Social Media - Debating Communities and Networks XVI

The Influence Of TikTok on Young People Identity

Posted on

05/05/2025

by

20857008

1. Introduction & Importance of the Study A. Introduction to the Topic TikTok with more than one billion active users today is now a phenomenon that is much more than entertaining. It thereby created a rapport for young people to perform their identity as they create content. Through trends, challenges and discussion users express various…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

Identity, Social Media, tiktok
How does social media support and challenge the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth?

Posted on

03/05/2025

by

berenicedeguardia

LGBTQ+ people often experience more challenges when it comes to well-being and mental health (Berger et al., 2022). The term LQBTQ+ includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning individuals, as well as anyone whose sexual orientation or gender identity is different from the traditional norms (Russell et al., 2023). For many LGBTQ+ youth, social…
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Communities and Social Media, Identity and Online Advocacy, Uncategorized

Communities, Identity, LGBTQ+, Mental Health, Social Media, Youth
“Social Media’s Impact on Collaborative Learning Communities: Unveiling the Potential and Challenges”

Posted on

03/05/2025

by

Nemat Almonjed

Abstract: Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in popularity of platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram which now captivate users as well as educators and researchers. Text-based communication now frequently supplants standard phone conversations as people incorporate these platforms into their daily routines. These platforms have emerged as leading tools within higher education for…
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Communities and Social Media

Communities, community, Identity, Instagram, online networks, social change, Social Media
Peer Production and Platform Power: The Dual Impact of Online Communities on Culture and Markets

Posted on

01/05/2025

by

Bryce Chen

Introduction Online communities have evolved quickly as a vibrant track for specialist interests, revolutionizing cultural participation across industries such as gaming, crafting, and technological development. In a departure from the conventional consumer-producer dichotomies characterized by the existence of well-defined market boundaries, the cultural communities of today intersect these as they enable people to co-present, co-produce,…
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Communities and Social Media

Communities, fan culture, online networks, Participatory Culture, Prosumerism, Social Media, User-Generated Content (UGC)
How can Instagram shape and maintain online communities through visual identity expression, tag-driven discovery mechanisms and interactive emotional connections?

Posted on

30/04/2025

by

Jiawen Liu

Introduction In the modern digital age, community and belonging are increasingly shaped not by physical proximity, but by online connections. Social media platforms like Instagram have become essential tools for people to express identity, find like-minded individuals, and build support networks across the globe. Instagram currently have more than one billion active users, many of…
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Communities and Social Media

Communities, Identity, Instagram, Social Media
Trump’s use of social media help unify his political community or further divide the nation?

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

Tiffany Angelica

Donald Trump as one of the presidential candidate for the United States Of America in 2020 has utilized the use of social media platforms and has gained a number of followers with each platforms to unify is political community, while also causing a lot of people to loose trust in the mainstream media (Intrabartola, 2021).…
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Communities and Social Media, Identity and Online Advocacy, Online Networks and Social Change

Communities, community, Identity, online networks, Social Media
Tradwives, Cottagecore and Clean Girls: Social Media Repositions Female Users to Embrace ‘Traditional’ Womanhood

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

Lily

AbstractTrending digital content promotes traditional gender roles and family structures to women, under the guise of preserving an outdated and restrictive feminine ideal. Through discussion of the Tradwife movement, family vlogging, and popular fashion and beauty trends, such as Cottagecore and the clean girl aesthetic, the pivotal role of social media platforms in not only…
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Online Networks and Social Change

#cleangirl, #cottagecore, #tradwife, social change, Social Media, tiktok
Male TikTok Influencers are Redefining Masculinity

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

Rasmus Soederlund

Introduction Traditional ideologies of masculinity have been constructed around qualities like control, autonomy, dominance, and physicality. These have been applied to limit men to restricted areas of action, suppress vulnerability, and enforce strict gender scripts of control, power, and autonomy. Traditional masculinity has also been associated with negative effects like higher rates of mental illness,…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

Identity, Influencers, Masculinity, Social Media, stereotype, tiktok
Posting for the Planet: Emma Watson’s Online Advocacy for Climate change

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

Khushi

Social media stands today as an essential tool for activism because it provides a platform to encourage social transformations and a place of expression for public opinion. Emma Watson successfully developed her Instagram platform to support environmental sustainability with the combination of her famous reputation and online reach whilst also fostering ecosystem-wide climate change protection…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

