My immediate response to the documentary, “Catfish”, is that it is rather evident that Angela is essentially a pathological liar. The escape some find through the use of avatars in virtual worlds, Angela applied to the real world, and real people’s lives. Not only did Angela’s actions directly negatively impact Nev’s life, she took advantage of her young daughter Abby, as well as the countless strangers whose identities she stole and transformed into characters in this bizarre game she was playing.
In reflection, this documentary was far more fascinating than I had initially expected it to be. The premise of the movie seems rather typical, modeled around an online relationship. It is very common that you hear the story about two people that met online, and once they finally met in person, one of their profile pictures was from five years ago and now they are morbidly obese. Of course, this is not the worst outcome of finally meeting someone you know only from online - so many horror stories can be told, about pedophiles, rapists - even resulting in murder.
I live in Danbury, Connecticut, and when I was in middle school a young girl (only three years my elder) met up with a boy she was having an online relationship with at the mall. He took her to the parking lot where he raped and then killed her, in reaction to what he had just done. Needless to say, our whole town was in mourning and the tragedy served as a devastating lesson for us all. It is so important to be weary of who you meet online, and pay close attention to ensure all the details match up if you insist upon partaking in online dating sites and social networking. Sometimes, things aren’t always as they seem.
However, the relationships that Nev developed not only with Meagan, but also her family, seemed
to add a deeper level of authenticity. In the eight months that they were communicating, Nev not only truly began to develop feelings for Meagan, but also developed close relationships with her mom, sister, brother, and even father. Personally, if I were placed in Nev’s shoes, I too would initially see no flaws in the relationship. The extensive Facebook profiles, verbal communication, and even tangible packages sent to and from the family, seemed so genuine that there was no initial reason for doubt.
However, the fact the Nev invested himself so deeply and for so long into this stranger essentially that he had yet to meet in person is where, if placed in the same situation, we would differ. Not only would I certainly go out of my way to invest more time in fact checking and investigating the credibility of their words, I would be weary of developing such a deep relationship with someone I know only through technology. I am a communications major, and understand, acknowledge, and value the significance of nonverbal communication. 93% of what you say is nonverbal - indicated through your body language, such as gestures, posture, tone, eye contact, etc. Although they did have countless phone conversations, Nev never experienced the feeling of physically being with Meagan, something I would imagine I would find necessary before letting eight months of my life pass me by. I know personally there have been times I have met boys out; be it a party, through mutual friends, sporting event - and we have continued to talk online. The conversations always seem to be entertaining, full of wit and spunk, with perfectly worded and timed responses. However, many times this same fluidity in conversation does not transfer over once we are back together in “real” life. It is awkward to have developed such a deep, intimate relationship online without any physical connection.
Not to mention, everyone is the best version of themselves online. No one puts a profile picture of them on Facebook taken when they just get out of bed. No one writes, “vacuuming the house, then taking out the trash” as their twitter status. Instead, it is the best, most flattering pictures posted, the most exciting and fascinating statuses updated - in essence, the most exciting presentation of the particular person. That being said, without physically meeting the person it is hard to judge their true essence and sense of being. In my opinion Nev became incredible emotionally invested, despite what he may pretend - with someone he had never even looked eye to eye with. Everyone is looking for love, but it is careful to guard your heart as much as it is your online social networking profile. You never know who is out there, pretending to be who, and giving false personas away - such as Angela.
My parents, like many others, have always preached not to talk to strangers, but I personally think online strangers are even worse. The “mask” the internet provides gives users a feeling of anonymity and courage that they would not likely have in real life. Through the internet, people can be whoever they want to be and everything they never could be in real life. They can be prettier, funnier, more confident, more outgoing - you get the idea. You could meet a man on a dating site, 6 foot tall, dark hair, green eyes, distinguishing factor, who is in fact a 5 foot 5, balding man with a protruding belly is terrifying. The internet has brought many great things and resources to our fingertips, but considering the risks it brings, I believe that online dating is not among it’s finest attributes.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Although I found “Exit Through the Gift Shop” fascinating, I also found it agitating. Like many things in our society nowadays, Terry Guetta transformed this unique art sense into a commercial fad in which he looked to capitalize off of. This once anonymous form of expression has now been so highly publicized that it, like many other things, has become commercialized. Furthermore, Guetta’s lame attempt at becoming a street artist himself just further infuriated me. His ideas were none of his own, and subpar in comparison to that of Bansky or Shepherd Fairy. Guetta did nothing more then slightly alter the works of a true artistic genius, Andy Warhol, and then had the audacity to claim them as his own. Anyone with the slightest base of art knowledge could easily recognize this blatantly obvious imitation, and would most likely quickly write him off as an impostor. In addition to these points, Guetta’s story didn’t quite add up in my opinion. As the critical reviews pointed out, where did Guetta get the financial means to support his curiousity in this art form, among other shady details. Unlike the artists who are involved with street art because it is truly their passion, Guetta got involved for the recognition and fame that he hoped would come as a result.
