naomicindy

[naomicindy]

‘The Dual Nature of Online Fandom: Why It’s the Best and Worst Place to Be’

By: naomicindy

If you’ve ever been in an online fandom, you already know: it’s a wild ride. One moment, you’re laughing over memes and bonding with strangers who feel like instant besties, and the next, you’re dodging heated debates that make you question humanity. Fandoms are so much more than just liking a celebrity, show, or game—they’re full-on communities. But let’s be real: they’re not perfect. Online fandoms have this dual personality thing going on, and it’s fascinating. They’re uplifting and creative but also sometimes toxic and stressful. 

First off, fandoms are all about connection. There’s something magical about realising other people are just as obsessed with your favorite K-pop group, anime, or book series as you are. According to Team MindPeers (2023), humans have an inherent desire to belong, and fandoms meet this need uniquely. You know that feeling when you meet people who love the same stuff as you? That’s what fandoms are all about—they make you feel like you’re part of something bigger. Whether it’s a band, a movie, or a video game, it’s not just a hobby anymore; it’s part of who you are. You connect over inside jokes, favorite characters, and all the feels. It’s like finding your own little family online, where everyone just gets it. Like, when you find your fandom, it’s like shouting into the void, “Does anyone else feel this way?!” and the void shouts back, “YES, WE DO!” Fandoms can make you feel so seen. You can be from completely different parts of the world, but the shared love for something creates this instant bond (Lee & Tak, 2019). I mean, where else would you find someone who gets why you cried for two days straight over a fictional character’s death? 

One of the coolest things about joining a fandom is seeing just how creative people can get. Fandoms are full of artists—whether it’s fanfiction, fan art, cosplays, remixes, or edits. Sometimes, the fan-made stuff is so amazing it feels like it could rival the original. It’s a space where creativity runs wild, and you get to share a side of yourself you might usually hide. The best part? No one judges—they cheer you on and push you to dream even bigger.

But then… there’s the dark side. Drama within fandoms is nearly unavoidable. It might feel as if everyone is banding together around a common interest one moment and then ripping each other apart over most random things in the next second. In K-pop fandoms, peace is a rare commodity, especially when rivalries flare up between fans of different groups. One memorable instance (for me) was the 2015 clash between EXO-Ls (EXO fans) and VIPs (BIGBANG fans) (Koreaboo, 2018). What began as a friendly competition took a sharp turn when EXO’s Love Me Right and BIGBANG’s Loser went head-to-head on M! Countdown and Inkigayo. Allegations of bias and cheating erupted, with fans accusing Mnet of favoring one group over the other. Mnet later clarified that unauthorized access had affected vote tallies:

“The page was closed, but someone gained access through some kind of negative method. Because of this, voting reopened, causing confusion. Only the tallied data up to 9 PM was reflected in the final scores.” -- Mnet

Despite their statement, tensions continued to grow, making this one of the most talked-about fandom "wars" of its time. The argument lasted until one EXO fan uploaded a video of herself burning a photo of BIGBANG's Taeyang while EXO's "Mama" played in the background. Other EXO-Ls were startled by the tweet and condemned her actions.

And if you think these battles only happen between different fandoms, here’s something even more surprising—and a bit terrifying. Fights can break out within the same fandom, often fueled by differing opinions, biases, or intense loyalty to certain members. Let’s talk about gatekeeping for a second. You’d think fandoms would be super welcoming—“Yay, more people love this thing I love!”—but nope. Some fans decide they’re the “real fans” and anyone who doesn’t meet their standards is a fake. Didn’t stream the album 100 times in one day? You might get side-eyed. Didn’t buy the latest album? Fake fans. It’s exhausting and honestly kind of sad. Like, why can’t we all just vibe?

Online fandoms are a strange combination of wonderful and chaotic, but that's what makes them so fascinating. They're about more than simply enjoying a performance, music, or game; they're about how we connect as humans in the digital age. Sure, there is drama, but there is also a lot of creativity, happiness, and community.

At the end of the day, fandoms remind us of one thing: we're all simply seeking something to bond over. And, whether it's by sharing fan art, arguing ideas, or organising a charity drive, fandoms demonstrate the greatest (and occasionally worst) aspects of what it means to belong.

