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Freedom and Interaction: How Tumblr Outshines as a Public Sphere in the Digital World

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, social media platforms have become essential spaces for public discourse and interaction. Among these platforms, Tumblr stands out for its unique ability to create a true public sphere—one where open dialogue thrives, free from the constraints of curated feeds and algorithm-driven content.

But what exactly defines a true public sphere?

According to Kruse et al. (2018), public sphere is a space where individuals engage in rational discourse, characterized by three key elements: unrestricted access to information, equal and protected participation, and the absence of institutional influence, particularly economic.

Equal and Protected Participation

Tumblr distinguishes itself by providing semi-anonymity, allowing users to create pseudonymous accounts and engage without the constraints of their real-world identities (Hillman et al., 2014). This is especially valuable for individuals from marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ communities, racial minorities, or those with dissenting opinions. Furthermore, Tumblr’s decentralized culture ensures no single voice dominates discussions, making it a more egalitarian platform for diverse participation.

On the other hand, Facebook, where real identities are required and social conformity often prevails, may discourage users from engaging in sensitive or controversial topics due to concerns about professional or social consequences. Moreover, the influence of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and influencers on Facebook can steer discussions toward commercial or mainstream interests, as their opinions tend to carry more weight(Lin & Huang, 2024).

Absence of Institutional Influence

Tumblr's structure sets it apart as a public sphere largely free from institutional control, especially in political discourse. Platforms like Facebook use algorithms that prioritize content through paid promotions, steering political discussions toward commercial or governmental interests. In fact, there have been concerns about their impact on democratic institutions,  particularly during the 2016 U.S. Election, where micro-targeted political ads influenced political opinions and conversations (Aierken, 2022; U.S. Government Publishing Office, 2020).

In contrast, Tumblr's emphasis on user-driven content creates an environment where grassroots content rises to the top. This assembled through algorithmic interventions and practices of sharing and appropriation, fosters a more democratic, unfiltered space (Pilipets & Paasonen, 2022).

Unlimited Access to Information

Tumblr’s open and decentralized structure fosters equitable access to information. Users freely share a diverse range of content—whether personal thoughts, art, social commentary, or political opinions—without being heavily filtered by algorithms or dictated by paid promotions. This organic approach ensures that users are not limited to narrowly tailored feeds or confined by algorithmic echo chambers. It encourages public conversations that are less controlled by corporate agendas, facilitating the freer exchange of ideas that Kruse deems essential for a true public sphere.

Refereces:

Aierken, A. (2022). Consumer Preferences for Attributes of Livestream Shopping: A Study of Generation Z [PhD Thesis, Concordia University]. https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/990874/

Hillman, S., Procyk, J., & Neustaedter, C. (2014). Tumblr fandoms, community & culture. Proceedings of the Companion Publication of the 17th ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work & Social Computing, 288. https://doi.org/10.1145/2556420.2557634

Kruse, L. M., Norris, D. R., & Flinchum, J. R. (2018). Social Media as a Public Sphere? Politics on Social Media. The Sociological Quarterly, 59(1), 62–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/00380253.2017.1383143

Lin, Z. F., & Huang, K.-P. (2024). THE EFFECT OF KEY OPINION LEADERS’CHARACTERISTICS ON PURCHASE INTENTION: A STUDY OF TIKTOK LIVE COMMERCE IN CHINA. International Journal of Organizational Innovation, 17(1), 41.

Pilipets, E., & Paasonen, S. (2022). Nipples, memes, and algorithmic failure: NSFW critique of Tumblr censorship. New Media & Society, 24(6), 1468. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820979280

U.S. Government Publishing Office. (2020). Selected Committee Report (pp. 116–290). https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/publications/report-select-committee-intelligence-united-states-senate-russian-active-measures