Online Networks and Social Change

TikTok has dramatically changed the way in which advertisers promote their products and services, although it might not be the most ethical and honest form of advertising

Consumers are now more than ever in control of what they consume. They choose who they listen to, what they watch and especially who they trust. Over the past decade there has been a major change in the way in which advertisers reach their audiences. Previously, advertisers would look to mass marketing campaigns such as TV, radio or newspapers, whereas nowadays they are looking at ways in which they can best make use of digital advertising space to find customers, or have customers find them, but, Read more […]

Identity and Online Advocacy

Lack of LGTBQ+ Recognition in Domestic Online Domestic Violence Advocacy

Abstract: Victims of domestic violence are not just found in cis heterosexual relationships, it is an issue that society needs to address as it is a problem for many people in a variety of queer and straight relationships. Social platform forms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram is a foundation for victims to share stories and be a part of community that can help them. However, in this paper I discuss the lack of LGTBQ+ experiences found in big online advocacies such as White Ribbon Australia, Read more […]

Identity and Online Advocacy

How can you always Identify the Vegan in the room? They’ll tell you.

Social media can be attributed for the massive uptake in veganism, as seen by the prevalence of veganism among millennials who actively engage in social media. Vegan communities on Instagram and other social media construct their online identity as vegans and advocate lifestyle changes using different techniques, yet ethical vegans tend to be viewed as extreme or forceful. This paper discusses the different techniques vegan influencers on social media use to express their own identity based on their motivations for becoming vegan, as well as advocate their lifestyle. It also explores public reception of such techniques.

Communities and Social Media

Businesses in the corner

Communities and Social Media One way to tie together the power that a crowd has is through social media. With social media, one can raise or initiate debates props to local issues with transparency. Here, one provides a conduit that people can use and encourage their civic or community issues. This solution is also applicable in business. Social media gives room for businesses to provide their products or services to a larger crowd. It facilitates businesses in communicating their messages regarding Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Wattpad and the Holy Grail: How Social Media technologies have transformed the role of the reader

Wattpad and the Holy Grail How Social Media technologies have transformed the role of the reader Written by Tegan Gillard for the Social Media, Networks and Communities Conference Introduction In her book, The Digital Literary Sphere, Simone Murray describes the “the holy grail of literary culture” as the intimate one-on-one connection between author and reader (2018, p.?). This connection has been lost since our storytelling evolved from community-based oral traditions to mass Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Social media is positively influencing and changing how people discover and modify their identity by providing platforms to freely express themselves and bring a sense of community.

Abstract Personal identity and forming personalities are important parts of people’s lives. This is especially relevant among younger people when growing up and participating in the world, and social media and online platforms have become one of the biggest places to start forming and exploring identity. These platforms have become a place for many different groups to connect with others and explore themselves and their interests within a safe boundary such as the LGBTQ community and the Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

TikTok social networking device promoting activism amongst young people.

Abstract Young people from all over the world are downloading TikTok on their mobile devices in the hopes to find a creative method of freely expressing themselves and engaging in online activist communities. Through the use of socio-technical features, TikTok has created a Third space for members of youth to form individual identities through communication and collaboration with other users. The purpose of this paper is to further examine how and why TikTok is encouraging teenagers to take part Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Hey Siri, Play ‘Come Together’ by ‘The Beatles’; How Social Media has Helped to Unite People Globally

Gill_20187653_Conference-Paper_A1-FINALDownload This paper explores how contemporary technologies have allowed for and encouraged people to be whole-heartedly themselves, whilst globally uniting people and communities in the process. While acknowledging valid concerns around potential harmful consequences of social media, this study dissects the critical uses of social media in self-expression within online communities. Important discussion of current controversial topics are addressed in relation Read more […]

Online Networks and Social Change

Post-truth. In Colour! Online Networks and the Breakdown of Objective Standards of Truth.

