linhmeee

[linhmeee]

Week 10: Digital citizenship and conflict: Cyberbullying

The explosion of social media and online communication has created a new landscape for bullying: cyberbullying. This phenomenon allows bullies to harass, intimidate, and exclude victims anonymously and often beyond the reach of traditional schoolyard interventions. Media governance, the set of rules and principles that guide how media platforms operate, plays a crucial role in addressing this issue.

Effective media governance can help combat cyberbullying in several ways. Platforms can establish clear guidelines and reporting mechanisms for bullying behavior. These guidelines should define what constitutes bullying and outline the consequences for violators. Robust reporting systems empower victims to report incidents while ensuring their anonymity.

Media governance plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of bullying, particularly in the context of how it is portrayed and perpetuated through various media channels. Bullying can manifest in different forms, including cyberbullying, verbal harassment, and physical intimidation. Media governance frameworks are essential in addressing these issues for several reasons.

Firstly, media governance can influence the depiction of bullying in entertainment media, such as movies, television shows, and video games. Regulations and guidelines may be put in place to ensure that portrayals of bullying are responsible and do not glamorize or normalize abusive behavior. This can help shape societal attitudes towards bullying by promoting empathy and understanding rather than glorifying aggression or dominance.

Secondly, media governance is critical in addressing cyberbullying, which has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of social media and online platforms. Regulations may focus on holding digital platforms accountable for facilitating or enabling cyberbullying behavior, such as by requiring them to implement effective moderation policies and mechanisms for reporting abusive content. Additionally, media governance can promote digital literacy and education initiatives to empower users to recognize and respond to cyberbullying effectively.

Furthermore, media governance can play a role in promoting positive representations of diversity and inclusion in the media, which can help mitigate bullying based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. By promoting diverse and inclusive narratives, media governance can challenge stereotypes and prejudices that contribute to bullying behavior, fostering a more respectful and accepting society.

Moreover, media governance can support efforts to raise awareness about bullying and its consequences through public education campaigns and media literacy programs. By promoting empathy, tolerance, and respect, media governance initiatives can help foster a culture of kindness and empathy, reducing the prevalence of bullying in society.

Media governance faces challenges in striking a balance between protecting users from bullying and safeguarding freedom of speech. Overly restrictive policies might stifle online discourse. Additionally, content moderation requires significant resources and navigating cultural nuances to avoid censorship.

Combating cyberbullying requires a collaborative approach. Media platforms, governments, schools, and parents all have a role to play. Media platforms need to enforce clear policies, while governments can legislate against cyberbullying. Schools can educate students on responsible online behavior and provide support to victims. Parents can monitor their children's online activity and foster open communication.

[linhmeee]

Week 9: Gaming communities

Gaming communities have played a pivotal role in shaping the gaming landscape, transforming games from mere entertainment to significant cultural phenomena. These communities serve as bridges, connecting people from diverse backgrounds, countries, cultures, and ages, united by their shared passion for gaming. While gamers are typically the primary members, some communities even welcome non-gamers, recognizing the broader cultural impact of gaming (Mäyrä, 2015).

The virtual realms of games dissolve geographical barriers, offering unique opportunities for interaction and collaboration (Seay et al., 2004). Within these communities, individuals with similar gaming interests come together to share experiences, strategies, and camaraderie. Whether teaming up for cooperative gameplay or competing in tournaments, players from across the globe engage in a collective pursuit, breaking stereotypes and expanding perspectives.

Moreover, gaming communities serve as vital social spaces, offering support networks that have proven especially valuable during times of isolation, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. For many young people facing difficulties in forming in-person connections, gaming communities provide a sense of belonging and comfort. Being part of a community that celebrates their interests and skills can significantly boost confidence and well-being.

