They say a picture tells a thousand words, but it also gives a thousand likes if you tell the write story. In "Personal Connections in the Digital Age" by Nancy Baym she speaks to technology and social media as a framework to think critically about the ways we engage with media to build personal connections and reconfigure our ideas through a virtual world that transcends boundaries of time and space.
More specifically, the concept of technological determinism as described by Baym is the idea that technologies have characteristics that ultimately affect or influence those who use it. (28) As she states "Machines Change Us". The article posted by New York Magazine, “The Prom Queen of Instagram” features 16 year old Lilly Hymowitz who’s public social persona speaks to the strategic elements of media technologies that affect our everyday lives. For Hymowitz, everyone wants to be her friend from women, to men, to students and celebrities. She thrives off of a utopia of real and authentic relationships.
Therefore, in the same way that a picture tells a specific story or narrative, so does social media posts. For example, Baym argues “individuals will effectively employ media whose inherent characteristics are congruent with task demands.” Therefore, if the demand at hand is popularity like Hymowitz insinuates, she will post pictures from her 16th birthday party with celebrities like Jason Derulo. If the task at hand is to employ reconciliation or friendship, one may post a “throwback” photo to show the longevity and “consistency” of that friendship.
As stated by Baym, technological determinism focuses on authenticity and the well-being of “real” relationships. Even if the network of friends is build through a social media platform.
Janaya I first wanted to say that both of the pictures you posted are a great addition to your blog post. I have seen the Kevin Heart one before and think it’s hilarious because I know sometimes my friends and I discuss peoples Instagram likes versus their presentation of themselves in real life.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think one of the things you said that caught my attention the most was the whole idea of ‘real’ relationships online. It is easy for individuals, like Lilli’s followers to hit a button and follow her because they think she is ‘cool’ or embodies something they wish they had. Thus, this does not exemplify a real relationship as it is not authentic and merely existent because of the online persona Lilli presents which is desirable.
Great arguments and loved the pictures to go along with your post!
Janaya, I too agree with Alexandria in which not only did your blog caption grab my attention, but the addition of your photos did as well. The Kevin Heart comedy act that he does has been taken and transformed into hundreds of different sayings, which personally I find absolutely hilarious! In turn, it is true that not everyone who posts pictures who receive 100+ likes for example, actually look like that in person.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great statement when discussing "The Prom Queen of Instagram" and posting a photo with Jason Derulo for her 16th birthday. It is true, the people with the most followers or the ones who receive the most amount of likes essentially know how to play the game, the game of social media that is.
Great post, thanks!
Janaya! I love the Kevin Hart picture, I have seen it before and it makes me laugh every time. Good choice and contribution to your post. I think what makes it so funny is the fact that it is very true, just like Alexandria, I have also been in situations where I see someone in person and don't recognize them due to their online profile.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement you make about Jason Derulo and reconciliation of friendships. In addition to this, I also see this happen when people post photos for one another's birthdays. It has become such an important aspect to post for each and every one of your friends birthdays to allow followers to know just how close and authentic your friendship truly is.
Great points Janaya!