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Digital Identities

Project 1: Selecting and Identifying

Read some blogs on the digital self at Link 3

Exercise: 4.1

Project 2: The Gaze in the Digital Age

Read Jackie Stacey’s essay ‘Desperately Seeking Difference’ (1988), reproduced in Evans & Hall (1999) Visual Culture: The Reader, London: Sage, pp.390–401. You’ll find this on the student website (PH5DIC_Visual Culture_Desperately Seeking Difference).
This article was written around the time that the possibility of a ‘female gaze’ was proposed to counterpoint that of the ‘male gaze’.

Research Point 1

Exercise: 4.2

Write a short summary of Foucault’s arguments, and comment on the relevance of his theory to digital culture.

Michel Foucault's essay "Panopticon" discusses the concept of a hypothetical prison designed with a central observation tower that allows a single guard to observe all inmates. Inmates, in turn, can also watch the guards.

The key points include:

  • Surveillance and Power: The panopticon illustrates how surveillance can be a power mechanism. The constant possibility of being observed influences individuals to regulate their behaviour.

  • Discipline and Control: Foucault explores how the panopticon operates as a tool for disciplinary control. It fosters self-regulation among individuals, leading them to conform to societal norms without direct supervision.

  • Invisibility of Power: The asymmetry of visibility gives the observer power and induces uncertainty in those being observed. This invisibility of power is a crucial aspect of the panopticon.

Relevance to Digital Culture:

  • Online Surveillance: In the digital age, the panopticon concept is relevant to discussions about online surveillance, where individuals may feel constantly monitored through digital platforms and technologies.

  • Social Media and Self-Regulation: Social media platforms act as modern panopticons, where users engage in self-discipline due to their peers' awareness of being observed and contributing to the shaping of online behaviour.

  • Algorithmic Control: The invisible algorithms that dictate content visibility and user experiences on digital platforms parallel the panopticon's unseen power structure, influencing individuals' choices and actions.

In summary:

Foucault's "Panopticon" essay remains relevant to digital culture by offering insights into the dynamics of surveillance, power, and self-discipline, particularly in the context of online environments and the pervasive influence of digital technologies.

Project 3: Similar but Different. Memes, Cloning and Repartition

• Read Limor Shifman’s essay ‘The Cultural Logic of Photo-Based Meme Genres’ in Journal of Visual Culture, December 2014, Vol.13(3), pp.340–58, at Link 4
• The global Occupy movement made extensive use of images. In ‘Occupy the Image’ Liam Devlin discusses the image of US police officer John Pike, who was originally photographed pepper-spraying a group of protestors at the University of California in 2011. Pike has become an internet meme; cut out of the original photograph, he has found his way into various famous images of conflict and struggle and other celebrated artworks.
Link 5

Limor Shifman

Liam Devlin

Exercise: 4.3

Project 4: The Selfie Revisited. Testimony or Trophy?

• Read Susan Sontag’s essay ‘Regarding the Torture of Others’ at Link 7
• Read Alise Tifentale’s essay ‘Making Sense of the “Masturbation of Self-Image” and the
“Virtual Mini-Me” ’ at Link 8 This is published by a research group based in New York called Selfie City. See Link 9

Susan Sontag

Alise Tifentale

Exercise: 4.4

Project 5: Sexualised Images

The Selfie Paradox: Navigating the Landscape of Sexualised Imagery in Social Media
Introduction:

In the era of digital connectivity, social media platforms have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, influencing how we perceive ourselves and others. One prevalent trend that has emerged is the proliferation of sexualised imagery, with the selfie being a prominent vehicle for self-expression. While the selfie can serve as a means of empowerment and self-confidence, it also raises concerns about the perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards and the objectification of individuals.

Empowerment and Expression:

At its core, the selfie is a self-portraiture form allowing individuals to curate their online identity. For many, sharing intimate or sensual images is a conscious act of empowerment, challenging societal norms and reclaiming control over one's image. In this context, sexualised selfies can be seen as a form of self-expression, enabling individuals to celebrate their bodies and identities in a space that often dictates rigid beauty standards.

Perpetuating Unrealistic Beauty Standards:

However, the prevalence of sexualised imagery in social media raises concerns about the impact on body image and self-esteem. Constantly exposing carefully crafted images may reinforce unrealistic beauty standards, fostering a culture of comparison and insecurity. As individuals strive to emulate the perceived perfection of influencers and celebrities, the authentic essence of self-expression through the selfie overshadows the pursuit of an idealised image.

Objectification and Social Consequences:

As we navigate the complex landscape of sexualised imagery today, it is essential to strike a balance between self-expression and societal responsibility. Embracing one's sexuality and body positivity is valid, but it is equally vital to be mindful of the potential impact on oneself and others. Open conversations about consent, respect, and the consequences of perpetuating unrealistic standards can help foster a healthier digital environment.

Conclusion:

The selfie, as a tool for self-expression, holds the power to challenge societal norms and celebrate individuality. However, the fine line between empowerment and perpetuating harmful beauty standards requires thoughtful consideration. By fostering a culture of authenticity, consent, and respect in social media, we can ensure that the selfie remains a powerful means of self-expression without compromising the well-being and dignity of individuals in the digital age.

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