Going off this point, artists like Banksy, that prefer to remain anonymous prove their true passion they possess for this form of art. They are inspired by the appreciation they receive, and in no means are in search of fame or even fortune in some cases. It seems as if these artists, from beginner to advanced, are just looking for means of sharing their artwork and innovative ideas, as opposed to making a fortune off it. I truly believe that the passion artists like Banksy and Shepherd Fairy have for street art, their work directly reflected this, and it created absolute masterpieces. When someone is truly compassionate about something, particularly art, their level of intensity and dedication is obviously visible, making it a masterpiece naturally, unlike MBW’s forced and contrived pieces of work. From here, Banksy has made a fortune off of his pieces, inspired from his passion, not his craving for fame and fortune.
Similar to that of reality television shows, the authenticity of these street artists only exist for so long. As on these shows, the first scene typically demonstrates the most genuine view of these characters as real people. By the second season, the pressures from society and directors spin the reality, cultivating it to better suit and meet their needs and wants. Suddenly, the reality of these characters seem less authentic, and instead, they become forced and seemingly staged characters playing themselves. In this way, street artists such as Bansky and Sheperd seem to have followed in this direction. Their art, once inspired by their creative designs and motivated by passion, now comes with a price tag. Their faceless existence has developed its own image, made known international via the internet.
To continue on this concept, the most currently relative example is the Rebecca Black phenomenon. If anyone was ever in search for an example of the power of the internet as a medium to quickly and efficiently reach the masses, this is the prime example. This mediocre video rose from 4,000 YouTube views to over 2 million in less than three days. Two days after that, Lady Gaga even mentioned Black, who just five short days earlier had been a no-name thirteen year old singer. The fact that the internet holds such great power is incredible and frightening all at the same time. Countries have organized revolts via Facebook, private government information has been casually leaked, and all through the internet.
Not to go off on a tangent about the internet - although it did greatly coincide with the popularity and spread of this documentary. As my last point I would like to touch about the illegal aspect of street art. I believe this adds a certain element to its nature than if these pieces of art were to be solely viewable in a gallery. By being illegal, it adds a certain element of intrigue and rebellion to these pieces. For example, Banksy’s work primarily focuses on bold statements in regards to government and society, and added with it’s illegal nature, further adds a sense of rebellion and shock to the affect it has on those that view these pieces. It adds more strength and seems to demonstrate these artists are truly dedicated to the views and ideas of which their art is based off of. Additionally, for people of my generation, it adds a sense of intrigue and fascination. These pieces of art seem to coincide with concepts such as invincibility and resistance to conformity. They are very time appropriate, with very innovative and eye catching design, so much so that the “Obey” images have become quite the fashion statement. Their urban edge and modern design seem to speak to my generation, more so than bland painted photographs with hidden meanings hung in museums. Also, the fact they are seen on city streets further adds to their appeal. They seem edgy, trendy, and daring - qualities that I believe my generation seeks to emulate.
Going off this point, artists like Banksy, that prefer to remain anonymous prove their true passion they possess for this form of art. They are inspired by the appreciation they receive, and in no means are in search of fame or even fortune in some cases. It seems as if these artists, from beginner to advanced, are just looking for means of sharing their artwork and innovative ideas, as opposed to making a fortune off it. I truly believe that the passion artists like Banksy and Shepherd Fairy have for street art, their work directly reflected this, and it created absolute masterpieces. When someone is truly compassionate about something, particularly art, their level of intensity and dedication is obviously visible, making it a masterpiece naturally, unlike MBW’s forced and contrived pieces of work. From here, Banksy has made a fortune off of his pieces, inspired from his passion, not his craving for fame and fortune.
Similar to that of reality television shows, the authenticity of these street artists only exist for so long. As on these shows, the first scene typically demonstrates the most genuine view of these characters as real people. By the second season, the pressures from society and directors spin the reality, cultivating it to better suit and meet their needs and wants. Suddenly, the reality of these characters seem less authentic, and instead, they become forced and seemingly staged characters playing themselves. In this way, street artists such as Bansky and Sheperd seem to have followed in this direction. Their art, once inspired by their creative designs and motivated by passion, now comes with a price tag. Their faceless existence has developed its own image, made known international via the internet.
