The relationship
between one’s social media persona and their social identity can be evasive and
at times disingenuous. In “Personal
Connections in the Digital Age” Nancy Baym addresses four theoretical
perspectives surrounding the correlation between technology and the social.
Wiedeman’s article Meet the Prom
Queen of Instagram accurately illustrates the correlation between
16-year old, Lilli Hymowitz’s Instagram page and the social construction of
technology (SCOT). According to Baym, the social construction of
technology places focus on “how technologies arise from social processes (44).”
In a culture where so much of our social status is derived by the double tap of
a screen it is important to consider the ways in which technology has power
over our social contexts. The social construction of technology
asserts that there are a variety of factors that influence the ways in which
individuals utilize various forms of media, as a result Instagram is a perfect
fit for young adults today. Instagram creates false connections between users
and those they follow as it allows Instagram followers a seemingly exclusive
view into their peers and celebrities life. It is important to note that
individuals carefully curate this view in order to present themselves in the
most flattering possible way, consequently creating interactive anxieties
Within our media-saturated culture Lilli
Hymowitz exemplifies the anxieties that accompany the use of social media, as
it is evident that she is aware of the fact that the life she presents on
social media is incongruent with her everyday lifestyle. By portraying herself
through a meticulously constructed lens, Hymowitz sets an unrealistic precedent
for herself and her peers, thus creating anxieties surrounding her authentic
self. SCOT derives itself from a culture in which interactivity through
technology is at an all time high. According to Baym, anxieties surrounding
digital technologies due to their interactive nature (24), as such Hymowitz is
in constant contact with her Instagram followers who praise her for how
fabulous her life is (regardless of whether this is accurate or not). Something I found particularly noteworthy is
the amount of images Hymowitz has deleted from her Instagram account since the
launch of Wiedeman’s article, thus demonstrating the constant need to reinvent
and edit one’s virtual “reality" and the impact of the social construction
of technology.
Hi Vivian,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog post on The Prom Queen of Instagram! The social construction of technology plays a large role in the obsession surrounding Instagram. I found it interesting how you connected Baym's perspective to the article on Lilli Hymowitz, and completely agree that individuals on the app tailor their posts in order to present themselves in the most flattering way possible. I believe this to be true not only on Instagram, but in other aspects of social media as well.
Actions such as removing tagged photos on FaceBook and deleting unwanted posts off of one's 'wall' all demonstrate how it is entirely possible to only showcase the best side of one's life. Although these may seem harmless, I believe that they can be detrimental because they do not show an authentic self. Much like Hymowitz's Instagram, only providing a skewered version of yourself on social media leads to the anxiety of maintaining that image. What aspect of social media do you think causes the most anxiety?
Hi Viv!
ReplyDeleteYou article speaks to the reality of the constant need to reinvent ourselves on social media platforms. It is interesting in a way that we specifically select photos that represent our best selves and remove the ones that no longer serve this idealistic purpose of glamour. When we are so committed to social media, we constantly have to out-do our last post/picture. It's never good enough.
Hi Louise!
ReplyDeleteI really agree with a lot of the points you have raised in regards to tailoring one's image through the removal of certain photos. However, I don't necessarily believe this isn't always detrimental as it allows us to decide what is or isn't relevant or necessary. However, when taken in extreme contexts this can become a problematic source of anxiety. I often feel I experience the most anxiety on social media when looking at other's profiles and feeling as if their own lives are more exciting than mine. As such, it is important to take into consideration the social construction of technology and how all individuals seek to make their lives look better on social media.