Sora Kobayashi

Helooo Humans! 🧠💻 We're talking about something today that makes the internet feel much more collaborative and a little less chaotic. Yes, crowdsourcing.

Have you ever shared a post to assist someone in finding a lost dog? Or responded to a strangely specific Reddit question that brightened someone's day? You know what? You used crowdsourcing.

Let's take a chance and contribute to creating a crowdsourced masterpiece of this blog post! Give any interesting examples of crowdsourcing that you have witnessed or even taken part in. This is your moment to shine, Internet Hero 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️. Don't hold back.

What precisely is crowdsourcing, then? To put it simply, it involves asking a sizable group of people typically online to assist with a task, find a solution, or provide ideas. And it's fantastic when used properly, particularly in emergency or community-focused situations.

 The Use of Crowdsourcing🚲

When potholes were the worst thing on the road, do you recall? To identify potholes in real time, the city of Boston released the Street Bump smartphone app, which used crowdsourced data from drivers' phones (Sornsakul, C, 2024). The data simply poured in, eliminating the need to wait months for someone to report it!

Websites like Wikipedia are excellent examples of crowdsourcing even outside of emergencies. Although it isn't flawless, it is among the most extensive volunteer-built collections of human knowledge (Frauenfelder, M, 2007). Then there's Zooniverse, where we science geeks assist astronomers in discovering new galaxies or identifying penguins in images of Antarctica (Davies, A, 2021). Yes, crowdsourcing also benefits science.

Not all information created by users is valuable. Certain data may be fraudulent, erroneous, or even dangerous. To keep it clean and helpful, it is crucial to employ filters, both algorithmic and human (Bozdag, E, 2013).

In summary, crowdsourcing is about community power rather than just technology or data. No matter where you are, it's about saying, "Hey, I can help," and changing the world. So, feel free to share your own anecdotes, illustrations, or even inquiries. Let's turn this post into something truly remarkable through crowdsourcing.

References

Sornsakul, C., 2024. Improving Sidewalk Maintenance through Smartphone Citizen Reporting of Pothole Damage.

Frauenfelder, M., 2007. Rule the Web: How to Do Anything and Everything on the Internet---Better, Faster, Easier. St. Martin's Griffin.

Davies, A., 2021. Using machine learning techniques to detect, classify and separate strong gravitational lensing systems from astronomical images (Doctoral dissertation, Open University (United Kingdom)).

Hello humans of the internet👋🌐

Let's discuss social media governance, a topic we all use but seldom analyze. It may sound like something from a corporate handbook, but anyone who has ever liked a post, left a comment on a meme, or spent countless hours browsing TikTok will find it extremely relevant. It all comes down to how platforms affect our online behavior, speech, and even thought processes.

Let's review digital citizenship before getting into governance itself. Consider it your online conduct. Digital citizenship, according to Lcom Team (2023), is about using technology in an ethical and responsible manner. It covers everything from online rights and digital etiquette to understanding how to use the internet in a courteous and safe manner. It becomes challenging to comprehend or take part in social media governance without a solid foundation in digital citizenship.

The term "social media governance" describes the guidelines, rules, algorithms, and moderation tools that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) use to control user behavior and maintain order in their communities. Like real-world town squares, these platforms require rules to keep things from getting out of control. To combat hate speech, harassment, false information, and other issues, platforms have developed complex community standards (Pukallus, S. and Arthur, C, 2024). Even though these initiatives frequently lead to discussions about censorship and free speech, Facebook's Community Standards and Twitter's updated policies are intended to preserve polite conversation and safeguard users from harm.

Conflict comes into play at that point. Because members of online communities come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences, miscommunications or conflicts in values may arise. Governance must be equitable, open, and consistent to handle these conflicts. Although it's far from ideal, artificial intelligence is one tool that platforms use to scale their moderation. According to GB Mensah (2023), using AI to enforce regulations may lead to biased judgments and a lack of transparency, confusing or unjustly silencing users.

