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combining the 4 papers into a whole research paper, it should be 20-25pages in mla format. please correct the essays’ content base on the advices. The four papers should be coherently formed into a complete research paper.
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Professor
Writing 2
October 6, 2023
Government Regulation of Social Media and Teenagers in American Pop Culture
In the ever-evolving American pop culture landscape, the influence of social media has
become as ubiquitous as the icons that grace our screens and televisions. American pop culture,
including music, movies, television, and the phenomenon of celebrity, has long captured the
imaginations of teenagers. However, in today’s digital age, it is impossible to discuss the
enduring appeal of American pop culture without recognizing the integral role of social media.
This article will explore the intricate intersection between social media, teens, and American pop
culture and asks a critical question: should the government step in to regulate a digital sphere that
has become an integral part of teens’ lives?
As teens navigate the complex world of American pop culture, social media platforms
such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat have become important channels for their
experiences. These platforms are digital arenas where young people interact, celebrate, and
sometimes criticize the latest trends, celebrities, and cultural phenomena. Ana Maria Munar is a
professor of sociology and philosophy. In her book called Tourism Social Media:
Transformations in Identity, Community and Culture, she says: “Pop culture fans use social
media to a large extent, and these means are important for making decisions about travel and
attending events”(98). The appeal of pop culture has found new life in the virtual world, where
teens share emojis, dissect plot twists, and engage in heated debates about their favorite artists
and movies. Social media reflects American pop culture; it actively shapes and amplifies it, often
in real-time, contributing to the rapid rise and fall of trends and celebrities. As Raymond
Williams, British scholar, writer, and Marxist literary critic. He said: culture is ‘one of the two or
three most complicated words in the English language’ (87), and this complexity is particularly
evident when we consider the intersection of popular culture and social media in the lives of
today’s teenagers. However, this newfound digital prominence of American pop culture in the
lives of teens is not without its challenges. The same platforms that enable the celebration of
cultural icons also expose young people to potential hazards, from cyberbullying, to the spread of
harmful content, to the dangers associated with overindulgence in social media. The growing
issue of government regulation has prompted a closer look at the delicate balance between
keeping American pop culture alive in the digital realm and safeguarding the well-being of
younger generations. Therefore, it is essential to explore the myriad effects of social media on
youth within the context of American pop culture. The specific instances and consequences that
will be discussed in subsequent sections of this paper.
Social media’s profound impact on American pop culture extends far beyond mere
observation, actively shaping the way teens engage with, consume, and contribute to the cultural
zeitgeist. For example, platforms such as Jitterbug have revolutionized the music industry,
allowing teens to turn obscure songs into chart-topping hits through viral challenges and dance
trends. The success of songs such as ‘Old Town Road’ and ‘Savage Love’ can be largely
attributed to the enthusiasm of teenage users who have turned these songs into a cultural
phenomenon. Through the potent combination of viral challenges, widespread sharing on social
media platforms like TikTok, and active participation of young audiences, these songs
transcended the realm of mere music to become emblematic touchstones of contemporary pop
culture. Their cross-genre appeal, amplified by artist involvement, extensive media coverage,
and a global reach, underscores their significance as not just musical hits but as cultural
landmarks that resonate with a generation deeply connected to digital and social media trends.
Essentially, social media has democratized the music scene, allowing up-and-coming artists to
gain recognition and begin their careers without the traditional gatekeepers of the industry,
giving them more opportunities. Similarly, American pop culture icons have found new ways to
interact with their fan bases through social media. Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Kim
Kardashian, and BTS actively engage with their fans, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, personal
stories, and political opinions, all of which influence the discourse surrounding pop culture.
Direct and unfiltered access to these celebrities has changed the traditional celebrity-fan
relationship. No longer passively consuming content, teens are actively engaged in conversations
about the lives, opinions, and endeavors of their favorite celebrities, turning these figures into
relevant and approachable role models. Additionally, America’s pop culture boom relies on the
rapid spread of trends and emojis, and social media is the engine that pushes these phenomena to
unprecedented heights. Whether it’s the Ice Bucket Challenge raising awareness of tachyphylaxis
or the Distracted Boyfriend’s humorous commentary on relationships, these cultural touchstones
were born and proliferated in the digital environment of social media. In this way, social media
not only reflects the dynamic nature of American popular culture but is a catalyst for its
evolution. It democratizes the process and enables youth to actively participate in the creation
and dissemination of trends, thus blurring the lines between consumers and creators of pop
culture content.
