Brief History of Augmented Reality (+Future Trends & Impact) (g2.com) >

The Way Social Media Changed Body Image FOREVER

Body modification has been heavily influenced by social media changing society's perception on body image and beauty standards. Body modification refers to the deliberate or permanent altering of an individuals appearance (Custer, 2021). Including body modification taken in medical contexts, such as gender reassignment, weight loss or cosmetic surgery (Lane,2017).

Social media is one the most important factors contributing to mental, emotional and physical health. The exposure of body modification on social media causes many impacts to users, leading them to follow unrealistic and unachievable trends (Badaway, 2022). Social media has a very distinct and popular aesthetic template, users feel pressured to follow. These aesthetic templates revolve around body work, accessories, props and poses. Involving a range of different behaviours that change a person's physical appearance (Oakes, 2019).

Body image on social media has caused a rise in cosmetic surgery globally , allowing everyone to fit into the toxic beauty standards society hold. Patients are increasingly identifying cosmetic surgery as 'looking after yourself' (DIS, 2021). Customers are continuously experiencing dissatisfaction stemming from social media standards and what is achievable offline.

Many people experience body dysmorphia disorder and identity dissonance , in result of the toxic body modification consumed everyday on social media platforms. "Body dysmorphia is a health condition in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance" (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

The evolving body positive movement on social media allows users to feel included no matter their race, gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Social media sites have the potential to influence positive beliefs and attitudes in individuals , destroying the toxic beauty standards in society (Paulmbo, 2022). The hashtag body positive has 18.4 million tags on Instagram and 23.7 billion views on TikTok , creating a strong global community (Gelsinger, 2021).

Summarising today's blog post.... Social media has been heavily influenced by body modification, setting unrealistic and unachievable beauty standards, with the support of filters and photoshop. The rest of society feel increasing pressure to achieve these toxic beauty standards, supported by many celebrities and micro-celebrities. The current aesthetic templates and stereotypes on Instagram impact the mental health of users around the world , creating severe mental health disorders such as body dysmorphia disorder and the rise of dissatisfaction in individual's.

References

Badawy, 2022, 'Social Media-Driven Routes to Positive Mental Health Among Youth : Qualitative Enquiry and Concept Mapping Study', National Library of Medicine, vol. 1, no.5, pp. 1-20.

Custer, S & White, D 2021, 'Body Modification History & Types', study.com, viewed 19 April 2023, &lt; Body Modification History & Types | What is Body Modification? - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com >

Duffy, B & Meinser, C 2022, ' Platform governance at the margins : Social media creators' experiences with algorithmic (in)visibility', Sage Journals, vol. 45, no.2, pp. 5-12.

Mayo Clinic, 2023, 'Body dysmorphic disorder', Mayo Clinic, viewed 19 April 2023, &lt; Body dysmorphic disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic >

Refresher of Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship is the ability to navigate our digital environments in a way that's safe and responsible to actively and respectfully engage in digital spaces (Zook, 2022).

The Rise of Slow Fashion

The slow fashion movement is the need to adopt sustainable performance and change core values in the fashion industry. The idea of the slow fashion movement is to preserve the natural resources and provide garments with good quality (Oliveira, 2022).

The slow fashion movement was introduced after the influence of the slow food movement founded by Carlo Petrini in 1986.  In today's society the slow fashion movement relates closely to digital citizenship, with the idea of prioritising respect for others online.

The Idea of Slow Fashion

The slow fashion movement preaches a more conscious consumption. Slow fashion emphasises the use of seasonal raw materials (Kahn, 2009). Retailers around the world have recently been more conscious about sustainable brand labelling. The movement encourages brands to embrace quality braces rather than time-based business, including slow production, ethical attitudes and long lasting products (Domingos, 2022). 

There are four guiding principles to qualify a fashion label sustainable. The guiding principles include the items being child labour free, materials being utilised in production and long term relationships with suppliers (Solberg, 2020). The following principles increase consumer satisfaction and brand reputation. Consumers are increasingly looking for unique products and designs , as they are willing to pay more for quality products.

References

Chris Zook, 2022, 'What is Digital Citizenship & How Do You Teach It?', Applied Educational Systems, viewed 14 April 2023, < https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/what-is-digital-citizenship >

Domingos, M , Vale, V & Faria, S 2022, ' Slow Fashion Consumer Behaviour : A Literature Review', MDPI, vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 1-15.

Freja Solberg, 2020, 'The 7 Principles of Sustainable Fashion', Medium, viewed 14 April 2023, < The 7 Principles of Sustainable Fashion | by Freja Solberg | Medium >

The Introduction of Digital Citizenship...

Digital Citizenship is the state of being skilled in using the internet to communicate with others. Digital citizenship us simply the right to participate in society online ( Mossberger, Tolbert & McNeal, 2007).

The public can participate in digital citizenship by positively engaging with digital technologies by creating, sharing, socialising and communicating. Digital citizenship has the potential to benefit the society as a whole.

Platforms and Platformisation

'Social media platforms are prominent siter where values are expressed, contested and diffused' (Hallinan, Scharlach & Shifman, 2021).

