Technological Determinism in the film "Eighth Grade"

     Technological determisnim as described in class, is that technological advancements and innovations, social media specifically in this case are able to influence the world we live in, in obvious ways such as politically, socially and/or economically but also in many ways that are not so obvious ways as well. In the film, "Eighth Grade" it is evident that Kayla has some anxiety about the degree of technological determinism around her. Simply, Kayla experiences anxiety around the fact that technology (in this case social media as well) are changing society. 

    The Guardian article express the concern that Instagram can cause insecurities about body image and their overall appearance among young women. Baym mentions that a social media platform such as Instagram is capable of effecting social lives and the dynamic of the app itself can be linked to causing self esteem issues due to the lack of authenticity from users. The lack of authenticity stems from multiple filters and different editing features that are easily accessible and used by users in order to fit into societal norms of beauty. This is present in the film as well when Kayla is on Snapchat using these different filters that alter her appearance to fit into societal norms which she then posts on Instagram. However she is not the only one, in the scene when Kayla is scrolling on Instagram the other girls in her class were also posting pictures that had a heavy filters on their pictures. When individuals such as Kayla and her friends post pictures with significant filters that alter the way they look they are also presenting themselves on social media as inauthentic and they are doing this because it has become a societal norm which is why Instagram is powerful enough to create self esteem issues among young women.  Not to mention when Kayla is using these filters she is smiling, laughing, and as soon as the filter comes off of her, her face automatically drops. This shows that Kayla puts on a fake persona on social media. This is also seen through her YouTube videos where she talks about "putting yourself out there, how to be confident" where as in reality she is struggling with that herself.

All in all, Technological determinism is evident within Kayla's life because the movie outlines the difference between her "online" life compared to her "real" life. 

Do you think so as well? 

Comments

  1. Kitt EmpeyOctober 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM

    Hi!

    There is so much great discussion here, what a great post! Yes, I do agree that technological determinism is present within Kayla's everyday life for all of the reasons you outlined. I am really glad you focused on Kayla's use of filters as I feel strongly that this is something that is not talked about enough. I have noticed that instagram filters have become extremely popular within the past year. Many of them smooth your skin, make your nose smaller, lips smaller, etc. While this is all in good fun, the impact that these filters leave on young, impressionable people is long term. I myself, have in the past found myself using these filters and feeling pretty, and then upon removing them and seeing my real self, and feeling extremely unattractive. However, just like everyone else, it is hard to avoid these things whilst being a member of this technological age.

    Thanks!
    Kitt

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dylan GowanlockOctober 19, 2021 at 12:02 PM

    Hello!

    Thank you for sharing this post! I completely agree that the theory of technological determinism is present within Kayla's day to day life. I liked that you mentioned the lack of authenticity within social media platforms. This is so important to not overlook as many areas of social media simply be seen as a front or fake. The continued worsening of mental health within youth as a result of social media is a large issue and in my opinion, needs government intervention to improve the online landscape.

    Thanks again,
    Dylan

    ReplyDelete

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