blog 2

 In watching the movie,  Eighth grade in class the protagonist Kayla evidently shows the impactful nature of the interactivity of new digital media that is present in today’s society. Baym’s theoretical perspective of technological determinism explains that technologies are creating and adding to the development of social and cultural structure and values and as Baym proclaims technology acts as an “external agent that acts upon and changes society”. This notion is clearly present in the indisputable impact in which technology has on Kayla’s relationships and interactions. 


An example is this idea that Kayla in “real life” or through face-to-face interactions struggles with the sentiment of talking to people and having confidence but her online persona in which she has created, lies the exact opposite. Kayla has created a social media presence that does not resemble her virtual state, social media has allowed her to become more comfortable and reliant on communication with others and self-confidence towards herself through a technological platform. This is evident not only for Kayla but in the scene in which it is a birthday party and a chance for all the kids to interact with on another face to face they are still seen stuck to their screens and even Kayla going as to wait with her phone to charge in a social environment. This visually shows the change in communication and cultural impact in which technology and notably social media have had. 

This concept of the decline in human interaction but increase in social media presence, this shown through the hours Kayla spends in her room surfing various platforms such as Youtube, Tumblr and Instagram. A sense of isolation in the communication culture. 

- Keesha Chinyenze


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