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SkinnyTok and the Rebrand of Disordered Eating
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AbstractThis paper investigates how TikTok’s algorithmic architecture reinforces harmful weight-loss ideologies through the proliferation of SkinnyTok, particularly in the wake of widespread social media discourse around pharmaceutical weight-loss aids like Ozempic. Positioned within the “Communities and Social Media” stream, the paper argues that TikTok’s affordances—such as its algorithmic “For You” feed, looping short-form videos, and…
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TikTok algorithms promoting harmful body comparisons in younger users
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abstract – In today’s world, where social media heavily influences self-image, TikTok has become a powerful yet potentially damaging tool on how young people view their bodies. Youth TikTok usage is correlated with an increase in body comparison and dissatisfaction through TikTok-specific affordance applications and psychological frameworks that allow for the mental reinforcement of negative…
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Toxic by Algorithm: The Hidden Cost of Influencer Culture on Young Men
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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…
#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 -
The Networked Educator: Building Knowledge Communities on YouTube
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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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TikTok Lifestyle Content Creators and Social Media Authenticity Crisis
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Abstract: This paper examines the complex relationship between authenticity and content creation on TikTok, particularly focusing on lifestyle influencers and the challenges they face in maintaining genuine self-expression. TikTok’s unprecedented growth, with over one billion users globally and exceptional engagement rates, has created an environment where authentic content paradoxically becomes increasingly manufactured and performative. Through…
Hi Chai Xiao Wei, Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful question! You’re right—I focused mostly on society’s role,…