In Nancy Baym’s “Personal Connections in the Digital Age,” she discusses four different theoretical perspectives regarding the relationship between technology and the social. One of these perspectives is the social construction of technology. In this perspective, Baym argues that the technologies that we use cause for our social lives to change (Baym 44) and that our social lives are constructed around the technologies and social media that we use. I believe this to be true, and I think this perspective is very evident when looking at the example of Lilli Hymowitz.
I found the article, “Meet the Prom Queen of Instagram,” to be particularly interesting in relation to Nancy Baym’s perspective of the social as a construction of technology. Through Lilli’s Instagram profile, she is able to construct her identity and personality and she is able to make herself and her lifestyle seem appealing and desirable among her Instagram followers. This is evident in the article where Lilli is quoted saying, “You can edit your life on Instagram...I think people think I’m cooler than I am.” Perhaps Lilli knows that her photos and the representation of herself that she puts forward on social media are not necessarily as authentic as they could be, but she most likely feels a degree of anxiety to maintain this presentation of herself for all of her followers. As Baym says, anxieties stem from the fact that digital media are interactive (Baym 24) and Lilli probably feels pressure and anxiety because through Instagram, there is constant interaction.
Hi Mikayla!
ReplyDeleteInteresting read here :) and I would definitely have to agree with you. In the case of Lilli Hymowitz it is evident that she lives her life based on what would be reflected on social media. I also think that "social construction of technology" applies to people within our own age group as well. I've heard girls in University say on numerous occasion after a night out on the town "well that was a waste we didn't even get any pictures last night." Why is it a waste? If you and your friends had a good time, that's what matters,who cares if the world isn't aware that you went out last night? - That's just my opinion on the matter!
Anyways, great analysis of Baym's perspective and a great read
Hey Mikayla,
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job! I like how you connected the topic of Lilli Hymowitz instagram life to social construction of technology. I think it's perfectly relevant that "the technologies we use cause our social lives to change". In Hymowitz's example, her life is completely changed by the use of Instagram because without this social media platform, she would not be known, followed, and respected by a vast amount of people. She changes and edits herself in these photos to create her most beautiful and glamorous persona so everyone would admire her. With out Instagram I'm sure she would not be working so hard to take the perfect picture and come up with a perfect caption because she wouldn't have anyone to impress.