While social media has undeniably changed the face of American pop culture, its
ubiquitous influence also presents a host of challenges and potentially negative consequences for
teens. One looming issue is cyberbullying, which often thrives on these platforms. The
anonymity and transcendence provided by social media can encourage individuals to engage in
hurtful or malicious behavior, targeting teens with hurtful comments, harassment, or threats. The
psychological costs of cyberbullying can be far-reaching, leading to increased stress, anxiety,
and even depression in affected teens. For example, there are many malicious comments that can
be made online these days, and such behavior can lead to constant comparisons and pressure on
teens to conform to idealized standards, which can lead to issues related to body image, selfesteem, and self-worth, making them unsure of themselves and prone to denial. Social media
platforms present people with carefully curated, edited, and unrealistic images of beauty and
success, but these can make it easy for mentally immature teens to feel inadequate and
dissatisfied with their own lives. Additionally, exposure to inappropriate or harmful content
continues to be a serious problem in the realm of social media and American pop culture. Teens
are exposed to a plethora of images, videos, and discussions, some of which may not be
appropriate for their age or emotional maturity. John Samples, is an American political theorist,
author, and vice president of the Cato Institute. In his article, he said: “Many on the left complain
that large social media platforms fostered both Trump’s election in 2016 and violence in
Charlottesville in 2017”(122). A significant portion of individuals on both sides of the argument
maintain that government intervention is necessary to oversee the moderation of social media
platforms in order to achieve equity, equilibrium, or other desired values.
Whether it’s explicit content, violence, or misinformation, the continued flow of this type
of material can desensitize teens and negatively impact their perceptions and behaviors. Another
area of concern is the addictive nature of social media platforms. The design of these platforms is
often optimized to keep users engaged for long periods of time, especially teens, who can easily
spend too much time browsing feeds and interacting with content. The journal “Computers in
Human Behavior” is a monthly scholarly publication that undergoes peer review, focusing on the
study of human-computer interaction and cyberpsychology. It was founded in 1985 and
published by Elsevier. The editor-in-chief is Matthew Gutton, a PhD at Laval University who
specializes in Cyberbehavior – Human behavior in virtual spaces. It said: “In 2013 found that in
the UK specifically, 85% of 12–15-year-olds access their main SNS profile every day and 20%
do so more than ten times a day, facilitated by the increasing use of mobiles and tablets to gain
access”(118). This addiction can lead to decreased productivity, sleep disturbances, and hindered
real-life social interactions, all of which can not only have a detrimental effect on a teen’s overall
health but also lead to a decrease in their ability to learn. Essentially, while social media has the
ability to enhance and shape the popular culture of American teens, its negative effects, including
cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, addiction, and the perpetuation of unrealistic
standards, cannot be ignored. As we enter the digital age, striking a balance between the positive
and negative impacts of social media is critical to ensure that teens are able to fully benefit from
the richness of American pop culture without sacrificing their mental and emotional well-being.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes not only government
regulation, but also education and open dialog between parents, educators, and youth.
The question of whether the government should intervene to regulate social media for
teenagers intersects intimately with the ever-evolving landscape of American pop culture.
Advocates for government intervention argue that it is imperative to protect young consumers
from the potential harms lurking in the digital corridors of American pop culture. The influence
of pop culture icons, trends, and phenomena is profoundly amplified through social media
platforms, and teenagers are particularly susceptible to its allure. Therefore, proponents contend
that government regulation becomes not only a matter of safeguarding their well-being but also
preserving the integrity of American pop culture itself. One pressing concern is the undue
pressure that teenagers face to conform to idealized standards of beauty and success perpetuated
by pop culture figures on social media. The continual flow of modified and carefully selected
images, presentations of lifestyles, and endorsements can contribute to an altered perception of
reality, nurturing emotions of insufficiency and diminished self-worth. Government regulation
could help mitigate this effect by imposing stricter guidelines on the advertising and content
practices of influencers, celebrities, and advertisers within the realm of pop culture. Moreover,
the addictive nature of social media within American pop culture cannot be underestimated.