Activism, celebrity, Climate action, Climate Change, Communities, Identity, Influencers, Instagram, Social Media
Power and Participation: The Complex Role of Online Networks in Social Change

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

Amadour

Over the past decade, movements like #BlackLivesMatter, #EndSARS, Fridays for Future, and even the digital solidarity around the crisis in Gaza have demonstrated that online networks can play a significant role in pushing for social change. These digital spaces are often seen as democratic arenas where people challenge dominant narratives, organise protests, and build global…
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Online Networks and Social Change

online network, Social Media
Twitter and Mental Health: the effect of Twitter on those suffering from Eating Disorders and Self-Harm

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

Tayla Black

Abstract The social media platform Twitter provides a space for users to form niche communities that can help those suffering from eating disorders or self harm by promoting recovery, sharing beneficial mental health resources and providing individuals with a sense of belonging. Despite this, there is an overwhelming amount of negative content encouraging users in…
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Communities and Social Media

Communities, Eating Disorders, edtwt, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Self Harm, shtwt, Social Media, Twitter Communities
The Marketable Self: How Influencers Shape Their Identity on Social Media

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

21977897

Abstract In the hyper-curated world of social media, influencers aren’t just existing – they are performing. This paper pulls back the curtain on influencer identity, arguing it is less of an authentic reflection of self and more a calculated production shaped by algorithmic pressures, platform cultures and capitalist demands. As influencers hustle for visibility in…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

Authenticity, Identity, Influencers, Online, Social Media
How Meta’s Social Platforms Have Damaged the Values of Gen Z and the Tourism Industry

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

Hayley

Abstract This paper will discuss the real life impacts which social media has had and continues to have on the way travelers and prospective travelers interact with travel publics, the travel decisions-making process, and the tourist destination. Specifically, it will focus on how Generation Z’s values of aesthetics and shareability have been reinforced by online…
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Communities and Social Media

#GenZ, #Overtourism, #TravelPublics, Influencers, Instagram, Social Media
The Social Phenomenon of Fandom: Communities built on a shared identity and Camaraderie

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

A.Mikael

Abstract Fandom or fandom culture is pretty broad in the online space and derives itself from a following of a source material. With some potentially being endorsed by the official source or acting independently from it. To an extent it affirms or shapes an individuals identity. Creating a safe community space for those to express…
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Communities and Social Media

Communities, fandom, Identity, Network, Social Media
YouTube as a Radicalizing Force; The Promotion of the Alt-Right Pipeline

Posted on

29/04/2025

by

Eva

⚠️ CW – Discussion surrounding: Extremist ideologies; alt-right and white nationalist movements The Christchurch mosque shootings Racist, xenophobic, and misogynistic rhetoric Hate-based violence and discriminatory content Introduction When a broadcast comprised of white nationalists debating ’race realism’ was briefly the most popular live-streamed video on YouTube, concern grew regarding YouTube’s role in disseminating extremist content…
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Online Networks and Social Change

#onlinenetworksandsocialchange, algorithm, Alt-Right, Belonging, conservative, Digital culture, Echo Chambers, filter bubbles, manosphere, Online Identity, online networks, Politics, populism, radicalisation, Social Media, YouTube
Connection to Obsession: How Social Media Fuels Toxic Fan Culture

Posted on

28/04/2025

by

Nicole Alconaba

Connection to Obsession: How Social Media Fuels Toxic Fan Culture by deepening parasocial ties, promoting rivalry, and transforming music fandoms.
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Communities and Social Media

celebrity worship, Communities, digital fandom, elitism, extremism theory, fan culture, fan divisions, fan spaces, fan wars, fandom, gatekeeping, in-group out-group behaviour, Instagram, music communities, parasocial relationship, Social Media, toxic fan spaces, tribalism, Twitter
How does TikTok’s recommendation algorithm influence the spread of feminist topics in China

Posted on

28/04/2025

by

21251902@student.curtin.edu.au

Thesis statement： While TikTok’s algorithm can amplify feminist issues by “calculating feminism,” giving women’s voices some space on the platform, it doesn’t allow those voices to express themselves freely and can control the conversation by hiding content and limiting traffic. Introduction： In China, feminist topics have long been suppressed in mainstream media, and the space…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Communities, online networks, Social Media, tiktok
How the Car Group Distortion uses Social Media to Build Community, Engagement and Revenue

