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Mastering social media or being mastered by it?

Week 10: Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

In today’s digital age, this haunting analogy isn’t as far removed from reality as it might seem. Our online lives are governed not only by complex algorithms but also by the deliberate actions of powerful authorities. As digital citizens, we are navigating a landscape where what we see, read, and engage with is often meticulously curated - and sometimes censored - to align with political and economic interests.

The New Gatekeepers of Information

Social media platforms have become the modern pulpits of information. While algorithms tailor our feeds based on our interactions, a subtler force often guides these digital narratives: the strategic interventions of governments and regulatory bodies. For example, recent reports have highlighted instances where U.S.-based TikTok VPNs have censored searches and hashtags related to government criticism and controversial issues such as #fucktrump. This is not merely an algorithmic quirk; it’s a deliberate move to control the narrative, reminiscent of historical attempts to manipulate public perception.

Historical Parallels and Modern Realities

Drawing parallels between the past and the present is not just an exercise in historical curiosity - it reveals how power dynamics remain constant, even as their tools evolve. Just as a medieval priest could wield spiritual authority to manipulate beliefs during witch hunts, modern institutions employ digital governance techniques to shape our online experiences. This blend of algorithmic guidance and overt censorship raises a fundamental question: Are we the masters of our social media realms, or are we being masterfully controlled?

Recent scholarly work has shed light on the subtle art of digital manipulation. Analyses of online communities, such as those discussed in articles like The draw of the manosphere: Understanding Andrew Tate's appeal to lost men , reveal that narratives are often constructed to give the illusion of choice, while in reality, they steer public opinion towards specific outcomes. Similarly, the concept of gaslighting - a term that has transcended its psychological origins to describe broader societal manipulations - explains how our perceptions can be systematically undermined. An in-depth explainer on gaslighting outlines how such techniques can erode individual trust in their own judgments, leaving us more vulnerable to external influences.

The Politics of Visibility

The control of digital content isn’t confined to algorithmic black boxes; it’s actively enforced. Authorities across the globe have shown varying degrees of intervention. In some cases, censorship is aimed at quelling dissent or shaping political discourse, while in others, it seeks to preserve a specific narrative that aligns with governmental or corporate interests. When our search results or hashtags are manipulated - whether by state action or platform policies - the very notion of an open digital commons is called into question.

This isn’t to say that all forms of governance in digital spaces are inherently nefarious. Regulation can protect users from harmful content and misinformation. However, the balance is delicate. When regulation tips into overt censorship, it risks becoming a tool of suppression rather than empowerment.

Reflecting on Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship means more than just participating in online communities; it’s about being aware of the forces that shape our digital interactions. It calls for a critical examination of the sources and structures that influence what we see. Are we critically engaging with the content presented to us, or are we simply accepting a pre-filtered reality? In asking “Mastering social media or being mastered by it?”, we must consider the implications of surrendering our digital autonomy to unseen gatekeepers.

Concluding Thoughts

As we continue to inhabit this ever-evolving digital landscape, the challenge lies in reclaiming our role as active participants rather than passive recipients. By questioning the narratives imposed on us and demanding transparency from both algorithms and authorities, we can begin to forge a path toward a more open and equitable digital future.

References

Rich, B & Bujalka, E 2023, ‘The draw of the “manosphere”: understanding Andrew Tate’s appeal to lost men’, The Conversation, viewed <https://theconversation.com/the-draw-of-the-manosphere-understanding-andrew-tates-appeal-to-lost-men-199179>.

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Games aren't what parents simply call "addictives" anymore

Week 9: Gaming Communities, Social Gaming and Live Streaming

I still remember playing a wide range of games on old websites like SocNhi.com and Game24h on my dad’s Windows XP. For most people, these kinds of games might just be seen as stress relievers, but for me, they were my entire childhood - the time I first connected with technology and discovered a world of endless possibilities.

Marshall McLuhan once stated "[...] The medium is the message. This is merely to say that the personal and social consequences of any medium - that is, of any extension of ourselves - result from the new scale that is introduced into our affairs by each extension of ourselves, or by any new technology." This means the form of communication can shape our perception (behavior, culture, and society) and can be extensions of ourselves (for example, a cellphone extends our voice). 

It’s amazing how much time has passed. We started with classics like Mario Kart, Doom, and Street Fighter, and now we’ve evolved to incredibly realistic games with deep storytelling and stunning visuals, like Until Dawn, The Walking Dead, and Outlast. Games aren’t just about winning anymore; they’ve become a medium for evoking emotions, delivering life lessons, and encouraging players to think critically.

When it comes to games, it’s not just about the story or the graphics - it’s about how the medium of gaming itself is shaping our world. Let me break it down for you.

Games Are More Than Just Entertainment

Think about it: games aren’t just something you play to kill time. They’re interactive in a way that movies, books, or TV shows can’t be. When you’re playing a game, you’re not just watching a story - you’re living it. Games like Minecraft or Fortnite aren’t just about building stuff or surviving; they’re about creativity, problem-solving, and even teamwork. The “message” of these games isn’t the content - it’s the way they teach us to think, adapt, and work together.

Games Extend Our Reality

Okay, this might sound a little deep, but hear me out. Games are like extensions of ourselves. They let us explore worlds, try out new identities, and do things we could never do in real life. Like, in The Sims, you can create a whole alternate life for yourself. Or in Pokémon GO, you’re literally running around your neighborhood catching Pokémon, blending the real world with the digital one. These games aren’t just fun - they’re expanding how we see and interact with the world.