Koreaboo. (2018, December 20). 6 biggest fanwars in K-pop history that we’re thankful are in the past. https://www.koreaboo.com/lists/kpop-history-remember-biggest-fanwars/  Lee, S. H., & Tak, J. Y. (2019, October). (PDF) fandom, social media, and identity work: The emergence of virtual community through the pronoun “we.” Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336860809_Fandom_social_media_and_identity_work_The_emergence_of_virtual_community_through_the_pronoun_we  Team MindPeers. (2023, August 3). Behind the screens: Unraveling the psychology behind fandoms. Blog. https://blog.mindpeers.co/behind-the-screens-unraveling-the-psychology-behind-fandoms#:~:text=Engaging%20with%20a%20fandom%20provides,interests%20and%20share%20their%20enthusiasm. 

[naomicindy]

'Social Media Activism: Connecting or Dividing Us?'

By: naomicindy

Have you ever been scrolling through Instagram or X and stumbled upon a post that makes you stop and think? Maybe it’s a hashtag campaign, a call to action, or even a simple story about someone standing up for what they believe in. Social media has totally redefined how we talk about the things that matter, turning everyday users like us into activists—sometimes without even realizing it. Platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok have become the go-to places for activism and protest, whether it’s amplifying global movements or sparking heated debates about politics (Kaphle, 2023). But as exciting as this all sounds, there’s a lot more to social media activism than just sharing posts. From its power to connect people worldwide to the struggles with misinformation and online debates that will affect the real world, there’s a deeper story to explore.

First, let’s talk about why social media is such a big deal for activism. It’s not just about going viral (although, let’s be real, that helps). It’s about giving everyone a voice, no matter who they are or where they’re from. These platforms are basically megaphones for our generation—they take an idea from one person and turn it into a global conversation. Remember the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge back in 2014? It was literally everywhere. You couldn’t open Facebook without seeing someone pour ice water over their head, calling out their friends to do the same. The idea was simple: raise awareness and money for ALS research, and it worked—big time. In just six weeks, the challenge raised $115 million and helped fund research breakthroughs for ALS treatment.

But let’s bring it closer to home. Recently, I’ve been scrolling through posts from Malaysian news outlets like NST and The Star Online, and wow, the comment sections are a goldmine of public opinion—good and bad. NST’s posts about McDonald’s filing a defamation lawsuit against the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. For context, BDS is a global campaign pushing for economic and political pressure on Israel to address Palestinian rights. The comment section here was anything but chill. One commenter brought up religious concerns, while another pointed out the impact of McDonald’s on local jobs. The conversation quickly shifted to how boycotts could hurt Malaysians working at these companies, especially those supporting families. In another post, NST reported on the Malaysian public’s general stance on boycotts. Again, the comment section was a war zone. Some people felt strongly about their faith providing all they need, while others argued for a more humanitarian approach, focusing on the real-world consequences for everyday Malaysians. Social media makes activism accessible. You don’t need to be a politician or a celebrity to make a difference. You can post a TikTok, join a Twitter thread, or even just hit “share” on a post that resonates with you. Suddenly, your voice is part of a much larger movement.

Social media activism is a double-edged sword (Nat, 2024). It connects people, raises awareness, and even drives real-world change—like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge or global climate strikes. But it also has the potential to divide us, as seen in the boycotts and humanitarian debates in Malaysia. This is where digital citizenship comes in. It’s not enough to just post about a cause or share a hashtag—you’ve got to know what you’re supporting and why (Grossel, 2020). That means fact-checking before you hit “share” and thinking critically about the content you see.

So, how can we make sure we’re using social media in a way that actually helps? Here are a few things I’ve learned (How to use social media in positive way 2023):

Educate Yourself First Before jumping on a trend, take the time to research. Why does this issue matter? Who does it affect? The more you know, the more impactful your activism will be.

Engage, Don’t Just Share Comment, start a discussion, or even create your own content. Social media is a two-way street, and the more you engage, the more you’ll learn (and teach others).

Be Open to Different Views It’s easy to stay in our little bubbles online, but stepping out of them can help us understand the bigger picture. Listen to people with different perspectives—it’s uncomfortable but necessary.

