This is a new chapter created in 2023. Jacquie Kuru, a student and then media lab worker in iVoices since 2021, is coauthor along with original Humans R Social Media author Diana Daly. We begin with Diana’s voice and then Jacquie’s takes over, along with stories by other students. Enjoy.
Section 1: Art with AI, and bias correction
Objective:
Make Jacquie a new profile picture.
Artist and Technologist Jacquie Kuru has created cover images for Humans R Social Media since 2022. For this edition, she created the cover image using tools based on Artificial Intelligence or AI, the development of computing systems to perform intelligent tasks. Creating art with AI is a process based on trial and error, machine learning and human intelligence. In technical terms, she fed a combination of text and images to an AI using a deep learning model called Stable Diffusion. In human terms, she negotiated with a set of digital tools trained in old biases to create something meaningful. To help you understand how Jacquie generated the cover, we’ll walk you through a project Jacquie undertook that started with her own profile picture.
1. The photo2. The graphic3. AI output 14. AI output 2
Jacquie’s profile picture project: Generating images in AI can be fast and appear miraculous, at first. But as artists like Jacquie have discovered, creating an image that is truly what you want can be a slow and problematic exchange.
Jacquie began with a photo of herself (Image 1), and created a graphic profile picture using her own graphic design skills (Image 2), a simple image with no eyes. Then she decided to see what would happen when she asked AI to recreate her from just that eyeless graphic image.Image 3 is the AI’s first output. The figure looks alert, machine-generated, and white. After Jacquie gave the AI more information including her ethnicity (Turkish-Asian), it returned the more detailed image (Image 4), which was closer to what she wanted.What happened?First, some background. Stable Diffusion is program of sorts, found on an open-source Github repository and downloaded as a .bash file. Jacquie suggests thinking of it like a bicycle: The start button is the pedal, and when you hit that start button it starts moving. It opens a server, which shows you a new browser window. In this window, you can to prompt the server with text or images to create whatever you want. It works with Natural Language Processing or NLP, the science of how computers can understand what is asked of them through language.For text, you can assign heavier or lighter weight to words, like an emphasis. If you double the weight on angry, it will make the face look more like a look of rage; or decrease it and it looks like an annoyance. For images, you can tell the server to focus on different aspects, such as depth of field, or how close or far the subject is from the camera. Or you can add different weights and significance to various aspects of the image. So after Jacquie writes a prompt, she can tinker with it and teach the AI what it doesn’t know—teach it out of its assumptions.
Creation Prompt:
an Asian-Turkish girl with brown flowy hair wearing a surgical mask, RAW candid cinema, woman, studio, 16mm, ((color graded portra 400 film)) ((remarkable color)), (ultra realistic), textured skin, remarkable detailed pupils, ((realistic dull skin noise)), ((visible skin detail)), ((skin fuzz)), (dry skin) shot with cinematic camera
In next section, in principle of NLP, not means negative weight. So not smiling would be a negative of smiling. To get a sad face she could write happy face with a high weight for very happy, or sad with a negative. So the negative prompt is all the things you want the output not to be.
Negative prompt:
B&W, logo, Watermark, bad artist, blur, blurry, text, b&w, 3d, bad art, poorly drawn, …extra limbs, ugly hands, extra fingers, canvas frame, cartoon, 3d, disfigured, bad art, deformed, extra limbs, weird colors, duplicate, morbid, …cloned face, disfigured, out of frame, …extra arms, extra legs, mutated hands, fused fingers, too many fingers, long neck, Photoshop, video game, …tiling, poorly drawn hands, poorly drawn feet, poorly drawn face, out of frame, …body out of frame, bad art, …3d render
There is also a slider that was set with the following settings:
That last step with the slider gave Jacquie what she wanted. How? She first learned how that deep learning model “thinks”, including its biases. Then she did the work to correct them.
Will the AI learn from this exchange? Maybe, a little—but a lot of people will have to push back against those initial outputs for the model to learn in any meaningful way.
Student Insights: “Me, Myself, and AI” (About the cover image of this book, by Jacquie Kuru, Fall 2023)
The rest of this chapter is written by Jacquie.
Section 2: Expanding what it means to make art
By Jacquie Kuru
Art is a fluid concept, constantly shaped and redefined by new ideas, tools, and avenues for creative expression. Thanks to the internet, these elements have converged to create a unique platform where art flourishes in unexpected ways. From the ability to adopt different identities with VTubing to the collaborative canvas of r/place, the ephemeral journey of Unus Annus, and the thriving world of fanart and fan fiction, the internet has become a transformative space for artistic exploration.
