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 [...]
Abstract: Socials, politics, and economics shapes every upcoming generation of teens. Today’s teens (iGen) are no different. They are considered to be “the first generations whose lives are saturated by mobile technology and social media” (Divecha, 2017). But why is social media such a significant aspect of their lives, and how does one escape the “real world” through anonymous posts and comments?
Anonymity helps create a new world for younger generations with the help of Webpages Read more [...]
Abstract
Virtual Communities in theory can be a utopia of likeminded people who on the surface have the same viewpoint as each other. Delanty and Calhoun theorise can be perceived as being ‘thin’ by only focusing on one singular interest and therefore incapable of creating strong ties amongst their members. Fandoms in the broad sense can be a singular interest, but the nuances that fandoms have as a virtual community is that they are made of branches of different interests relating Read more [...]
Abstract
As individuals, we all have the desire to be part of a community as it enables us to interact with people of similar interests and give a sense of belonging. Twitter is a social media platform that has enabled online communities to form through social interactions. The fandom twitter community commonly referred to as “Stan Twitter” is a place in which fans interact with one another and celebrities to show their admiration and support. The community has supported and raised Read more [...]
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Abstract
Social media apps such as Twitter are effective media through which to raise awareness of social justice issues, the environmental crisis and the Black Lives Matter movement providing two contemporary examples of online activism. This research paper argues that this raised awareness does not translates into real political change as Twitter et al foster ‘thin communities’ that are as easily dispersed as they are formed, and create the illusion that awareness equates Read more [...]
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Abstract
This paper discusses the impact social media has had on traditional ideas of journalism in contemporary society, focusing on the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. Journalism organisations, particularly the mainstream media, have struggled to adapt to the 21st century – declining revenue sources have been detrimental to funding the news – and the emergence of social media has introduced an identity crisis for Read more [...]