Abstract NET2004-Post-truth.-In-ColourDownload Online networks have had and continue to have an irrefutable impact upon the way humans interact with knowledge and information. The question is raised- how have online networks altered the way society perceives information? Applying a postmodernist lens and using the 2016 US Presidential Election as a case study, this conference paper shall investigate this notion, arguing that social media has actively weakened objective standards of truth, Read more […]

Identity and Online Advocacy

Instagram Influencers and their Complicated Relationship with Fast Fashion – James von Kelaita

Fashion has not always been as readily accessible as it is today, the once exclusive hobby for the rich and talented has now become an interest of many people across all market sectors. The trends set and enjoyed by these fashion leaders have now become highly accessible and affordable to obtain. This democratisation of fashion can be attributed to many factors including the rise of the internet blogger and in recent years, Instagram influencers and their ability to create branding so strong that Read more […]

Online Networks and Social Change

Facebook as a construct of social change and collaboration for activists.

Due to the rapid innovation of social media platforms introduced into the twenty-first century as an invention of the recently developed world wide web or commonly referred to as web 2.0, this form of media convergence acts as a technological breakthrough combining outdated sources of media networks with new foundations of media creating a remediation of interesting and pre-existing content and entertainment (Papacharissi, 2011). Papacharissi (2011; Guidry et al, 2014) state these online social Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Anti-social media: how the rise in social media could be the cause of social isolation among younger generations

Download Abstract: Social media has made a significant change in the way individuals interact with each other and with themselves. The rise in social networking sites including Instagram and Facebook has seen connection and sense of community move online, behind a screen. Consequently, users of young generations are more likely to suffer from addiction-related social isolation, mental health issues including depression and life dissatisfaction causing further isolation, and identity crisis Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

The encouragement in reshaping the identities of the generation z by the lifestyle influencer community on YouTube and Instagram.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to show and explore the different aspect of how the lifestyle influencer community is using social media platform  like YouTube and Instagram to reshape the identity of the generation z  which relate to the topic of communities and social change. Many aspects has been analyzed to better understand how the woman and men are being objectified, how influencers advertise product and services to just be rewarded at the end of the day and how this have an Read more […]

Online Networks and Social Change

Privacy on social platforms are quite at risks nowadays, what are your views?

Assignment-1-Conference-paper-1-_19965046Download Abstract Social media privacy helps individuals to mind their business without interference from the outside world, social media helps to fascinate an identity on the virtual aspect and let you communicate with one another with the helps of the innovative aspect of some outstanding social media of today. However, the breaches may affect the level of privacy to an extent where some of your personal data that is mail and so one can be leaked. Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

#DragThem: The Toxicity and Problematic Art of Cancel Culture

E Hughes – Cancel CultureDownload ABSTRACT In the age of digital media, Twitter has helped individuals find their virtual third place and find people who have similar ideologies and viewpoints, which gives them a community to discuss subjects they are passionate to speak on. These characteristics birthed the phenomenon of cancel culture; this thesis will discuss the toxicity and problematic issues it has encompassed and how it is detrimental to social justice progress. Networked communities Read more […]

Online Networks and Social Change

The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Body Image

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of active engagement on social media platforms such as Instagram and Tumblr, on negative body image association among adolescents. The rise of the internet and social media platforms have resulted in an increasing number of issues related to self-esteem negative body image such as detrimental online trends, eating disorders and dangerous pro anorexia websites. This paper will use Leon Festinger’s social comparison theory to Read more […]

Identity and Online Advocacy

Is social media an effective tool for young adults to expose their authentic self to present themselves?

Social Media, Communities and Networks Download ABSTRACT This paper will argue on whether a person can be authentic and anonymous at the same time. Social media is a platform where each individual connected needs to provide all their ethnic self on their profile. In this paper, it will be shown how important it is for a person to get access to the details that is provided on social media. In the same vein, it will demonstrate how one gets confident to provide details and it will therefore Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Instagram, depression and adolescents. An examination into how these correlate in a positive light.

Abstract This paper will investigate how online communities create a safe space for users with mental health issues to feel connected. Instagram, in particular, has been shown to lower levels of depression as it fosters a community that endorses a sense of belonging. These communities create a sense of support through a third space which is more accessible and less daunting for users than the traditional forms of ‘support’. Online communities are an environment for users that enables them Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Finding Mental Well-being and Community Through Nature YouTube Channels

Finding Mental Well-being and Community Through Nature YouTube Channels is on the rise. The world has been sent reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and a spree of lockdown restrictions which resulted in isolation from the natural world and local community. This paper explores how social media, and YouTube in particular, might offer a third space in which people might still reap the benefits of nature and community through a digital medium.