VTubing has opened doors to a new realm of self-expression. In this digital landscape, individuals have the freedom to embody different character models, transcending their physical selves and embracing the limitless possibilities of virtual identities. People can fluidly change appearances while maintaining a consistent online persona, allowing for dynamic and diverse forms of creative expression.
Meanwhile, in the expansive canvas of r/place, millions of participants around the world came together to collaboratively create a shared artwork. This social experiment showcased the power of collective creativity and community collaboration, as individuals strategically placed pixels to form a sprawling collage of images and patterns. It demonstrated how the internet can foster a sense of unity and inspire collaborative endeavors that transcend geographical boundaries.
Unus Annus emerged as a time-limited project that challenged the notion of permanence in digital content. Within the span of a year, the creators explored the fleeting nature of existence and the impermanence of art itself. The project prompted contemplation on the passage of time and the preciousness of each moment, leaving a lasting impact on those who engaged with its content.
Finally, fanart and fan fiction have become integral components of online art communities. Fans form parasocial relationships with artists, content creators, and fictional characters, fostering a deep sense of connection and admiration. Through these emotional bonds, fans are inspired to create their own artistic interpretations, paying homage to the source material while adding their unique perspectives. Fanart and fan fiction celebrate and expand upon beloved narratives, preserving fandoms and fostering communities united by shared passion.
In this chapter, we will explore the dynamic interplay between art and the internet, delving into the transformative nature of VTubing, the collaborative spirit of projects like r/place, the ephemeral journey of Unus Annus, and the profound influence of fanart and fan fiction. Through these sections, we will witness how the internet has revolutionized the artistic landscape, providing new means of self-expression, community collaboration, and the preservation of creative endeavors.
Student Insights: Art is Dope! (video by Emily Gustafson, Spring 2021)
Respond to this case study: The author describes how she feels about art, and how she has amassed knowledge in creating digital art including graphic design. Analyze the video she has made. What do the visuals and sounds do to support or play with her message? How can these skills aid social communications
Section 3: Vtubers: Me, Myself, and My New Design!
Jacquie’s Online Persona/Vtuber Character: Amber. (Used with artist’s permission.)Jacquie’s Actual Appearance in the Tangible World
VTubers have opened up a new realm of self-expression online by allowing individuals to embody different models of the same character. This ability to adopt diverse appearances provides a level of flexibility and creativity that was previously unattainable in traditional forms of self-presentation.
One of the key advantages of VTubing is the freedom to explore various identities while maintaining a consistent persona. VTubers can seamlessly switch between different character models, each representing a distinct visual style or concept. For instance, an individual may choose to depict themselves as an anime-inspired character one day and transform into a fantasy creature or even an anthropomorphic object the next. The versatility of VTubing allows for a dynamic expression of one’s personality and interests, offering a more fluid and adaptable form of self-representation.
This fluidity is not limited to predefined character designs. VTubers can also commission artists to create unique and personalized renditions of their characters, ensuring that their online identity evolves and remains fresh over time. This collaborative approach to character design fosters a vibrant ecosystem of artistic expression, where creators collaborate with talented artists to bring their envisioned appearances to life. The result is a rich tapestry of visual interpretations that showcase the diversity and creativity of the VTubing community.
Famous VTubers like IronMouse actively engage with artists to commission new and distinctive character designs. By collaborating with different artists, she can explore various artistic styles and reimagine her character in exciting and unique ways. This process not only keeps her online presence visually stimulating but also allows her to tap into the immense talent and creativity within the artist community.
Furthermore, some VTubers take the creative process into their own hands, developing and refining their own character designs. This level of autonomy empowers creators to fully express their artistic vision and create an identity that aligns with their personal preferences and aspirations. By crafting their own character models, VTubers can showcase their artistic skills, explore different art styles, and establish a stronger connection between their online persona and their creative abilities.
However, it’s important to note that while VTubing offers a unique platform for self-expression and creativity, it is not without its challenges. The line between the VTuber’s authentic self and the character they portray can sometimes become blurred, leading to questions about authenticity and the potential for misrepresentation. It is crucial for VTubers to maintain transparency and ensure that their online identities are a reflection of their genuine selves, even if presented through the lens of a character avatar.