However, there is still hope. A healthy online environment requires users who are digitally literate in addition to having sound rules. Social media becomes less of a battlefield and more of a place for collaboration when users are aware of their digital responsibilities and learn how to use complicated platforms carefully (Ciriello, R, Gal, U, Hannon, O & Thatcher, J, 2024). We can work toward a digital world where people feel heard and safe with the help of ethical technology, wise policies, and user education.

References

Team, L 2023, Digital Citizenship: What it is & What it Includes | Learning.com, Learning. ‌

Pukallus, S. and Arthur, C., 2024. Combating Hate Speech on Social Media: Applying Targeted Regulation, Developing Civil-Communicative Skills and Utilising Local Evidence-Based Anti-Hate Speech Interventions. Journalism and Media, 5(2), pp.467-484.

Mensah, G.B., 2023. Artificial intelligence and ethics: a comprehensive review of bias mitigation, transparency, and accountability in AI Systems. Preprint, November, 10(1).

Greetings to all gamers and non-gamers alike! 🎮

Let's start with a brief inquiry: what is your all-time favorite game? Does it have the same intensity as Counterstrike 2? Is it as chaotic as Among Us? Or is it more relaxed, like Stardew Valley? The football game that I enjoy playing the most is called efootball. Playing against my friends makes it even more enjoyable and keeps me up at night. 😅

In any case, gaming time is more than just playing games. For me, gaming is about making new memories, having fun, and meeting new people. Let's get right to the point!

Gaming is frequently perceived as being juvenile or a waste of time. But to be honest, that's an old way of thinking. These days, gaming is a vast cultural arena where people can form friendships, share stories, and express their creativity. Games help us connect, whether we're playing ranked matches or just relaxing in sandbox mode.

And playing isn't the only thing anymore. Watching other players' games has grown in popularity since the introduction of websites like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Streamers like Shroud and Kyedae create communities in addition to playing. Gaming has become a real-time social experience thanks to the ability to watch gameplay while having live conversations with hundreds or even thousands of other players (Barnett, J. and Coulson, M, 2010). One screen serves as a hub for contemporary entertainment, social interaction, and community.

Not to mention esports, which I adore. This is serious business. The esports market is predicted to grow to $1.72 billion by 2023 (Gentile, D, 2024), and competitions such as Dota 2's in 2021, the International took home $40 million in prize money. After his team finished second in 2022, Malaysian professional gamer Cheng "NothingToSay" Jin Xiang drove home in a Lamborghini. Objectives? Indeed. Naturally.

Game development could be your calling if you enjoy art, coding, and telling stories. These days, it's more than just pixels and code. Artists, writers, sound engineers, UX designers, and others are needed by game studios (Wheeler, A, 2020). Enthusiastic gamers are influencing entertainment in the future.

When will someone next tell you that gaming is a waste of time? "Some people just want to go back to their youth and build an empire at the same time," you say with a smile. Continue to dream and play games. 🎧🎮✨

References

Barnett, J. and Coulson, M., 2010. Virtually real: A psychological perspective on massively multiplayer online games. Review of General Psychology, 14(2), pp.167-179.

Gentile, D., 2024. Future Directions and Research Practice. In Critical Perspectives on Esports (pp. 182-189). Routledge.

Hi, citizens of the digital world! 🎉

Have you ever used Instagram's "Baby Face" filter? The one where you look like you just stepped out of a diaper commercial, you know? Yes, I have utilized it. Once. Never again. But let's face it, it's both funny and terrifying. 😂

Jokes aside, however, Instagram filters are more than just entertaining tools; they have deeper connections to software literacy and digital citizenship.

What does that mean, then? Digital citizenship refers to the responsible, moral, and innovative use of digital spaces. This entails understanding how filters impact our self-perception as well as the content we post.

