Technological Determinism & Instagram

The theoretical perspective of technological determinism explains the anxieties social media creates in teenage girls as explained in the discussion reported in The Guardian. Technological determinism explains technology as changing society. A variant of technological determinism is McLuhan’s phrase, “the medium is the message”, Baym explains that “technologies have characteristics that are transferred to those who use them” (Baym, p.28). 

Technological determinism in relation to The Guardian article explains the impact Instagram has on young females and their appearances. A technology, like Instagram, enters society and impacts their social life (Baym, p.29). Body image issues are largely linked to social media sites like Instagram because of the lack of authenticity present (Baym, p.34). People can easily edit their appearance and personality to something they think is ‘better'. This can boost their self-esteem in hopes people will find them more attractive. Baym explains with fewer social cues present on these platforms can make people guarded in who they trust is authentic. For young impressionable minds to be in this toxic environment can be very difficult for their mental health. It is almost too easy for teenagers to create an online persona.


Comments

  1. Kieran SagarOctober 18, 2021 at 8:41 AM

    Hi there! Great post! I really enjoyed how you took technological determinism and exemplified it from the viewpoint of changing society; I agree with this standpoint. Additionally, I liked how you connected technological determinism to the Guardian article and the implications that are being produced from this act in relation to Instagram. When scrolling through Instagram, I often think about influencers’ appearance and how they look so perfect on their socials. However, I now understand that through technological determinism, influencers can filter, edit and only share a specific part of their lives through their posted photos. Therefore, individuals do not want to share the negative aspects of their lives online as they fear for their presence on socials.

    Again, a great post! Take care
    Kieran

    ReplyDelete
  2. Taylor RandersonOctober 19, 2021 at 11:56 AM

    Hi Shanna!

    I liked your emphasis on how social media platforms allow users to share images that contain editing of their physical appearance. I think people often feel obligated to digitally manipulate their pictures to reflect a certain standard of beauty that is has been established in both the virtual and real-life environment. I agree that this can have a negative effect on one’s self-esteem as it is difficult to distinguish what is real or fake. I also feel this idea of inauthenticity is relevant to how information spreads over media platforms. I think that this corresponds with your and Baym's explanation that the lack of social cues present online makes it difficult to determine who is a credible source. Overall, the ability to create an unrealistic online persona makes it challenging to decipher what is authentic in the digital space.

    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amelia ArlenOctober 19, 2021 at 2:19 PM

    Hi Shanna!

    Great post! I totally agree that technological determinism has a very strong relationship with Instagram as evidenced by the article from the Guardian. It is sometimes very difficult to determine what is or isn't real on the internet and now in real life too thanks to more cosmetic procedures and surgeries. What is now "beautiful" on social media has definitely changed and become more fake. I liked that you tied your argument to Baym's because I think it ties everything together rather nicely and really supports your argument. Social cues are hard to find on a screen as mentioned by Baym and your argument supports that statement.

    - Amelia

    ReplyDelete

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