Teenagers often find themselves drawn into a cycle of endless scrolling, engrossed in the latest
pop culture trends and news. This not only detracts from real-life social interactions but also
impacts their productivity and overall well-being. Government intervention could involve
encouraging platforms to implement features that limit screen time for teenagers or promote
more balanced usage. However, opponents argue that government regulation may stifle the
vibrant and democratic nature of American pop culture within the digital sphere. They contend
that the beauty of pop culture lies in its ability to reflect society’s dynamic and evolving norms,
and strict regulations could hinder creativity and innovation. Moreover, the notion of government
intrusion raises concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for censorship.
Navigating this complex terrain requires a nuanced approach that both acknowledges the
powerful influence of American pop culture on teens through social media and recognizes the
need to protect teens from potential harm. As the debate unfolds, it is clear that finding the right
balance between preserving the integrity of pop culture and protecting the well-being of younger
generations is a crucial task that requires input from policymakers, educators, parents, and teens
themselves. John Carlo Bertot is a professor and co-director of The Center for Information
Policy and Access at the University of Maryland’s School of Information. He is the author of a
book called The Impact of Policies on Government Social Media Usage: Issues, challenges, and
recommendations, it said: “Agencies should continue to forge ahead with the adoption and use of
social media due to their ability to offer government services where individuals increasingly are
with their online usage, there is a need to update the information policy context to better guide
agencies—as well as set security, privacy, and other parameters—with social media
technologies”(58). Government agencies should engage in open and transparent dialog with
stakeholders, including social media platforms, content creators, educators, and youth.
Collaboration is key to developing regulations that are fair, effective, and take into account the
diverse needs and interests of the pop culture sector. In addition, regulations should be developed
with the flexibility to adapt to the rapid changes in the digital world. Regular evaluation and
revision will ensure that regulations remain relevant and do not impede the creative and
innovative spirit of American popular culture. Fundamentally, government regulation should
seek to harmonize the protection of young people from harm while respecting the vibrancy and
vitality of popular culture and the freedoms it represents. Educators can teach young people to be
aware of harmful information on the Internet and warn them not to be influenced by it. Parents,
on the other hand, need to keep an eye on the amount of time young people spend using social
media, so as not to allow them to become addicted, and to keep an eye on their physical and
mental health. Teenagers themselves need to control how often they use social media and be
careful to distinguish between true and false information on the Internet.
Within the dynamic realm of American pop culture, the undeniable sway of social media
on teenagers is evident. It has fundamentally altered how young individuals engage with and
contribute to cultural trends, democratizing the creation and spread of new phenomena.
Nevertheless, this digital transformation presents its own set of challenges. Social media exposes
teenagers to issues like cyberbullying, harmful content, and addictive behaviors, which can
detrimentally affect their mental and emotional well-being. The question of whether the
government should regulate social media within this context is a complex one, requiring a
delicate balance between preserving the vibrancy of pop culture and protecting the younger
generation. It is essential to navigate this terrain with a nuanced approach, fostering open
dialogue among all stakeholders to ensure that American pop culture continues to thrive while
safeguarding the well-being of its most ardent consumers—teenagers.
Work Cited
Bertot, J. C., & Jaeger, P. T. (2011, November 3). The impact of polices on government
social media usage: Issues, challenges, and recommendations. Government Information
Quarterly. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740624X11000992
Cai, L., Gyimóthy, S., & Munar, A. M. (2013). Tourism social media: Transformations in
identity, community and culture. Emerald Publishing Limited.
Guitton, M. (2016, March 24). Online social networking and psychological experiences: The
perceptions of young people with mental health difficulties. Computers in Human Behavior.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563216301728#bib35
Storey, J. (2012). Cultural theory and popular culture: An introduction. Pearson.