Games bring people together

One of the coolest things about modern games is how they connect people. Online multiplayer games like Among Us or League of Legends have created huge communities where people from all over the world can hang out, compete, and even make friends. And during the pandemic, games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a lifeline for a lot of people, giving them a way to socialize when they couldn’t leave their houses. The “message” here isn’t the game itself - it’s the way it brings people together.

Games make us feel and think

Games aren’t just about winning or losing anymore. They’re about emotions, choices, and even life lessons. Have you played something like The Walking Dead or Life is Strange? These games make you care about the characters and force you to make tough decisions. They’re not just entertaining - they’re thought-provoking. And then there are games like Disco Elysium, which are basically like playing through a deep, philosophical novel. The medium of gaming lets us experience stories in a way that’s way more personal and impactful than other forms of media.

Gaming is changing culture

Finally, let’s talk about how gaming is becoming a huge part of our culture. E-sports (competitive gaming) is now a legit career path, and platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have turned gaming into a spectator sport. Games like Fortnite aren’t just games anymore - they’re social platforms where you can attend virtual concerts, watch movies, and hang out with friends. The “message” of gaming isn’t just the games themselves - it’s the way they’re reshaping entertainment, socializing, and even how we define community.

The big picture

So, yeah, games are way more than just stress relief or a way to pass the time. They’re a powerful medium that’s changing how we think, connect, and experience the world. From teaching us new skills to bringing people together, gaming is shaping our lives in ways we’re only starting to understand. Next time someone says, “It’s just a game,” you’ll know there’s way more to it than that.

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Filters turning scary...

Week 8: Digital Citizenship and Software Literacy: Instagram Filters

Let’s be real - we’ve all slapped a Valencia filter on a selfie to make our brunch pics look ~aesthetic~ or used a smoothing tool to erase that rogue pimple. Filters feel harmless, right? Like digital makeup for our insecurities. But what if these tools aren’t just enhancing our reality… they’re rewriting it?

Your face is data now. Apps like Instagram and Snapchat don’t just “beautify” your selfies - they scan them. Every time you line up your eyes with Snapchat’s biometric grid to vomit rainbows 🦄, you’re training algorithms to map faces as machine-readable objects. Jill Walker Rettberg calls this “biometric citizenship”: your selfies become ID cards for surveillance, ads, and even payment systems (think MasterCard’s creepy “blink-to-pay” tech). Your face isn’t yours anymore - it’s a barcode.

Filters aren’t neutral. They’re coded with bias. Remember when early film couldn’t capture darker skin tones unless white faces were the default? Instagram’s filters inherit that legacy. Syreeta McFadden writes how cameras still struggle with Black skin, forcing marginalized users to DIY their own selfies to feel seen. Even “fun” filters like “bold glamour” push Eurocentric beauty ideals - slim noses, poreless skin - as default. It’s digital dysmorphia: editing ourselves into clones of a homogenous “ideal” (Coy-Dibley 2016).

The scariest part? We’re complicit. We volunteer for this. We tweak our jaws, brighten our eyes, and serve our faces to apps that profit off our insecurities. Rettberg warns this isn’t just vanity - it’s “post-optical” control. Filters train us to see ourselves through machines, flattening humanity into data points. Want to post a raw, unfiltered photo? Good luck competing with algorithm-friendly perfection.

Digital citizenship means pushing back. Software literacy isn’t just coding - it’s questioning why filters exist. Who benefits when we hate our real skin? Who profits when our selfies feed AI? Next time you reach for that filter, ask: Am I expressing myself… or obeying a script?

References

Rettberg, J W 2014, 'Filtered reality', Seeing ourselves through technology: how we use selfies, blogs and wearable devices to see and shape ourselves, Palgrave Macmillan, London , https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137476661_2.

Rettberg, J W 2017, 'Biometric citizens: adapting our selfies to machine vision', in A Kuntsman (ed.), Selfie citizenship, Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45270-8_10.

Coy-Dibley, I 2016, '“Digitised dysmorphia” of the female body: the re/disfigurement of the image', Palgrave Communications, vol. 2, article no. 16040, https://doi.org/10.1057/palcomms.2016.40.

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How social media and standards on beauty have messed women up

Week 7: Digital Citizenship and Health Education: Body Modification on Visual Social Media

I wish I could say I’ve never fallen into the trap of social media beauty standards, but let’s be real, who hasn’t?? As a woman, I think it's obvious how social media messes with our perception of beauty, gender roles, lifestyle expectations, and self-worth due to the outdated stereotypes of women that are just ingrained in our minds. We scroll through our feeds and see impossibly perfect faces, flawless bodies, and effortless confidence. It’s not just about makeup or good lighting; it’s an entire curated reality, designed to make us believe that beauty is effortless. Except it never actually is, is it? 

Video source: https://www.tiktok.com/@minaamouse016/video/7380783455350656261?q=do%20my%20makeup%20to%20make%20boys%20like%20me&t=1742746504102

Video source: https://www.tiktok.com/@emma__jordyn/video/7419415780409789701?q=do%20my%20makeup%20to%20make%20boys%20like%20me&t=1742746504102

As I was hammering my brain to think of a logical way to explain this, I realized how... messed up the standards are. Think about it, men claim they don’t like heavy makeup, yet the women they praise all have clear skin, symmetrical features, and the perfect balance of “effortlessly beautiful”. It's an absolutely confusing double standard, always changing to the point no one can keep up. It’s as if beauty is supposed to be accidental, never too obvious, never too intentional, but always there.

