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What is cyberbulling?

Cyberbullying is the intentional and repetitive act of causing damage to others using electronic text as a medium (Patchin & Hinduja, 2006, p.152). Cyberbullying can occur through various means such as text messaging, email, and instant messaging on the internet. It can happen in chat rooms, personal websites, social networking sites like MySpace, internet bulletin boards, and other online platforms. Cyberbullying often encompasses typical bullying actions, such as name-calling, spreading rumors or lies, and making threats, but these actions are carried out electronically rather than in person.

Additionally, cyberbullying can involve behaviors that are specific to the Internet and do not have equivalents in traditional bullying. For instance, "bombing" refers to the act of a bully using an automated program to inundate the victim's e-mail inbox with a large number of messages simultaneously, which has the potential to result in the breakdown of the e-mail software or the whole computer system. The crucial aspect of this definition of cyberbullying is the deliberate and recurring infliction of damage. Online victimization that is limited in scope or without malevolent intent does not align with our definition of cyberbullying. Instead, it fits under the larger classification of "online harassment."

Statistics

According to the 2005 poll, the majority (89%) of young individuals who experienced internet harassment were between the ages of 13 and 17. These findings indicate that those who experience online harassment are often older than those who experience offline bullying, with the latter mostly affecting middle school-aged individuals. More over half (58%) of the targets were female. More than half (55%) of the individuals who engaged in harassment were individuals that young people had encountered online and were not personally acquainted with. Engaging in instant messaging, participating in chatrooms, and maintaining online diaries or blogs were shown to be associated with experiencing online harassment.

Cyberstalking is a component of the broader issue of stalking that occurs on college campuses. According to the National Institute of Justice (1996), around 8% of women and 2% of males have experienced stalking at some stage in their life. Regarding college campuses, there is data suggesting that stalking may exhibit a distinct profile compared to stalking on a national level.

A study conducted by the National Institute of Justice in 1998 examined a total of 4,446 female students from 223 colleges and universities in the United States. The study revealed that 13.1% of the women, which is equivalent to 581 individuals, reported experiencing stalking during a 7-month period in 1997. Furthermore, 24.7% of all the victims stated that the stalking they experienced involved the use of e-mail, as reported by Fisher et al. in 2000. Brownstein (2000) conducted a comparative analysis of data from two institutions and national data. The findings revealed that the university sample had a much greater percentage of male victims, with 42% compared to the national average of 22%.

A separate study conducted on a single college campus revealed that around 26.6% to 35.2% of female students and around 14.7% to 18.4% of male students experienced incidents of stalking (Fremouw, Westrup, & Pennypacker, 1997). The comparison of Finn's survey on online harassment and stalking is challenging owing to variations in the concept of stalking and the research methodologies used. Colleges across are seeing a growing number of incidents involving cyberstalking (Lee, 1998; Olsen, 2001). Students are particularly susceptible to stalking and cyberstalking due to their residence in a rather insular community where class schedules, phone numbers, and email addresses are readily accessible.

What is the impact of online harassment?

Online harassment has widespread and harmful consequences on people, groups, and society at large. Initially, it may result in profound psychological ramifications for individuals, resulting in heightened levels of stress, anxiety, sadness, and perhaps post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals who experience online harassment often express feelings of insecurity, helplessness, and social isolation, since the abuse may intrude upon their personal boundaries and persist across several digital channels.

Furthermore, online harassment has the potential to impede people' engagement in online discussions, restricting their ability to freely express themselves and reducing their online involvement due to fear of further abuse. The suppression of free expression hampers the fundamental values of democratic dialogue and might result in the suppression of voices from underprivileged communities.

Online harassment has a significant impact on the trust and unity of online groups, leading to a hostile and dividing climate. It has the potential to discourage people from participating in online conversations, so denying communities of vital viewpoints and contributions.