Samples, J. (2020, January 3). Why the government should not regulate content moderation of
social media. SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3502843
Surname
Professor
Writing 2
October 21, 2023
Government Regulation of Social Media and Teenagers in American Pop Culture
In today’s digital era, our teenagers are consistently exposed to the effects of the
continually evolving American pop culture through various digital and social media platforms. In
essence, the growth of social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram,
Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok could be attributed to the intense consumption by teenagers,
who seek to remain in line with the emerging and growing social trends. As the youth in the
contemporary world utilize and rely on digital platforms, they are exposed to the emerging trends
in American pop culture. Fundamentally, one can only comprehend the enduring allure of
American pop culture by acknowledging the significant influence of social media on shaping the
preferences and behaviors of today’s young generation. Since pop culture is usually characterized
by propagating negative stereotypes, promoting deviant attitudes, and encouraging risky
behaviors among youths (Nolan et al., 2023), it is essential to regulate social media instruments
to mitigate and eventually eliminate these undesirable implications.
This essay delves into the intricate historical components that have inevitably shaped the
multifaceted issue of teenagers’ exposure to social media consumption and American pop
culture, necessitating government regulation. First, the essay will navigate the historical events
such as social media platforms’ evolution, rise, and progress as they have set the stage for
teenagers’ digital consumption and the societal impact of American pop culture. As we traverse
this exploration, it becomes evident that the historical forces and trends have significantly
molded the current state of government regulation of social media and its influence on American
teenagers. Secondly, the essay will dissect how these historical events have shaped the presentday dynamics. These dynamics include a regulatory landscape characterized by the emergence of
digital spaces, online safety, privacy, and regulation. Sara M. Grimes is a researcher and author
at the University of Toronto Press. In her book Digital Playgrounds, she says, “Historically,
evidence of potential harm or risk of harm as sufficient for justifying the introduction of
numerous public policies and media regulations” (44). The regulatory landscape could be
attributed to a complex interplay between technological advancements and societal concerns that
require stakeholders to strike a balance between digital freedom and safeguarding the well-being
of the youth. The essay primarily examines the association between government intervention, the
ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms, and American pop culture.
The issue of teenage social media consumption and its intersection with American pop
culture is a dynamic narrative that can be marked by a series of pivotal moments and trends in
history. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the United States witnessed the emergence of
social media platforms such as Six Degrees and Friendster, marking the early stages of online
networking and communication. Ergo, social media platforms laid the groundwork for digital
connectivity. In the mid-2000s, for instance, Myspace was launched. Considering that Myspace
was among the first platforms to embrace user customization and music sharing, it profoundly
influenced pop culture, particularly among teenagers, because they used it for self-expression
and music discovery. After a few years, Facebook was launched in 2004 and eventually became
a global phenomenon. Although the new social media platform was initially exclusive to college
students, it later expanded and revolutionized how users connect and share their lives. Therefore,
Facebook was pivotal in shaping social interactions and youth culture. By the late 2000s, tech
companies had already started manufacturing smartphones. The article titled “Development of
iOS: A Revolutionary Transformation and the Future” is peer reviewed and reviewed under the
International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET). The
article is written in June 2020 by Nishkarsh Verma, a student in the Department of Computer
Science and Engineering at Amity University, and Saurabh Sambhav, an assistant professor at
the Amity School of Engineering and Technology in India. In their 2020 publication, the authors
asserted “On January 9th of 2007, a single revolutionary product by combining three things a
widescreen iPod with touch controls, a mobile phone and a breakthrough internet
communications device and the name of device is ‘iPhone’ which was introduced by Steve Jobs
and launched in June 29, 2007” (447). The authors’ assertion regarding the iPhone’s introduction
in 2007 underscores its revolutionary impact as a multifaceted device combining an iPod, mobile
phone, and internet communication tool. This pivotal moment marked a significant shift in the
technological landscape, setting the stage for the seamless integration of smartphones into daily
life and subsequently influencing the trajectory of digital culture and pop culture consumption.
The iPhone’s introduction heralded a new era of mobile connectivity, shaping the way users
engage with social media platforms and consume visual content, thus redefining how teenagers
perceive themselves and their peers in the context of contemporary pop culture.
