by nadine.lowden -

Impulse #8_’Third places’ strengthen community. Here’s how we can rebuild them

In this public radio show from WBUR, listeners call in and share their third places and what they mean to them. After that, the host discusses the history of the third place, the state of third places in The United States post-pandemic, why we should rebuild third places, and how to make that possible. Professor Danielle C. Rhubart, assistant professor of biobehavioral health and demography at Penn State University, explains the importance of third places:

“When the people who coined the term first described it, these places where places of sociality and now we look at coffee shops and they can also be places where you get work done. Right? And you’re not actually engaging with other people. And there’s evidence to suggest that even when we go in a more passive way and are on our laptops, there’s still some benefits in sort of building senses of belonging and identity.

But when we actually engage with people and have conversations that can also yield benefits along measures of mental health and wellbeing as well.”

Below are some excerpts from listeners who called in to the podcast:

ELIZABETH: I would say my third place is the dog park. It’s a great place to meet other people from other neighborhoods, economic situations, jobs, races, religions. It just brings everyone together. And I find myself spending a lot of time there, especially at the start of the pandemic, it seemed like that was the only place where I could see people and life seemed to be normal.

DAVID: My third place is one of four or five local taverns that I tend to frequent. That’s where everybody knows my name. I’m greeted with a smile. They know the drink I want, and sometimes engage in terrific conversation, either with regulars or entirely new faces.

SUSANNA: It’s a cold water swimming group, and it really took me by surprise to find how engaged I was because I love these people so much and it is a head clearing oasis. At the start of my day, three times a week.

SULE: I’m a percussionist, and most Sundays there’s a group of five to 10, sometime up to 15 drummers and musicians out in Piedmont Park. That’s where I go to make friends and absorb good energy and music from other people.

Citations

Chang, Jonathan, and Anthony Brooks. “‘third Places’ Strengthen Community. Here’s How We Can Rebuild Them.” On Point, July 26, 2023. https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/07/26/third-places-strengthen-community-heres-how-we-can-rebuild-them.

by Johannes Kölbl -

Night of Percussion

Als Musiker gibt es Momente, die sich tief in das Gedächtnis einbrennen und die Essenz dessen einfangen, wofür man lebt und atmet. Einer dieser magischen Momente ereignete sich für mich bei der Night of Percussion im Orpheum Graz, einem Abend, der nicht nur musikalisch, sondern auch durch seine außergewöhnliche audiovisuelle Präsenz herausstach.

Der Soundcheck

Jedes Event beginnt mit einem Soundcheck – jenem kritischen Moment, in dem sich die Bühne noch in einer Art ruhigen Vorahnung des kommenden Sturms befindet. Die Professionalität der Tontechniker im Orpheum Graz war von Anfang an spürbar. Mit einem am Mischpult und dem anderen direkt auf der Bühne, der sich um den Monitorsound und weitere Anliegen kümmerte, wurde jedes Detail sorgfältig abgestimmt. Als Percussionist ist es essentiell, meinen eigenen Sound klar zu hören, und dank meines persönlichen Monitors konnte ich genau das Setup einstellen lassen, das ich für meinen Auftritt benötigte. Diese Aufmerksamkeit für den Sound schaffte eine solide Basis für das, was kommen sollte.

Die Show

Der Unterschied zwischen dem Soundcheck und der eigentlichen Show ist oft bemerkbar, doch an diesem Abend fühlte ich mich vom ersten Schlagzeugwirbel an wohl. Das Orpheum Graz, bekannt für seine hervorragende Akustik und intime Atmosphäre, war bis zum letzten Platz gefüllt, und die Energie des Publikums war elektrisierend. Auf der Bühne zu stehen, umgeben von Kollegen, die alle Meister ihres Fachs sind, und in eine Welt einzutauchen, in der jeder Schlag, jede Bewegung und jeder Ton eine Geschichte erzählt, war überwältigend.