Reference:

Wolak, J., Mitchell, K. J., & Finkelhor, D. (2007). Does Online Harassment Constitute Bullying? An Exploration of Online Harassment by Known Peers and Online-Only Contacts. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41(6, Supplement), S51-S58. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.08.019

Fremouw, W. J., Westrup, D., & Pennypacker, J. (1997). Stalking on campus: The prevalence andstrategies for coping with stalking. Journal of Forensic Sciences,42(4), 666-669

Lee, R. (1998, Spring). Romantic and electronic stalking in a college context. The College of William and Mary Journal of Women and the Law, pp. 373-409.

DEVELOPMENT OF GAMING COMMUNITIES

Playing games alone is mostly a product of the computer era, with just a few deviations. Prior to this, the majority of "games," whether they were played on a tabletop or in an outdoor setting, required the participation of other individuals. With the advancement of technology, modern gamers are now able to revisit the nostalgic era of communal gaming after spending many decades in isolation. During the 1990s, the growing interest among users in Internet-based multiplayer PC games like as Meridian 59 and Ultima Online indicated the significant financial and societal influence that the Massively Multiplayer (MMP) genre may have.

With the progression of technology, social media platforms and specialized gaming forums emerged as platforms for gamers to share ideas, methods, and experiences, promoting a feeling of camaraderie among persons with similar interests like Reddit, Discord, along with the emergence of streaming services with various platforms like Youtube Gaming, Facebook Live and Twitch has significantly transformed gaming communities by enabling players to live-stream their games to a global audience, fostering the growth of fan bases and the formation of communities centered on common interests.

STREAMER PHENOMENON

The primary players in the streaming phenomena are the individuals known as 'streamers'. The labor required for streaming may be compared to Kücklich's (2005) concept of 'playbor', which also incorporates aspects of 'free labor' (Terranova, 2004) that are more similar to play than work. However, these activities can still be transformed into financial profit. The act of broadcasting video game play has resemblance to the 'modding' communities associated with games (Postigo, 2007; Sotamaa, 2010) - including the modification of game material by enthusiasts.

Presently, gaming communities consist of a wide range of demographics and interests, spanning from casual smartphone players to professional eSports teams. Discord servers, subreddits, and gaming-focused social networks provide communication and cooperation, while events like as conventions and eSports competitions provide chances for face-to-face connection.

The ramifications of having such a substantial gaming community for the game business are many. Nevertheless, it is evident that there are several correlations between the expansion of live streaming and other prevailing patterns in the gaming business. For instance, the increase in funding and labor expenses in the popular and highly successful 'triple-A' or 'AAA' games sector has resulted in many changes in games production. The growing influence of publishers in the value chain has heightened the significance of digital marketplaces and the intermediaries that regulate the positioning of items inside them (Toivonen & Sotamaa, 2010). As a consequence, there have been imbalances in power, especially due to increased market demands for cost reduction and adaptability (Thompson et al., 2015: 7). The pressures mentioned have led to significant changes, as shown by a statement from a Ubisoft official who said that their "business model has shifted" towards using sequels instead of creating fresh intellectual property (quoted in Martin, 2010). On the other hand, independent game creators have used crowdfunding to finance their development and connect with audiences, a process that may be enhanced via advertising on sites such as Twitch.

To conclude, gaming communities have not only improved the gaming experience but also fostered connections, honed skills, and promoted worldwide cultural exchange. As technology advances, gaming communities will also progress, opening up new opportunities for interaction and cooperation inside the dynamic gaming world.

Reference:

Johnson, M. R., & Woodcock, J. (2018). The impacts of live streaming and Twitch.tv on the video game industry. Media, Culture & Society, 41(5), 670-688. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443718818363

Kücklich J (2005) Precarious playbor: modders and the digital game industry. The Fibreculture Journal 5.

Terranova T (2004) Network Culture: Politics for the Information Age. London: Pluto Press.

Postigo H (2007) Of mods and modders chasing down the value of fan-based digital game modification. Games and Culture 2(4): 300–313. Crossref.

What are AR filters, and why have filters becoming increasingly popular among users?