The issue of government regulation of social media and American pop culture to
safeguard teenagers exhibits a multifaceted set of characteristics, encompassing various elements
and aspects that define its complexity. Social media platforms permeate numerous aspects of
contemporary teenagers’ lives, so they have become primary channels for communication,
entertainment, and self-expression. In essence, the dominance of the digital realm plays an
essential role in shaping how adolescents interact, consume content, and construct their
identities. Furthermore, social media significantly influences teenagers’ behaviors and selfidentities. Shannon et al. recently published an article titled “Problematic Social Media Use in
Adolescents and Young Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” in the JMIR Mental
Health journal (2022). Their comprehensive study investigates the burgeoning trend of
heightened social media engagement among young adults and adolescents. The authors
highlighted the possible consequences of poor social media use for this group’s mental health by
shedding light on how common it is through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A critical
analysis of the intricate relationship between digital technology, social media, and the
psychological welfare of the younger generation is prompted by their research, which highlights
the growing concern surrounding excessive social media consumption and its impact on young
people’s psychological health.
Since social media actively shapes how today’s teens live and experience, the platforms
significantly contribute to our culture. For instance, platforms such as Jitterbug have entirely
changed the music scene because teenagers can take songs they have never heard of and turn
them into chart-toppers through fun challenges and dance trends. Thanks to teenagers, for
instance, global hits such as ‘Old Town Road’ and ‘Savage Love’ enjoyed universal success
because they were celebrated as cultural phenomena. Thanks to the teenagers’ efforts in sharing
and reacting to the songs on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, the music
went viral and eventually turned into global trends that is celebrated today. Courtesy of social
media platforms, contemporary artists have increased their appeal, transcended genre boundaries,
amplified their involvement, and extended their media coverage activities, underscoring their
significance as not just musical successes but as cultural landmarks. The platforms deeply
resonate with a generation profoundly attuned to digital and social media trends.
Furthermore, social media platforms have helped democratize the music industry by
leveling the playing field for upcoming artists who no longer need a nod from the industry
gatekeepers. The platforms have enabled emerging artists to achieve greater visibility and
opportunities. In addition, established celebrities like Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian actively
interact with their followers and share personal insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and
political viewpoints. Since social media platforms help foster celebrity-fan relationships, they
empower teenagers to engage actively in discussions regarding their favored celebrities’ lives,
perspectives, and undertakings, thus bolstering these figures into pertinent and relatable role
models in American pop culture. Lastly, the interactions between celebrities and members of
their fan zone in social media platforms have resulted in emojis to further cultivate pop culture’s
prominence. Social media has taken the concept of emojis to a whole new level as the platforms
serve as the engine behind their usage in the highly diverse and dynamic American pop culture.
On the other hand, social media platforms also expose teenagers to mental health
problems due to issues such as online bullying, harassment, and harmful comparisons. The
adverse experiences from social media may pose negative impacts on teenagers’ mental health,
including anxiety and depression. Lizzy Winstone, Becky Mars, Claire Haworth, and Judy
Kidger are professors of population health sciences at the University of Bristol, UK. In their
peer-reviewed research article in the BMC Public Health journal, the authors affirmed that many
teenagers who use social media yield “a ‘poor-get-richer’ effect and reduced social resources,
exposing them to social awkwardness and anxiety” (11). Online bullying and harassment
through social media platforms have posed substantial threats to teenagers’ mental health as they
may be subject to constant scrutiny, online harassment, and exposure to negative comments.
These issues may result in depression and suicidal ideation. Oftentimes, teenagers who consume
social media feel pressure to conform to the images and lifestyles projected on the platforms,
fostering feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Teenagers who yield to constant
comparisons with peers may experience issues such as dissatisfaction with body image and
social isolation. In their youthful ages, the users may also be exposed to the fear of missing out
(FOMO) perpetuated by social media, which can contribute to heightened stress and anxiety
levels. Sue Adams, Karla Murdock, Meada Daly-Cano, and Meredith Rose are professors in the
University of Rhode Island and Washington and Lee University. In 2020, the authors published a
peer-reviewed article in the Behavioral Sciences journal. According to the authors, “insomnia
partially mediates significant associations of interpersonal stress and FoMO with mental health”
(1). This is because many teenagers would strive to keep up with the glamorous portrayal of their
peers’ lives. Recently, concerns about privacy, cyberbullying, and the addictive nature of social
media have surfaced. For instance, incidents such as the 2010 suicide of Tyler Clementi were
attributed to online harassment. Therefore, contemporary stakeholders need to conduct practical
discussions on government intervention to protect adolescents, setting the stage for contemporary
debates on regulating social media.
