by "Nibby" (nibby68)
Published 02/22/2017 at 22:25
by "Nibby" (nibby68)
Published 02/22/2017 at 22:25
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STARS: 5
Ever wonder how using social media like Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/SnapChat/etc. is remarkably similar to Foucault’s panopticon model?
Think about it... you, as the user, and everything you do on it can be seen by whoever you choose.... and even if you have all sorts of privacy settings enabled, you still don’t know if anyone really is scanning your posts. Though it’s up to you to decide what to share and how much you use social media... there is no guarantee you can be 100% invisible.
There are lots of good and bad reasons that come with social media use. I’ve been reunited with family members I haven’t talked to in years thanks to social media. Even gotten a couple of jobs through members and ex members from the Jalopnik/Oppositelock community. For many, it’s a fountain of self confidence or reassurance, based on how many likes their selfies/projects/artwork get. And there are those who use it to harass or cyber bully others. Whatever the usecase is, ultimately it’s the choice of the user.
I thought a bit about this stuff today cause I took my cousin’s kids out for lunch and one of them was playing with my phone. She’s a teenager and went on my Instagram and just liked a bunch of her own pictures. I don’t even use that app much, just something my sisters asked me to join and I rarely post on it. But it’s pretty interesting how you can see what people you grew up with, went to college/grad school/worked with are up to without having to communicate at all to them. You can just lurk all you want without anyone knowing. You never really know who exactly is looking at your online profiles. In a way, the observer becomes the observed and the observed are the observers.
I talked to a coworker about what people post on social media and she told me she thinks a lot of people she knows do it to “show off.” Selfies, pictures of alcohol/drugs/etc. or whatever concert/sporting event they’re at, meeting famous people, pictures of art (be it their own or at a gallery/museum).
The way we perceive ourselves online can be drastically different from the way we perceive ourselves in real life. A pretty girl could seem confident, happy go lucky,and a boatload of fun based on what she shares online but in reality who knows what goes on in her head... She could be in an abusive relationship or be going through a tough time... or even still just enjoying life and be happy. In a way, looking back through your social media profiles could provide a Lacanian experience for some, like a series of mirror stages. Ever go back to an old post and wonder “Ugh why would I post that, I’d never do that today!?”
Thus looking through your social media profiles, the number of comments and likes or whatever, can mimic Jacques Lacan’s notion of the mirror stage, which refers to when an infant looks into a mirror for the first time and recognizes himself as an individual... the birth of an ego. In essence, social media profiles are an ongoing series of ego births.
Back to the teenage relative of mine, a few months ago she started high school. I’m 12 years older than her so I told her social media started becoming a thing when I was about her age, if not a little older. Things like texting, MySpace and Facebook quickly became a big thing, especially towards my junior and senior years. Back then I used Facebook mostly for hockey stuff and talking to classmates about homework. (Nowadays, I haven’t posted a thing on there in years).
I think it’s important to talk to kids and teenagers about using social media smartly and in moderation.
Even though she just sends harmless silly selfies and filtered snapchats to her friends and racks up 100s of likes on her Instagram posts, I talked to her in depth about things that could go wrong with social media... cyber bullying, sexting, obsessing too much over numbers that don’t mean anything, trying to construe those numbers into popularity contests or a way to measure a person’s worth or how many friends they have, etc. I knew a friend who had a sibling that hung themself in *10th* grade due to both school bullying and online bullying. And for teenagers like her who will be applying to colleges in 3 years, they ought to know about the panoptical nature of social media. I trust the kid, she’s smart and sensible and wouldn’t do any of the negative things mentioned. As tough as people in general may like to think they are, a lot of people aren’t as thick skinned as they think they are. There’s nothing wrong with that but people can sometimes take what happens on social media too seriously.
At the end of the day, people seek the satisfaction of recognition, being well liked, or have a sense of belonging. Not everyone has those luxuries but for many, social media provides them just that. Just be aware you never know who’s looking... and who’s looking through a Lacanian gaze.
The crowd, a compact mass, a locus of multiple exchanges, individualities merging together, a collective effect, is abolished and replaced by a collection of separated individualities. From the point of view of the guardian, it is replaced by a multiplicity that can be numbered and supervised; from the point of view of the inmates, by a sequestered and observed solitude
"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
02/22/2017 at 22:32, STARS: 2
This is too serious for a Nibby post. I demand a weird gif.
"CB" (jrcb)
02/22/2017 at 22:35, STARS: 1
Hm, I see where you’re coming from with this. However, I think instead of it being used to make us conform to “good” behaviour (as a Panoptic prison would), we modify our behaviour to those we perceive are observing us (at least, if we have the foresight). For example, someone who is college aged with only their buddies on social media is probably going to have way more photos of themselves drinking, smoking, drugs, going to concerts, whatever, to make themselves appear cooler or whatever. Meanwhile, someone who is graduated and looking for serious work in their field would probably cut back on the swearing and inappropriate content, change their profile picture, and be more aware that a potential employer may look at their profile.