There is also evidence that online game communities may serve as beneficial and inclusive environments for people to openly express themselves and cultivate good attitudes towards gaming (Jung, 2020a; Squire, 2010). This may foster an atmosphere that yields quantifiable advantages for emotional and mental well-being (Gandhi et al., 2021), hence providing assistance to minority players and vulnerable groups (To et al., 2020; Vogel et al., 2021). Undoubtedly, social learning within these communities may provide intellectual stimulation and social assistance that challenges established norms. This is made possible by the emergence of alternative and informal communities, which are more prevalent on online platforms (Ashuri, Dvir-Gvisman & Halperin 2018). Recent study has shown evidence that technology is exerting a growing influence on addictive behaviours, both as a risk factor and as a potential cure. Active participation by players in communicative and interactive gaming communities fosters social cohesion and shared comprehension, while also enhancing feelings of security and promoting learning (Gandolfi, Ferdig & Soyturk 2021). Game communities function as ideological safe spaces that prioritise inclusivity, mutual acceptance, shared values/beliefs, and community appeal to attract new members and foster good and healthy gaming communities (Gong et al., 2019).

In essence, gaming communities are not just about playing games; they represent a vibrant tapestry of human connections, fostering inclusivity, camaraderie, and personal growth. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, these communities will remain integral to its cultural fabric, enriching the lives of gamers worldwide.

References

Ashuri, T, Dvir-Gvisman, S & Halperin, R 2018, ‘Watching Me Watching You: How Observational Learning Affects Self-disclosure on Social Network Sites?’, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 34–68.

Gandhi, R, Cook, CL, LaMastra, N, Uttarapong, J & Wohn, DY 2021, ‘An Exploration of Mental Health Discussions in Live Streaming Gaming Communities’, Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 12, no. 12.

Gandolfi, E, Ferdig, RE & Soyturk, I 2021, ‘Exploring the learning potential of online gaming communities: An application of the Game Communities of Inquiry Scale’, New Media & Society, vol. 25, no. 6, p. 146144482110271.

Gong, X, Zhang, KZK, Cheung, CMK, Chen, C & Lee, MKO 2019, ‘Alone or together? Exploring the role of desire for online group gaming in players’ social game addiction’, Information & Management, vol. 56, no. 6, p. 103139, viewed 4 August 2020, <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037872061731056X>.

Hammers, DW, Merscham‐Banda, M, Hsiao, JY, Engst, S, Hartman, JJ & Sweeney, HL 2017, ‘Supraphysiological levels of GDF 11 induce striated muscle atrophy’, EMBO Molecular Medicine, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 531–544.

Jung, CW 2020, ‘The role of game genres and gamers’ communication networks in perceived learning’, Palgrave Communications, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 1–8, viewed 7 March 2021, <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-020-0439-y>.

MÄYRÄ, F. 2015. Exploring gaming communities. The Video Game Debate. Routledge.

SEAY, A. F., JEROME, W. J., LEE, K. S. & KRAUT, R. E. Project Massive: A study of online gaming communities.  CHI'04 extended abstracts on Human factors in computing systems, 2004. 1421-1424.

Squire, K 2010, ‘From Information to Experience: Place-Based Augmented Reality Games as a Model for Learning in a Globally Networked Society’, Teachers College Record: The Voice of Scholarship in Education, vol. 112, no. 10, pp. 2565–2602.

Vogel, EA, Ramo, DE, Prochaska, JJ, Meacham, MC, Layton, JF & Humfleet, GL 2021, ‘Problematic Social Media Use in Sexual and Gender Minority Young Adults: Observational Study’, JMIR Mental Health, vol. 8, no. 5, p. e23688, viewed 11 July 2021, <https://mental.jmir.org/2021/5/e23688/>.

[linhmeee]

Week 8: Digital citizenship and software literacy: Instagram filters

It is true that some people are born with pretty privilege while others have to put effort to earn it. It is important to have a neutral stand when facing people with different choices and be non judgemental. Face filters or augmented reality (AR) filters on Instagram and other social media platform act not far different from applying make up in real life.

In my view, filters on digital platforms help us envision the image we want to present publicly. It's common, especially among young women, to use filters when sharing photos or videos on social media platforms like Instagram or Snapchat (Rettberg, 2014). As social media gains more prominence, it poses a challenge for young individuals who might emulate what they see on screens without considering the risks associated with expressing diverse gender identities (Murphy, 2019).