And then there’s social media, where beauty isn’t just a standard, it’s a performance. The right filers, the perfect angles, the subtle edits, etc. Everything is carefully curated to make sure we look our best, even when we claim we “just woke up like this”. No one really wakes up looking like an airbrushed version of themselves. We know this, yet we still compare ourselves to these impossible ideals, convincing ourselves that we should look that way too. This leads to immense vulnerability and mental health issues that cause women, especially adolescent girls, to change the way they look and seek constant validation on platforms that are overflowed with unreachable standards (Papageorgiou, Fisher & Cross 2022).

But it’s not just about self-esteem, it’s about how deeply these cultural norms and societal expectations are ingrained in us from generation to generation (Abid 2021). We internalized them without even realizing it. We see an unfiltered photo of ourselves and immediately feel like we need to fix something. We hesitate to post a picture unless it meets a certain aesthetic, it pleases the “male gaze”, or it fits into a trend. And if we don’t look “good enough”, we feel like we’re failing at a ridiculously confusing standard that we were never supposed to reach in the first place. 

But let’s be real, no matter what we do, someone will always have an opinion on how we should look. But beauty isn’t meant to be a mold we all have to fit into. It isn’t supposed to be about meeting a set of unwritten rules that change the moment we think we’ve figured them out. So why not take back that control? If beauty is subjective, then why should we let someone else define it for us? It’s time to reclaim our right to be our true selves.

References

Abid, S 2021, On Being and Becoming Beautiful: The Social Construction of Feminine Beauty, Academia.edu, viewed [insert date], https://www.academia.edu/107103041/On_Being_and_Becoming_Beautiful_The_Social_Construction_of_Feminine_Beauty.

Papageorgiou, A, Fisher, C & Cross, D 2022, ‘“Why don’t I look like her?” How adolescent girls view social media and its connection to body image’, BMC Women’s Health, vol. 22, no. 1, viewed [insert date], https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-01845-4.

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How social media create the over-consumption trend in fashion

Week 6: Digital Citizenship Case Study: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

Ever opened your closet, seen it stuffed with clothes, and still thought, “I have nothing to wear!”? You’re not alone. That urge to buy more - new trends, endless options, the “perfect” wardrobe - is universal. But what fuels it, and why does it matter?

Overconsumption (aka buying way more than you need) is rampant in fashion. It’s not about buying things you love or need - it’s about hoarding both pricey and cheap, trendy pieces you’ll barely wear. Think: impulse-buying 10 nearly identical tank tops just because they’re $5 each (and trendy). Fast fashion brands like Shein, Zara, and H&M thrive on this. They mass-produce ultra-affordable, hyper-trendy clothes, luring us into endless “hauls” and guilt-free splurges (Rosely & Ali, 2023). But here’s the kicker: this cycle isn’t just draining your wallet - it’s wrecking the planet. The cost? Exploited workers, rivers polluted by dyes, landfills overflowing with barely-worn clothes, and a culture where “new” trumps “usable” (Vasquez, 2022). Fast fashion’s “wear-it-once” mindset means we’re trapped in a loop: buy, toss, repeat.

I fully blame social media for having profoundly reshaped consumer behavior in the fashion industry, driving overconsumption through psychological and social mechanisms. Below, I explore three key factors - the "influencers effect," the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) phenomenon, and the pursuit of validation - supported by academic research.

The "Influencers Effect": Promoting aesthetic ideals and fast fashion

Social media influencers cultivate aspirational lifestyles characterized by curated aesthetics, health, and productivity. Instagram influencers significantly impact purchase intentions by encouraging parasocial relationships, where followers perceive influencers as relatable "friends" whose recommendations they trust. This dynamic drives impulsive buying, particularly among young audiences (Djafarova & Bowes 2021). Moreover, by showcasing frequent outfit changes and partnerships with fast-fashion brands, they normalize constant consumption. Followers are encouraged to emulate these ideals, often purchasing inexpensive, trend-driven items in bulk. This cycle fuels overproduction and waste, as fast fashion relies on rapid turnover of low-quality garments.

(Video source: https://www.tiktok.com/@llindseycooper/video/7412710548095225130)

The FOMO Effect: Trend chasing and disposable fashion

Baltezarevic (2024) linked FOMO to impulsive buying behaviors, noting that social media users fear judgment for not adhering to trends, leading to short-term purchases with little practical use. FOMO exacerbates overconsumption as users, especially teenagers, rush to acquire trending items (e.g., "babyt tees") to avoid social exclusion. These purchases often lack sentimental value, unlike curated collections, and are quickly discarded when trends shift. The result is a "buy-and-dispose" culture, contributing to textile waste - a problem highlighted by the 92 million tons of annual fashion waste reported by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Seeking validation: Erosion of independent thought

Social media platforms prioritize validation metrics (likes, shares), conditioning users to equate self-worth with external approval. Vogel et al. (2017) demonstrated that social comparison on platforms like Instagram lowers self-esteem, prompting users to seek validation through material acquisition. Teens, whose identities are still developing, may internalize influencers’ opinions, stifling critical thinking. This creates a cycle where individuals consume to gain acceptance, perpetuating overconsumption and reducing the capacity for autonomous decision-making.

__________________________________________

The Rise of Slow Fashion, Thrifting, and the “Less is More” Mindset

Let’s be real: For years, fast fashion had us in a chokehold. We’ve all fallen for the dopamine hit of a $10 dress or a TikTok-viral “haul.” But lately, a quiet revolution is brewing - one that’s swapping mindless consumption for intentionality, and Shein hauls for thrifted treasures. Here’s how the slow fashion movement, thrifting culture, and the “underconsumption” trend are flipping the script.

