Its no surprise in this day and age when you hear of random ordinary individuals become instantly famous or the YouTubers who become a YouTube celebrity over their videos. They all have one thing in common, in that they aren't famous, their not Hollywood celebrities, yet are extremely popular with thousands of subscribers or followers. A prime example was made in the article "Prom Queen, where Lilli Hymowitz has over 7000 followers.
Technological determinism certainly played an obvious part in this. Society, or in this case the followers are infatuated in indulging in Lilli's Instagram photos, and want more hence why they are "followers". Its a prime example of how social media, like Instagram can change or encourage certain behaviours with individuals.
Its nothing new that advertising provides normalcy, displaying what a perfect body should be for women, to products that you should try. Social media has also tapped into this realm. Lilli is a role model and provides what a teenage life could or should be life to many of her teenage followers who aspire to be like her.
Technology constantly changes and influence society, both positively and negatively. It not only drives human invention, but also the cultural and social aspects/values of human civilization. In the end with examples like the "prom queen", its still remains to be seen whether we should lose faith in humanity or still see a glimmer of hope for it.
Hi Allan,
ReplyDeleteIt is very accurate to say that technology, or Instagram for that matter, can change or encourage certain behaviours. As individuals, we are constantly trying to one up each other and show case our best self. I like how you stated the question of whether or not we should "lose faith in humanity or still see a slimmer of hope for it". This is an ongoing debate of whether social media is good for us or not, and the truth is, we don't know. Social media is still new and developing every single day. I'm excited to see where it ends up and the journey it takes society through. However, to answer that question, if I were to choose right now, I would say that we should lose faith in humanity. Now, this is just my opinion but it is sad to see the way we as individuals act around others. We no longer can hold a conversation, or enjoy the life we have in front of us because we are always checking Facebook or Instagram and missing out on potential opportunities.
I think it's true that social media does set norms for what people think they need to aspire to, but I don;t think that kind of advertising is anything new. If anything, it just amplifies the type of social cues that we got before. Even before instagram, there were still prom queens and fashion trends and the essence of "cool". However, I think social media, like instagram make this about every part of our lives, not just school, and it's funny how that persona isn't even real to Lilli herself.
ReplyDeleteHey Allan,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the points you were making regarding how people who have large followings on Instagram (such as Lilli) are now role models and the "ideal person" that many people strive to be like. It no longer takes looking through a magazine or watching a television show to see how you "should look", talk, act or what to wear. It is now all over social media with the rise of people getting "famous" through the Internet. I think this point is where the anxieties that the article points out comes into play. Not only does seeing a photo of a young, beautiful, "every day" person on your Instagram make you (as a follower) want to potentially strive for a better self, but it can also cause anxiety of the poster to present themselves in a way that people will look up to.
In regards your question about losing faith in humanity, I do not feel as if I can answer that right now because I see both sides in the argument but it certainly is interesting to think about!