The negative repercussions often stem from social comparison, which is consistent with prevailing sociocultural theories linking media exposure to body dissatisfaction. The constant exposure to images portraying idealized bodies, often altered and filtered, can foster unrealistic expectations and pressure to conform. This is particularly evident among adolescents and young adults who are more susceptible to social influences and comparison. Research has shown a correlation between extensive social media use and dissatisfaction with one's body, as individuals compare themselves to meticulously curated images on these platforms. Additionally, social media platforms serve as communities for various interests, including those focused on altering one's appearance.

Moreover, while digital filters can enhance images and provide fun ways to express creativity, they should not overshadow the importance of embracing one's natural self. Striving for authenticity and self-acceptance fosters genuine connections and promotes mental well-being. Ultimately, a balanced approach to digital tools and self-image is key to cultivating a healthy relationship with technology and our own bodies.

References

MURPHY, T. F. 2019. Adolescents and body modification for gender identity expression. Medical Law Review, 27, 623-639.

 Rettberg, J.W. (2014). Filtered Reality. Seeing Ourselves Through Technology, pp.20–32. doi:https://doi.org/10.1057/97811374766612.

[linhmeee]

Week 7 : Body Modification on Visual Social Media

"Body modification" might be defined as any modification of portions or the entire human body that is exhibited in either individual or collective activities, according to one research (Rolle & Galliot, 2022). Any such change could be called "body modification." This all-encompassing description embraces a wide range of procedures, ranging from tattoos and piercings to more severe changes such as cosmetic surgery or body suspension.

Social media has proven both beneficial and detrimental to body image. Although it enhances consciousness, it also intensifies unattainable ideals of beauty and contributes to unhappiness with one's own body. Consequently, this can result in a rise in decisions regarding bodily modification, however the situation is more complex than merely personal choices. Social media platforms have become omnipresent arenas where individuals partake in self-presentation and consumption of visual content. Consequently, individuals are becoming more frequently exposed to a diverse array of body representations, encompassing both those that conform to traditional ideals of beauty and those that defy them.

The constant influx of images showcasing idealized bodies, often curated and filtered, can create unrealistic expectations and pressures to conform. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among adolescents and young adults, who may be more susceptible to social influences and comparison. Studies have indicated a correlation between heavy social media use and body dissatisfaction, as individuals compare themselves to highly curated images presented on these platforms. Moreover, social media platforms serve as hubs for various communities, including those centered around body modification. These communities can provide support and validation for individuals seeking to express themselves through modifications, but they can also perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and potentially harmful behaviors. The influence of these communities, combined with the pervasive nature of social media, highlights the need for critical media literacy and responsible online behavior.

Children and teenagers make up a significant portion of social media users. As social media becomes more popular, it presents a challenge for young people who may try to imitate what they see on the screen, without considering the potential risks involved in expressing different gender identities (Murphy, 2019). The negative impact is commonly ascribed to the phenomenon of social comparison, which aligns with prevailing sociocultural theories that identify social comparison as the primary mechanism via which media exposure results in body dissatisfaction.

It is crucial to tackle these concerns within the framework of digital citizenship and health education. Disseminating knowledge on critical media literacy, advocating for self-acceptance, and facilitating conversations about cultural diversity and acceptance can effectively reduce the adverse impact of social media on body image and promote responsible conduct in online environments. Furthermore, placing strong emphasis on the significance of obtaining informed permission and delivering precise information regarding the potential hazards linked to body modification can empower individuals to make well-educated choices regarding their bodies.

References

MURPHY, T. F. 2019. Adolescents and body modification for gender identity expression. Medical Law Review, 27, 623-639.

ROLLE, V. & GALLIOT, S. 2022. Body Modification. The International Encyclopedia of Anthropology.