The Anti-Shein Influencers: For every influencer hawking 50-piece fast fashion hauls, there’s another preaching the gospel of slow fashion. These creators are the cool aunts of Instagram and TikTok, showing off capsule wardrobes, styling the same blazer six ways, and turning old jeans into tote bags. Their mantra? Buy less, choose well, make it last.

Take @thanyaw_ on TikTok, for example, who challenges followers to rewear outfits without shame. Or @sophia.lynette, who teaches DIY clothing repairs to combat “throwaway culture.” By normalizing repeat wears and upcycling, they’re proving style isn’t about endless newness - it’s about creativity (and saving the planet while you’re at it).

Video source: https://www.tiktok.com/@thanyaw_/video/7291336386915962144?q=outfitrepeater&t=1742745211791

Video source: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophia.lynette/video/7385265514521611562

Gen Z’s Thrifting Obsession: Sustainable and Budget-Friendly

Gen Z isn’t just thrifting for vintage band tees (though that’s part of it). They’re raiding Depop, Poshmark, and local thrift stores to score unique finds and reduce textile waste. Why? Because 60% of them say sustainability influences their purchases (Benissan 2023).

Thrifting isn’t just “cheap” - it’s a middle finger to fast fashion’s exploitation. Plus, there’s thrill in the hunt: Finding a Y2K-era Juicy Couture tracksuit or a perfectly broken-in leather jacket feels like a win for your closet and the environment.

Picture from Macklemore's music video of "Thrift Shop" in 2012

Underconsumption: The “Boring” Lifestyle That’s Going Viral

Meet the underconsumers - people proudly sharing “boring” closets and rejecting the pressure to constantly buy. Think: “5-piece capsule wardrobe” tours or “No-Buy Year” vlogs. Their secret? Gratefulness for what they already own.

This trend isn’t about deprivation; it’s about freedom. By curating a small, loved wardrobe, they avoid decision fatigue, save money, and reduce clutter. As one Reddit user put it: “I stopped buying trendy crap and finally feel like myself.”

__________________________________________

The Bottom Line

Slow fashion, thrifting, and underconsumption aren’t just trends - they’re a cultural reset. They remind us that style isn’t about keeping up with micro-trends but embracing individuality, sustainability, and enoughness. So next time you’re tempted by a flash sale, ask: “Do I really need this—or can I thrift, rewear, or just… skip it?”

The planet (and your wallet) will thank you.

References:

Baltezarevic, R 2024, ‘FEAR OF MISSING OUT (FOMO) AS AN EFFECT INFLUENCING CONSUMER PURCHASE DECISIONS’, 3. Bilsel International Aspendos Scientific Researches Congress, viewed <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385097439_FEAR_OF_MISSING_OUT_FOMO_AS_AN_EFFECT_INFLUENCING_CONSUMER_PURCHASE_DECISIONS>.

Benissan, E 2023, ‘Gen Z will drive explosive growth in secondhand sales, says Thredup’, Vogue Business, viewed <https://www.voguebusiness.com/sustainability/gen-z-will-drive-explosive-growth-in-secondhand-sales-says-thredup>.

Djafarova, E & Bowes, T 2021, ‘“Instagram Made Me Buy it”: Generation Z Impulse Purchases in Fashion Industry’, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, vol. 59, no. 102345, p. 102345, viewed <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0969698920313539>.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation 2017, ‘A NEW TEXTILES ECONOMY: REDESIGNING FASHION’S FUTURE’, https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/a-new-textiles-economy, viewed <https://emf.thirdlight.com/file/24/uiwtaHvud8YIG_uiSTauTlJH74/A%20New%20Textiles%20Economy%3A%20Redesigning%20fashion%E2%80%99s%20future.pdf>.

Rosely, N & Ali, SFS 2023, ‘A Challenge Towards Sustainable Fashion Consumption: Fast Fashion and Impulsive Purchase Behavior’, International Journal of Accounting, Finance and Business (IJAFB), vol. 8, no. 47, pp. 63–76, viewed <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sharifah-Syed-Ali-3/publication/388195792_A_Challenge_Towards_Sustainable_Fashion_Consumption_Fast_Fashion_And_Impulsive_Purchase_Behaviour/links/678f0d1198c4e967fa7317b5/A-Challenge-Towards-Sustainable-Fashion-Consumption-Fast-Fashion-And-Impulsive-Purchase-Behaviour.pdf>.

Vasquez, R 2022, ‘Overconsumption in the fashion industry’, Fashion Revolution, Fashion Revolution, viewed <https://www.fashionrevolution.org/overconsumption-in-the-fashion-industry/>.

Vogel, E, Rose, JP, Roberts, L & Eckles, K 2014, ‘Social comparison, Social media, and self-esteem’, ResearchGate, viewed <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275507421_Social_comparison_social_media_and_self-esteem>.

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IF YOU HAVE A PLATFORM, YOU HAVE INDIVIDUAL POWER

Week 5: What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism

In the article "The Robber Talks About 'Peace' by President Ho Chi Minh in 1965," he wrote:

"There is a story about Xuân Village, which consists of two hamlets: Inner Hamlet and Outer Hamlet. The entire village lived happily and worked together. Suddenly, a group of robbers from afar came and occupied the Inner Hamlet. They robbed, killed, raped women, burned houses, and destroyed fields and gardens... They bribed some corrupt individuals in the hamlet to serve as their lackeys. With a heroic tradition, the people of the Inner Hamlet rose up and fought back, beating the robbers until they were bloodied and bruised.

