In this weeks seminar we spent a decent portion of the lesson looking at photographs and how they represent us as individuals, due to the fact that this weeks lesson was all about self revelation.
In groups of 3 we looked at one group members photo and analyzed the location, the closeness, if anyone else was in the photograph etc. This led to several questions asked by Peter Hughes in order to establish a few fair points. Some of these points established an already clearer understanding of why we take photos, who we take them with and where we store them. A majority of the class raised their hands when they were asked if they had 10 or more photos on their mobile phones.
The class discussion then moved towards how these photographs define us. Why do we use a photograph of the back of our head as our default picture on Facebook, and what does it say about us? Why and in what way do we judge these people?
It was made clear to me during that part of the lesson that we are quick to judge people based on what images they put out there to represent them. Similarly, we only post photos of ourselves on social sites like Facebook and Myspace based on how we would like to present ourselves. Furthermore, because there is certain information that we would like to share or withold from our friends, we might be more wary of the images that are up on Facebook of us.
For example, you may not want everyone on Facebook to see photos of you at a club at the risk of being judged as a party animal or someone who doesn't take life very seriously. This could be a bit of a problem if a future employer were to encounter these photographs. Alternatively, you may want to make that photograph of you at the club visible for everyone because you want them to percieve you as out going and social, fun and exciting.
You can see that different people have different perceptions of different images, and a simple photograph of you can say so many things. For that reason we are cautious with the things we do and don't put online of ourselves. As the security problems in our society increase, there become more concernts for privacy and for the way we are percieved.
'Perception' of users on social networking sites is an interesting point of discussion and observation that you've raised here.
ReplyDeleteAs you've indicated people will post media and details about themselves to enhance their personal image to other users. However one could suggest that the 'perception' of this image all comes down to the 'eye of the beholder'. While an individual may believe they are building upon their image, other friends, family, co-workers and social media users may may have a differing opinion or 'perception' on the individual of focus.
This is definitely a topic that could be further looked in to for research.
Thanks for that contribution Seher.
jesse you make a very valid point, and i appreciate you sharing it with me. it is always great to see an argument from someone elses point of view, especially when it makes a lot of sense.
ReplyDeletethank you for your comment jesse.