Posted on

28/04/2025

by

Erin_McGrory

Abstract: Car meets are a form of community that is encouraged more within the engagement and use of social media. It assists in providing community building by encouraging Distortion members to come together to show a collection of cars. They encourage car enthusiasts to meet up and explore one another’s car build. It is an…
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Communities and Social Media

Car Enthusiasts, Distortion, Facebook & Instagram, Marketing, Social Media
How Social Media is Radicalizing adolescent boys

Posted on

28/04/2025

by

stellapearse

Abstract: My paper addresses the issue of how social media platforms are contributing to the radicalization of adolescent boys. Highlighting how social media platforms instill misogynistic beliefs and values, amplifies extremist content through algorithmic Eco chambers and encourages influences to promote extremist views to young users. The thesis states that social media platforms facilitate the…
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Communities and Social Media, Uncategorized

Activism, Adolescents, Communities, community, Identity, Influencers, Instagram, online networks, radicalisation, social change, Social Media, tiktok
War and Tragedy in Gaza! An insight on Journalists using Twitter and the battle for truth, freedom and democracy

Posted on

28/04/2025

by

Oshen English

Author of paper: Oshen English Abstract: We cannot afford to look down or even turn a blind eye to the work of journalism. Think about it, how far would you go to report and broadcast the truth of the news of the world? Readers of this paper will discover the work of journalists who use…
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Communities and Social Media

censorship, Democracy, journalism, online activism, Online Communities, protesting, Social Media, truth, Twitter
How the Affordances of Tumblr Create Echo Chambers: Using the Avatar: The Last Airbender Fandom

Posted on

28/04/2025

by

Ashleigh-V

Tumblr is a blogging website and app that has become synonymous with fandom and fan creation. The platform is one of the most text-based social media platforms available, with many people posting their fanfiction, short stories and, in some spaces, analyses. However, it is a multimedia platform and, therefore, has a lot of fan art…
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Communities and Social Media

#SocialNetworks, Affordances, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Communities, Communities and Social Media, community, Discourse, Echo Chamber, online networks, Public Discourse, Social Media, Tumblr
Digital Landscape: The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health

Posted on

28/04/2025

by

Yuki_Kyl

Abstract Social media has become an integral part of everyone’s lives in this day and age, with these platforms facilitating our self-expression, providing support from unfamiliar peers, and expanding access to information and services. However, these positive impacts are often overshadowed by risks such as technology addiction and approval-seeking behaviours. This paper examines the impact…
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Online Networks and Social Change

#MentalHealthAndSocialMedia, #onlinenetworksandsocialchange, online networks, social change, Social Media
Selling the Ideal: Tasya Farasya and the Rise of Instagram-Driven Beauty Standards in Indonesia

Posted on

28/04/2025

by

tammysatya

Abstract This paper investigates how Instagram beauty influencers, focusing on Tasya Farasya, shape beauty standards and consumer behaviour in Indonesia through promoting Western beauty ideals. Using a cultural and media studies lens, the study analyses Tasya Farasya’s Instagram content, audience engagement, and sponsored brand collaborations to understand how digital influence contributes to shifting perceptions of…
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Communities and Social Media

BeautyStandards, Communities, Influencers, Instagram, Social Media
Transracial and RCTA Identities on Social Media

Posted on

28/04/2025

by

Tiahna Paea

ABSTRACT This paper aims to discuss the idea of transracial identities, particularly the Race Change to Another (RCTA) Community that has emerged on TikTok, and how it is harmful to the races that are being targeted. While there is a limited number of studies focused on the RCTA community on Tiktok, I will be using research…
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Communities and Social Media

community, Cultural Appropriation, Identity, RCTA, Social Media, tiktok
The objectification of women on Twitch: How streaming culture can reinforce gender stereotypes towards women

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Mayrion Ngu

Abstract Streaming culture is cultivated by numerous members of various online communities formed by similar interests, most common being gaming as gaming and streaming are closely connected. Streamers are able to create a personal space to connect with those who share common interests online. Twitch, a popular online streaming platform which is focused on the…
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Communities and Social Media

community, discrimination, feminism, gaming, gender, Social Media, Twitch, Women
Impact of Social Media and Online Communities on the Mental Wellbeing of Australian Teenagers