One of the most recent and revolutionary technologies in this collection is augmented reality (AR) filters. These filters are typically used on users' faces, such as adding fashionable clothing, enhancing their facial characteristics, turning them into imaginary creatures, or superimposing amusing objects like a Taco hat. According to Bhatt (2020), over 600 million individuals use AR filters on Instagram or Facebook on a monthly basis, while 76% of Snapchat users employ them daily.

The primary driving force behind social media platforms like Instagram is the generation and distribution of visual content, including photos and videos (Choi & Sung, 2018; Kostyk & Huhmann, 2020). To facilitate the creation of visually captivating and captivating content, site developers allocate significant resources to incorporate features such as filters, airbrushing, and photo-editing options (Vendemia & DeAndrea, 2018). Moreover, previous studies have shown that self-presentational technologies provide distinct and significant gratifications associated to identification (e.g., Erz et al., 2018), and these filters have a unique capability to contribute to self-presentation (Javornik et al., 2021).

The repercussions of Beauty Filters

Beauty filters, once celebrated as instruments to boost self-confidence and improve digital looks, now expose a more negative aspect.

As the use of these filters increases on social media platforms, they promote false ideals of beauty and contribute to a culture of comparing oneself to others and feeling inadequate. Users are increasingly dependent on these artificial upgrades to achieve an unachievable standard, resulting in skewed impressions of oneself and others. Furthermore, the process of normalizing filtered photos obscures the distinction between reality and fiction, intensifying feelings of worry and discontentment with one's authentic look. In addition to personal repercussions, beauty filters foster social prejudices by privileging some characteristics over others, intensifying problems of bias and marginalization. As the dependence on these filters increases, there is also a greater need for thoughtful examination of their influence.

Contribute to the existing body of research on the relationship between social media and well-being by examining the impact of AR face filters. This study builds upon previous studies conducted by Keles, McCrae, and Grealish (2019), Rui and Stefanone (2013), and Zheng, Duff, Vargas, and Yao (2020), the findings suggest that AR face filters may have both positive and negative effects on well-being, making them a complex phenomenon to consider. If AR filters are used with the intention of presenting oneself in an idealized manner, they may have a harmful effect. This supports the assumption that AR filters worsen selfie dysmorphia.

From my own perspective, filters may be enjoyable and entertaining, but they can also negatively impact people's self-perceptions. It has evolved beyond just a simple filter and has become a harmful social media trend that encourages body image issues and inhibits people from embracing their natural beauty. People should educate themselves and aware that the image they are seeing online has been filtered and extensively modified. The flawless portrayal you encounter on the internet is really an illusion, while the reflection in the mirror is genuine and aesthetically pleasing.

Reference

Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2019). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79–93.

Bhatt, S. (2020). The big picture in the entire AR-filter craze. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/internet/brands-see-the-big-picture-in-ar-filter-craze/articleshow/78266655.cms?from=mdr

Choi, T. R., & Sung, Y. (2018). Instagram versus Snapchat: Self-expression and privacy concern on social media. Telematics and Informatics, 35(8), 2289-2298. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2018.09.009

What is pornification?

Pornographication, also known as pornification, refers to the process by which mainstream culture incorporates the styles and material of the sex business, leading to the sexualization of Western society, when this phenomenon is frequently referred to as raunch culture. The use of sexualized pictures of women in pornography is believed to exemplify the functioning of patriarchal authority within the realm of gender portrayal. Pornification is the process by which pornographic imagery, styles, and aesthetics are incorporated into and influence various forms of media such as films, television, music videos, fashion, and advertising. This phenomenon has become more prevalent in mainstream media cultures as a whole (Attwood, 2006, 2009; Gill, 2012; Mulholland, 2015; Paul, 2005; Schuchardt, 2012).

The societal perception of pornography has undergone significant and dramatic changes in recent decades. These changes involve a rise in the public exposure of various forms of pornography that have been increasingly disseminated through online platforms since the 1990s. Additionally, there has been a surge in academic and popular publications that analyze the integration of pornography and sex into contemporary culture, often described as "pornified," "porned," and "raunchy."