VTubers have revolutionized online self-expression by offering a dynamic and fluid way for individuals to embody different models of the same character. This ability to adopt diverse appearances enables a range of creative possibilities, allowing VTubers to express themselves authentically while exploring unique visual styles and collaborations with talented artists. VTubing serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of online art and the exciting opportunities it brings for individuals to express themselves in a truly flexible and creative manner.
Section 4: r/place: Art Through Community Collaboration
The relationship between art and the internet has evolved significantly in recent years, with social platforms providing new avenues for creative expression and community engagement. One notable example being r/place, a Reddit social experiment that harnessed the collective creativity and collaboration of its users. Launched on April 1, 2017, this subreddit brought together millions of participants from around the world to collectively create a shared digital canvas. The canvas consisted of a 1000×1000 grid of pixels, and each user could place a single colored pixel on the canvas every five minutes. The simplicity of this interaction allowed users to contribute to the artwork easily, resulting in a sprawling collage of various images and patterns. The canvas became a vibrant display of diverse artistic creations, ranging from pixel art representations of famous characters and logos to national flags and abstract designs. Reddit users worked together, coordinating efforts through subreddit communities, Discord servers, and other communication channels to bring their visions to life. This event was so successful it was brought back at a larger scale in 2022 with a 2000×2000 pixel grid and double the color choices (32 colors).
One fascinating aspect of r/place was the formation of alliances and the emergence of territorial battles on the canvas. As users invested time and effort into creating and maintaining their artwork, they sought to protect their creations from unwanted modifications or destruction. Alliances formed to establish designated areas and protect specific patterns or images. These collaborations ranged from informal agreements between individuals to elaborate coalitions between subreddits and online communities. Users defended their territory by placing pixels strategically, coordinating efforts to outmaneuver competing factions, and sometimes engaging in negotiations or diplomacy to avoid unnecessary conflicts. The formation of alliances not only showcased the competitive nature of human interactions but also highlighted the social dynamics that can arise in online spaces. Users forged connections, built trust, and developed intricate systems of governance to maintain order and protect their shared artistic endeavors.
After the 2017 event ended, academic researchers studied the evolution of the canvas. It was found that quantitative methods in visual artifact analysis can identify boundaries in the artwork and generally predict users’ “collaboration” (Rappaz et al., 2018). However, the reason collaboration is in quotes is because these quantitive methods could not discern between imagery created by collaboration verse conflict. Thus, Litherland & Mørch(2021) used qualitative and quantitive methods in their attempt to understand the evolution of the r/place canvas – focusing specifically on the development of the Mona Lisa painting. They studied two types of artifacts: visual and social which are defined as followed:
Visual Artifact: physical objects found in a particular culture or context that have been created or shaped by humans, refers to images created during this event.
Social Artifact: products of social beings and their social relationships, refers to the social interactions and relationships formed during the event.
According to their findings, the examination of social interaction within online communities can be seen as a dialectic process, influenced by artifacts that change at various levels of abstraction and time scales. The different levels serve two important purposes: preserving history by capturing the lower level’s history in a more lasting manner, and managing complexity by controlling the lower level’s growth rate. The connection between two levels of the same artifact is established through object transformation, where an object from a lower level may reappear on a higher level in a modified form. This concept of reconstruction, borrowed from the analysis of symbolic communication in face-to-face interactions (Mead, 1932, 1934), draws inspiration from biological processes (Litherland & Mørch, 2021). The free, complete pdf of Litherland’s and Mørch’s work is linked here: Collaborative Theory Paper.
As the canvas grew in popularity, users began to employ automated scripts, commonly known as “bots,” to assist with the placement of pixels. These bots automated the process of monitoring the canvas, identifying available spaces, and strategically placing pixels according to predefined patterns or instructions. Bots played a crucial role in optimizing efficiency and precision, as they could rapidly respond to changes on the canvas and work around the clock. By leveraging bot assistance, participants could achieve complex designs that would have been impractical or time-consuming to create manually. However, the use of bots also sparked debates about the balance between human creativity and automated intervention in the artistic process. Additionally, bots were controversial because a network of them could destroy entire communities’ works within seconds.
Above: The Unus Annus’ logo/symbol chosen to represent the passing of time.
The digital age has brought forth the notion that everything on the internet lasts forever. However, in a world where content is often preserved indefinitely, Unus Annus, a YouTube channel created by Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) and CrankGameplays (Ethan Nestor), emerged as a bold experiment to defy this notion. With its one-year lifespan, Unus Annus aimed to explore the fleeting nature of existence and the impermanence of digital content.