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Abu Bakkar

Abstract This paper critically examines the impact of social media and online communities on the mental health of Australian teenagers. Collecting crucial findings from scholarly research and secondary data, this paper explores both positive and negative effects of belonging to an online community with the rise of social media. This essay also reveals how digital…
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Communities and Social Media

Online Communities, Social Media, Teenagers
Digital belonging in online communities is redefining how Gen Zs form their identity

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Isabelle Pearce

Abstract This paper explores how online communities foster a sense of digital belonging, significantly reshaping the social, emotional, and political identities of young people. As platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit offer a digital space for self-expression, connection, and validation, Gen Zs are increasingly using these apps to experiment with identity, form their own values,…
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Communities and Social Media

Communities and Social Media, community, Digital belonging, digital space, Identity, Online Identity, sense of belonging, Social Media
#KitaJagaKita: Social Movement as an Effective Model of Digital Response Crisis

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

23296387

by Ayuni Abstract This paper argues that the #KitaJagaKita movement in Malaysia developed an effective model of digital crisis response, facilitating a connection between local grassroots initiatives and institutional support through social media, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter) whereby communities are able to organize support during emergencies. This paper examines the rise and growth of…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Activism, community, grassroots, pandemic, social change, Social Media, Twitter
How Online Advocacy Shapes Online Identity: The Good and Bad of Cancel Culture

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Tayarna

Abstract Over the years social media has become a place of entertainment but also a platform for individuals to share gossip and opinions on topical issues, people and groups. This paper explores the good and the bad side of cancel culture and how it can affect online identity in different ways. We draw upon the…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

Communities, Identity, Influencers, Instagram, online networks, social change, Social Media, tiktok
Trapped In The Algorithm: How Social Media’s Inherit Design Hijacks Our Cognitive Architecture, Damaging The Perception Of Life and Causing A Decrease In Adolescent Mental Well-being.

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

MariiaB

Abstract In a world where everything is becoming digitalised, social media established itself as major part of our daily routines. While offering limitless connections and access to information, its rapid growth and algorithm-driven nature are showing signs of having significant psychological risks. In this paper we look at how social media directly contributes to cognitive…
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Online Networks and Social Change

cognitive overload, concerns, digital space, negative effects, social comparison, social comparison theory, Social Media, social media consumption
Social Media on Portraying Race and Religion News: Does it Promote Unity, or Does it Make it Worse.

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Chai Xiao Wei

Abstract Everyone has a social media platform. News can be published online on social media platforms. One of the most concerning issues in Malaysia is how they portray news related to race and religion. This can be a sensitive topic, resulting in less discussion. Social media provides a great medium to discuss and raise awareness…
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Communities and Social Media

Communities, Fake News, online networks, racial news, Social Media, stereotypes
Social Media Marketing: How Instagram Is Reshaping E-commerce

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Laurence

Introduction Social media marketing is reshaping today’s e-commerce. E-commerce is defined as the buying and selling of goods such as products, information, and services through various networks on the Internet (Datta, 2011). E-commerce has allowed transactions between businesses and consumers to take place even outside of physical stores. Notable examples of these would be online…
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Online Networks and Social Change

E-commerce, Instagram, Social Media
The ‘FAKE’ Human Race: Rise of the Pseudonymous Army

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

CarolineNagajek

The purpose of this article is to address the negative impact pseudonymous individuals have within online communities. Pseudonymous individuals have the ability to share controversial personal opinions with minimal repercussions, which enables them to express negativity and unethical behaviours within online communities. This article first explores how these pseudonymous individuals are able to reside within…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

Communities, Haters, Identity, Pseudonymity, Social Media, Tik Tok, tiktok
Ghosting My Identity: How Social Media Shapes the Identities of Gen Z Immigrants

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

kianapanpone

This paper explores how Gen Z immigrants navigate digital spaces by curating their identities for visibility and survival. Through personal reflection and academic theory, it highlights how social media platforms shape identity performance, emotional labour, and the negotiation of belonging in an online world that rewards polished narratives over authentic expression.
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Identity and Online Advocacy

Communities, Identity, Identity and online advocacy, Influencers, Instagram, Online Advocacy, Online Identities, online networks, Social Media
The Role of UX/UI Design in Shaping Digital Activism for Gen Z