The impact of "Pornification"

According to McNair (2009), pornification refers to the process by which mainstream culture adopts the techniques or material of the sex business, along with the reference from Paasonen, Nikunen & Saarenma (2007), Stetzer (2013), and Tyler & Quek (2016), pornography is pervasive in contemporary society, appearing on many platforms such as screens, radio, bookstores, streets, billboards, advertisements, and numerous internet websites. The precise origins of the widespread availability and accessibility of pornography in the last several decades remain elusive.

Is the gradual and extensive infiltration of pornography into our culture a cause for concern?

Some scholars, such as Hald & Malamuth (2008) and McKay & McKay (2009), believe that the increase in pornography is a positive liberation from the restrictive sexual values of previous generations. However, others argue that pornography is a harmful and addictive culture that leads viewers into a distorted understanding of sexuality (Udegbe, 2014). There are those who want for a complete ban on pornography, while others contend that pornography is only a benign kind of entertainment.

Numerous study endeavors have been conducted regarding the matter of pornography, including its utilization and impacts on society. In order to ensure fairness and promote meaningful discussions based on evidence, it is important to consider a wide range of perspectives on the problem. In his 2010 paper, "The Nature and Nurture of Consumption," Dr. Gad Saad argues that pornography may have positive effects on individuals and society. Citing Diamond's (2009) research in an International Journal of Law and Psychology, it was shown that there exists a negative causal connection between the rise in pornography and incidents of sex crimes. Furthermore, there is no empirical evidence indicating any negative consequences of pornography. Diamond (2009) argued that all objections to pornography were just based on personal anecdotes. Scientific evidence has shown a positive correlation between pornography (which is legally protected by the first amendment in the United States, unless deemed "obscene") and sex crimes as well as attitudes towards women.

Pornification on Social Media

The link between pornography and the internet has been extensive and intricate, with both influencing and facilitating the utilization of the other. The emergence of social media has further complicated this dynamic by enabling people, especially adolescent girls, to share sexually explicit photographs of themselves on different social media platforms, resulting in what Barton (2021) refers to as the Pornification of America.

The act of sharing self-portraits on social media platforms, often including nudity and self-objectification, is generally known as digital seduction (Lasén & García, 2015). This behavior is especially concerning when it comes to adolescent females (Ringrose, 2010). The pervasive proliferation of explicit information on various screens inside our society, especially on social media platforms, is desensitizing the public to pornography and contributing to the sexualization of our civilization (Barton, 2021). Furthermore, apart from the detrimental effects of the pornification of our society, these pictures also possess the capacity to influence the overall intake of pornography.

There has been a change in societal views towards pornography, with it being more widely accepted and considered normal in society (Blais-Lecours et al., 2016). The prevalence of pornography in mainstream media has had a growing impact on society, resulting in what is sometimes referred to as the pornification of culture (Attwood, 2005, 2006, 2009; Gill, 2012; Mulholland, 2015; Paul, 2005; Schuchardt, 2012). This also applies to social media platforms, which may be used for accessing pornography and serve as a platform for users to discover provocative material (Hymas, 2018; Rackham, 2020). Algorithm Watch's study has yielded data indicating that Instagram prioritizes images with greater amounts of exposed flesh, particularly those that are sexually provocative or include nudity.

Reference:

Martini, D., & Gangadharbatla, H. (2023). Pornified Content on Social Media: Exploring the Impact on Brazilian Addicts. The Journal of Social Media in Society, 12(1), 257-285.

Paasonen, S., Nikunen, K., & Saarenmaa, L. (2007). Pornification and the education of desire. Pornification: Sex and sexuality in media culture, 1-20.

What is Slow-Fashion?

Currently, the fashion industry is rife with inconsistencies. Individuals claim to be interested in sustainability but nevertheless gravitate towards rapid and affordable clothes (Johansson, 2010).