[linhmeee]

WEEK 6: SLOW FASHION AND SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE

While the concept of sustainability is not novel and has been under scrutiny since the 1960s when consumers began showing greater concern for the environmental repercussions of their consumption habits, its significance in the fashion industry is growing (Peattie 1995; McCormick 2001). Despite this increasing focus on sustainability in fashion, the industry remains one of the largest contributors to global pollution (BSR 2012).

Slow fashion is a movement and approach to fashion that emphasizes mindful and sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle of clothing, from design and production to consumption and disposal. It encourages consumers to buy fewer, higher-quality items that are ethically produced and made to last, thus reducing the environmental impact of fashion consumption.

Social media influencers have emerged as a significant force in the fashion world, impacting even the burgeoning slow fashion movement. Their reach allows them to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of fast fashion on the environment and society, while simultaneously promoting the values of slow fashion: quality, sustainability, and ethical production. They hold the potential to be powerful changemakers within the slow fashion movement. By educating, inspiring, and advocating for change through their platforms, key opinion leaders can contribute significantly to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

Influencers can share their own experiences with slow fashion, like shopping vintage, supporting sustainable brands, and learning garment repair. This personal approach can motivate their followers to embrace similar practices. Influencers can create content that delves into the slow fashion movement, highlighting the issues with fast fashion and the advantages of sustainable choices. This educational content can take various forms, including blog posts, videos, or infographics.

One primary issue raised from slow fashion movements is called “Greenwashing”. Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of presenting a company, product, or service as environmentally friendly or sustainable when it is not. It involves misleading or false claims about the environmental benefits of a product or company's practices, intended to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Greenwashing can take various forms, such as using vague or misleading language, exaggerating the environmental benefits of a product, or diverting attention away from harmful practices by highlighting minor environmentally friendly initiatives.

To address this, transparency regarding partnerships is essential, with influencers prioritizing collaborations with genuinely sustainable brands. Additionally, promoting transparency in these partnerships can help build trust with their audience. Another concern is the potential for mindful consumption to be overshadowed by the allure of slow fashion. Even within the slow fashion movement, overconsumption can still occur if not approached consciously. Influencers must be mindful of this and refrain from promoting excessive shopping behaviors, instead advocating for thoughtful purchasing habits. Furthermore, accessibility remains a significant challenge, as slow fashion often comes with a higher price tag compared to fast fashion alternatives. To mitigate this exclusionary aspect, influencers should actively highlight affordable slow fashion options, making sustainability more accessible to diverse demographics.

References

BSR 2012, At the Forefront of a Slow-Moving Shift, October.

McCormick, J 2001, Environmental policy in the European Union, Palgrave, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Peattie, K 1995, Environmental Marketing Management, FT Prenticehall.

[linhmeee]

WEEK 5: DIGITAL COMMUNITIES AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

Political engagement serves diverse purposes, encompassing citizen involvement in decision-making, the development of individual political efficacy, mobilization of community groups, and the fundamental reshaping of societal and political values. Various political parties, such as democracy and republicanism, embody distinct ideologies, working towards different societal principles. Advocates argue that robust political engagement is vital for the health of democratic institutions and the enrichment of civil society associations.

Despite the common objective of political engagement in both traditional and digital communities, disparities exist between the two. Traditional engagement traditionally involved joining political organizations and participating in advocacy campaigns, serving as a means to connect citizens with the state. However, contemporary engagement has shifted towards individualized participation, with citizens employing various methods such as offline and online petitioning, monetary donations, volunteering, and consumer actions like boycotting or buycotting based on political concerns. While political organizations and advocacy campaigns remain important for citizen-state connections, their forms and functions have evolved significantly in response to the changing dynamics of political engagement.

Many individuals now utilize digital mechanisms in their daily lives to participate in politics and express their viewpoints. This shift is attributed to the emergence and integration of Social Media, which has significantly transformed political engagement. Social media platforms have become crucial arenas for civic and political involvement, serving as essential tools in electoral campaigns, protest activities, and the establishment of voluntary groups. They contribute to shaping and promoting inclusive civic behavior, especially among younger and previously disengaged demographics.