Unus Annus, Latin for “One Year,” was a collaborative YouTube project launched on November 15, 2019, and concluded exactly one year later. The channel’s purpose was to create and curate content that celebrated the passage of time, with the understanding that once the year elapsed, the entire channel would be permanently deleted. This experiment captivated audiences worldwide, accumulating millions of subscribers and fostering an active and dedicated fan base. The channel’s unique premise intrigued viewers, who eagerly followed the creators’ journey as they explored a wide range of topics, from bizarre experiments and challenges to thought-provoking discussions on mortality and the fleeting nature of life, albeit mostly done in a humorous manner.
The limited time frame added an element of urgency and exclusivity, intensifying the desire to experience and cherish the content while it lasted. Fans actively engaged with the channel, participating in live streams, submitting fan art, and sharing their interpretations of the channel’s messages. Unus Annus became more than just a YouTube channel; it became a shared experience and a community united by the impending end.
When the one-year mark arrived, Markiplier and CrankGameplays remained true to their initial intent. Without hesitation, they followed through on their promise and permanently deleted the entire Unus Annus channel, erasing all its videos, comments, and interactions. The act of deletion symbolized the acceptance of the ephemeral nature of digital content, emphasizing that even creations with substantial impact can be fleeting and transient. However, while the majority of fans respected the deletion, there are a few who downloaded and reloaded the videos from the channel in their entirety. Even those who did respect the deletion also in many ways kept the channel alive after its deletion with fanart and parody videos. These actions, the deletion, and even the sale of merchandise raises questions about the value and legacy of digital content.
Section 6: FanArt, FanFic, and Fandoms: Respecting and Disrespecting The Source Material
Online, fanart and fan fiction have emerged as powerful expressions of creativity. They not only contribute to the rich tapestry of art but also play a significant role in the preservation of fandoms (online communities surrounding a creative project or something similar) and other art projects. However, it is important to acknowledge that while fandoms can be vibrant and supportive, they can also be negative through blatant disrespect of the source material, such as the imagining or compelling non-canonical relationships, intentionally misinterpreting key messages, and fostering toxicity towards the original creators.
Fanart of Jacquie Kuru’s Vtuber Amber created collaboratively by her community on Discord, used with permission
What is Fan Art? Fan Art (fanart) refers to artistic creations produced by fans, often inspired by existing works of literature, films, television shows, video games, or other forms of media. The internet has become a vast gallery for fanart, enabling artists to showcase their talent and pay tribute to the source material that inspires them. Fanart allows fans to reinterpret characters, settings, and narratives, offering fresh perspectives and expanding the visual representation of beloved stories. Through fanart, online communities thrive by sharing, appreciating, and engaging with artists’ creations. Fanart provides a sense of connection and camaraderie, fostering conversations and collaborations among fans. It amplifies the impact of the original work, extending its reach and leaving a lasting impression on both creators and audiences.
Fan Fiction or fanfic, on the other hand, involves writing stories that feature characters or settings from existing works of fiction. It allows fans to explore alternative narratives, expand upon existing storylines, or delve into unexplored aspects of the source material. Fan fiction serves as a platform for fans to engage in imaginative storytelling, experiment with different genres, and explore character dynamics beyond what is presented in the original work. Similar to fanart, fan fiction thrives within online communities, fostering collaboration, feedback, and discussions among readers and writers. It provides an outlet for creative expression, allowing fans to contribute their unique voices and interpretations to the larger tapestry of the fandom. Fan fiction helps preserve and expand upon the world of the source material, keeping fandoms alive long after the original content has ended. Additionally, many creative writers establish their own audiences through fan fiction before writing and promoting their own original concepts.
A list of well-known authors who started as fanfic writers:
While both fanart and fan fictions can help preserve and expand online fandoms, they can pervert the source material in the process causing more harm than good. On one hand, fandoms create a sense of belonging and support, providing spaces for fans to engage in meaningful discussions, celebrate their favorite works, and showcase their creative talents. Fandoms often organize events, conventions, and online initiatives that further contribute to the growth and appreciation of the art they cherish. The other hand, fandoms can exhibit behaviors that disrespect the source material and its creators. The imagining or compelling of non-canonical relationships, commonly referred to as “shipping,” can sometimes overshadow the original intent and narrative of the work. This can lead to toxicity within fandoms, as fans argue passionately in favor of their preferred pairings and engage in heated debates, sometimes directing negativity towards the creators themselves. Additionally, some of these characters being shipped can be real people who are either actors in the project or online personalities such as Youtubers and Twitch streamers. Fans of these real world based-fandoms, can harass these creators or original participants of the source material with unsolicited sexualized fanart and fanfiction.