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Warapon

The growing influence of digital activism among Gen Z. To begin with digital activism and its growing influences among Gen Z by digital activism among Generation Z is characterised by their preference usage of social media to contribute to social change and engage in their life. This generation uses digital platforms for awareness purposes as…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Activism, digital activism, Gen Z, Identity, Social Media
TikTok and the Paradox of Addiction: its Potential as a Tool for Healing

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Yana_Chua

Abstract TikTok has faced criticism for promoting compulsive use through endless content loops, keeping users hooked and creating a potentially harmful digital environment. However, this paper argues that TikTok is not entirely bad. Despite its addictive design, TikTok can offer support for those who are healing from addiction or mental health struggles. This paper explores…
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Communities and Social Media

Communities, healing, Mental Health, recovery, self help, Social Media, tiktok, videos
Filters, Followers, and Facial Routines: Identity, Authenticity, and Capital for Women in the Beauty Communities Online

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Ashley Leong

Abstract This paper discusses how the development of social media sites like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok has changed the skin and beauty communities. It pays particular attention to how women, particularly young women utilize these platforms to develop their identities, distribute authentic content, and acquire financial and social capital. These online communities, which provide everything…
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Communities and Social Media

Authenticity, Beauty, BeautyCommunity, Communities, Identity, Influencers, Instagram, online networks, RelatableBeauty, Selfcare, Skincare, SkincareJourney, Social Media, tiktok
Online Communities are Integral to Cultural Preservation and Connection with Home Countries for Diaspora, Particularly the Second and Third Generations Immigrants in Australia

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

jessicasurjan

Abstract As the world shifts into a digitally connected and diverse network, online communities have become a pillar to supporting avenues of communication and preservation. Online communities are integral to cultural preservation and connection with home countries for diaspora, particularly the second and third generation immigrants in Australia. Without digital advancement, social media and social…
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Indigenous Communities, Online Diaspora and Social Media

community, Diaspora, Identity, immigration, Online, online networks, Political Advocacy, Social Media
Toxic by Algorithm: The Hidden Cost of Influencer Culture on Young Men

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

pangi

Abstract This paper looks at how content creators on Instagram and TikTok, influence young Australian men’s views on masculinity by promoting toxic ideals and misogynistic messages. In the wider context of identity formation and digital culture, it argues that these platforms often reinforce traditional, dominant forms of masculinity, which can contribute to normalising gender-based power…
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Communities and Social Media

#onlinenetworksandsocialchange, Advocacy, algorithm, algorithms, Andrew tate, Body Image, BodyImage, change, Communities, Fitness, GenZ, ideals, Identity, Influencers, Instagram, MentalHealth, online conference, online networks, representation, SMCN25, social change, Social Media, tiktok, Toxic Masculinity, Trends, Twitch, Twitter, YouTube
Social Media’s Role in the “Women, Life, Freedom” Protests

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Mavis

Abstract This paper looks at how social media helped drive social change during the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran after Mahsa Amini’s death. When news of her death spread, platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok gave people a way to share their voices, show what was happening, and reach the world. This study aims to…
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Online Networks and Social Change

#MahsaAmini, #Twitter, #womanlifefreedom, Communities, Identity, Instagram, online networks, social change, Social Media, tiktok
Social Media as Catalyst: The Role of Celebrity Influence and Institutional Support in the Transnational Rise of Black Lives Matter

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

Benedict Foo

Abstract This paper primarily discusses how influential figures and institutions gradually propelled a social movement that originally existed only on social media to drive the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. By leveraging the visibility of social media platforms, shaping public sentiment, and promoting transnational mobilization against institutionalized racism, the movement was able…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Communities, Echo Chamber, Identity, Influencers, Instagram, Lebron, online networks, social change, Social Media
Are Influencers in Adult Content Impacting Minors Negatively? The Impact of TikTok’s Strong Online Communities on Young People.

