Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are well-known over the world; they have brought the world and the community closer by allowing people to communicate and connect in real-time. Every day, these social media platforms strive to enhance their systems to make life simpler for their users. It increased work prospects, brought loved ones closer together, and enhanced human contact to new heights (Vanderkaay, 2010). However, most users are unaware of the drawbacks Read more [...]
Stream: Identity and Online Advocacy    Keywords: Adolescent, Identity, Community, Social Media, Misinformation  Abstract Adolescent identity is in constant flux, with both their understanding and representation of self to the public being easily manipulated and reformed in their attempt to conform to the expectations of their peers and community. Although it is human nature to seek acceptance from others within more personal social spheres, social media Read more [...]
  Abstract  In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a subsequent surge of misinformation has created a public health crisis. Social media platforms like WhatsApp have contributed to amplifying the spread of unsound health advice about COVID-19, drowning out of reliable information from scientific research advice. This has resulted in communities losing trust in our healthcare system, diminishing helpful advice based on rumours and conspiracy theories. This conference paper intends Read more [...]
Abstract WeChat in China has become so essential it is almost unimaginable to not have the application or not be influenced by the platform and submit to its immense level and capabilities of accessibility and convenience in Chinese daily life, from daily tasks like chatting with family to ordering lunch. In this paper, a discussion of the effects that censored media and information consumption has on digital advocacy and identity will be investigated with key examples including freedom Read more [...]
Health and Fitness Influencers on TikTok are Spreading Misinformation to Young and Impressionable Audiences within their Community Abstract: This paper discusses how the emergence of health and fitness influencers on the social media platform TikTok have negatively contributed to the spread of misinformation within online communities. Although this is not a new issue within the world of social media, it does however pose as a pressing issue as unsubstantiated claims and misleading content Read more [...]
  Final Conference Paper Abstract The research provides an analysis and overview of the efficacy of social media in resolving mental health issues. The paper also looks at some aspects of online communities in mitigating health risks and the degree to which, they address these issues with people growingly being plagued with them during the covid-19 pandemic.   Introduction   Stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness to name a few are undeniably the growing pains of Read more [...]