Seeing that they could not subdue Xuân Village, the robbers, on one hand, cried out for the villagers to 'discuss a peaceful resolution.' But simultaneously, they aggressively sent more henchmen into the Inner Hamlet. Not falling for the robbers' deceitful tricks, the villagers of Xuân firmly told them: “This village is ours. You are invaders. First, you must leave this village. If you hesitate, we will push you into the sea.” ... The robbers then cried out: “We ask the world to witness, we want peace, but Xuân Village does not!”

The American aggressors keep spreading the deceitful claim of “unconditional negotiations”. They pretend to want peace and blame Vietnam for being warmongering. But every time they talk about 'peace’, it is as if they are sending more troops to expand their war of aggression in the South of our country.”

________________________________

And now, history seems to repeat itself. Using the same old trick of "the robber crying foul”, Israel has repeatedly slandered Hamas to justify their genocidal crimes in Palestine:

They destroyed up to 16 cemeteries in Gaza during the October 7th terrorist attack, claiming it was "part of the search for the remains of hostages held by Hamas" (Diamond 2024).

They claimed that Hamas beheaded up to 40 children during the October 7th attack on the town of Kfar Aza. However, Israeli journalists who visited the scene found no evidence. The Israeli military later refused to confirm this claim, and more than a week later, there was still no evidence to support it (Jamal 2023).

In a speech before the Republican Jewish Coalition on October 28th, Eli Beer, founder of Israel's EMS organization, claimed that Hamas burned a baby in an oven. This claim was repeated by journalists Dovid Efune, John Podhoretz, and others in tweets that garnered over 10 million views. Israeli journalists found no evidence to support this claim, and a representative from ZAKA, the first response organization, stated that the claim was "false”. The French newspaper Libération also called the claim "completely fabricated" (Jamal 2023).

(English translation: Israel Uses Drones Emitting Sounds of Crying Babies and Screaming Women to Lure Palestinians Out and Shoot Them!)

SO WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

The truth is that the Israeli military has killed 42,510 Palestinians in a 200-day attack, 38,621 of whom were civilians, including 10,091 women and 15,780 children. The bodies of thousands remain trapped under rubble, while thousands more are missing and presumed dead. These statistics include the killing of 137 journalists, 356 medical workers, and 42 civil defense personnel (Monitor 2024).

The images below are the truth - countless massacres and inhumane acts have taken place in Palestine.

IF YOU ARE A HUMAN, USE YOUR VOICE!

Vietnam has made its mark in history with a resounding victory, reclaiming independence and freedom from the world's most powerful nation. This victory was the result of the brave sacrifices, unwavering will, and determined spirit of our ancestors. However, alongside the factors often mentioned in textbooks, another crucial but less-discussed element was the strong and passionate support from the international community. Without the relentless protests of international friends, our path to independence and freedom, though certain, would have been even more arduous and prolonged.

The pain of losing one's country is not unfamiliar to us, so why do we dare to "turn a blind eye" and justify it by saying we are afraid, that we lack knowledge, or that "it is their country's business"? If something similar were to happen to us, how would you react to such statements?

This article is not meant to guilt-trip or gaslight anyone into going to the battlefield in Palestine or living in hardship to understand their situation. This is not a political story or a macro issue - it is a call for PEACE. And if you love PEACE, SPEAK UP!

HASHTAG PUBLICS AND THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE ACTION

In the digital age, hashtags have become more than just symbols - they are rallying cries for justice. From #BlackLivesMatter to #MeToo, hashtag publics have proven their ability to transcend borders, unite people, and challenge oppressive systems. They create spaces for marginalized voices to be heard, for stories to be shared, and for solidarity to flourish. In the case of Palestine, hashtags like #FreePalestine, #CeasefireNow, #AntiSemitism, and #EndIsraeliApartheid have brought global attention to the atrocities being committed, forcing the world to confront uncomfortable truths.

But hashtags alone aren’t enough. They’re just the starting point. Real change comes from action—protests, petitions, donations, boycotts, and putting pressure on governments and corporations. (Honestly, let the U.S. ban TikTok all they want—it’s where people are speaking the truth anyway.) Let’s be real here: famous people and luxury brands don’t give a damn about us. They never have. Remember that line from The Lion King? ‘When the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on the world.’ Well, that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Our mission to boycott Israeli-owned and pro-Israel brands and celebrities isn’t just symbolic - it’s strategic. And trust me, it’s working. It’s hitting them where it hurts: their wallets (ajplus 2024). These companies and celebrities thrive on our silence and compliance, but when we collectively say no, they feel it.

POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT: MORE THAN JUST WORDS

Political engagement goes beyond hashtags and social media posts. It requires us to educate ourselves, to question the narratives fed to us by those in power and hold our leaders accountable. It demands that we recognize our privilege and use it to uplift those who are silenced. In the case of Palestine, this means challenging the biased media coverage, exposing the lies of the oppressors, and demanding justice for the victims.

We must also recognize that activism is not a one-size-fits-all approach. For some, it means marching in the streets; for others, it means writing, creating art, or supporting grassroots organizations. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger movement. The key is to stay informed, stay engaged, and never lose sight of humanity at the heart of the struggle.

(English translation:

FLOUR MASSACRE & THE HABIT OF MASSACRING AID RECIPIENTS OF ISRAEL

On February 29, Israel opened fire on a crowd receiving humanitarian aid at Al Nabulsi roundabout, North Gaza, killing 118 people and injuring 760 others. Al Shifa Hospital confirmed that "hundreds of patients had gunshot wounds." This event became known as the "flour massacre."