However, Social Media also serve as conduits for the dissemination of propaganda and misinformation, contributing to the escalating polarization witnessed in Western societies. These platforms play a substantial role in both mobilizing and demobilizing individuals. With diverse features and methods for content distribution, Social Media platforms allow the sharing of text, images, and audio-visual material that can influence and encourage people to participate in political activities.

Platformed interactions offers an efficient avenue for activating voters, engaging in discussions with constituents, and sharing political information and perspectives. Social media platforms also present opportunities for fundraising, enhancing the overall efficiency of political campaigns, with potential impacts on election outcomes (Nelimarkka et al., 2020). Researchers have specifically delved into the ways social media services facilitate interaction between political candidates and their constituents.

A crucial concept for comprehending the role of social media in politics is affordances. Affordances within communication and social media refer to the potential actions enabled by a communication medium or social platform for its users. These extend beyond mere features, representing the interaction possibilities arising from the platform's design and functionalities.

The role of affordances is pivotal in influencing how users engage with content, and well-crafted affordances contribute to a smoother and more intuitive user experience. In the context of social media, these affordances are widely acknowledged for promoting interactivity (Jenkins 2006) and encouraging self-expressive participation and collaboration (Östman 2012: 1016; Theocharis 2015). While creating an exhaustive list of social media affordances may be extensive, subject to debate, and susceptible to rapid obsolescence, existing research emphasizes that numerous social media platforms share certain overarching affordances that have relevance to political interactions (Bossetta 2018).

It is crucial to recognize that the common affordances shared among platforms are responsible for the general similarities in the social and political impacts of social media usage. However, the distinctions in the affordances of platforms are just as significant as the similarities.

In conclusion, Twitter and Facebook diverge in their network structures, the cultivation of social capital, approaches to information consumption and dissemination, and even in the orientation of their user base towards public affairs. Research indicates that variations in such affordances can lead to diverse political implications. For instance, compared to Facebook, Twitter users engage more in political posting, encounter counter-attitudinal political content more frequently, and are less likely to receive mobilizing messages or political advertising (Vaccari and Valeriani 2021).

REFERENCES

Bossetta, M 2018, ‘The Digital Architectures of Social Media: Comparing Political Campaigning on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat in the 2016 U.S. Election’, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, vol. 95, no. 2, pp. 471–496.

Jenkins, H 2006, Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide, New York University Press, New York, N.Y.

Nelimarkka, M, Laaksonen, S-M, Tuokko, M & Valkonen, T 2020, ‘Platformed Interactions: How Social Media Platforms Relate to Candidate–Constituent Interaction During Finnish 2015 Election Campaigning’, Social Media + Society, vol. 6, no. 2, p. 205630512090385.

Östman, J 2012, ‘Information, expression, participation: How involvement in user- generated content relates to democratic engagement among young people’, New Media & Society, vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 1004–1021.

Theocharis, Y 2015, ‘The Conceptualization of Digitally Networked Participation’, Social Media + Society, vol. 1, no. 2, p. 205630511561014.

[linhmeee]

WEEK4: REALITY SHOW IMPACTS ON SEXUALITY

Reality television may be defined as a category of television shows that depict the way that ordinary people's lives are portrayed. Nowadays, the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions reality television is a show where participants have to handle scenarios that the show director devises (Hill, 2014). Several popular series, including the "Idol" franchise and other popular imports like "Masterchef" and "Who’s the millionaire ?" may be broadly categorized as "reality television."

Various elements, such as attractiveness and gender, play a crucial role in shaping the relationships that viewers establish with television characters (Bandura,1994). Analyzing the portrayals of gender, sex, and dating in television through the lens of Bandura's social cognitive theory of mass communication suggests that viewers might learn and model behaviors based on these representations. This becomes particularly noteworthy in the realm of reality television, given the perceived realism of the content, where the "main characters" are not actors but real individuals. While the examination of modeling in relation to the realism of shows has not been explored in this specific context, existing research in the domain of violence indicates that realistic depictions tend to carry a higher risk of imitation compared to non-realistic portrayals, as demonstrated in numerous studies on violence literature (Feshbach, 1971; Paik & Comstock, 1994).

