Digital Affinities: Neurodivergent Representation in Blog Spaces

• In Event: Disability and Media

Abstract

This paper explores the co-creation of neurodivergent narratives and affinity among digital interactions on Tumblr. Drawing from three months of digital ethnography on Tumblr and 3 semi-structured in-depth interviews with participants who identify as neurodivergent (e.g., autistic, ADHD), this paper identifies three overarching themes: (1) neurodivergent representation and affinity through meme posting , exploring identity and unsettling narratives in blog spaces, and (2) digital spaces allow for community members to explore different aspects of their identity while also soliciting affirmation from others, and (3) fantasy and fan culture as arenas of neurodivergent play. These emerging data point to the intertwining of digital and non-digital, suggesting how neurodivergent communities are co-creating narratives that affirm their identity and facilitate affinity among neurodivergent group members.

Author

• Esperanza Teresa, Guadalupe Padilla, University of California-San Francisco