Image: An Israeli Telegram channel celebrating the flour massacre and hoping for cannibalism to soon occur in Gaza.)

(English translation:

NASSER HOSPITAL

Three mass graves were discovered at three locations around Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis after being attacked by the IOF for weeks. A total of 392 bodies were found in the following conditions:

Hands and feet tied

Gunshot wounds and signs of torture

Patients still had medical tubes attached to their bodies

Medical staff were tied up

Among the bodies, there were children, also tied up

Approximately 20 bodies were suspected of being buried alive…)

(English translation:

From "Malnourished People" in Israel to CNN

Blindfolded, stripped, beaten, tied to hospital beds...

DETAILED REPORT ON THE ISRAELI MILITARY TORTURING PALESTINIANS

IN DETENTION CAMPS)

________________________________

References:

ajplus 2024, Is Israel’s Genocide in Gaza Collapsing Its Own economy?, viewed <https://www.tiktok.com/@ajplus/video/7413072625947249951?_r=1&_t=ZS-8txf7pkOGNr>.

Communist Party of Vietnam Electronic Newspaper 1965, ‘The robbers talked “peace”’, Hochiminh.vn, People’s Newspaper, viewed 16 February 2025, <https://hochiminh.vn/tac-pham-cua-ho-chi-minh/nhung-bai-bao-cua-bac/ke-cuop-noi-chuyen-hoa-binh-8024>.

Diamond, J 2024, ‘At least 16 cemeteries in Gaza have been desecrated by Israeli forces, satellite imagery and videos reveal’, CNN, viewed <https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/20/middleeast/israel-gaza-cemeteries-desecrated-investigation-intl-cmd/index.html>.

Jamal, H 2023, ‘A list of Israeli lies, propaganda and genocidal intent’, Substack.com, The Diaspora Journal , viewed 16 February 2025, <https://hebhjamal.substack.com/p/a-list-of-israeli-lies-propaganda?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2B1Qt_6VH5nqzl7JzR_8sGGCNKbFd4cluGQSNdpJFPW2QCj-tyeSDuzU4_aem_uMHXRDwr8EUXuTTorgSvSA>.

Monitor, E-MHR 2024, ‘200 days of military attack on Gaza: A horrific death toll amid intl. failure to stop Israel’s genocide of Palestinians’, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, viewed <https://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/6282/200-days-of-military-attack-on-Gaza%3A-A-horrific-death-toll-amid-intl.-failure-to-stop-Israel%E2%80%99s-genocide-of-Palestinians%23>.

[footfungus96-blog]

Reality TV: Where Drama is 'Real' and Controversy is the Main Prize

Week 4

Ah, reality TV - the pinnacle of human storytelling. Who needs scripted dramas with their fancy writers and character development when you can watch Tiffany Pollard in Flavor of Love?

A unique feature of reality television is its ability to let audiences indirectly experience a "real" world by observing the challenges and struggles of others. These shows emphasize the formation of personal relationships, participation in competitions, and the resolution of conflicts. They encourage viewers to emotionally invest in the participants' journeys and relate to them. The inherent curiosity people have about others plays a key role in making these programs appealing and enjoyable (Nabi et al. 2003).

What started as harmless fun (Survivor, anyone?) has evolved into a full-blown circus of chaos, complete with manufactured drama, questionable morals, and enough memes to break the internet. Let’s dive into how digital fandoms have turned reality TV into a battleground of hashtags, viral moments, and, let’s be honest, some truly questionable life choices. Buckle up, folks - it’s about to get messy.

The 'Reality' of Reality TV

Let’s talk about the so-called “reality” of reality TV. Sure, it’s called “reality,” but the only thing real is the producers cackling behind the scenes as they edit the footage to make someone look like the villain. I mean, have you seen The Bachelor? It’s supposed to be about finding love, but let’s be real - it’s really about who can cry the prettiest or start the most Twitter fights. And don’t even get me started on Love Island. If you think you are too emotional or dramatic to function normally, just spend some $$$ to watch Keeping Up With The Kardashians - it’s like a trainwreck, but with more the-men-always-cheat and catchphrases.

Digital platforms like Tumblr and Twitter have turned these shows into full-blown meme factories. Fans don’t just watch the drama; they live-tweet it, dissect every moment, and turn the most ridiculous scenes into viral gold. Remember when Tiffany Pollard gave us “Good morning. NOT YOU YOU CAN CHOKE” and The Real Housewives gave us “Who gon’ check me, boo?” Iconic. And by iconic, I mean the kind of content that makes you question humanity but also keeps you hitting “refresh” on your feed. Reality TV may not be real, but the memes? Oh, those are very real.

Flavor of Love

Flavor of Love - the show that redefined “quality entertainment.” Because nothing says “must-watch TV” like watching a group of bold, unapologetic personalities compete for the affection of Flavor Flav, a man whose clock necklace was arguably the most stable thing about him. The premise? Simple: take one eccentric rapper, add a house full of individuals with personalities bigger than their hair, and stir in a generous helping of chaos. What could possibly go wrong?

Let’s talk about the iconic moment when New York (Tiffany Pollard) and Pumpkin had that fight. You know the one - where Pumpkin threw a drink at New York, and New York responded with the kind of energy that made us all simultaneously gasp and cheer. It was messy, it was ridiculous, and it was everything. Fans on Tumblr and Twitter lost their collective minds. Memes flooded the internet, think pieces were written, and suddenly, “I ain’t come here to make friends!” became a cultural catchphrase.