Social media corporations evoke the language and politic of platforms to represent themselves as social utilities, proving a public good. Social media platforms create a community and a place to be heard. Political engagement is increasingly growing on social media platforms, forming a strong community. This includes sharing a petition, contracting public officials, publicly following a public figure and posting written comments for other people. Hashtags connected to politics are used to connect content through themes, ideas and events. People use hashtags such as :

#Politics , #Republican , #Trump , #Election , #Political memes etc.

Black Lives Matter Movement

The Black Lives Matter movement was heavily influenced on social media. The use of #BlackLivesMatter became proactive with its message inspiring action from members of the public. The social media platform Twitter played a crucial role in the Black Lives Matter movement. Twitter allowed BLM movement to spread information, news and protest information to millions of people in multiple countries.

The rise and expansion of technology allows Digital Citizenship to positively transform society, maintaining awareness of behaviour online. Digital citizenship empowers people to actively and responsible take part in community.

References

Hallinan, B & Scharlach, R & Shifman, L 2021, 'Beyond Neutrality : Conceptualizing Platform Values', Oxford Academic, vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 1-22.

Klein, C , Reimann, E, Quintana , I , Cheong, M , Ferrerira, M & Alfano, M 2022, 'Attention and counter-framing in the Black Lives Matter movement on twitter', Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, pp. 1-12.

Importance of the public sphere

According to Habermas, the public sphere  is a place where private people come together as a public, for the purpose of using reasons to further critical knowledge.

After the revolution of the internet and social media people started to create and source individual information, creating a limitless sharing community. Social media platforms such as twitter offer users a safe space for diverse representations, compared to dominant platforms.

An example of a Public Sphere is #AUSPOL, the phrase is short for Australian politics. The hashtag is used widely for various political speculations and commentary. The hashtag creates a space for politically involved individuals to engage (Sauter & Bruns, 2023).

The rise of reality TV

Reality TV has been a dominant form of television programming for the past 20 years. Broad genres of reality TV include dating programs, game docs, talent contests and celebrity based programs. Although it is questioned, reality stars are 'ordinary people engaged in unscripted action and interaction' (Nabi, 2007).

Reality television is a genre that is designed to elicit talk and shared opinions. Audiences not only judge the participant's behaviours but also speculating on authenticity of what they are watching.

The influence of Social Media on Reality Tv

It is a norm for thousands of people to update their social media pages whilst they are watching reality Tv , ideally at the time of broadcast. Reality TV is the most popular talking point on twitter ( Deller, 2019).

Countless humour and memes are attached to reality tv shows. Many shows incorporate humour into their style and approach, to further engage their audience. Audiences use humour both online and offline. Discussions on social media are full of puns, animated gifs and sarcastic commentary.

Most reality show participants encounter the issue of how to approach social media. There is an increased expectation that reality stars already have an online presence. As well as, reality stars receiving increased opportunities to interact across the social media landscape.

The Public Sphere is increasingly growing with the rise of engagement on social media platforms.

References

Cela, E 2015, 'Social Media As a New Form of Public Sphere', European Journal of Sciences Education and Research, vol.2, no. 3, pp. 1-6.

Is Blogging Still Relevant Today ?

In this week's post we will be diving into the blogging world. Blog previously known as 'weblog' is 'a frequently updated website, consisting of personal observations, excerpts from other sources, typically run by a single person. Blogs usually use hyperlinks to other sites ; an online journal or diary' (OED, 2003).

Social media platform 'Tumblr' is one of the most popular microblogging platforms used. Tumblr is ranked number 19 in social media sites in Australia. Tumblr has 3.7 million users, ahead of TikTok and reddit. I see Tumblr as a social media platform that allows people to express who they are without revealing to much about themselves., unlike other social media platforms Instagram and Facebook.

A safe space

Tumblr is not tied to the 'real name internet', providing a safe space for many marginalized groups. 'Tumblr served an important societal need by providing a safe space for trans people before, during and after transition, which was both a meaningful space for change and a supportive community' (Hamison, 2019).

Fun fact

Tumblr users don't need to follow each other to view their content, keeping their profiles hidden.

#Hashtags

Tumblr was one of the first social media platforms to use hashtags as a community building tool. Hashtags indicate topics or themes, they represent an important innovative in social media communication. The use of hashtags is powerful as it is participatory.

"The hashtag classifies messages, improves searchability and allows the organization to link messages to existing knowledge and action communities" (Saxton, 2015).

An extremely popular hashtag in the recent years is #bodypositive.

#bodypositive was developed from the body positivity movement across social media platforms, advocating acceptance for marginalized bodies and dismissal of the thin ideal. This hashtag provided exposure to such content that can be considered beneficial for a positive body image as it challenges and diversifies the concept of beauty (Cohen, 2019). This hashtag helps millions of people through identity development and can have positive effects, such as increased self-esteem and life satisfaction (Burrow & Rainone, 2017).

References

Chang, Y & Tang, L & Inagaki, Y 2014, ' What is Tumblr : A Statistical Overview and Consumption'. Research Gate, vol. 1, no. 16, pp. 1-10.

Choi, M & Cristol, D 2021, 'Digital citizenship with intersexuality lens: Towards participatory democracy driven digital citizenship education', Theory into Practice, pp. 1-11.