An increasing number of customers are participating in the trend of 'ethical consumerism,' where they insist that the products they purchase be manufactured in a manner that does not negatively impact the environment or the laborers involved in the production process. Research has shown that customers are often prepared to pay a higher price for environmentally friendly items or commodities produced without exploiting labor (Gam et al., 2009; Kahn, 2009; Pookulangara et al., 2011), which is considered as "slow fashion".

Where does this movement come from?

The emerging "Slow Fashion" movement is inspired by the well-known "slow food" movement, which focuses on supporting small, local farmers and promoting the use of local, seasonal foods, in addition to stressing slow cooking techniques (Kahn, 2009). Slow fashion is a philosophy that focuses on being attentive to the needs of designers, buyers, retailers, and consumers, as well as the impact that fashion production has on workers, consumers, and ecosystems (Fletcher, 2008).

The slow fashion idea emphasizes sustainability in the fashion industry by focusing on high quality, small-scale manufacturing, regional sourcing, and ethical labor practices. One of the most iconic brand named "Patagonia", made its name in the community for its sustainability efforts, such as using recycled materials, minimizing water use, and advocating for fair work. The firm has introduced a program called Worn Wear, which promotes repairing and reusing Patagonia goods instead of purchasing new ones.

Patagonia has contributed significant funds to environmental organizations and launched programs to increase awareness of climate change and biodiversity loss. Therefore, sustainability is becoming a central focus for the garment sector, influencing strategy, operations, employee involvement, and relationships with customers and communities (Siegel et al., 2012).

Reference:

Johansson, E., 2010. Slow Fashion—An Answer for a Sustainable Fashion Industry? (Master’s thesis, The Swedish School of Textiles, University of Boras, Bor ˚ as, ˚ Sweden). Retrieved from /http://bada.hb.se/bitstream/2320/6776/1/2010.9. 15.pdfS.

Gam, H.J., Cao, H., Farr, C., Heine, L., 2009. C2CAD: a sustainable apparel design and production model. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology 21 (4), 166–179, http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/90556220910959954.

Kahn, J., 2009. Luxury-goods Makers Embrace Sustainability. New York Times. Retrieved on November 4, 2010 from: /http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/business/worldbusiness/27iht-sustain.html?_r=2&scp=4&sq=sustainable% 20luxury&st=cseS.

Fletcher, K., 2008. Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys. Earthscan, London and Sterling, VA.

What is Platformisation?

The phrase "platform" has emerged as the prevailing notion for social media firms to establish their market position and engage with users. This term has been extensively adopted by consumers and the media (Gillespie, 2010).

Tarleton Gillespie presents a comprehensive analysis of platforms, emphasizing the many implications associated with this word, in a pivotal debate. Gillespie describes a platform, in the context of computing, as an infrastructure that serves as a foundation for developing applications. Nevertheless, according to Gillespie (2010), Web 2.0 organizations have expanded the definition of the word "platform" to include more than only its computational significance:

"This use of the word "platform" encompasses its several connotations: computational, referring to anything that may be used as a foundation for building and innovating; political, representing a space for expressing oneself and being heard; metaphorical, suggesting that the possibility is both abstract and practical; and architectural." To summarize, platformisation is the integration of different services, goods, or activities onto a digital platform. Digital platforms refer to internet-based or cloud-based technologies that enable users and providers to engage in conversations and conduct transactions. Platformisation refers to the process of expanding the capabilities of platforms to provide a diverse array of services that typically extend beyond their initial or primary functions.

What are the benefits of using a platform-based approach?

The platform economy, often referred to as such, is an integral component of the ongoing digital transition and hence represents a significant future challenge.

A platform's role is to facilitate transactions between consumers and suppliers. In essence, they function as markets and hubs for exchanging goods and services. As the number of users increases, the term "platform" becomes increasingly often used. Furthermore, a platform might prioritize either individual customers or corporate entities.

Considering the significant and fast-growing economic significance of digital platforms, the world's five biggest platform businesses (GAFAM) demonstrate their dominance with a market value over 4.5 trillion euros. Germany's gross domestic output in 2019 amounted to around 3.44 trillion euros, as compared to other countries.

