Module 6 Mini-Assignment: Reflection on Ephemeral Narratives

     I came across an Instagram story posted by a girl, let's call her X, where she supported the radical channel "DYX Pamira." This channel shares personal information about girls, including their addresses, encouraging public judgment if they are seen as not patriotic or Pamiri enough—like dressing immodestly. X believed the channel was preserving traditions, and her story sparked a lot of engagement, with people visiting her account and discussing the issue.

    The temporary nature of Instagram stories played a big role in this engagement. Since stories disappear in 24 hours, people rushed to see and react before it was gone. This connects to the concept of temporality, where fleeting content can intensify audience interaction because of its limited availability. At the same time, audience engagement was high because the post triggered strong opinions—some agreed, while others were outraged. This made me think about how ephemeral media can be used strategically. Some people post controversial things knowing they will disappear, allowing them to stir up discussions while avoiding long-term consequences. It shows how digital platforms can be both empowering and dangerous, depending on who uses them and how.

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