It is crucial for fandoms to strike a balance between expressing their creativity and respecting the original creators’ vision. While fanart and fan fiction provide avenues for reinterpretation and exploration, it is important to maintain an understanding of the source material’s boundaries and to engage in respectful dialogue with both fellow fans and the creators themselves. Constructive engagement ensures that fandoms continue to contribute positively to the art and foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
Student Insights: Forays in Fan Fiction (video by Lizzie Agnew, Spring 2021)
Respond to this case study: The video creator talks about using an online platform to connect with others. How is using an app for creating fan fiction different than simply using a common social media network? What affordances does the fan fiction app offer that might strengthen social connections?
Section 7: It is All About Relationships
In writing this section, I (Jacquie Kuru) realized there was an underlining theme to all of these new expressions of art – relationships. Whether it is an ever changing relationship with the self, as expressed through vtubing, or the collaborative and combative dynamics of r/place, the relationships formed in these realms shape and define the art created within them. Even in the fleeting existence of Unus Annus and the parasocial connections nurtured by fanart and fan fiction, relationships underpin the very essence of these online art projects.
VTubing offers a unique relationship with the self, allowing individuals to explore and express different facets of their identity through diverse character models. The fluidity of appearance fosters a dynamic connection with creativity, empowering artists to embrace new forms of expression and engage with their audiences in innovative ways.
In the collaborative canvas of r/place, relationships emerged as users joined forces, formed alliances, and protected their creations, showcasing the power of collective effort and the strength of communal bonds. Simultaneously, the combative nature of territorial battles demonstrated the complexities of human interactions, highlighting both the collaborative spirit and the occasional conflicts that arise within online communities.
Unus Annus challenged our relationship with the concept of time and permanence, urging viewers to contemplate the impermanence of existence itself. The ephemeral nature of the project emphasized the fleeting nature of art, leaving a lasting impact on those who participated and observed. Through the collective experience of Unus Annus, relationships with the idea of impermanence and the preciousness of time were fostered, urging reflection on the transitory nature of our own lives and the art we create.
Within the realm of fanart and fan fiction, parasocial relationships emerged as fans formed deep connections with artists, content creators, and fictional characters. These one-sided emotional bonds inspired fans to express their love and appreciation through creative mediums, shaping a vibrant community of artists and enthusiasts. The interconnectedness of these relationships nurtured a cycle of inspiration and artistic production, fueling the growth and evolution of fandoms and online art communities.
In conclusion, relationships lie at the heart of online art. Whether they manifest as relationships with the self, collaboration and conflict among communities, connections with profound ideas, or parasocial bonds, these relationships shape and drive the creative expressions that flourish within digital spaces. They inspire artists, foster collaboration, and provide a sense of belonging and identity within online communities. Through these relationships, the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of online art continues to thrive, weaving together a tapestry that celebrates the diverse range of human experiences and creative expressions.
Metas And MasterChef — The Social Media & Ourselves Podcast
Metas And MasterChef
Release Date: February 1st 2022
In this episode, Gabe Stultz gives us an introduction to the world of Twitch. A site that dominates the live streaming world, the platform itself becomes subject to changing “metas,” or trends in popular programming dictated by popular creators. With boundaries being pushed to create the hottest new trend, we run into the latest meta: the “react” meta, in which streamers are baiting DMCA strikes. Will they bring the wrath of copyright holders down upon all of Twitch, or is there no reason to panic? SMO theme composed by Gabe Stultz. Music in this episode by PR1SM. Produced by Gabe Stultz with a deep thanks to Dr. Daly for this episode’s interview.
Respond to this podcast episode…How did the podcast episode “Metas And MasterChef” use interviews, student voices, or sounds to demonstrate a current or past social trend phenomenon? If you were making a sequel to this episode, what voices or sounds would you include to help listeners understand more about this trend, and why?
creative work made by a fan of a particular piece of media such as a TV series, video game, etc. featuring characters from said piece of media. These creative works are the backbones of online communities called fandoms
an individual who has adopted a virtual avatar to represent them online, usually as online entertainers on platforms such as YouTube
Core Questions
A. Questions for qualitative thought:
1. In your experience, how has the internet specifically impacted the way artists create and share their work? Beyond the examples you mentioned, can you elaborate on other ways in which VTubing allows individuals to explore and express themselves creatively?