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

21483789

ABSTRACT This paper examines the impact of TikTok and similar platforms on young people, regarding adult content creators and their online communities. While these platforms offer connection, they also expose minors to the normalisation of adult industries and the glamorisation of sex work, distorting perceptions of success and self-worth. This can lead to long-term mental…
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Communities and Social Media

Body Image, Cancel Culture, Communities, community, connection, fake filter bubbles, Fake Reality, Gen Z, Identity, Influence, Influencers, Mental Health, online networks, Online Presence, OnlyFans, reality, Short form videos, social change, Social Media, teen tiktok, tiktok
Unboxing Identity: Blind Box Toys as a Tool for Self-Expression in Online Platforms

Posted on

27/04/2025

by

hazelr

Abstract With the rise of user-generated content through social media, the sharing of diverse interests has led to various online communities that different users resonate with. Among these interests are blind boxes, which refer to toy collectibles sold in sealed packaging that conceal the specific item or design the consumer will receive. Blind boxes have…
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Communities and Social Media, Identity and Online Advocacy

Communities, community, Consumption, Identity, Influencers, Instagram, k-pop, Self-expression, Social Media, tiktok, toys
Online protest: visibility does not make change

Posted on

26/04/2025

by

JordanUhe

Abstract: This paper examines the paradox of Digital activism, while it offers unprecedented visibility, it often fails to translate online engagement into tangible change, as social media algorithms reward performative activism over substantive progress. This paper examines how profit driven platform logic, incentivize commodified dissent, through hashtag activism, corporate virtue signalling, and algorithmic suppression, while…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

algorithmic suppression, digital activism, Identity, performative activism, Social Media
TikTok and the Identity Crisis: Social Media’s Ability to Redefine the Meaning of Identity.

Posted on

26/04/2025

by

Tilly

This paper examines the so-called “fluidity” of an online identity and how this idea is challenged through algorithms, specifically on the social media platform, TikTok. It looks at how Influencers shape their online identities to fit a certain audience as well as their impact on young people and social comparison. Using Australian businesswoman Anna Paul,…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

algorithms, Cancel Culture, fake, fake identity, gen-z, Identity, Influencers, social comparison, Social Media, tiktok
Cancel Culture Amplified: Social Media’s Power in the digital world

Posted on

26/04/2025

by

Renee

Cancel Culture AmplifiedDownload Abstract: Social media has become an important part of our daily lives to the point that we cannot live without it. As platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become increasingly popular, the frequent cases of online dramas have begun to encourage cancel culture. Although cancel culture promotes accountability and social justice, it…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Call-Out Culture, Cancel Culture, Echo Chamber, Haley Baylee, Influencers, Johnny Depp, Online Drama, Public Discourse, Public Opinion, Public Shaming, Social Media
Right-Wing Media Disinformation: Understanding the Polarizing Power of Right-Wing Media

Posted on

26/04/2025

by

Mathew

Right-Wing Media Disinformation amplifies emotionally charged narratives, polarizes audiences and undermines trust in democratic institutions, which then creates a divided environment perfect for manipulation. This then creates a culture where critical discourse is instead replaced with antagonistic tribalism, which is a significant threat to the democratic process.
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Communities and Social Media

Algorithmic Bias, Alternative Platforms, Communities and Social Media, Conspiracy Theories, Critical Thinking, Debating Communities and Networks XVI, Digital Age, Disinformation, Echo Chambers, Fake News, Media Literacy, Political Polarization, Public Perception, Right-Wing Media, Sensationalism, Social Media
How Gen Z use Discord to create communities of shared interests, foster ownership, belonging and collaboration and its innovative digital tools.

Posted on

26/04/2025

by

Timothy Ho

Timothy Ho Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to analyse how Generation Z individuals use Discord to create dynamic and engaging communities of shared interests, fostering a sense of ownership, belonging and collaboration through its communication features and innovative digital tools. This paper will discuss several main points on how Discord, a digital…
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Communities and Social Media

collaboration, communication, Communities, community, Digital Tools, Discord, gaming, Gen Z, Generation Z, ownership, Social Media, social media platform
From Screens to Streets: Social Media’s Influence on the Pink Movement in the Philippines

Posted on

25/04/2025

by

Gracias

ABSTRACT The study is based on the Pink Movement, the people power-led initiative for the presidency of Leni Robredo in the elections of 2022 in the Philippines. The augmented impact of digital activism has become a device of changed definition in which the very public form of political engagement has been redefined, where social media…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Kakampink, Leni Robredo, LeniRobredoSupport, Philippine Politics, Robredo2022, Social Media
The Intersection of Social Media, Arts Communities and Creatives: A New Era of Connection and Isolation