Die audiovisuelle Wahrnehmung

Was die Night of Percussion so einzigartig machte, war die tiefgreifende Verbindung zwischen Sound und visueller Erfahrung. Die Beleuchtung ergänzte perfekt die Dynamik und Stimmung der Musik, und der Sound im Raum – verstärkt durch die professionelle Abmischung – schuf eine immersive Atmosphäre, die jeden Anwesenden in ihren Bann zog. Als Musiker auf dieser Bühne zu stehen, bedeutete, Teil eines größeren Ganzen zu sein, eines kunstvollen Zusammenspiels aus Licht, Schatten und Klang.

by nadine.lowden -

Impulse #7_Mina Le “third places, stanley cup mania, and the epidemic of loneliness”

In Mina Le’s video essay, “third places, stanley cup mania, and the epidemic of loneliness”, she discusses isolation, loneliness, friendship, and community in our modern, technological age. Le dedicates a large portion of the video to the “third place”. First described in the 1980s by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg, a third place is a space for informal, free social interaction, essential to democracy. Exemplified most clearly by the coffeehouse, a third place is neutral ground where friends and neighbours are regulars, but strangers are just as welcome. Third places are inexpensive, unstructured, and local. Conversation is the main activity. In this video, Le speaks specifically to the American condition, where third places have all but disappeared. Although the situation isn’t quite the same in Europe, the digital space has largely replaced the physical third place, and we still don’t yet know what the consequences of that might be. Le ends the video by discussing the importance of communities and in-person friendships/relationships. She notes that, over the phone, we completely miss the facial cues from others’ expressions. We feel less of a communal responsibility, and we lose the culture of generosity without expectation of reciprocation or compensation.

Citations

Le, Mina. “Third Places, Stanley Cup Mania, and the Epidemic of Loneliness.” YouTube, January 22, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqjpuUJQFcM&t=1632s.


Oldenburg, Ray, and Karen Christensen. “Third Places, True Citizen Spaces.” The UNESCO Courier,
March 22, 2023. https://courier.unesco.org/en/articles/third-places-true-citizen-spaces.
the third place

by nagyija.bogas -

Impulse #7

Women at Work (Podcast): Ever Considered Joining a Board?

In the recent podcast that I listened to created by Harvard Business Review, the discussion with women in leadership positions about how they got there, gender discrimination, and their difficulties. Eight women who work in the board service share their experiences, challenges, and how they secured their seats.

One prominent figure contributing to the discussion is Lindsey Shorts, who has been on the board of directors at the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living for 10 years and was its chair for 7. She was honest about how it is sometimes difficult to deal with a lot of people, especially if the field is male-dominated, and how sometimes she had to make people listen to her and her ideas in order to be taken seriously. Lindsey shared that it was difficult for her to have a word in because of that. Because of this, she was feeling confused for a long period of time about her tone of voice (if she sounded not nice), if she said the right word, etc. What helped her was finding a mentor and having a person she could always go to If she wasn’t sure about something. What I liked is that she said that being in a board position is about understanding what people need, and what needs to be done, whereas many people see this only as an opportunity to do what they want.

Podcast Link

by helena.opower -

Impulse #6 “Dear Society”

In the song “Dear Society” by Madison Beer, which was released in 2019, the singer deals with the social pressures that are amplified by social media. The song explores the negative effects of social media on self-perception and the general worldview, and the lyrics show the narrator’s frustration with unrealistic standards and expectations of society, which are reinforced by social media. It describes how these pressures can affect mental health and self-esteem as we try to live up to these standards. Additionally, the song highlights how social media can distort reality. It suggests that these digital platforms can aspire to a toxic cycle that strives for perfection, which is ultimately harmful to wellbeing.

Madison Beer’s song “Dear Society” provides important insight into the negative effects of social media on self-image and well-being, showing how present the issue is in society and that everyone struggles with it.

Songfacts

by nagyija.bogas -

Research Planning Matrix

AimsObjectivesMethodsOutcomesOutputs
Investigate the impact of women-centric career empowerment platforms on the career advancement, job search strategies, and job satisfaction of women1. Examine existing literature and studies.
2. Analyze existing platforms and communities.
3. Explore the influence of these platforms on job search strategies for women.
4. Conduct interviews and surveys to gather information about fears, experiences, and pain points.
5. Develop a list of required features and create wireframes and a prototype based on those. 		Conduct surveys and interviews.

Analyze existing platforms.

Prototype development.		Find key factors and features that contribute to career advancement for women.