What made Flavor of Love so special wasn’t just the drama - it was how fans turned it into a shared experience. Tumblr was filled with GIFs of New York’s epic clapbacks, and Twitter threads dissected every moment like it was the Zapruder film. The show wasn’t just a trainwreck; it was our trainwreck. And honestly, isn’t that what reality TV is all about? Giving us something to laugh at, cringe over, and bond over with strangers on the internet? Flavor of Love may not have been high art, but it was high entertainment, paved the way for future reality shows - and sometimes, that’s all we need.

The Controversy Industrial Complex

Let’s be real: controversy isn’t just a side effect of reality TV – it’s the main ingredient. The more outrageous, the better the ratings. Producers know exactly what they’re doing when they stir the pot, and if you thought that epic fight was real? Cute. It was probably staged over something as trivial as who got the last Diet Coke in the fridge.

Digital fandoms take the chaos to a whole new level. Fans don’t just watch the drama - they live-tweet it, dissect it, and sometimes even start petitions to get their favorite villain kicked off the show. It’s like a collective hive mind of chaos, and honestly, it’s kind of impressive. Reality TV is basically a soap opera, but with worse acting and more product placement. And yet, here we are, glued to our screens, because nothing says “entertainment” like watching people argue over avocado toast while hashtags trend worldwide.

But beyond the entertainment factor, dramatic reality shows have a deeper impact, especially on younger viewers. Shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Selling Sunset glamorize extravagant lifestyles, making wealth and luxury seem like the ultimate measures of success. The constant display of designer wardrobes, luxury vacations, and multimillion-dollar mansions creates unrealistic expectations about what success should look like. For many young people, this fuels a mindset where self-worth is tied to material possessions rather than personal achievements or character (Zhao 2018).

Moreover, these shows reinforce the idea that conflict and drama are necessary for social relevance. The way cast members handle problems - through explosive arguments, public call-outs, or shallow apologies - can shape how impressionable audiences approach real-life relationships. Instead of encouraging communication and empathy, reality TV normalizes toxic behavior, making manipulation and betrayal seem like acceptable social strategies.

At the end of the day, reality TV isn’t just mindless entertainment - it subtly shapes how we see the world. And for a generation growing up with social media and constant comparison, the obsession with curated perfection and manufactured drama, in my opinion, is doing more harm than good.

(People got someone publishing a 'sex tape' as a public figure now is embarrassing)

(Kendall Jenner cutting a cucumber is the most "It's a banana, Michael, what could it cost, ten dollars?" thing I've seen a rich person do in a long time)

___________________________________

References:

Nabi, RL, Biely, EN, Morgan, SJ & Stitt, CR 2003, ‘Reality-Based Television Programming and the Psychology of Its Appeal’, Media Psychology, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 303–330, viewed <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/S1532785XMEP0504_01>.

Zhao, C 2018, ‘“Keeping Up With the Kardashians” Could Make Viewers Colder Toward Poor People, Study Finds’, Newsweek, viewed 15 February 2025, <https://www.newsweek.com/keeping-kardashians-could-make-viewers-cold-towards-poor-people-study-finds-1054780>.

[footfungus96-blog]

Tumblr: The Digital Subculture Revolution

Week 3

Have you ever been scrolling through social media on a random day and thought, “This platform sucks! If I were the founder, I could’ve fixed [insert problem here].” Well, you’re not alone - David Karp had the same thought when he was just 20 years old. And from that spark of frustration and ambition, Tumblr was born in February 2007. It wasn’t just another platform; it became a cultural reset, an iconic space that redefined how we share and connect online.

Even today (and I’m not talking about the whole banning adult content era), Tumblr stands out as a haven for nerds, niche communities, fandoms, and activists. It’s a place where the weird and wonderful thrive. In today’s blog, I want to dive deeper into why Tumblr has been - and will always be - a relevant platform for marginalized voices and countercultural movements. Despite its ups and downs, it continues to hold a unique space in the social media landscape that other platforms can’t replicate.

The Aesthetic of Anonymity

Tumblr has always been that platform - the one where you could be whoever you wanted to be, without the pressure of using your real name or sharing personal details. Back in the late 2000s and early 2010s, when social media giants like Facebook were doubling down on real-name policies (Facebook, 2022), Tumblr took a different path. It became a sanctuary for anonymity, and honestly, that’s what made it so special.

On Tumblr, you didn’t need to be you. You could pick a username, create a blog with a quirky title, and build a whole persona without ever revealing your legal name or personal info. This culture of pseudonymity wasn’t just a feature - it was the heart of the platform. It allowed people to share their art, writing, memes, and thoughts without the weight of their real-world identity hanging over them. It wasn’t about who you were; it was about what you created and shared.

Tumblr’s pioneer in private blogs, anonymous asks, and the ability to block or filter content gave users so much control over their experience. You could curate your space, protect your privacy, and interact on your own terms. This wasn’t just about staying anonymous - it was about feeling safe. For so many of us, Tumblr was a place to explore niche interests, connect with like-minded people, and build tight-knit communities without fear of judgment or exposure.

What also set Tumblr apart was its decentralized vibe. Unlike other platforms that felt overly structured or corporate, Tumblr was this wild, creative ecosystem where communities thrived around shared passions. Anonymity wasn’t just a perk - it was the glue that held it all together. It let people be bold, vulnerable, and unapologetically themselves, even if “themselves” was a pseudonym.