Support Offline Actions Social media is a great starting point, but real change often happens offline. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or attending events, take your activism beyond the screen.

At the end of the day, social media is just a tool—it’s how we use it that matters. We can let it divide us, or we can use it to bring people together and spark meaningful change. So, what do you think? Is social media activism bringing us closer or driving us further apart? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

Grossel, S. (2020, October 6). Your guide to being a good digital citizen. Temple Now | news.temple.edu. https://news.temple.edu/nutshell/2020-10-06/digital-citizenship-0  How to use social media in positive way. Go to Ulster University. (2023, April 14). https://qa.ulster.ac.uk/blog/how-to-use-social-media-in-positive-way/  Kaphle, A. (2023, October 23). The politic. The Politic. https://thepolitic.org/article/social-media-for-social-change-how-activism-is-impacted-by-instagram-twitter-and-tiktok  Nat, B. (2024, March 15). Social Media & Activism: The double-edged sword. Algonquin College Social Media Certificate Program. https://algonquincollegesocialmedia.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/social-media-activism-the-double-edged-sword/ 

[naomicindy]

'Role of Social Media in Public Health Campaigns.'

By: naomicindy

Social media isn’t just for selfies, memes, or sliding into DMs anymore—it has become a game-changer for public health communication.

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X have shifted from being places for personal interaction to becoming tools for sharing vital health information and rallying communities into action. I mean, if you lived through the COVID-19 pandemic, you know how much these platforms became lifelines for staying updated and feeling connected. But, of course, it’s not all sunshine and life-saving hashtags—there’s a darker side to using social media for health, like misinformation spreading faster than a viral dance trend and big questions about privacy.

Let’s start with the good stuff—social media’s power to inspire action on a massive scale. Remember the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge back in 2014? It was one of the first moments we all realized just how big these platforms could be for public health campaigns. People everywhere were dumping freezing water on themselves, tagging their friends, and donating to ALS research. It wasn’t just a trend; it raised $115 million in six weeks and put ALS (a disease a lot of people hadn’t even heard of before) on the map (Camero, 2023). It’s wild to think a simple idea could go viral like that and bring in both awareness and funding. Social media literally turned a grassroots campaign into a global movement.

Fast forward to COVID-19, and social media took on a whole new level of importance. When everything felt chaotic, platforms became essential for sharing updates, and keeping people in the loop. Apps like Malaysia’s MySejahtera were lifesavers, tracking infections, vaccination records, and safety guidelines all in one place. They showed how tech could help streamline public health efforts and reach people wherever they were. Plus, health organizations could use social media to speak directly to the public and adjust their messages in real time (Suarez-Lledo & Alvarez-Galvez, 2021). And let’s not forget all those TikTok dances teaching us how to wash our hands properly. Who knew hygiene could go viral in more ways than one?

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted some major issues with using social media for health communication. Misinformation spread like wildfire. Seriously, there were wild claims about fake cures, exaggerated vaccine side effects, and straight-up conspiracy theories. It’s scary because this stuff wasn’t just annoying—it caused real harm by making people hesitant to get vaccinated or follow safety measures. Platforms tried to fight back with fact-checking and flagging false content, but it felt like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Honestly, we need more proactive strategies to tackle this, like better education on spotting fake news and partnerships between health authorities and social media companies (Tan, 2022).

Then there’s the issue of privacy. Like, we all kind of know social media collects our data, but when it comes to health apps like MySejahtera, it gets way more personal. These apps helped so much during the pandemic, but they also collected tons of sensitive health info. And that raises big questions: How is this data being stored? Who has access to it? Could it be misused? It’s a little scary to think about. If public health campaigns want to keep people’s trust, they need to get real about data transparency and security (Akinsanmi & Salami, 2021). Nobody wants their health data floating around in the wrong hands.

Looking ahead, the future of public health communication is definitely going to lean even more on digital strategies—and honestly, that’s kind of exciting. Social media influencers, for example, have so much potential to make health campaigns more relatable and effective. Think about it: if your fave content creator talks about mental health or promotes a campaign like “R U OK?” it hits differently than a random ad or government PSA. You trust them. You listen. That’s the magic of influencers—they connect on a personal level.