The majority of research on mediated portrayals of gender has predominantly concentrated on various aspects of how women are presented. However, there is a significant gap in quantitative research when it comes to the portrayal of male characters on television. The limited research available suggests that one prevalent stereotype in the depiction of males across various program types is the "macho" male, often characterized as hypermasculine (Scharrer, 2001). Hypermasculine characters are portrayed as excessively manly, emphasizing traits such as exaggerated muscularity, a proclivity for physical aggression, a pursuit of adventure, a focus on women and sexual pursuits, and a deliberate avoidance of qualities associated with femininity, such as displaying fears, compassion, and sensitivity. In this context, traits linked to femininity are viewed as inferior, forming a central aspect of the concept of hypermasculinity.

Concerns about stereotypical representations of men have been gaining attention among media scholars, prompting research in this area. In a content analysis led by Scharrer, male characters in detective and police dramas spanning the 1970s to the 1990s were examined for their levels of hypermasculinity and antisocial behaviors (Scharrer, 2001). The analysis revealed significant associations among all male characters, linking physical aggression, antisocial behaviors, and hypermasculinity. These findings indicate a correlation between aggression, criminal tendencies, and hypermasculinity, regardless of whether the characters were portrayed as "good guys" or "bad guys."

Moreover, characters categorized as "bad guys" exhibited more calloused attitudes toward women, sex, and the pursuit of excitement and thrill. Another noteworthy correlation was identified between aggression and the pursuit of excitement and thrill, as well as the display of toughness through self-control over emotions by male characters characterized as "good guys" (Scharrer, 2001). This research sheds light on the complex interplay between hypermasculinity, aggression, and varied character portrayals in detective and police dramas, challenging traditional norms and prompting further examination of the implications of these representations.

The RuPaul's Drag Race (RPDR) show, focused on the LGBTQ community, has played a pivotal role in making drag queens and drag culture more accessible to both American and international audiences.

RPDR's impact extends beyond mere accessibility, contributing significantly to the elevation of drag culture. Traditionally associated with the periphery of the homosexual bar and club scene, the show has propelled drag into the mainstream of reality television. Additionally, RPDR has played a role in reshaping the public perception of drag, transforming it from a subculture into a recognized art form and a legitimate career option (Brennan & Gudelunas, 2017). The show's influence has not only expanded the audience's understanding of drag but has also contributed to the cultural acceptance and celebration of this vibrant and artistic expression within the LGBTQ community.

REFERENCES

Brennan, N & Gudelunas, D (eds) 2017, RuPaul’s Drag Race and the Shifting Visibility of Drag Culture, Springer International Publishing, Cham.

HILL, A. 2014. Reality tv, Routledge.

Bandura.A.(1994). Social cognitive theory of mass communication. In J. Bryant & D. Zillmann (Eds.), MediaEffects: Advances in Theory and Research, (pp.61-90) Hillsdale. NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Feshbach, S. & Singer, R. (1971). Television and Aggression. San Francisco: JosseyBass.

Paik, H. & Comstock, G. (1994). The effects of television violence on anti-social behavior: Ameta-analysis. Communication Research, 21. 516-546.

Scharrer, E. (2001). Men, muscles, and machismo: the relationship between television violence exposure and aggression and hostility in the presence of hypermasculinity, Media Psychology, 3(2), 159-188.

Scharrer.E.(2001). Tough guys: the portrayal of hypermasculinity and aggression televised police dramas. Journal of Broadcasting & ElectronicMedia, 45(4), 615635.

[linhmeee]

WEEK 3: HOW TUMBLR IS USED BY DISENGAGED AND UNDERPRIVELEGED GROUPS?