To continue on this concept, the most currently relative example is the Rebecca Black phenomenon. If anyone was ever in search for an example of the power of the internet as a medium to quickly and efficiently reach the masses, this is the prime example. This mediocre video rose from 4,000 YouTube views to over 2 million in less than three days. Two days after that, Lady Gaga even mentioned Black, who just five short days earlier had been a no-name thirteen year old singer. The fact that the internet holds such great power is incredible and frightening all at the same time. Countries have organized revolts via Facebook, private government information has been casually leaked, and all through the internet.
Not to go off on a tangent about the internet - although it did greatly coincide with the popularity and spread of this documentary. As my last point I would like to touch about the illegal aspect of street art. I believe this adds a certain element to its nature than if these pieces of art were to be solely viewable in a gallery. By being illegal, it adds a certain element of intrigue and rebellion to these pieces. For example, Banksy’s work primarily focuses on bold statements in regards to government and society, and added with it’s illegal nature, further adds a sense of rebellion and shock to the affect it has on those that view these pieces. It adds more strength and seems to demonstrate these artists are truly dedicated to the views and ideas of which their art is based off of. Additionally, for people of my generation, it adds a sense of intrigue and fascination. These pieces of art seem to coincide with concepts such as invincibility and resistance to conformity. They are very time appropriate, with very innovative and eye catching design, so much so that the “Obey” images have become quite the fashion statement. Their urban edge and modern design seem to speak to my generation, more so than bland painted photographs with hidden meanings hung in museums. Also, the fact they are seen on city streets further adds to their appeal. They seem edgy, trendy, and daring - qualities that I believe my generation seeks to emulate.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Whither the Individual?
Whither the Individual?
As we join groups and social networks from affinity sites to Facebook, are we extending and expanding identities, or increasingly conforming to the cookie-cutter profiles demanded of these interfaces? Is the loss of "personal space" and "reflection" so many users complain of merely the necessary surrender of "ego" as we learn to participate as members of a more evolved "collective organism" of "hyper-people?"
I feel as if social networking sites, such as Facebook, do not necessarily compromise the individual's identity, but does create a compliant cult of sort. Facebook profiles encourage users to list a plethora of personal information, such as likes, hobbies, and even "philosophy". From here a unique sense of a user is created, with a variety of information that can be similar or dissimilar to other users. However, it is in this sense that people are conforming, and in a way abiding to the rules of the cult. The individual keys in this information, "likes" certain pages, perhaps after seeing their friends do the same or having discovered it on Facebook. From here they create their online persona, a world of "hyper-people" if you will.
Though it might sound as if I'm criticizing this turn of technology, I too fall guilty to this reality. The online world's affect on daily reality is alarmingly increasing. For example, the other night I went out and met a boy that caught my interest. The next morning I logged on to Facebook and was greeted by a friend request from him, much to my pleasure. Accepting his request I quickly gained access to a vast bank of information about him, more than I would have known by the fifth or sixth date. By subscribing to this collective organism of an online world, I viewed his profile similar to that of flipping through a filing folder full of personal information. In minutes I learned his favorite bands, past times, hometowns, educational background, even family lineage. Just as quickly as I learned all of this, I could click over to another profile and learn an equal amount about this other individual. Without even realizing it, we as users of social networking sites have diminished ourselves into nothing more than a filing folder. We are a unit among millions of other, 500 million to be exact that use Facebook.
However, to continue, I then sent him a link of a YouTube video regarding something we had discussed, which he then liked, sending me in a fit of joy. Now, I laugh in reflection to think that a click of a mouse was enough to induce a fit of "butterflies" in my stomach. Value and self worth are now derivatives of how many people have commented on your profile picture, or what boy you met out "poked" you in reflection of his interest the night after you met. And debatably those who argue their sense of self or personal reflection has not been compromised by social networking sites are certainly just enjoying their riverfront property on "de-nile". People blog for reactions, post pictures for comments, and write on walls for responses.
You might feel as if you are making a personal statement by adding "bikram yoga" to your list of likes on your Facebook profile, but click on the link and you will be surprised to see 400,000+ other individuals that also have that listed. Although it is argued that there is no such thing as an original thought, social networking sites have provided the forum to mass-share thoughts and ideas, collecting and cultivating them further with other users.
Furthermore, this influx of merging users together, particularly on Facebook, is becoming ever more prevalent. Games, such as Farmville, encourage trading and interactions between users, so much so that they take precedence over reality. I have known people to trade tangible items in real life for corn and other crops on this hyperworld we live in. The world of Facebook is beginning to consume our lives and take control over the real world, if we even know what that is anymore.