Visual storytelling is another area where social media shines (Varicak, 2023). Infographics, TikToks, and Instagram Reels are perfect for breaking down complicated health info into bite-sized, shareable pieces. And let’s be real, we’re all more likely to engage with a cool animation or quick how-to video than a wall of text. Public health campaigns can totally tap into this, using these tools to get their messages across in a way that feels modern and engaging.

But with great power comes great responsibility (shoutout to Uncle Ben for that wisdom). Social media’s potential is massive, but so are the risks. Public health leaders need to focus on three big priorities: fighting misinformation, protecting user privacy, and making sure everyone has access to digital tools, no matter their background or circumstances. It’s a lot, but the lessons we’ve learned—from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to the pandemic—can help guide the way.

In the end, social media has completely transformed how we talk about and tackle public health issues. It can connect people, amplify campaigns, and inspire real change. But to use it responsibly, we’ve got to address the challenges head-on. If we can figure out how to balance the opportunities and risks, social media can keep building healthier, more informed communities around the world. And honestly? That’s a future I’m excited to see.

Akinsanmi, T., & Salami, A. (2021). Evaluating the trade-off between privacy, public health safety, and digital security in a pandemic. Data & Policy, 3, e27. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/data-and-policy/article/evaluating-the-tradeoff-between-privacy-public-health-safety-and-digital-security-in-a-pandemic/3659C28712DE31B743266935ECF4615C Camero, K. (2023, June 21). How the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge made a lasting impact. National Geographic . https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/als-ice-bucket-challenge-research-impact  Suarez-Lledo, V., & Alvarez-Galvez, J. (2021). Prevalence of health misinformation on social media: systematic review. Journal of medical Internet research, 23(1), e17187. https://www.jmir.org/2021/1/e17187/ Tan, C. (2022). The curious case of regulating false news on Google. Computer Law & Security Review, 46, 105738. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0267364922000814 Varicak, S. (2023, May 29). The power of visual storytelling in social media ads. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-visual-storytelling-social-media-ads-stefan-varicak/ 

[naomicindy]

 ‘Is blogging still relevant in the age of TikToks and Instagram?’

By: naomicindy

Blogging used to be the thing back in the day. Remember those early 2000s vibes? A person with a quirky blog could be the coolest internet celeb. But now, with TikTok and Instagram dominating our screens, you might wonder—does blogging even matter anymore? Or is it just this outdated, long-winded thing nobody has time for? Honestly, it’s not as simple as “blogging is dead.” The truth is, blogging has evolved—and it’s still holding its ground in ways that TikTok and Instagram can’t always match.

Okay, sure, TikTok and Instagram are unbeatable when it comes to grabbing attention fast. I mean, who isn’t glued to their screen scrolling through Reels or laughing at some random TikTok trend? They’re quick, colorful, and honestly kind of addictive. But here’s the thing—when you need actual depth, like more than 15 seconds of dancing or a cute outfit inspo clip, you’re not going to find that on TikTok or Instagram. Blogs, though? They give you space to dig deeper, tell real stories, and share insights without a time crunch (Clover, 2024). They’re like the cozy library of the internet—always there when you need them.

Take fashion, for example. Fashion blogging was huge before influencers started popping off on Instagram. It wasn’t just about posting cute outfits—it was a whole vibe of storytelling, trend predictions, and personal branding (Suwaidi, 2016). And instead of disappearing, blogging evolved into something more business-y, with bloggers turning their sites into full-blown careers. I read about this study by Pedroni (2023) that said fashion blogging adapted to the rise of Instagram and TikTok, proving it’s not stuck in the past but rolling with the times.

What’s cool about blogs is how flexible they are. They can be your go-to for in-depth guides, tutorials, or opinion pieces. Like, think about it—have you ever seen a 15-second TikTok really explain how to build something or go into the details of why a trend works? TikToks and Reels might give you a quick “wow” moment, but if you’re genuinely interested, you’ll probably end up Googling for more info—and guess where you’ll land? A blog. Blogs and short-form content can totally complement each other this way. Imagine watching a TikTok on how to upcycle old clothes and then clicking a link to read the full DIY steps on a blog. Perfect match.