Communities and Social Media

From New York streets to Instagram community: The chronicles of body positivism movement of curvy women and its transition to social media

Conference Paper Full PDF version by Ruby Cadressen Download Abstract This paper will analyze the shift of the curvy women community to Instagram. The social media platform has been promoting body positivity of curvy women by breaking down the beauty standards imposed by the West. For the conference purposes, this paper will provide a brief background history of Body positivism of curvy women, its transition to join Instagram, but focusing mainly on social media hashtags especially #effyourbeautystandards Read more […]

Online Networks and Social Change

Social Media and its Effects on Solving Crime.

Abstract This paper discusses the important role social media platforms play in not only helping law enforcement solve crimes but, how it has changed the flow of information from law enforcement to the public. There are many social media platforms that aid in criminal investigations but, Reddit and Facebook are the two examples that are highlighted within this text. Reddit is shown to be helpful as the users on the platform gather evidence on certain crimes and discourage vigilantism. On the Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Virtual Vs Traditional Communities: The Benefits of Facebook’s Virtual Communities and How they Differ from Smaller Traditional Communities.

Download the PDF here: Virtual-Vs-Traditional-CommunitiesDownload Abstract This paper argues that social media platforms, specifically Facebook, are ideal spaces for the formation and success of diverse virtual communities. Furthermore, this paper challenges the view that virtual communities detract from their traditional counterparts. This paper examines Facebook’s ubiquity as a factor in the diversity of virtual communities and the content they share as well as the benefits associated with Read more […]

Online Networks and Social Change

Social Networking and its Influence on Arab Spring to Create Social Change

Abstract Social networking did not cause the revolution but the affordances of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube most certainly facilitated the uprisings of Arab Spring, leading to moderate concessions such as the removal of unpopular leaders. Arab Spring was a connection of uprisings across Arab nations due to poor living standards, the movements were able to gain awareness and support via the use of social networking sites which broadcasted the protests. Clicktivism and hashtag activism played Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

The fundamental changes in how digital users form and engage in social relationships on social media has negative consequences in offline relationships and well-being.

Conference-Paper-PDF-Download Abstract: This paper covers the issues which have arisen from social media’s role in the modern world in forming and engaging in social relationships and how this impacts offline relationships and well-being. The writing focuses on issues in communication, identity, perceptions of relationships and the changing landscape of intimacy at the hands of social networks. The paper outlines the fundamental changes that have occurred and explains how this impacts users Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

How Twitch.tv is providing a safe space for individuals from all walks of life, and creates opportunities for new inclusive forms of communication for all.

Conference-paperDownload Abstract The aim of this paper is to discuss the ways in which streaming services, specifically Twitch.tv, have been able to provide unique experiences to its communities. Twitch.tv has been beneficial to those who may have social or physical limitations as well as a safe space for individuals of different sexual orientations and political affiliations. It will also demonstrate the way Twitch has created communities based around shared interests and has formed new Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Empowering rural and agricultural communities through social media.

DCNCXII_EmpoweringRuralCommunitiesDownload More than ever, people are beginning to realise it matters what food they put in their body. We used to know who made our food and where it came from. They were the people in our community, the farmer down the road, the local dairy, the town baker. Now, it is hard to tell what fruits and vegetables are in season, as most fresh produce is available year-round at the large supermarket chains. Education is key in knowing where your food comes from, and Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Health and Fitness Influencers Spreading Misinformation within their Community

Introduction While health and fitness influencers on Instagram and YouTube promote active lifestyles and an ideal body standard through their online self-presentation, they are also accountable for spreading false information within their online communities. This paper is going to explore the online fitness community, the impacts of fitness influencers, and how misinformation on diets and workout plans spread within their community. Social media’s impact Social media has given people Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Instagram’s Fitspiration Community and its Negative Effects on Women’s Self-Esteem and Body Satisfaction

Abstract This paper discusses an Instagram, a photo sharing social network, based community called Fitspiration, also known as Fitspo. The paper examines how this Fitspiration community may negatively impact women’s self-esteem and cause body dissatisfaction by promoting the thin ideals that have continued to be portrayed past traditional forms of media despite its intention to be inspiring, inclusive and to promote a healthy lifestyle with well-being in mind. It also touches on eating Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

#Theatrekids: Finding community through the TikTok platform during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract: The international arts and theatre communities have suffered greatly due to the continued shutdown of the industry as response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines the way that these offline communities have found a home on the social media platform TikTok. TikTok offers a unique set of affordances which allow globally dispersed users to form common interested based communities, which includes existing social media features such as friending and hashtag and distinctive functions Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

The literary vlogger and diminishing community practices.