Young and teenage social media users are also vulnerable to privacy concerns because
their data may be targeted to predatory advertising and potential exploitation in today’s digital
age. As frequent users of social media platforms, teenagers may unknowingly share a significant
amount of personal information online. Considering that some of the personal data provided
online include users’ interests, behaviors, and preferences, the information may be collected and
utilized by companies without the consent of young users. The teenagers’ social media profiles
may then become valuable assets for targeted advertising because companies are in a position to
tailor their ads to the specific tastes and habits of teenagers. Although targeted advertising may
offer some benefits, it raises serious ethical questions about informed consent and privacy.
Teenagers are often unaware of how much their data is collected and monetized, and they may
not fully understand the implications of sharing personal information. For instance, teenagers
who spend considerable time watching celebrities’ content may receive unsolicited
advertisements promoting events such as concerts or fashion products that align with the content
from the social media platforms. These advertisements have a ripple effect as teenagers may
eventually consume or purchase the advertised products, thus promoting pop culture.
The issue of privacy extends beyond targeted advertising, instigating issues such as
potential for data exploitation, identity theft, and predatory behavior. Data from teenagers that
share personal information, such as full names, birthdates, and locations, may be exploited by
malicious actors for phishing and spam purposes. For instance, a teenager’s public post
celebrating their 17th birthday may expose him/her to identity theft, as such information can be
used to answer security questions for account access. Therefore, as seen in many teenagers’
social media profiles, the oversharing culture may inadvertently provide cybercriminals with the
information needed to compromise and steal their online identity. Many criminals may
successfully commit identity theft by gathering details such as home addresses, school
information, and photos. The perpetrators may use this information to impersonate the victim
online, open fraudulent accounts, and commit financial fraud. Identity theft is not only a
problematic issue for contemporary teenagers but also for high-ranking personalities such as
former First Lady Michelle Obama, whose personal information leaked online due to the issue of
identity theft. Therefore, active presence on social media may attract the attention of maleficent
predators that seek to exploit users using the information they have rendered on these platforms.
Considering that teenagers may not possess adequate knowledge to secure their social media
profiles and accounts, they may be subjected to unsolicited contact, intimidation, harassment,
and threats. For instance, venerated celebrities Selena Gomez and Adele have been victims of
predatory online bullying on their social media platforms. Baihe Yang is a post graduate from
HEC Montreal Business School. In April 2023, Baihe Yang published an article titled “How
does trolling behavior influence user’s decision: The role of self-identity.” She reveals that
“Selena Gomez experienced problems with her mental and physical health due to trolling. Adele
often received many unpleasant comments on Twitter, including threats of death, criticisms of
her appearance, and jokes about postpartum depression” (10). The vulnerabilities stress the
importance of cybersecurity awareness and responsible social media use. Furthermore, there is a
need for robust safeguards and education to protect young users from such risks.
The issue of government regulation of teenage social media use in the context of
American pop culture has been significantly influenced by historical events that have unfolded
over the past few decades. First, the historical evolution and growth of the internet and social
media during the late 20th and early 21st centuries laid the foundation for the significance of
social media in our respective cultures. The development of novel social media platforms altered
how individuals connect and communicate. Considering the youthful generation embraced the
digital culture, these platforms started influencing how they interacted and engaged with pop
culture. Courtesy of the witnessed technological advancements that influenced the proliferation
of smartphones in the late 2000s, social media has seamlessly integrated into everyday life,
facilitating continuous connectivity and sharing and escalating its role in shaping pop culture.
The new social media culture encouraged teenagers to become highly engaged in sharing their
lives, interests, and affiliations on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The sharing
of diverse content and new forms of communication, such as emojis, has further contributed to
