Technological Determinism within "Eighth Grade"

     It is no secret that technology is ever-changing and advancing everyday. Technological Determinism is generally the idea that technology will never stand still- it is always progressing no matter what society has to say, leaving long term effects. 

    It is extremely obvious that the theoretical idea of Technological Determinism is at the forefront of Eighth Grade.  Nancy Baym notes that these particular stressors that surround digital media are prompted and spawned by its interactivity. I agree with these words because additionally, without social media and digital content existing within a social sense, it has little to no meaning. Kayla's relationships and her sense of self are compromised by her adhesion to social media and technology in general. Social media creates a set of standards that demand to be followed by those apart of a social group. In Kayla's case, her entire life's purpose as a middle schooler is founded upon how she is perceived by her peers online and off. Her online persona is extremely different than the person she presents herself as at school and in her real life.

    On a more personal note, I had a very similar middle school experience as Kayla. I was shy, awkward, and insecure around my peers. However, I was extremely confident, outgoing and bubbly online! However, my in-person persona did not match the person I was at school, and I struggled with that monumentally. 

Here is an interesting article that discusses how technology effects the well-being of the modern day youth: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7366938/  

Did you have a similar middle-school experience as Kaylas in terms of the presence of technology? If so, how has it impacted your sense of self as your current day self? 

Comments

  1. Jinee LeeOctober 17, 2021 at 4:55 PM

    Hey Kitt,

    Great analysis on how technological determinism is a central theme throughout Eighth Grade. I agree that Kayla is entirely dependent on her virtual persona for her self esteem. Her adhesion to her Instagram profile as well as her YouTube show that she is trying to prove to others that she is confident and bubbly even if that's not the case in real life. This shows how technology shapes our interactions and relationships with the self/others in the digital age.

    I also had a similar experience as Kayla where I was a shy and awkward kid in the age of social media. Growing up with interactive media meant that you had to maintain a social identity both on and off the screen. In how it impacted my sense of self today I recognize the importance of social media on social lives as I still check platforms daily to this day.

    Great post!

    Jinee

    ReplyDelete

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