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🌟 Almost famous 🌟

The Internet has lowered barriers to fame and success, allowing anyone to create and share content with a global audience. It has opened up new possibilities for self-expression, creativity, and entrepreneurship, but also led to intense competition and potential risks such as cyberbullying and cancel culture.

🌟 The Big Ideas 🌟​

  • The lowered barriers to fame and success in the Golden Age of the Internet
  • The opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and entrepreneurship on digital platforms
  • The challenges of intense competition and navigating a flood of content
  • The potential risks of cyberbullying, negative comments, and cancel culture for those seeking online fame
  • The democratization of the ability to become famous and successful through the Internet

❓ Inquiry Questions ❓​

Content-based​

🌐 How does the Internet work?
  • The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers that communicate using a standard set of protocols (TCP/IP)
  • Data is broken down into packets and transmitted across the network through routers and switches
  • Each device on the network has a unique IP address that identifies it and allows it to send and receive data
  • The World Wide Web is a system of linked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet, using HTTP and web browsers
📈 What technological changes have made it possible for subcultures to develop and thrive?
  • The widespread availability of high-speed internet access and mobile devices has allowed people to connect and communicate with others who share their interests, regardless of geographic location
  • Social media platforms and online forums provide spaces for subcultures to form and grow, by allowing people to easily find and connect with like-minded individuals
  • Advances in digital media tools and platforms have made it easier for people to create and share content related to their subcultures, such as blogs, videos, and podcasts
  • The rise of e-commerce and online marketplaces has made it possible for subcultures to develop and sell niche products and services to a global audience
🤔 What are subcultures?
  • Subcultures are groups of people within a larger culture who share distinct values, beliefs, and behaviors that set them apart from the mainstream
  • Subcultures often form around specific interests, lifestyles, or identities, such as music genres, fashion styles, or political ideologies
  • Members of subcultures often develop their own language, symbols, and rituals that reinforce their sense of belonging and differentiate them from other groups
  • Subcultures can provide a sense of community and identity for individuals who may feel marginalized or misunderstood by the dominant culture
🌍 What are some of the most popular internet subcultures?
  • Gaming subcultures, such as those surrounding specific video game franchises or competitive esports
  • Music subcultures, such as those related to specific genres like hip-hop, EDM, or K-pop
  • Fashion subcultures, such as streetwear, vintage, or high-end designer communities
  • Political subcultures, such as those related to specific ideologies or social movements
  • Fandom subcultures, such as those dedicated to specific movies, TV shows, or celebrities

Concept-based​

📈 How has the rise of social media platforms and other digital channels affected the way people seek and achieve fame in the 21st century?
  • Social media platforms have made it easier for individuals to build a personal brand and reach a large audience without the need for traditional gatekeepers like talent agencies or media companies
  • The ability to go viral on social media has created new paths to fame and success, based on factors like relatability, authenticity, and niche appeal
  • The attention economy of social media has led to a focus on metrics like followers, likes, and engagement, which can create pressure to constantly create and share content
  • The rise of influencer marketing has created new opportunities for individuals to monetize their online fame through sponsored content and brand partnerships

Debatable​

🤔 Should internet fame be considered a legitimate form of success or is it merely a fleeting and superficial phenomenon?
  • Internet fame can provide a platform for individuals to showcase their talents and reach a wide audience, leading to real opportunities and success
  • However, internet fame is often short-lived and can be based on superficial factors such as appearance or viral content rather than genuine talent or hard work
  • The metrics of internet fame, such as likes and followers, may not always translate to meaningful success or fulfillment in the real world
  • The pressure to maintain internet fame can lead to a focus on creating content for the sake of popularity rather than authentic self-expression
🧠 TOK CONNECTION: Does the anonymity of the internet foster a more diverse and accepting subculture, or does it encourage more extreme and polarizing viewpoints?
  • The anonymity of the internet can allow individuals to express themselves more freely and connect with like-minded people, leading to the formation of diverse subcultures
  • However, anonymity can also embolden people to express more extreme or polarizing viewpoints without fear of real-world consequences
  • The lack of face-to-face interaction and accountability on the internet can lead to a breakdown in empathy and understanding between different groups
  • The algorithm-driven nature of many internet platforms can create echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to diverse perspectives

2. Concepts​

2.3 Identity​

  • 2.3A Identity helps define a person, group, social entity and/or community.

3. Content​

3.4 Networks and the internet​

  • 3.4E The world wide web

4. Contexts​

4.1 Cultural​

  • 4.1D Subcultures