A Safe Space for Marginalized Communities

Tumblr wasn’t just a platform - it was a sanctuary. For LGBTQ+ youth, it was a place to share coming-out stories and find representation in fanfiction and art. For neurodivergent individuals, it offered spaces to discuss ADHD or autism openly, free from stigma. It was also a hub for activism. Remember the “Black Lives Matter” movement? Tumblr was one of the first platforms to amplify it, with users sharing resources, infographics, and personal stories. The same goes for mental health advocacy - hashtags like #ActuallyAutistic and #HereForYou created communities of support and understanding.

Tumblr’s inclusivity was groundbreaking, but it wasn’t without flaws. Its tight-knit communities sometimes turned into echo chambers, where nuanced conversations were drowned out by call-out culture and performative activism. Viral posts about “checking your privilege” sparked debates but often led to little real-world action. And then there’s the controversy surrounding Tumblr’s current CEO, Matt Mullenweg, whose Zionist views - supporting the claim that Palestine’s land belongs to Israel - have angered many users (Tumblr post 2023). This is especially jarring given Tumblr’s history as one of the first platforms to amplify conversations about the occupation of Palestine since the 2010s.

Yet, despite its imperfections, Tumblr remains a place where many felt seen for the first time. It was a space to be unapologetically yourself, whether you were geeking out over a TV show or organizing for a cause. Its messy, unfiltered nature is what made it special - even if it wasn’t always perfect. What do you think? Can Tumblr reconcile its flaws while staying true to its roots?

Influence on Internet Culture

If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and stumbled upon a “dark academia” aesthetic video or seen “cottagecore” taking over Instagram, you’ve witnessed the lingering ghost of Tumblr. Long before these trends became mainstream, Tumblr was the incubator for some of the internet’s most iconic subcultures, memes, and aesthetics. It wasn’t just a platform - it was a cultural powerhouse that shaped how we think about online expressions.

Let’s start with the aesthetics. Tumblr was the birthplace of trends like cottagecore (think cozy, pastoral vibes with lots of floral dresses and baked goods) and dark academia (moody libraries, tweed blazers, and a love for classical literature). These weren’t just fleeting trends; they were entire lifestyles that people adopted and adapted. Tumblr gave them a home, a visual language, and a community to thrive in. And now? You can see their influence everywhere, from Instagram grids to TikTok hashtags.

And then there are the memes. Tumblr’s unique blend of humor - absurd, self-deprecating, and often deeply relatable - set the tone for internet humor as we know it. Remember “This is a cry for help” or “I am in this photo and I don’t like it”? Those originated in the depths of Tumblr and have since seeped into the DNA of platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok. Tumblr didn’t just create memes; it created a style of humor that the internet still can’t quit.

But Tumblr’s influence goes beyond aesthetics and memes. It pioneered the idea of niche communities built around shared interests, whether that was fandoms, social justice, or obscure hobbies. Users draw from their personal experiences and shared discourses around feminism, antiracism, queer and gender studies, and postcolonialism to shape conversations. For countless young people, Tumblr functions as an informal, accessible classroom, fostering media literacy, identity exploration, and political awareness. By breaking down traditional cultural hierarchies around media “quality,” Tumblr keeps the political significance of media at the forefront, creating a unique space where affect and analysis coexist (McCracken 2017). This model of community-building has clearly inspired platforms like TikTok, where algorithm-driven “For You” pages connect people with hyper-specific content. Even Instagram’s shift toward visual storytelling and curated feeds feels like a nod to Tumblr’s early days.

So, here’s the big question: Was Tumblr a trendsetter, or was it simply holding up a mirror to the internet’s collective consciousness? Honestly, it might be both. Tumblr had this uncanny ability to tap into what people were feeling, thinking, and dreaming about, and then amplify it in ways that felt deeply personal. It didn’t just reflect culture - it shaped it.

The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again?) of Tumblr

Tumblr’s journey has been a rollercoaster. After the 2018 adult content ban, it felt like the platform was done for. But somehow, its chaotic energy, meme culture, and die-hard community kept it alive. Fast forward to now, and Tumblr’s making a comeback. Why? Because people are tired of the overly polished, algorithm-driven vibes of Instagram and Facebook. Tumblr’s raw, unfiltered chaos, according to Gen Z on TikTok, makes them feel like a breath of fresh air.

But here’s the thing: Tumblr can never really play the advertising game like other platforms. It’s built for users, not influencers. Its charm lies in its weirdness, its niche communities, and its lack of corporate polish. If Tumblr tried to rebrand itself as a shiny, ad-friendly platform, it would lose the very thing that makes it special - its soul.

So, what does Tumblr’s resilience tell us? Maybe it’s proof that not every corner of the internet must be marketable. Sometimes, the messiness is the point. But can Tumblr survive long-term without bending to the mainstream? That’s the million-dollar question.

_____________________________________________ References:

Facebook 2022, ‘Terms of Service’, Facebook, viewed <https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms>.

McCracken, A 2017, ‘Tumblr Youth Subcultures and Media Engagement’, ECSCOhost, Cinema Journal 57, viewed 15 February 2025, <https://web.s.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=0&sid=19048f4a-637c-4ded-9850-afba96abb8aa%40redis>.

Tumblr post 2023, ‘Tumblr’s CEO is Pro-Israel’, Tumblr, viewed 15 February 2025, <https://www.tumblr.com/otherwindow/733142720891240448/tumblrs-ceo-is-pro-isreal-like-openly-so-on-his>.