2. How do the collaborative and combative aspects of online art projects, like r/place, influence the final outcome and the overall experience for participants?
3. In your opinion, how can fan art and fan fiction contribute positively to the source material and the communities surrounding it?
4. Looking towards the future, what are your thoughts on the potential evolution of online art forms and the role that technology will play in shaping them?
B. Review: Which is the best answer?
C. Game on!
Related Content
Read It: How r/place – a massive and chaotic collaborative art project on Reddit – showcased the best and worst of online spaces
Many would be familiar with Reddit as one of the largest social networking sites, with a large group of forums (“subreddits”) catering to almost any interest.
Since the beginning of April, Reddit has played host to a massive collaborative art project called r/place that simultaneously shows us some of the best and worst attributes of cybercultures.
Originally launched in 2017, r/place ran for 72 hours. The lifespan of the new r/place was also short – ultimately lasting for just five days. Beginning initially as a blank canvas, r/place allows users to place one coloured pixel every five minutes (or 20 minutes for unverified accounts) as they attempt to build a collective art piece.
Traversing through r/place takes you for a journey through time, memes and cultures.
At any one moment you might be looking at a Nine Inch Nails logo, the flags of various countries, a QR code linking you to a YouTube video titled The Most Logical Arguments AGAINST Veganism (In 10 Minutes), and a homage to Zyzz – a popular bodybuilding figure who passed away in 2011.
Some artworks on r/place don’t seem to represent anything at all. The sole mission of The Blue Corner is (you guessed it) to have a blue corner depicted on the final art piece.
The artwork constantly changes over its short lifetime. But even if the drawings of some communities may not go the distance, the time lapse videos depicting the ongoing mutation of the canvas has become a key part of this art piece, ensuring all contributions play a vital part in the lifecycle of r/place.
This collaborative online art project allows people to express their individuality as well as collective identities formed through interactions with online spaces.
This year’s iteration of r/place, in contrast to the previous version, demonstrates the interconnectivity of communities in digital spaces. No longer is r/place solely reserved for Reddit users. Now, there is clear power in drawing on communities distributed across Twitch, Discord and Twitter.
This influx of communities from all over the internet has not been well-received by all.
There is a belief Twitch streamers are ruining the work of smaller communities and are attempting to sabotage the project.
Instead of being a democratic representation of online communities and their art, the argument goes, Twitch streamers are encouraging their fans, numbered in the hundreds of thousands, to capture hotly contested territory.
Twitch’s xQc has up to 200,000 viewers on his streams where he is encouraging a take-over of r/place. Screenshot
Factions – such as those formed between Spanish streamers and BTS fans – have become the primary way to ensure power and influence over the art project.
Smaller communities are driven out at the expense of larger influencers with more bargaining power in this pixel warfare.
It is not just individuals taking part in this art project. Many believe “bots” are running rampant, performing automated tasks in a way that is antithetical to the idea of this artwork as a representation of human achievement as opposed to technical prowess.
These examples are just a fraction of the chaos over the internet in the last few days: 4chan operated coordinated attacks on the Trans flag and LGBTQ+ panels, and streamers are receiving an influx of death threats.
The best and worst of us
At its best, r/place is a powerful illustration of strangers coming together about their passions online and the collaborative nature of the internet.
At its worst, it represents everything we have come to dislike about the internet: the exclusion of smaller voices at the expense of influencer cultures, factions between communities, and the toxicity of some cybercultures.
The end of r/place. Screenshot
Whatever the case, this project has been great for boosting Reddit’s publicity as the company goes public.
In its final moments earlier today, users could only place white tiles and watch the spectacle of a once vibrantly coloured collaborative art piece that caused so much chaos among online communities simply transform back into a blank canvas.
Bombastic! Enthusiastic! (And possibly a caffeine addict…) Jacquie is a girl with a bubbly personality, wanting to learn all and do all if possible. She loves all things creative and has had experience with almost all forms of digital medium. She is a certified radio operator, a past news anchor, a self-made artist, and so much more!
The development of computing systems to perform intelligent tasks
The science of how computers can understand what is asked of them through language
An individual who has adopted a virtual avatar to represent them online, usually as online entertainers on platforms such as YouTube
Fake accounts run by automation.
Creative work made by a fan of a particular piece of media such as a TV series, video game, etc. featuring characters from said piece of media. These creative works are the backbones of online communities called fandoms.
The collective name for the fan community of a particular piece of media
The imagining or compelling by fandom audiences of a romantic relationship between two characters