The-literary-vlogger-and-diminishing-community-practices-Cody-PfitznerDownload AbstractThis paper considers how belonging in the BookTubers community can be viewed as a way for humanity to maintain connections through shared interests. It is argued that the culture within this discourse has negative impacts on community as a whole as barriers and opportunities for exclusion are created for its members. Reflection of the personal conduct of members is considered in line with other technological Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

The rise to fame: The power of music fandom communities using Social Network Sites to promote musicians.

Abstract The abilities of the internet have allowed independent music artists to take the distribution and production of their music into their own hands, but they need the fandom communities to publicise their music. The goal of most musicians is to achieve success, which often involves sales and interest from a record label.  The fandom communities will use a variety of Social Network Sites (SNSs) to communicate and generate buzz in their choice of music or artist. While streaming services Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Virtual support communities: supporting survivors of sexual assault

Virtual-support-communities-supporting-survivors-of-sexual-assaultDownload Acknowledgement of CountryI wish to acknowledge the traditional owners, the Boon Wurrung/Bunurong people of the Kulin nation, as custodians of the land on which I sit (Phillip Island, Victoria). And as a student of Curtin University, I acknowledge the traditional owners, the Wadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation on which the Bentley Campus sits, and the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields, where the Kalgoorlie Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Joining the ARMY: Community, Friendship and Intimacy on K-Pop Twitter

Abstract Fans of K-Pop music use Twitter to form active online communities, developing strong relationships with one another, exchanging information and often mobilising for causes beyond the scope of fandom. This paper focuses on fans of the Korean Pop band BTS, known as ARMY (Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth), as a case study to examine how fan communities can develop through social media and leverage those bonds to organise themselves, create relationships, share knowledge and drive Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Digital and social media emerges as an effective tool to enhance the quality of life in elderly communities.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. PDF file for Off-line readingDownload Abstract: This paper discusses the efficacy of digital and social media to enhance the quality of life in the elderly communities. Older people tend to be physically and socially inactive. This may be due to retirement from workforce, thus, lack of task-oriented work routines, and poorer health.  The studies investigate the potential for new technologies Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

TikTok: The Centre of Youth Culture in 2021

TikTok? The Kesha Song? PDFDownload A persons age can quickly be determined by the first thing they think of when someone says ‘TikTok’. If you started singing the 2010 Kesha hit, you’re probably a millennial. Was your first thought a clock? Okay, Boomer. Thought about your favourite app, Gen Z. In the few years since its launch TikTok has made its way into the cultural zeitgeist as more and more people have downloaded the app. Young users flocked to TikTok to discover the new trendy app Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

How filter bubbles and echo chambers reinforce negative beliefs and spread misinformation through social media

Donis_Conference-PaperDownload Abstract This paper examines the way that negative beliefs and misinformation are reinforced and spread on social media. Social media platforms provide an online space in which communities can connect and share content but the ease in which they allow filter bubbles and echo chambers is a concern. Filter bubbles are created through online processes that provide us with personalized results, recommendations and news feeds based on the things we have previously Read more […]

Communities and Social Media

Selling community and togetherness: Authenticity, identity, and revenue in influencer-led culture

PDF Copy – Tim Creevey – Conference Paper – DCNC21Download Abstract This conference paper will be addressing the authenticity of online identities and communities that have been established through social media networks by influencers. I will be arguing that paid influencers and influencer culture challenge the authenticity of online communities, as social media platforms provide users with the opportunity to develop a sense of community, but the virtual community has been established to create Read more […]

Online Networks and Social Change

The effectiveness of feminist hashtags such as #MeToo on empowering women, mobilising protests and enacting political and societal change

Elissa_Duck_DebatingCommunitiesAndNetworksConference12Download Abstract:  This paper discusses the influence that digital feminist hashtags such as #MeToo have on individuals, and protest movements, both online and offline. It also looks at whether the hashtags have any influence on shifting long held societal beliefs, or policy change. This paper found that digital feminist hashtags have the ability to influence and affect individuals deeply. The hashtags allow for the creation Read more […]