Taylor Swift CSP - Audience and Industries
Taylor Swift CSP - Audience and Industries
3) Do stan accounts reflect Clay Shirky's ideas regarding the 'end of audience'? How?
Yes, Stan accounts demonstrate Shirky’s ‘end of audience’ concept because fans are no longer passive consumers of media—they’ve become active participants. They produce their own edits, memes, commentary, and content that shapes how others view their favourite artists. This shows that the audience now collaborates in media production rather than simply watching or listening.
The economics of Taylor Swift fandom
1) What do Taylor Swift fans spend their money on?
Swifties often spend heavily on concert tickets, limited-edition merchandise, and multiple copies of her albums. For many, these purchases aren’t just about owning things — they’re ways of showing loyalty and emotional connection to Taylor.
2) How does Swift build the connection with her fans? Give examples from the article.
Taylor builds close relationships with fans by making them feel personally appreciated. She remembers small details about individuals, like their hairstyle changes or achievements, and sometimes mentions them during shows. She’s also sent fans surprise gifts and handwritten notes, which creates a sense of real emotional closeness.
3) What have Swifties done to try and get Taylor Swift's attention online?
Fans try creative ways to stand out online — posting pictures of all their merch, showing off stacks of albums, or making emotional, funny, or artistic content. They know the more effort and originality they show, the higher the chance Taylor or her team might notice them.
4) Why is fandom described as a 'hierarchy'?
Fandoms often have status levels. In Taylor’s fan community, those who attend more concerts, spend more money, or create high-quality fan content tend to gain more recognition and influence among other fans.
5) What does the article suggest is Swift's 'business model'?
Taylor’s business model is built around emotional connection. The more fans feel close to her, the more likely they are to buy products or engage with her brand. That personal connection—even if it’s partly constructed—drives loyalty and spending.
Taylor Swift: audience questions and theories
1) Is Taylor Swift's website and social media constructed to appeal to a particular gender or audience?
Yes. Her website and social media are designed to appeal mainly to women, reflected in her pastel visuals, diary-style posts, and emotional tone. However, her appeal also stretches across different age groups, from younger listeners to long-time fans who value the nostalgia of her earlier eras.
2) What opportunities are there for audience interaction in Taylor Swift's online presence and how controlled are these?
Fans can interact through comments, livestreams, and reposting her content. While these interactions feel authentic, they’re carefully managed by her digital team to maintain her positive image. This engagement is well-monitored.
3) How does Taylor Swift's online presence reflect Clay Shirky’s ‘End of Audience’ theories?
Taylor’s online activity mirrors Shirky’s ideas because her fans don’t just consume her content — they actively participate in it. They remix her videos, create memes, post interpretations, and connect with other fans online. It’s a two-way relationship where audiences contribute to her media presence rather than simply receiving it.
4) What effects might Taylor Swift's online presence have on audiences? Is it designed to influence the audience’s views on social or political issues or is this largely a vehicle to promote Swift's work?
Her online presence mainly promotes her music and image, but she does occasionally use her platform for social or political influence—such as endorsing Kamala Harris or speaking out about women’s rights. Because she has such a dedicated following, her opinions can have a strong impact on fans’ views.
5) Applying Hall’s Reception theory, what might be a preferred and oppositional reading of Taylor Swift's online presence?
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Preferred reading: Fans view her as sincere, empowering, and authentic — someone who genuinely cares about her supporters.
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Oppositional reading: Critics might see her digital image as carefully crafted marketing designed to maintain her fame and commercial success rather than true self-expression.
Industries
How social media companies make money
1) How many users do the major social media sites boast?
By late 2022, Facebook (Meta) had nearly 3 billion users, LinkedIn had close to 900 million, and Twitter (now X) last reported around 330 million.
2) What is the main way social media sites make money?
Their primary income comes from advertising. Essentially, these platforms sell user attention to advertisers — the more time people spend scrolling, the more ads can be shown and the more profit they earn.
3) What does ARPU stand for and why is it important for social media companies?
ARPU means Average Revenue Per User. It measures how much income each user generates, helping companies track profitability and business growth.
4) Why has Meta spent huge money acquiring other brands like Instagram and WhatsApp?
Meta bought these platforms to expand its user base and maintain dominance in the social media industry. Owning Instagram and WhatsApp gives Meta access to more data and ad opportunities across billions of people.
5) What other methods do social media sites have to generate income e.g. Twitter Blue?
Many platforms now offer subscription features. For instance, X (Twitter) charges users for premium tools such as longer posts, fewer ads, and an edit button through its paid service, X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue).
Regulation of social media
1) What suggestions does the report make? Pick out three you think are particularly interesting.
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"friction" to slow how quickly misinformation can be shared online.
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Making social platforms explain why they recommend certain posts or accounts.
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Preventing algorithmic discrimination, like targeting or excluding users based on race or religion.
2) Who is Christopher Wylie?
He’s the whistleblower behind the Cambridge Analytica case—the scandal that revealed Facebook data had been used to influence political campaigns.
3) What does Wylie say about the debate between media regulation and free speech?
Wylie argues that while everyone has the right to express opinions, they don’t have the right to automatic amplification through algorithms.
4) What is ‘disinformation’ and do you agree that there are things that are objectively true or false?
Disinformation means false or misleading information created deliberately to deceive. Yes, some things are objectively true or false, especially facts or statistics, though opinions and beliefs depend more on perspective.
5) Why does Wylie compare Facebook to an oil company?
He compares Facebook’s harmful social effects to pollution. Like oil companies that damage the environment without intending to profit from it directly, Facebook allows harmful content to spread even if it doesn’t directly make money from it.
6) What does it suggest a consequence of regulating the big social networks might be?
It suggests that stricter safety rules could be introduced for social media. Wylie points out that it’s odd that everyday products face more regulation than global platforms influencing democracy and health.
7) What has Instagram been criticised for?
Instagram has faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty ideals and repeating content like fitness or diet ads that can harm users’ self-esteem and mental health.
8) Can we apply any of these criticisms or suggestions to Taylor Swift? For example, should Taylor Swift have to explicitly make clear when she is being paid to promote a company or cause?
Taylor should clearly state when she’s being paid to promote a product or cause. Being transparent builds trust and helps fans know when her opinions are genuine and when they’re part of a sponsorship deal.
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