In order to effectively demonstrate the significance of digital platforms, a research conducted by Bitkom in 2020 presents intriguing findings: Retailers, specifically, acknowledge the significance of digital channels. Over 50% of the surveyed organizations have already implemented a platform approach. A majority of respondents in the retail business, namely 60%, saw the influence on their organization as either an opportunity or only as an opportunity. The survey highlights that in over 80% of situations, digital platforms are under the responsibility of the boss and are thus given a high level of importance.

In the future, over 70% of participants agree that digital platforms will not only be significant to the global economy in a decade, but will also have influence on specific sectors and enterprises.

Reference:

(1) https://www.bitkom.org/Bitkom/Publikationen/Chartbericht-Digitale-Plattformen-2020

WHAT IS REALITY TV?

Reality TV, often known as reality television, is a category of TV shows that showcases unscripted and sometimes impromptu settings, events, or conversations with actual people instead of trained actors. The genre often presents average folks in diverse scenarios, such as contests, challenges, or everyday routines, enabling viewers to see their conduct and responses.

Why is reality TV so popular?

The prevalence of reality TV may be ascribed to many variables. Mainly, it offers a kind of amusement that is readily applicable to a wide audience, since it often showcases regular individuals encountering familiar circumstances. Viewers might get pleasure from seeing the successes, disagreements, and personal growth of persons who share similar experiences. This could be seen within the sensitivity theory.

The sensitivity hypothesis posits that individuals selectively attend to stimuli that are pertinent to the fulfillment of their fundamental motivations, while disregarding inputs that are inconsequential to these motivations. An someone driven by a profound inclination for social interaction actively seeks occasions to engage with others, whereas someone without a strong inclination for social contact may be unaware of social gatherings taking place, such as a weekend party. An individual with a pronounced inclination towards cleanliness (which is categorized as one of the fundamental demands for order) is likely to see the presence of cigarette ashes on a tray, while an individual with a limited inclination towards order may not even perceive the presence of unwashed dishes in the sink. By identifying the core goals of human existence, we may establish a connection between these motives and the urge to engage with different media experiences. This may provide a deeper understanding of the reasons why particular genres of television programming, such as reality TV, are attractive to a large number of individuals (Reiss, S., & Wiltz, J., 2004)

Is reality TV authentic or prearranged?

The veracity of reality TV, whether it is authentic or prearranged, exists on a continuum. Although the name "reality" implies an unscripted and genuine depiction of events, several reality programs use various degrees of writing, editing, and manipulation to enhance the dramatic impact. Producers often exert control or influence over the performers, and sequences may be altered to augment storytelling or construct a more captivating narrative. The fusion of truth and fiction has sparked discussions over the genuineness of the genre.

Tumblr is a lively and active microblogging platform that acts as a flourishing digital community where people from all over the globe come together to share, discover, and express their many interests. Tumblr distinguishes itself by its distinctive amalgamation of features that cultivate a communal atmosphere among its users, all while upholding the values of creative autonomy and open discourse. It is primarily a blogging platform that enables users to generate and manage diverse multimedia material, including text posts, photos, GIFs, videos, and audio recordings, which distinguishes itself with its historically lenient content guidelines, which promote users' unrestricted self-expression across many subjects, including fandoms, art, social justice, and mental health.

The tagging mechanism of the site is crucial for facilitating content discovery, allowing users to effortlessly browse through a wide range of subjects. Fandom communities thrive as members exchange fan art and theories, while artists, authors, and producers exhibit their own work, adding to a lively creative ambiance. Tumblr's dedication to diversity has established it as a platform where users may delve into specialized hobbies and participate in conversations including a wide range of topics, including technology, gaming, personal development, and education.

Furthermore, Tumblr serves as a central platform for social and political activity, where users engage in the exchange of viewpoints about significant societal matters. The platform's inclusive and encouraging atmosphere has always appealed to underrepresented people, establishing it as a secure venue for discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and other related topics.