Also, blogs offer something social media can’t always guarantee: control. On TikTok or Instagram, you’re at the mercy of algorithms. One day your content is popping, and the next, it’s ghosted—like, what happened, girl? Blogs don’t have that problem. They’re your space to shine, with no algorithm randomly deciding if your post deserves to be seen. Plus, owning your blog feels like building your personal empire—it’s yours. It’s not just some rented corner on social media.

That said, I get why some people think blogs aren’t “cool” anymore. Like, who has time to sit and read long posts when you can get bite-sized entertainment in seconds? Attention spans are getting shorter, and younger audiences are all about that quick, fun content. But here’s the twist: blogs are adapting too. They’re not just walls of text anymore. Think embedded videos, clickable infographics, photo galleries, and even interactive polls. It’s not about competing with TikTok—it’s about finding ways to work alongside it.

This is where hybrid content strategies come in. Let’s say you’re a creator with a blog. You could use TikTok to post snappy, catchy videos to grab people’s attention and then guide them to your blog for the full story. It’s like giving your audience the best of both worlds. Studies like one by Haenlein et al. (2020) show that cross-platform strategies are actually super effective for keeping your content relevant across different types of audiences.

And let’s not forget how blogs build credibility. Anyone can pop off with a viral TikTok, but blogs let you prove you know your stuff. Want to be taken seriously in your niche? A blog is like your personal portfolio. It shows you’re dedicated enough to create something lasting, not just chasing the next trend. I’ve seen creators use blogs to land brand partnerships and build legit careers, which feels a lot more stable than relying solely on social media hype (Nguyen, 2023).

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Blogging isn’t easy, and it’s definitely not as fast-paced as TikTok or Instagram. It takes time to write posts, make them visually appealing, and keep your readers interested. And let’s be real—getting people to read blogs can feel like an uphill battle when everyone’s distracted by shorter content. But the key is knowing how to balance both. It’s not about “blogging vs. TikTok.” It’s about using each platform for what it’s best at and letting them support each other.

So yeah, TikTok and Instagram might be the stars of the moment, but blogging isn’t going anywhere. It’s still a unique, valuable tool for creators who want to go deeper, share their expertise, or simply have a digital space they truly own. And when blogs and social media team up? That’s when the magic happens. Blogging isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, just in a way that makes sense for today’s digital world.

Bleier, A., Fossen, B. L., & Shapira, M. (2024, September). On the role of social media platforms in the creator economy. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 41(3), 411-426. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167811624000545

Clover, P. (2024, September 24). Do people still read blogs? what you must know in 2024. Polly Clover Writes. https://www.pollycloverwrites.com/blog/do-people-still-read-blogs 

Haenlein, M., Anadol, E., Farnsworth, T., Hugo, H., Hunichen, J., & Welte, D. (2020, November). Navigating the new era of influencer marketing: How to be successful on Instagram, TikTok, & Co. California management review, 63(1), 5-25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346208319_Navigating_the_New_Era_of_Influencer_Marketing_How_to_be_Successful_on_Instagram_TikTok_Co

Nguyen, E. (2023, October 19). Are influencer partnerships the inevitable future of business?. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20231013-are-influencer-partnerships-the-inevitable-future-of-business 

Pedroni, M. (2022, January). Two decades of fashion blogging and influencing: A critical overview. Fashion Theory, 27(2), 237-268. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357622594_Two_Decades_of_Fashion_Blogging_and_Influencing_A_Critical_Overview

Suwaidi, R. A. (2016, April 26). Sail Magazine. Sail Magazine - Community, Culture, Creativity. https://sailemagazine.com/2016/04/growth-and-ascent-of-fashion-bloggers/ 

[naomicindy]

Hello, everyone. My name is Cindy. It's fantastic to meet everyone! I am in my final year, semester one, majoring in Business Marketing.

I am based in Kuching. I currently work as a freelance photographer. I've had this interest since high school. I enjoy watching vlogs, particularly those from China and Korea, for inspirationtime during my free.

I chose MDA as my minor unit to learn more about media. After graduating, I plan to apply everything I've learnt in school to start my own photography business.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. If you're interested in portrait shooting or want to make new friends, feel free to talk to me!