Based on research and findings develop a prototype.		Literature and research overview. Showcase of the whole process, starting from literature, surveys to the final prototype.
by helena.opower -

Research Planning Matrix

AimsObjectivesMethodsOutcomesOutputs
To investigate the impact of social media, specifically Instagram, on the well-being of teenagers and propose a redesigned version that addresses their unique needs and challenges.1. Examine existing literature and studies on the effects of social media on teenagers.
2. Analyze current Instagram features and identify aspects contributing to potential harm.
3. Design and implement a survey and interviews to gather insights from teenagers, parents, and educators.
4. Develop a set of requirements for a teenager-centric Instagram version.
Create wireframes and a prototype based on the identified requirements.		mixed-methods approach: comprehensive literature review, surveys, interviews, and prototype development to gain insights into the challenges teenagers face on Instagram and propose a tailored solutionThe research aims to help to better understand how social media, especially Instagram, affects the well-being of teenagers. It will provide suggestions for making Instagram safer for users, with a focus on their mental health.The research outputs will include a detailed literature review, a set of requirements for a teenager-friendly Instagram, wireframes, a prototype, and a comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of implementing the proposed changes on the well-being of teenagers.
by helena.opower -

Ontology & Epistemology

Ontology:

In examining the nature of reality in the context of my research topic, I recognize certain assumptions about the phenomena or issues I would like to explore. The nature of reality in this case revolves around the complex relationship between social media, particularly Instagram, and teenage wellbeing. I recognize that I am making assumptions about the existence of challenges and consequences associated with teenagers’ social media use.

These assumptions can be considered as subjective constructs, influenced by personal experiences and cultural factors. The challenges young people face when navigating social media platforms are not objective facts, but are closely linked to the diverse perceptions, experiences and cultural contexts that shape individuals’ interactions with these platforms. Understanding the problems and potential solutions is therefore dynamic and subject to interpretation based on the different perspectives through which different stakeholders view the issues at hand. Kids & Teenagers are struggling with the toxic influence of social media (i.e. the app Instagram) as they start to question their body, their looking, their outfits, the things they do and have and so one. You can also consider these as objective facts as there are several studies about the influence of social media on teenagers and the bad consequences. For example eating disorders, suicide rate, overall dissatisfaction & insecurity.

Epistemology:

In terms of the study of knowledge, my approach is multi-layered and draws on a variety of sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Primary sources include empirical data collected through surveys and interviews that provide valuable insight into the lived experiences and perceptions of youth, parents, and educators regarding social media use.

Theoretical frameworks also play a crucial role in shaping my understanding and provide a conceptual basis for interpreting the complexities of the phenomena. I recognize the importance of combining theoretical perspectives with empirical observations to paint a holistic picture of the research subject.

However, it is important to recognize the potential limitations of this approach. While empirical data and theoretical frameworks contribute significantly to knowledge gain, they may not capture the full range of subjective experiences or cultural subtleties. Furthermore, my own background and perspective inevitably influence the interpretation of research findings. Being aware of these potential biases is crucial to ensure the rigor and validity of the study. I strive to remain open to diverse viewpoints and continually reflect on how my own experiences may influence my interpretation of the research, thus minimizing the impact of potential inherent biases on the study’s findings.

by helena.opower -

Stakeholder & “What is this”

For my Instagram Youth version, I examined the following stakeholders.

Teenagers: As the primary users, their perspectives on the current challenges and preferences for a redesigned Instagram are crucial.

Parents: Given the concerns parents may have about their children’s online activities, understanding their perspectives on a safer social media environment is important.

Educators: Teachers and school administrators may be interested in how social media affects students’ well-being and may have insights into the educational implications.

Social Media Experts: Professionals specializing in social media, child psychology, or digital well-being can provide expert opinions and contribute valuable insights.

Instagram (Meta): The platform itself is a key stakeholder. Understanding their policies, constraints, and potential collaboration is essential.

For the “What is this” analysis, I chose Instagram itself to get a better understanding of the app.