The key is software literacy. Technical proficiency is demonstrated by being able to use Instagram's interface, change the brightness, adjust the saturation, or make your own AR filter. However, ethical thinking is also necessary. Do you use a filter to cover up your insecurities or to improve your artwork? Although there is no incorrect response, it is worthwhile to have the discussion.

Consider Essena O'Neill. In 2015, she announced her public departure from Instagram, exposing that her ostensibly "perfect" life was a carefully constructed façade fueled by filters and pressure from sponsors (Boy, J.D. and Uitermark, J, 2023). She reminded us that reality might not be reflected in even the best photographs.

And this is supported by science. Young girls who saw edited Instagram photos reported feeling less satisfied with their bodies than those who saw unedited ones (Milson, R, 2019). Our sense of normalcy can be distorted by continuous exposure to filtered, idealized images.

Instagram is aware of this as well. Filters that resemble plastic surgery were outlawed in 2021 due to worries about mental health and self-esteem, particularly among teenagers (Cohen, D, 2024).

Positively, initiatives like Dove's "Self-Esteem Project" are promoting body positivity and authenticity online. They support #NoDigitalDistortion and urge influencers to reveal when a photo has been altered.

In summary, Instagram filters are tools. They can convey humor, creativity, or beauty, but they can also perpetuate unattainable ideals. Using these tools with awareness, skill, and integrity is a sign of a responsible digital citizen.

So, feel free to be Shrek, a glitter bomb, or even a butterfly. Just keep in mind that the true you cannot be replaced by any filter.

References

Boy, J.D. and Uitermark, J., 2023. On Display: Instagram, the Self, and the City. Oxford University Press.

Milson, R., 2019. Like for Like: The Effect of Idealised Instagram Photos on the Body Satisfaction of Young Girls(Doctoral dissertation, Northumbria University).

Let's take a moment to be honest. Have you ever felt good about yourself after seeing your reflection until you opened TikTok or Instagram? Suddenly, you feel like you're not "enough," your body seems strange, and your face appears lifeless. Our standards are being shaped by the feed, not the lying mirror.

Social media is more than just a way to stay in touch in today's hyper-visual world. We are all expected to perform on this stage. Beauty, symmetry, and perfection whether they are filtered, surgically enhanced, or natural are rewarded on platforms such as Instagram. This is where body modification enters the picture, not only as a personal preference but also as a societal movement.

Nowadays, things that were once taboo like fillers, jaw reshaping, plastic surgery, and even AI filters are accepted as normal. Polished pictures of "perfect" bodies are all around us, setting a new standard of beauty that is frequently unachievable without the aid of technology or surgery.

Consider social media star Oli London, who famously had several surgeries to make him look like Jimin from BTS. Some saw this to express who they were. Others found it unsettlinga case of extreme obsession driven by cultural appropriation and irrational expectations. Whatever one's stance, the message is unmistakable: people are prepared to alter every aspect of who they are to conform to an ideal found online.

This is a serious problem. Online exposure to idealized images has been linked to increased body dissatisfaction and decreased self-esteem, according to a growing body of research. The Journal of Adolescence claims that young people's negative body image, particularly among female users, is directly related to their frequent use of social media. People begin to think that to be liked, even loved, they must alter who they are.

So, what can we do?

The discussion needs to include body education and digital literacy. People, particularly teenagers, need to learn that a lot of what they see online is filtered, altered, or sponsored. Creators and influencers should also assume accountability by promoting body positivity, discussing the realities of cosmetic procedures, and displaying uncensored content.

Body modification ought to be an individual decision rather than a response to peer pressure. Instead of striving for perfection, let's learn to value our uniqueness.

References

Elliott, A., 2008. Making the cut: How cosmetic surgery is transforming our lives. Reaktion Books.

Bagozzi, R.P., Dholakia, U.M. and Mookerjee, A., 2006. Individual and group bases of social influence in online environments. Media Psychology, 8(2), pp.95-126.

Fioravanti, G., Bocci Benucci, S., Ceragioli, G. and Casale, S., 2022. How the exposure to beauty ideals on social networking sites influences body image: A systematic review of experimental studies. Adolescent research review, 7(3), pp.419-458.

