blog #2 Alinda

 Understanding the emotional and social anxiety caused by digital media is easier with the theoretical perspective of technological determinism. Technological determinism is the belief that technology is an active force that transforms people and society, and that humans typically have little capacity to oppose them. It is evident in this film Eighth Grade. In Kalya's opinion, the Internet, particularly Instagram and YouTube, allow her to express herself authentically. Kayla, 13, is able to reveal her genuine identity and personality through her blog, "Kayla's Korner," on YouTube, where she dispenses advice to a fictitious audience of her peers. She chooses subjects like "Being Yourself" and "confidence is a choice," then fumbles through a pep talk laced with "like." Kayla's sense of real self-representation on the Internet is the outcome of the freedom from the limits of her social setting. Kayla would prefer to concentrate on her phone than talk to her classmates or pals.  For a brief moment, making videos on her YouTube and being on her phone made her feel 'cool' and like one of the popular kids. for example when she's taking selfies on her phone.  Nancy Baym describes how social media helps users create these cultural standards. She is alienated from her peers as a result of a lack of need to connect physically with them because she can replace face-to-face contacts with social media connections in which she connects more freely. without being awkward.


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