Posted on

25/04/2025

by

jalenacrooks

Social Media and Arts Abstract In an era where digital technologies increasingly mediate human interaction, the concept of community, particularly within the arts has undergone significant transformation. Once grounded in physical spaces and face-to-face collaboration, creative communities now frequently emerge and operate within online environments. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have…
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Communities and Social Media

algorithms, arts, Communities, community, Identity, Instagram, online networks, social change, Social Media, socialchange
Instagram can be used to reinforce opinions on feminism

Posted on

24/04/2025

by

Nur Ayshah Hasri

Abstract: This essay will be researching how Instagram can be used to reinforce society’s beliefs on feminism, which can support feminists by encouraging social changes to occur. The history of feminism has evolved through ‘waves’ over the past decades and the recent ‘fourth wave of feminism’ relies on social media and online activism. However, this…
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Online Networks and Social Change

#metoo, #niunamenos, #timesup, feminism, feminist movement, Instagram, online networks, social and political cause, social change, Social Media, social movement, waves of feminism
Disability, Identity and Advocacy on Instagram

Posted on

24/04/2025

by

Shannon Kate

Abstract: This paper explores the dual role of Instagram as a platform for both empowerment and exploitation of users with disabilities. Drawing on sociological theories of identity formation, particularly Mead’s conception of identity as a reflexive and communicative process, the paper examines how self-disclosure of disability on Instagram contributes to identity construction, community building, and…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

disability, Identity, Instagram, Social Media
Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ Persona and Its Collective Reception: A Critical Examination of TikTok as a Catalyst for Modern Self-Expression

Posted on

24/04/2025

by

savannahleigh

Authored by Savannah-Leigh Horner (Source: https://www.bratgenerator.com/) INTRODUCING The ‘Brat’ Identity Charlotte Emma Aitchison, publicly known as Charli XCX, is a British experimental electro-pop singer and songwriter. (Brodsky, I. 2024) Despite being active in the music industry for over a decade and playing a key role in some of the most iconic pop hits of the…
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Communities and Social Media

Brat, Charli XCX, community, Identity, Pop culture, Self-expression, Social Media, tiktok
Friendship Bracelets, Feedback Loops, and Fan-Club Feuds: The Dual Nature of Digital Fandom Culture

Posted on

24/04/2025

by

ebony.b2

Introduction: Humans are born with an innate need for connection, validation, and social belonging (Begen & Turner-Cobb, 2015). Even before the term was coined, ‘fandoms’ have provided a direct answer to these needs as they offer an avenue to find community in social media, create connections based on shared interests, explore one’s identity, and express…
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Communities and Social Media

algorithms, Cancel Culture, case study, Communities, digital fandom, Echo Chamber, facebook, fan, fandom, feedback loops, gatekeeping, Instagram, networks, perspective, self-discover, Social Media, swfities, taylor swift, tiktok
The Networked Educator: Building Knowledge Communities on YouTube

Posted on

24/04/2025

by

22068297

Introduction This paper explores how the social media platform, YouTube empowers online educators by creating learning communities and democratising access to technical knowledge, through participatory content creation, algorithm-driven discoverability and collaborative audience interaction. This aligns with the Social Media, Communities and Networks steam, as it examines new forms of community engagement. As of February 2025,…
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Communities and Social Media

community, Education, Social Media, YouTube
Cancel Culture and it’s Effects on Online Identity Formation

Posted on

24/04/2025

by

Kai_Armstrong

This paper explores the relationship between cancel culture and online identity formation, examining how individuals respond to the threat or consequences of being “cancelled” in digital spaces. It considers how the dynamics of public call-outs, social media backlash, and moral policing shape the way people construct and manage their online identity. Drawing on relevant literature,…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

algorithm, Cancel Culture, Echo Chambers, filter bubbles, Identity, moral alignment, Online Identity, reputation management, Social Media
Instagram’s deinfluencing and its effectiveness in endorsing a sustainable living

Posted on

23/04/2025

by

Aparna

Abstract This paper explores how Instagram’s deinfluencers started important conversations on sustainable living through their engagement in the platform, and it is identified that even though this kind of advocacy reflected a growing trend towards sustainability, it gradually turned out to be another trend that lost its purpose. This paper also analyses how some select…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Climate action, Consumerism, Consumption, Deinfluencing, Fast fashion, Gen Z, Influencers, Instagram, social change, Social Media, Sustainability, Sustainable Living
Social Media Influencers: The negative impact of social media influencers through online networks and communities.