As we join groups and social networks from affinity sites to Facebook, are we extending and expanding identities, or increasingly conforming to the cookie-cutter profiles demanded of these interfaces? Is the loss of "personal space" and "reflection" so many users complain of merely the necessary surrender of "ego" as we learn to participate as members of a more evolved "collective organism" of "hyper-people?"
I feel as if social networking sites, such as Facebook, do not necessarily compromise the individual's identity, but does create a compliant cult of sort. Facebook profiles encourage users to list a plethora of personal information, such as likes, hobbies, and even "philosophy". From here a unique sense of a user is created, with a variety of information that can be similar or dissimilar to other users. However, it is in this sense that people are conforming, and in a way abiding to the rules of the cult. The individual keys in this information, "likes" certain pages, perhaps after seeing their friends do the same or having discovered it on Facebook. From here they create their online persona, a world of "hyper-people" if you will.
Though it might sound as if I'm criticizing this turn of technology, I too fall guilty to this reality. The online world's affect on daily reality is alarmingly increasing. For example, the other night I went out and met a boy that caught my interest. The next morning I logged on to Facebook and was greeted by a friend request from him, much to my pleasure. Accepting his request I quickly gained access to a vast bank of information about him, more than I would have known by the fifth or sixth date. By subscribing to this collective organism of an online world, I viewed his profile similar to that of flipping through a filing folder full of personal information. In minutes I learned his favorite bands, past times, hometowns, educational background, even family lineage. Just as quickly as I learned all of this, I could click over to another profile and learn an equal amount about this other individual. Without even realizing it, we as users of social networking sites have diminished ourselves into nothing more than a filing folder. We are a unit among millions of other, 500 million to be exact that use Facebook.
However, to continue, I then sent him a link of a YouTube video regarding something we had discussed, which he then liked, sending me in a fit of joy. Now, I laugh in reflection to think that a click of a mouse was enough to induce a fit of "butterflies" in my stomach. Value and self worth are now derivatives of how many people have commented on your profile picture, or what boy you met out "poked" you in reflection of his interest the night after you met. And debatably those who argue their sense of self or personal reflection has not been compromised by social networking sites are certainly just enjoying their riverfront property on "de-nile". People blog for reactions, post pictures for comments, and write on walls for responses.
You might feel as if you are making a personal statement by adding "bikram yoga" to your list of likes on your Facebook profile, but click on the link and you will be surprised to see 400,000+ other individuals that also have that listed. Although it is argued that there is no such thing as an original thought, social networking sites have provided the forum to mass-share thoughts and ideas, collecting and cultivating them further with other users.
Furthermore, this influx of merging users together, particularly on Facebook, is becoming ever more prevalent. Games, such as Farmville, encourage trading and interactions between users, so much so that they take precedence over reality. I have known people to trade tangible items in real life for corn and other crops on this hyperworld we live in. The world of Facebook is beginning to consume our lives and take control over the real world, if we even know what that is anymore.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Web 2.0 and the Digital Nation
Today many TV shows and advertisements try to look amateurish or "homegrown" to emulate what is often seen on the Web. Do you think professional production values will continue to drop, or do you think amateur user-generated content will get better over time? WHY??
Although unarguably there are more advertisements that are formatted to seem “homegrown”, I do not think it is a representation of a plummet or plateauing of technology. In fact, I think it is comparable to vintage inspired photographs and designs. Sepia toned images, filmed to look antique in a way are rather popular, not because technology can not expand past that, but because of its artistic style. I think this approach with TV shows and advertisements adds a personal element, a new technique of sorts. For example, “Paranormal Activity”, is filmed from a hand held video camera, giving viewers the perception of reality, as if they are getting an inside glimpse of a real home video footage. Just the way black and white adds a certain “classic” element, whether it be video or photographs, I believe that this increasingly popular “homegrown” approach adds a more casual and realistic aspect.
What social media sites do you find yourself using the most, and why? In your opinion why is Facebook so much more successful than MySpace, and do you think Facebook is "here to stay" for the long term.
