Categories
Identity in Communities and Networks

Cyberhate, Stereotypes, and Social Media: Exploring Instagram’s Role in Reinforcing Harmful Gender Identity Norms

Many early Web 2.0 scholars held high hopes for Instagram. Unlike the rigid perceptions of gender reinforced through traditional media, social network sites (SNS) were heralded as a space where harmful gender norms could be challenged, dismantled, and eradicated. However, cultural and institutional filters embedded within Instagram communities are having quite the opposite effect, instead reinforcing and reproducing existing hegemonic gender stereotypes, inhibiting the formation of group and individual identities that fall outside of existing gender norms, mirroring offline inequalities, and slowing the progress of fourth wave feminism. Read more [...]
Categories
Communities and Web 2.0

Grindr and Gay Identity

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe how the LGBT community have embraced social networking and how for all the benefits that the community have gained, they still continue to challenge heterosexual norms. The introduction of Web 2.0 and the spread of social networking has enabled the LGBT community to flourish in a space that they have taken full advantage of. Dating apps such as Grindr have enabled the already strong community bonds within the LGBT community to be strengthened, Read more [...]
Categories
Identity in Communities and Networks

Young women, Instagram and creating identity

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand how young women create their identities in relation to others in online environments. I will argue that young women shape their identities in regard to the sociological influences created by others, peers and audiences alike, through the performing of their identity and the impression that they control and monitor of these displays of identity. I will discuss this using Goffman’s work on performance identity and impression management in relation Read more [...]
Categories
Identity in Communities and Networks

You no longer need to go to Europe to “find yourself”: Youth and forming identity using social media communities

Downloadable PDF of this paper hereDownload ABSTRACT The rise and popularity of social media platforms has become a significant part of young adults’ social and emotional development. These social media networks (SNS) provide adolescents with new opportunities to perform, practice, and explore diverse individual identity expressions online. All while forming influential and supportive connections within these virtual communities. This paper defines a social media Read more [...]
Categories
Identity in Communities and Networks

Wokeness: Performing an identity on Twitter

ABSTRACT

Online activism is an important part of modern-day activism. However, many people in activist circles on Twitter perform wokeness to gain social currency. By looking at the Black Lives Matter and fourth-wave feminist movements, as well as the 2018 plastic straw debates, I look at how Twitter users fall into the trap of focusing on the performative aspects of activism to gain social currency or relevance.

Read more [...]
Categories
Identity in Communities and Networks

Philanthropic organisations and the health system: exploring trust & authenticity in the McGrath Foundation

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the value of health philanthropy in Australia and the use of social media to instill trustworthiness and authenticity in the public persona of a philanthropic organisation’s figure head. This paper takes the position that once trustworthiness and authenticity has been established, it needs to be maintained by building brand identity and forming enduring, meaningful relationships with donor communities. Taking the McGrath Foundation as a case Read more [...]
Categories
Identity in Communities and Networks

Identity Wars: How the self-presentation of vegan YouTube influencers impacts viewers and the vegan movement.

Abstract Social networking sites have helped improve the way people express themselves and find their identity. They can also be a place for people to join communities, collaborate and promote activist movements such as the vegan movement. Identity among vegan YouTube influencers is very important as there seems to be a fight for status to always be noticed. One of the more popular types of veganism on YouTube is dietary veganism, with influencers focusing on body image and food choices rather Read more [...]