Perloff, R.M., 2014. Social media effects on young women’s body image concerns: Theoretical perspectives and an agenda for research. Sex roles, 71, pp.363-377.

Hi everyone!  I’m delving into a very significant and fashionable topic today. Social media influencers and the slow fashion movement! First, though, are your favorite influencers or celebrities in favor of sustainable fashion? Leave a comment below with their names! 

So, what exactly is slow fashion? Slow fashion is fundamentally about prioritizing quality over quantity. This movement opposes the fast fashion industry, which manufactures large quantities of inexpensive, trendy clothing frequently using hazardous materials and unfair labor practices. Conversely, slow fashion emphasizes long-lasting clothing, eco-friendly materials, fair wages, and ethical production. It's about minimizing waste and choosing our purchases carefully.

But why should we care? Because, second only to oil, the fashion industry is one of the world's largest polluters. The damage is genuine, ranging from the enormous volumes of water used in production to the dangerous chemicals and dyes discharged into rivers. Additionally, millions of tons of clothing are disposed of in landfills annually. It's devastating. We can break this cycle by choosing slow fashion. We can lessen our individual impact on the environment by purchasing used goods, wearing what we already own for longer periods of time, or supporting ethical brands. 

The exciting part is here: Celebrities and influencers who are changing the world.

Emma Watson is a strong voice in the slow fashion industry. She is most likely familiar to you from the Harry Potter books, but did you know that she is also a strong supporter of eco-friendly fashion? Emma has raised awareness of the environmental impact of our fashion choices, worn eco-friendly brands on the red carpet, and promoted ethical designers using her platform. She even started the #30Wears campaign, which encourages consumers to consider whether they will wear an item at least thirty times before making a purchase. That straightforward inquiry has the power to change our purchasing habits and encourage us to consider the long term rather than chasing fads. Emma also worked with “Good On You”, a sustainable fashion platform, to help people discover brands that align with their values. 

She is not alone, either. Influencers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are using their platforms to encourage change. They share sustainable outfit ideas, eco-friendly fashion advice, and thrift store finds. They're demonstrating to us that you can be fashionable and still make decisions that are better for the environment and people. Therefore, take a moment to reflect the next time you are tempted by a $5 top that will break in two washings. Can I purchase a higher-quality item? Is it something I can thrift? Can I wear what I already have?

To close, slow fashion isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being mindful. And with the help of influencers and changemakers like Emma Watson, we’re all learning how to shop smarter, dress better, and do good, one outfit at a time. 

References

Štefko, R. and Steffek, V., 2018. Key issues in slow fashion: Current challenges and future perspectives. Sustainability, 10(7), p.2270.

Štefko, R & Steffek, V 2018, ‘Key Issues in Slow Fashion: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives’, Sustainability, vol. 10, no. 7, p. 2270. 

<https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/7/2270>

Fashion Revolution 2019, Good On You, Emma Watson!, Fashion Revolution.

< https://www.fashionrevolution.org/good-on-you-emma-watson/#:~:text=Ms%20Watson's%20support%20of%20the,people%20and%20planet%20in%20mind.>

Hi everyone! Let's face it, social media plays a significant role in our everyday lives. These days, I spend far too much time on Instagram and TikTok. Instagram is great for keeping up with friends and seeing what's trending, but TikTok captivates me with its limitless inventiveness. How about you? What is the most popular platform you use, and why do you keep returning to it? Leave a comment below, I'm interested!

Let's get right to the point.

what does it mean to be a good digital citizen?

Being a digital citizen involves more than just using the internet, it also involves how you interact with others online. It entails treating others with dignity, safeguarding your privacy, being secure, and exercising critical judgment when sharing or consuming content. Your online behavior counts, whether you're sharing a video or leaving a comment on a post. Making the internet a better, safer place for everyone is, in essence, the goal of digital citizenship.