Posted on

23/04/2025

by

GeorgeSpence

Abstract This paper argues that social media influences negatively impact their followers, blurring the lines between reality and media illusion by social networks. Some of these negative social media influencers that I write on include Belle Gibson, Andrew Tate, and Ruby Franke. The social media networks that these influencers operated on include Instagram, YouTube, and…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Andrew tate, Belle Gibson, community, Influencers, online networks, Platforms, Ruby Franke, Social Media, socialchange
How does Twitter create a sense of community and social change among its followers

Posted on

23/04/2025

by

Yuxuan Ye

Introduction In this paper, the body1 section discusses how a star’s behaviours on social media impact her fans and how fans can use her work to give voice to different groups of people on social platforms. body2 discusses how Twitter’s features make posts go viral, how fans use these features cleverly to achieve their goals,…
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Communities and Social Media

community, Social Media
The Harmful Impacts Of Social Media On Australian Adolescents

Posted on

22/04/2025

by

ben.merendino

Abstract This paper addresses the question: What effect do filter bubbles created by social media platforms have on adolescents in Australia? As the use of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube continues to grow rapidly, it is crucial to ensure that these digital spaces remain safe and supportive environments for young people. This paper explores…
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Communities and Social Media

Australia, Echo Chambers, filter bubbles, Identity, online networks, social change, Social Media
Navigating Identity and Advocacy in the Digital Age: The Role of Twitter in Shaping Social Movements.

Posted on

22/04/2025

by

danielle

Danielle Ku, 20473297 Faculty of Humanities, Curtin University NETS2002: Social Media, Communities and Networks Dr. Benn Ende April 7, 2025 Abstract In recent years, social media platforms have fundamentally altered the ways individuals engage with advocacy and activism. One platform that has played a particularly significant role in online advocacy is Twitter (or X). The…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

Identity, Social Media
How Social Media Educates And Inspires Skill Development through Online Communities

Posted on

22/04/2025

by

22205434

Abstract Social media platforms play a powerful role in influencing, educating, and inspiring many users in developing new skills through online communities. Still today, social media continues to receive harsh scrutiny from the public eye, nit-picking its negative impacts on society. However, social media has many positive contributing factors such as the introduction and exposure…
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Communities and Social Media

community, Identity, Instagram, Social Media
Athletes vs Toxic Online Networks in their pursuit for Social Change

Posted on

21/04/2025

by

andrew

Abstract: The following paper explores the relationship athletes have with social media in regards to their stances on social issues. The paper argues that athletes are now unable to express thoughts and opinions on society without facing toxic backlash through online networks. The arguments and points raised provide an insight into the relationship online networks…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Athletes, case study, online networks, social change, Social Media
In Pursuit of Beauty: Exhaustion of the Ideal Body Image

Posted on

20/04/2025

by

Marcos

Introduction The rise of globalisation has interconnected society into different networks and communities. Technological advancements, specifically social media, come at a price and a cost, increasing the expression of creativity and identity for young adults. Allowing social media to become a fundamental routine for some, a networking platform that promotes authenticity, innovation, and connectivity worldwide.…
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Identity and Online Advocacy

Identity, Influencers, Instagram, Mental Health, OnlineConference, Social Media, Trends, Young Adults
Gamification in Digital Activism: The Opportunities and Challenges for Meaningful Social Change

Posted on

20/04/2025

by

Kaiya Ryujin

Abstract In digital activism, the integration of gamification has reshaped how individuals engage with social causes online. While gamified activism increases accessibility, visibility and participation, it also presents critical risks that may compromise its long-term impact. Through examining high-profile campaigns such as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, #NoMakeupSelfie and the #MeToo movement, this paper illustrates…
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Online Networks and Social Change

Activism, Gamification, Social Media
Short form videos and its effects on attention span and escapism

Posted on

19/04/2025

by

lexis.leonardi@gmail.com

ONLINE NETWORKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA STREAM By Lexis L In the digital era, social media platforms have become essential to daily life, with Tiktok approaching as a dominant force because its very engaging short-form video content. Its success is helped by algorithm personalisation, easy consumption, and fast dopamine communication. However, concerns grow about its impacts…
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Online Networks and Social Change, Uncategorized

Addiction, Attention span, Short form videos, Social Media