Blog Post 2: Navigating the Digital Maze: My Take on Netiquette in the Meme Era
Written: September 23rd 2023
Introduction:
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After reading the paper by Jonathan L. Zittrain titled "Reflections on Internet Culture." I could find some key connections between that and this weeks topic on Digital Netiquette. Specifically, about our online behaviors in this meme-driven age. For this week's Blog Post, I will be reacting to the ideas discussed in Zittrain's paper.
1. The Authenticity Dilemma:
Memes simply captures genuine, spontaneous moments that tend to be relatable and/or funny. And I do agree with Zittrain (2014) that the internet community cherishes raw authenticity, over something scripted. However, there is an issue when these memes gain commercial traction, they often lose their original essence (Zittrain, 2014). I can see how there is a "call to action" on how we need to honor the originality of the meme and focus on the enjoyment over the possible likes and comments.
2. The Power of Our Clicks:
Zittrain (2014) references the popular meme known as the "Star Wars Kid", and how it is easy to forget that behind many viral videos or memes are real people with real emotions. I do agree that before widely sharing a meme or video that we need to consider the real-world impact. Personally, I do not engage in the dimensions of "fail videos" or memes with intentions to put others down, as it can qualify as cyberbullying. This is not just about digital etiquette; it is about human empathy.
In addition, this also can affect the person's future in wanting to pursue post secondary education and/or quality career employment. Boyd (2014) clearly explains the idea that if an admissions team finds an online presence from a person undesirable, they may not consider the candidate 'fit' for recruitment.
3. The Art of Online Conversation:
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Zittrain (2014) continues to suggest the idea of creating technologies for more respectful online dialogues. The idea of where we live in a time when online debates can quickly spiral into heated arguments, this continues to feel more relevant as time passes. One can find these online debates on Instagram posts, TikTok videos, Subreddits. In my time studying Psychology, I was distinctly taught that posts that contained any form of 'anger' spread faster than every other emotion. I do not want to speculate, however, there are many sources that explain how social media platforms take advantage of these posts to keep users to continue using their platforms.
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I believe that Netiquette is not just about being polite; it is about fostering understanding, even when we disagree. Personally, I think that this is an issue that does not just exist online, but in the real world as well.
Conclusion/Call To Action:
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In conclusion, the digital realm is a reflection of our real-world interactions, magnified and intensified by the immediacy and vast reach of the internet. As we traverse this vast digital landscape, it is imperative to remember the human element behind every meme, post, or comment. The insights from Zittrain (2014) serve as a timely reminder of the responsibilities we bear as digital citizens. Just as in the physical world, empathy, understanding, and respect are paramount. As we continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing digital age, let us strive to uphold these values, ensuring that our online interactions are as genuine and compassionate as our offline ones.
References:
Boyd, d. (2014). It's complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens. Yale University Press.
Zittrain, J. L. (2014). Reflections on Internet Culture. Journal of Visual Culture, 13(3), 388–394. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470412914544540