How Participating in a Virtual Academic Conference Expanded My Network

My engagement overall in the conference was significant. In addition to engaging with comments and questions on my own paper, I also actively participated in discussions on other people's papers during the Debating Communities and Networks Conference. Comments made on others work included engaging in the following papers, The Power of Twitter: Exploring the Networked Self and Advocating for Socials and Political Change,  Environmental Advocacy in a World of Communities Within Social Media and Survival of the Queerest: The Necessity of Community-Building on TikTok. My involvement in these discussions highlighted my willingness to contribute to the overall conference experience by sharing insights, offering feedback, and fostering intellectual dialogue.In addition to this I took a leading role in creating, launching and promoting the conference on both the Facebook and Linked In conference pages demonstrating my dedication and proactive approach to ensuring the event's success. By creating and managing both the Facebook and LinkedIn conference pages, I took on the responsibility with fellow students doing the same on other platforms in spreading awareness about the conference, attracting participants, and generating excitement. These collective efforts were crucial in engaging attendees and maintaining the conference's momentum across the three weeks.



Furthermore, I played an active role in supporting fellow students through the use of Discord, which, although beneficial for networking and collaboration, did limit my efforts in participating in more conference paper debates. By prioritising my assistance and guidance to fellow students via Discord, I believe I showcased my commitment to fostering a supportive and cohesive community. Like many others, by reaching out and contributing to their success further highlighted leadership qualities and dedication to the conference's key objectives.

Overall, my involvement in promoting the conference on social media platforms, active engagement with comments and questions on my own paper, participating in discussions on other papers, and support for fellow students via Discord demonstrates a multifaceted engagement in the Debating Communities and Networks Conference. My contributions went beyond presenting my own research and extended to facilitating meaningful discussions, connecting with peers, and fostering a collaborative and supportive academic environment.

The quality of your engagement with the conference The quality of my engagement with the conference and contribution to the conversation was well thought out and added value to the debate. I began by, for example, expressing appreciation for Stephen's paper, Environmental Advocacy in a World of Communities Within Social Media, and enjoyed the discussions it had sparked. I acknowledged the power of social media as an educational tool for raising awareness and organising grassroots movements around environmental issues, but also how he highlighted the challenges it brings, such as dealing with misinformation and navigating algorithms. I gained a good understanding of this topic and recognised the complexities involved.

I then shift the focus to Stephen's background, expressing curiosity about what led him to specifically focus on the lionfish invasion. This question showed interest in understanding the motivations and experiences behind Stephen's research, and it demonstrated to me the desire to delve deeper into the subject matter. By inquiring about his background, I opened the door for Stephen to share more about his personal journey and the connection he has to the topic, as well as a common interest in sustainable tourism.


My response added to the debate by highlighting the need for sustainability efforts in the tourism industry. In turn, I shared some insights around my own work in tourism and emphasised the importance of individuals taking responsibility for change before advocating for businesses to do the same. I believe this perspective brought a practical aspect to the conversation and expanded the discussion beyond the paper. 


I particularly chose this example because it led to a longer exchange between Stephen and I, allowing for a more thorough exploration of our backgrounds and interests. It also provided insight into my own work in the tourism industry, highlighting a different perspective on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. This conversation showcased our engagement and ability to connect our personal experiences to the broader theme of environmental advocacy in social media communities. Additionally, my question about Stephen's background added a layer of depth to the discussion by considering the motivations behind research, which offered valuable context and understanding.

How well did you manage discussion about your own paper? 

Based on the comments, I engaged well in the debate which centred around topic of The Use of Facebook and Instagram by Indigenous and Migrant Hellenic Communities in Australia Creates an Online Third Place. My responses were thoughtful, appreciative, and addressed all the questions and comments raised by other participants. In my acknowledgments I always commenced by taking the time to thank readers for their input, which is a good practice in maintaining a positive and engaging conversation.

One example of my post that stood out was my response to Blair Towns. In their comment, they expressed their appreciation for my paper and the positive effects of Facebook and Instagram on these communities, particularly in promoting cultural awareness and fostering a sense of belonging. They also asked if these communities have shared any specific cultural practices through their social media presence. I took the time to respond in a concise and informative matter to continue to add value to the conversation. I thanked Blair for their comment and question and provided examples of cultural practices that these communities have shared, such as traditional recipes, dance performances, and music concerts. By doing so, I added value to the discussion by providing specific examples that showcased the richness of these communities' cultural heritage and how they are shared on social media.

My engagement in the debates was of quality because I not only contributed to the conversation but also provided insights and shared relevant examples based on my research. This helped to enrich the understanding of the topic and fostered a sense of connection between the participants. My responses were always respectful, appreciative, and demonstrated a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Overall, my engagement in the debates on this topic was of high standard by actively participating, addressing questions and comments, and providing valuable insights based on my research. By sharing specific examples, I believe these efforts helped others to grasp the significance of social media in promoting cultural awareness and fostering community connections.