Let’s now discuss hashtag publics.

The emergence of hashtag communities, sometimes referred to as hashtag publics, is an intriguing feature of the modern digital world. These are communities that come together around a particular hashtag to exchange ideas, spread awareness, and lend support to causes. For instance, hashtags like #EarthquakeRelief and #PrayForTurkey serve as focal points for fundraising, emotional support, and real-time information during natural disasters.

However, hashtag publics' power extends beyond that!!

Consider the hashtags #FreePalestine and #StopAsianHate, which enable people worldwide to draw attention to injustice and mobilize for change. Social media allows anyone to contribute, in contrast to traditional media, which frequently filters or controls narratives. That is an effective tool for activism and democracy.

In summary, being a digital citizen entails being aware of your obligations on the internet and realizing that even a single post can have an impact. The power of collective voices to raise awareness, demand accountability, and even change public opinion is demonstrated by hashtag communities. So next time you see a hashtag trending, don’t just scroll. Join in with purpose!

References

What is digital citizenship and why it is important - Ruul 2023, Ruul.io.

< https://ruul.io/blog/what-is-digital-citizenship-and-why-it-is-important#:~:text=Digital%20citizenship%20implies%20that%20we,righteous%2C%20and%20fair%20digital%20society.>

Karataş, D. and Bek, M.G., 2024. Digital Battlegrounds: The Interplay of Social Media, State Power, and Influencers in Türkiye’s Earthquake Response. Social Media+ Society, 10(3), p.20563051241269305.

Andika Yulianto Chamil, Safiera Amanda Djuanda & Nurina Septaviana 2024, ‘A Case Study of the Hashtag #Freepalestine: Cultural Communication and Public Opinion Transformation’, Ilomata International Journal of Social Science, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 787–803.

<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377493734_A_Case_Study_of_the_Hashtag_Freepalestine_Cultural_Communication_and_Public_Opinion_Transformation>

Hi everyone! I'm going to discuss fandoms and digital communities today. I'll stray a bit before that. Has anyone recently been watching K-dramas? "All of Us Are Dead" and "Weak Hero" have captured my attention. Tell me about your favorite dramas please!

Let's get right to the point.

What are digital communities and fandoms?

A group of people who connect with one another online and have similar values, interests, and aspirations is known as a digital community. You can communicate with people in real time anywhere in the world, so you don't have to live where you used to. Numerous platforms, including social media, message boards, chat apps, and specialized forums, are used for these exchanges. However, fandom is an especially vibrant and fervent community. People who are passionate about a certain band, film, anime, game, actor, etc. form fandoms, which exchange information, produce original content, and host events. Supporting a group is only one aspect of modern fandom; it's also a space for artistic endeavors like posting videos and illustrations, expressing opinions, and making derivative works of art. What makes these online communities and fandoms significant, then?

There are numerous explanations. For instance, you can connect with someone who has experienced loneliness or find someone who enjoys the same hobbies as you. Hobbies can also help you develop your language skills and learn new things. Additionally, there are movements where fans band together to raise awareness of social issues and perform charitable work. In actuality, the "ARMY," or BTS fans, are not just music lovers; they also take an active part in charitable giving and volunteer work. When BTS donated to the “Black Lives Matter” movement in the past, fans quickly contributed the same sum. In this sense, fandom has transcended entertainment and grown to have a significant social impact.

But there are issues as well. Conflicts with other fandoms, an environment where only particular viewpoints are accepted, or the management using them for personal gain are all possible. Because of this, it's critical to be conscious of your own distance and thought process when participating in a community. In conclusion, fandoms and online communities are a new form of social interaction in contemporary society. They serve as a platform for mutual support and education in addition to being places for enjoyment. You can grow through the things you love and meet different people there.

References

Johnson, T., Li, M. and Mitchell, C., 2024. Activism through fandom for the Black Lives Matter movement. Psychology of Popular Media, 13(3), p.382.