Direct comparisons between Tumblr, Reddit, and Instagram may be difficult because each platform has an own user base and set of features. Based on the data at my disposal, Instagram has a greater user base than Tumblr and Reddit. But every platform has a particular function and supports various kinds of interactions and information. Tumblr is renowned for emphasizing creative expression and blogging.

The site is useful for communication study because it provides a large amount of room for users to add textual context to the selfies they submit. Hashtags are widely used to create communities, and shared blogs may be handled collaboratively with others (Renninger, 2015). The visibility of posts within these hashtags is independent of the number of followers, the user’s usual participation within the community, or the number of reactions to the post, thus allowing for a wider range of voices to be heard (Renninger, 2015). Users have the opportunity to like, comment, or reblog content to interact with the post and its creator. These interactions are summarized in a single notes number. Tumblr prevents trolling and bad replies by concealing the more detailed reactions below the summary (Cavalcante, 2018).

Tumblr, which was founded as a hybrid of social networking sites and conventional weblogs, creates the foundation for a vibrant and varied feminist community. Conversely, women who share sexually suggestive photographs on social media sites like Facebook or Instagram typically face backlash and become targets of victimization and "slut-shaming" (Miguel, 2016). Tumblr distinguished itself from these platforms until its policy change in 2018 due to its acceptance of NSFW (Not Safe for Work) content (Renninger, 2015; Tiidenberg & Cruz, 2015). Therefore, in light of earlier studies highlighting the drawbacks and hazards, the general concept of #bodypositive—creating diverse feminist spaces that enable women to discover their own beauty—had a lot of promise on Tumblr until 2018 (Cohen et al., 2019; Maddox, 2019; Sastre, 2014). Furthermore, Tumblr was seen as a platform for "emotional authenticity" and was utilized to create counterpublic spaces for progressive and underprivileged groups (Hart, 2015; Cavalcante, 2018).

Tumblr's role in activism and awareness cannot be overstated. Underprivileged groups leverage the platform to raise awareness about social issues, disseminate information, and mobilize support for various causes. It serves as a powerful tool for grassroots activism, enabling connections among like-minded individuals passionate about creating change. The visual nature of Tumblr makes it an ideal platform for artistic expression. Individuals from disengaged or underprivileged backgrounds can showcase their creative talents, whether through illustrations, photography, or writing. This not only provides an outlet for expression but also offers an opportunity for recognition within the community.

Identity exploration is another vital aspect, with users openly discussing and affirming their identities, including aspects related to gender, sexuality, and race. For marginalized groups, Tumblr becomes a space for self-discovery and acceptance, fostering conversations that may be stigmatized in mainstream society.

References

Cavalcante, A 2018, ‘Tumbling Into Queer Utopias and Vortexes: Experiences of LGBTQ Social Media Users on Tumblr’, Journal of Homosexuality, vol. 66, no. 12, pp. 1715–1735.

Cohen, R, Irwin, L, Newton-John, T & Slater, A 2019, ‘#bodypositivity: A content analysis of body positive accounts on Instagram’, Body Image, vol. 29, no. 29, pp. 47–57.

Hart, M 2015, ‘Youth Intimacy on Tumblr’, YOUNG, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 193–208.

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 - CSCW Companion ’14.

Maddox, J 2019, ‘“Be a badass with a good ass”: race, freakery, and postfeminism in the #StrongIsTheNewSkinny beauty myth’, Feminist Media Studies, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 1–22.

Miguel, C 2016, ‘Visual Intimacy on Social Media: From Selfies to the Co-Construction of Intimacies Through Shared Pictures’, Social Media + Society, vol. 2, no. 2, p. 205630511664170.

Renninger, BJ 2014, ‘“Where I can be myself … where I can speak my mind” : Networked counterpublics in a polymedia environment’, New Media & Society, vol. 17, no. 9, pp. 1513–1529.

Sastre, A 2014, ‘Towards a Radical Body Positive’, Feminist Media Studies, vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 929–943.

Tiidenberg, K & Gómez Cruz, E 2015, ‘Selfies, Image and the Re-making of the Body’, Body & Society, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 77–102.