As a true computer nerd, I have toyed with a plethora of social media sites. Long were the days of Myspace and AIM, now replaced with Facebook and Twitter. With so many sites readily available and constantly changing, it is truly difficult for any one site to be guaranteed longevity. However, in my personal opinion, Facebook seems the most promising. The phenomenon we have all grown obsessed with has more than 500 million active users; with 50% of these users logging on each day. Facebook is constantly changing with the times, offering its users personalized ads, mind numbing games, and a way to keep in touch without being together - all for free. Long were the days of growing apart - now with Facebook, people are closer than ever. Just last month my cousin’s wife was in labor, and I received constant updates via Facebook statuses each step of the way. My brother and I, 600 miles away, knew when the baby was born before my uncle who was sitting just a few feet away in the waiting room. It seems as if Facebook knows no boundaries - geographically, economically, and socially; but I suppose only time will tell.
Why is transparency such an important concept in the Social Media world? Is it MORE or LESS important in the offline world? Why?
With a rapidly increasingly popularity in the Social Media world, it only seems appropriate that transparency be such a pressing issue. I think that transparency is more important in the “online” world. Because these technologies, such as Twitter and blogs, are so new, also new are their repercussions. No one fully understand the magnitude of damage that could ensue through transparency in the Social Media world. Arguably, experts are now biased towards certain viewpoints because of the capital they are receiving to promote a particular viewpoint, as opposed to pursuing the best current solution. Transparency in the social world is permanently documented via the web, which can not be erased and not be argued. For example, sharing an
opinion in the “offline” world can be shared through basic word of mouth, with no trace. However, with social media everything someone says, thinks and then blogs is permanent record, holding more consequences.
Although unarguably there are more advertisements that are formatted to seem “homegrown”, I do not think it is a representation of a plummet or plateauing of technology. In fact, I think it is comparable to vintage inspired photographs and designs. Sepia toned images, filmed to look antique in a way are rather popular, not because technology can not expand past that, but because of its artistic style. I think this approach with TV shows and advertisements adds a personal element, a new technique of sorts. For example, “Paranormal Activity”, is filmed from a hand held video camera, giving viewers the perception of reality, as if they are getting an inside glimpse of a real home video footage. Just the way black and white adds a certain “classic” element, whether it be video or photographs, I believe that this increasingly popular “homegrown” approach adds a more casual and realistic aspect.
What social media sites do you find yourself using the most, and why? In your opinion why is Facebook so much more successful than MySpace, and do you think Facebook is "here to stay" for the long term.
As a true computer nerd, I have toyed with a plethora of social media sites. Long were the days of Myspace and AIM, now replaced with Facebook and Twitter. With so many sites readily available and constantly changing, it is truly difficult for any one site to be guaranteed longevity. However, in my personal opinion, Facebook seems the most promising. The phenomenon we have all grown obsessed with has more than 500 million active users; with 50% of these users logging on each day. Facebook is constantly changing with the times, offering its users personalized ads, mind numbing games, and a way to keep in touch without being together - all for free. Long were the days of growing apart - now with Facebook, people are closer than ever. Just last month my cousin’s wife was in labor, and I received constant updates via Facebook statuses each step of the way. My brother and I, 600 miles away, knew when the baby was born before my uncle who was sitting just a few feet away in the waiting room. It seems as if Facebook knows no boundaries - geographically, economically, and socially; but I suppose only time will tell.
Why is transparency such an important concept in the Social Media world? Is it MORE or LESS important in the offline world? Why?
With a rapidly increasingly popularity in the Social Media world, it only seems appropriate that transparency be such a pressing issue. I think that transparency is more important in the “online” world. Because these technologies, such as Twitter and blogs, are so new, also new are their repercussions. No one fully understand the magnitude of damage that could ensue through transparency in the Social Media world. Arguably, experts are now biased towards certain viewpoints because of the capital they are receiving to promote a particular viewpoint, as opposed to pursuing the best current solution. Transparency in the social world is permanently documented via the web, which can not be erased and not be argued. For example, sharing an
opinion in the “offline” world can be shared through basic word of mouth, with no trace. However, with social media everything someone says, thinks and then blogs is permanent record, holding more consequences.
Monday, February 14, 2011
McLuhan Photoshop Final Post - EXTRA
For my second McLuhan Photoshop post, I chose to expand upon the video calling site "Skype". My image illustrates a couple dating long distance, but thanks to Skype it seems as if they are together. I chose to include Skype's motto, "Making it easy to be together, even when you're not", which describes its goals as a communication tool perfectly.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
McLuhan Photoshop Final Post
The medium I chose to expand upon was online support groups. With this new technology becoming more prevalent it opens up new opportunities for those suffering with a variety of problems. These people are now more likely to seek and pursue help, when it is readily available from the comfort of their own home. In my assignment, I created the scenario of a woman suffering with depression. Without even leaving her home she is able to discuss and get support from an online support group, and find a remedy to her ailment.
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