Rip.Mix.Feed. – Connect
In order to create my Rip.Mix.Feed project, I utilized the editing and collage features within the Fotor design application. I knew that I wanted to create something visually straight-forward, and throughout this course I have learned that certain ideas or topics benefit from simple presentation, while others warrant a more detailed storytelling approach. To be completely honest, I am still learning to distinguish between the two! I decided to create a pictorial representation of opposing interpretations of technology use, which is certainly a highly dynamic and multi-faceted subject. By narrowing my scope down to mobile technology use and its effect on social interactions, I was able to pinpoint the number and type of images I was hoping to use, how I was going to arrange them, and the text I would include. After days of bouncing around within a broad topic, choosing an area of focus made the selection of my editing application easy. Motor is very user-friendly, and functions seamlessly for straight-forward projects, needing only basic editing tools.
I chose to place two photographs side by side in order to highlight some of the similarities, and more importantly, contrasting messages embedded within the them. The image on the left-hand-side depicts the notion that technology has created somewhat of a disconnect between ourselves and the world around us. For instance, the two individuals sitting on the bench are deeply consumed with their cell phones, thus missing out on the opportunity for face-to-face interaction to occur organically between them. Conversely, the image on the right-hand-side portrays two individuals sharing a technology-driven moment of collective enjoyment. In fact, this photo is originally entitled Skyping Home, which adds another layer of social context, as the barrier of distance is overcome in order to extend the visible social interaction in order to include any number of additional participants. I like that the original images both happened to be black and white, adding to the overall theme of contrast within my remixed image. I honed in on this contrast by applying a filter to both images in order to increase their intensity.
The text is meant to emphasize the opposite viewpoints proposed by the chosen photos, while also recognizing the element of technology that they have in common. My intention is for the [Dis]connect component to be attributed to the image on your left, while Connect[ing] aligns with the image on your right. Too often, modern innovations, increased internet access, and mobile devices are scrutinized for diminishing social interaction, and distracting us from real-life, real-time experiences. However, it is important that we realize technology itself is a completely neutral tool – it is the manner in which we use it that ultimately determines whether or not it will serve to strengthen or diminish social connections.
References:
Per Gosche Photography. (2014). Texting stereo. Retrieved from https://flic.kr/p/pFd9Fd
Schubert, Jorg. (2013). Skyping home. Retrieved from https://flic.kr/p/jcK4Ag
Natalie, I really like the image you’ve created here and how you used white and black in the title to contrast the two images within title. I would have to disagree that technology is neutral though. It comes with a great range of assumptions that one has to buy into (literally purchase) before one can use it.
Your image reminds me of a realization I had that whenever an educational technology tool is being marketed there is usually a photo of a diverse group of 3 or 4 kids with joyful faces around a computer. Personally, I find it quite frustrating to be around a computer when someone else is in control of it. Though we share a lot through technology we rarely share technology, which is why I think the image on the left is a lot more common than the one on the right.
Thank you for your comment Randy! Perhaps neutral isn’t the best word to use when describing technology as a tool. In fact, there isn’t much need for any further description, as meaning and implication associated with technology can be highly subjective and exclusive- as you mentioned. I’m glad you brought this to my attention!
I completely agree with you that there is nothing more frustrating than watching somebody else use a computer, all the while fighting the urge to take control of the keyboard. However, I think that in cases such as when using Skype, people are generally more willing to share the screen.
Natalie – I love the image you’ve created here, as well as the production choices that you’ve made. I have to agree with Randy that technology is not inherently neutral; with it comes cultural, social, and commercial implications prior to use, even if we come up with our own methods for producing content with a device.
I have been on both sides of your image at different times whether out with family or with my fiancé, and it always depends on the purpose for which the technology is being used – so I agree with your contextual addition with the original name of the image.
Thanks for your feedback Victoria! It is amazing how our devices have the potential to distract us from social interaction in some situations, while allowing us to fully participate in meaningful communication. We are the ones creating purpose from that potential!