What is this: Instagram

  1. What is it for?
    • Sharing photos and videos
    • Connecting with friends and family
    • Discovering content based on interests
    • Building a personal or brand presence
    • Providing a platform for self-expression
  2. To use it:
    • To create an account
    • To post content
    • To interact with others through likes, comments, and direct messages
    • To explore content on the main feed and through Stories
  3. How did it get there?
    • Developed by Instagram, Inc. (now owned by Meta)
    • Downloading it from the App Store
  4. Who uses it?
    • Individuals of various ages, interests, and backgrounds
    • Influencers and content creators
    • Businesses and brands for marketing and engagement
    • Celebrities and public figures
    • Educational institutions, non-profits, and organizations for outreach
  5. What does it do?
    • Facilitates photo and video sharing
    • Enables communication through comments and direct messages
    • Provides a platform for content discovery
    • Supports advertising and promotion
  6. When is it used?
    • Throughout the day based on individual preferences
    • During events, travels, and special occasions
    • To stay connected with others
    • For personal or professional branding
    • As a source of entertainment and information
  7. What is it made of?
    • Software code written in programming languages
    • Database infrastructure to store user data
    • Visual elements including images, icons, and user interface components
  8. Who made it?
    • Developed by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger (Instagram founders)
    • Acquired by Facebook in 2012 (now Meta Platforms, Inc.)
  9. Why does it exist?
    • To provide a platform for visual storytelling and sharing
    • To connect people globally through shared interests
    • To serve as a space for personal expression and creativity
    • To offer businesses and influencers a platform for promotion and engagement
by valerie.feichtmair -

Ontology & Epistemology

Ontology:

Meine Perspektive auf Dark Patterns basiert auf persönlichen Erfahrungen im Internet. Jeder, der regelmäßig online ist, hat wahrscheinlich schon mit ihnen zu tun gehabt. Meine Erfahrung zeigt, dass sie unterschiedliche Reaktionen hervorrufen können: Man ignoriert sie, übersieht sie oder hat negative Nutzererfahrungen durch sie. Ich neige dazu, Dark Patterns als negativ und unseriös zu betrachten und bin der Meinung, dass ich diese häufig durchschaue. Jedoch kann ich mir vorstellen, dass vor allem unerfahrene Nutzer anfälliger für die Manipulationstaktiken sein können und deshalb anders reagieren. Ich würde sagen, dass die Frage, ob Dark Patterns eine negative Auswirkung auf das Nutzererlebnis haben, subjektiv ist, und würde sie dem “Interpretivismus” zuordnen. Unerfahrene Nutzer werden viele Dark Patterns höchstwahrscheinlich gar nicht wahrnehmen oder zumindest nicht als negativ interpretieren.

Epistemology:

Ich werde sowohl theoretische Quellen heranziehen als auch empirisch arbeiten. Zunächst werde ich mir einen Überblick verschaffen, welche allgemeinen Statistiken/Ergebnisse zum Thema “Dark Patterns und deren Einfluss auf das Nutzererlebnis” bereits vorhanden sind. Anschließend werde ich durch Usability-Testing und mithilfe von Fragebögen empirische Daten sammeln. Als Werkstück werden zwei High-Fidelity-Prototypen von Online-Shops erstellt. Einer verwendet Dark Patterns, der Andere nicht. Nutzer müssen bei beiden eine Reihe von Aufgaben durchführen, wie beispielsweise das Kaufen von Produkten. Anschließend soll durch Befragung und Beobachtung ausgewertet werden, welcher Online-Shop den Nutzern sympathischer erscheint, wo sie eher einkaufen würden und ob bzw. welche Dark Patterns aufgefallen sind und ob diese auch negativ wahrgenommen wurden.

Zunächst wird eine grundsätzliche Befragung über das Online-Kaufverhalten vorgenommen. Nach Durchführung des Usability-Tests soll befragt werden, ob bzw. wie sehr Nutzer mit Dark Patterns vertraut sind und ob diese sie überhaupt stören. Es werden Testpersonen herangezogen, die möglichst unterschiedliche Eigenschaften im Bezug auf Alter, Beruf und Vertrautheit mit Online-Shopping haben, um so möglichst umfassende Daten zu sammeln. (Ansonsten könnte die Gefahr bestehen, dass nur die Sichtweise von bestimmten Nutzergruppen wie beispielsweise die der jungen, internetaffinen Menschen herangezogen wird, welche jedoch von der Wahrnehmung aller potenzieller Zielgruppen abweicht.)

Mögliche Gefahren könnten sein, dass ich bei der Befragung im Bezug auf Dark Patterns unbewusst nicht neutral genug bin (da ich selbst ein negatives Bild zu dieser Thematik habe) und so die Testpersonen in eine bestimmte Richtung lenke. Ich glaube, es ist auch wichtig, zunächst nicht preiszugeben, dass es bei dem Usability-Test um Dark Patterns geht. Die Befragten sollen im Glauben bleiben, dass sie nur etwas online bestellen müssen. So kann am besten festgestellt werden, ob und wie viele Dark Patterns bemerkt wurden und ob dadurch ein negatives Nutzererlebnis zustande gekommen ist.