Meet the Prom Queen and Technological Determinism

After reading the article Meet the Prom Queen of Instagram and reading the arguments of Nancy Baym, it became clear that Lilli Hymowitz illustrates a prime example of technological determinism. With reference to the reading, Baym's first words under the heading of Technological Determinism is "machines change us". This quote emphasizes the theory that externalities and outside forces can drastically influence and transform us, specifically technologies. Baym argues that the more individuals utilize technologies, the more they will come to use you and overwhelm you.

With reference to the New York Times article, I am able to draw a direct correlation to the effects of technological determinism and Hymowitz's behaviour. Hymowitz engages in a social media technological platform and it has completely encompassed her life. Her day-to-day behaviour revolves around the work of social media engagement and without the interactivity, she would simply be another wealthy/spoiled teenager in the city of New York. This young girl has been able to transform her life from average, to celebrity status simply due to a social media platform - Instagram.
In this instance, technology is able to refine her as a young girl.

Baym's article states, "the medium is the message...is that technologies have characteristics that are transferred to those who use them...technologies change history by transferring their essential qualities to their users, imprinting themselves on users".

With relation to the reading, here Instagram, being the medium, is reflective of the message Hymowitz is relaying to the public. The characteristics of Instagram, such as: the ability to post photos of your life, make public statements about your personal identity, thoughts and beliefs, and most importantly, the ability to gain an audience, are transferred into the life of Hymowitz. These essential qualities of Instagram have become fundamental aspects of her personal life.

It is interesting to consider these behaviours as influenced strictly by technology and its determinism in a social and cultural landscape. When reading further on in Baym's article, the social construction of technology also resonates with the behaviour of Hymowitz and gets me thinking otherwise. What do you think? 

-Christianna