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Being Momo : Algorithmic Imaginary and Resistance

Zhou, Yihuai LU (2024) MKVM13 20242
Media and Communication Studies
Department of Communication and Media
Abstract
This thesis explores the algorithmic imaginaries and practices of the momo community, a spontaneously formed anonymous group on the Chinese social media platform RED. By adopting a cultural perspective on algorithms, this study investigates how momo users conceptualize algorithms, their practices influenced by these conceptualizations, and how these practices manifest as a form of algorithmic resistance. Drawing on ethnographic research methods, including autoethnography and semi-structured interviews, this research examines the interplay between the algorithmic imaginary and elements in momo practice.

The finding reveals that momo users engage in tactical practices to resist RED’s social recommendation algorithms, attempting to obscure... (More)
This thesis explores the algorithmic imaginaries and practices of the momo community, a spontaneously formed anonymous group on the Chinese social media platform RED. By adopting a cultural perspective on algorithms, this study investigates how momo users conceptualize algorithms, their practices influenced by these conceptualizations, and how these practices manifest as a form of algorithmic resistance. Drawing on ethnographic research methods, including autoethnography and semi-structured interviews, this research examines the interplay between the algorithmic imaginary and elements in momo practice.

The finding reveals that momo users engage in tactical practices to resist RED’s social recommendation algorithms, attempting to obscure personal data and reduce visibility within the algorithmic infrastructure. These practices reflect both a deep algorithmic awareness and a collective algorithmic imaginary shaped by similar affective encounter. Further, the study critiques the binary framework of algorithmic control and resistance, proposing a dynamic interplay where user agency and algorithmic power are interwoven. By positioning algorithms as both mediating infrastructures and cultural imaginaries, the research highlights the nuanced negotiations between power and resistance in algorithmic environments. The thesis contributes to the literature on algorithmic culture, resistance, and social media by shedding light on marginalized communities’ engagement with algorithms, offering insights into the evolving relationships between media infrastructure, user agency, and cultural practices. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Social media algorithm, practice, algorithmic imaginary, algorithmic resistance
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Zhou, Yihuai LU
supervisor
organization
course
MKVM13 20242
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
9178494
date added to LUP
2024-12-09 13:27:27
date last changed
2025-01-13 10:09:54
@misc{9178494,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores the algorithmic imaginaries and practices of the momo community, a spontaneously formed anonymous group on the Chinese social media platform RED. By adopting a cultural perspective on algorithms, this study investigates how momo users conceptualize algorithms, their practices influenced by these conceptualizations, and how these practices manifest as a form of algorithmic resistance. Drawing on ethnographic research methods, including autoethnography and semi-structured interviews, this research examines the interplay between the algorithmic imaginary and elements in momo practice.

The finding reveals that momo users engage in tactical practices to resist RED’s social recommendation algorithms, attempting to obscure personal data and reduce visibility within the algorithmic infrastructure. These practices reflect both a deep algorithmic awareness and a collective algorithmic imaginary shaped by similar affective encounter. Further, the study critiques the binary framework of algorithmic control and resistance, proposing a dynamic interplay where user agency and algorithmic power are interwoven. By positioning algorithms as both mediating infrastructures and cultural imaginaries, the research highlights the nuanced negotiations between power and resistance in algorithmic environments. The thesis contributes to the literature on algorithmic culture, resistance, and social media by shedding light on marginalized communities’ engagement with algorithms, offering insights into the evolving relationships between media infrastructure, user agency, and cultural practices.}},
  author       = {{Zhou, Yihuai}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Being Momo : Algorithmic Imaginary and Resistance}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}