I dunno, it’s something to look into.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 22:35, STARS: 1
"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
02/22/2017 at 22:37, STARS: 0
Much better.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 22:38, STARS: 0
Well, yeah, I did unintentionally ignore the whole discipline part of it. Thanks for your thoughts, well said. But in a way people who use social media are still conforming to something, be it a certain level of standards or a persona they’re trying to identify with
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 22:38, STARS: 0
I think it would be beneficial for you to read it though.
"CB" (jrcb)
02/22/2017 at 22:42, STARS: 2
No worries, I’m a criminology major, so that’s the angle I partially see it from.
But yeah, that’s my point. We all have a persona that we use to appease the audience that views us. For example you’ve crafted a persona of general lunacy on Oppositelock, so when you post something like this, people kind of go “where are the gifs that make me feel like I’m on drugs?”, which, if this post doesn’t get enough discussion going for your liking, might result in you not bringing up things like this in the future.
"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
02/22/2017 at 22:44, STARS: 1
I did read it. I’ve had a weird relationship with social media since I made my Facebook account. Throughout high school I used Facebook a lot. Looking back, I allowed it to alter my behavior for my audience, which was mostly just other band kids. I quit in 2014 and I feel so much better. It’s like stepping out of a car after a long road trip, at the Grand Canyon and breathing in all that fresh air.
I’ve allowed Facebook to be my principle means of contact with my friends. But honestly I don’t care anymore.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 22:47, STARS: 0
I think a lot of people who have had a Facebook account for several years realize this over time. It was helpful in high school for homework and in college my classmates often used it for invites to art shows and events but now I really have no use for it... and all the important people in my life, I actually remember their birthdays
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 22:49, STARS: 1
Now it all makes sense where you’re coming from!
I post stuff similar to this from time to time
"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
02/22/2017 at 22:52, STARS: 2
And I suppose it is an addiction. Most people I know get a little bit of a high watching likes roll in on stuff they’ve posted, yet I still like random junk that I post far more than what even gets the most response from people. I wasn’t a particular fan of the comment I won COTD with (it was a Mustang meme). Watching the stars roll in was fun for a little while, but then I tired of it. I guess I just can’t seem to derive the same excitement about people online just hitting a button, no matter how many of them there are. I completely agree that any sort of social media does provide a world where you can put on the face that you want for recognition, but I honestly don’t see how they don’t find it shallow. I’m not trying to downplay their intelligence or perception, I’m just generally confused at how people can get so high about someone they might not have met hitting a button (or several) over the internet.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 22:58, STARS: 0
It’s funny how people perceive likes or upvotes or the number of stars they get on a post. Reddit karma and imgur points are a good example of this, people whoring for karma/upvotes all the time. People will like funny things, generally shy away from posts that make them think a lot or require attention. A lot of people also use social media as an escape or a drug like you alluded to “get a little bit of a high watching likes roll in.”
For many it’s a way to cope with whatever stresses they deal with IRL or just takes their mind off things. Of course, there are times when using social media makes things like that worse.
"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
02/22/2017 at 23:07, STARS: 0
For me social media makes any sort of stress worse. I have no idea why and I know mentally that no one’s life is as good as it is on social media but I somehow don’t feel that. I guess it’s because I’ve never really fit in anywhere and I can kinda fake being approachable and sociable but it’s so taxing and I prefer to shy back to the corners. I guess I’m still trying to wrap my head around the idea of deriving intense enjoyment from posting a picture of your face.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 23:13, STARS: 0
I think people like selfies as a way to show their support and love for the OP
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
02/22/2017 at 23:14, STARS: 2
Minor correction. Jeremy Bentham invented the panopticon IIRC.
Focult definitely came in to late in the game to invent it.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 23:16, STARS: 0
Righteous, thanks
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
02/22/2017 at 23:28, STARS: 1
I see what you’re saying through a personal lens. Years ago, when I first joined an online forum, I slowly morphed into a person who performed a bit to win the approval of my online “friends”. I was still me, but a me with certain aspects exaggerated for my audience. I started to get uncomfortable with that and stepped back.
These days, I try to be the person I want me to be, online and in person. Taking little introspective breaks to look at my behavior and motivations helps keep me centered and avoid the syndrome of which you write.
I don’t do any social media beyond Oppo, and that’s because I don’t have people around me in my daily life who are interested in talking/reading about car stuff.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 23:36, STARS: 1
Yeah same here, it’s also a great community cause you can just be yourself without going out of your way to seek approval from others.
"unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)" (unclevanos)
02/22/2017 at 23:45, STARS: 0
I find linkedin as a form of nepotism. Its sort of like “hey I know you through this glorified social media site without a hookup section plz gib me job”, it is sort of hard to find an internship position when sending an application or resume the old fashioned way. I hear even gov’t internship positions are given if you “know a guy”. With the last 30 applications I sent last summer with a 3.2 GPA and no offers, I really don’t give a damn anymore. I have come to hate my major for all the bullshit stress in the courses and now I have to brown nose for a mediocre position to make bearings in Solidworks. I regret not being a writer or professional musician. Thanks for the read though Nibby.
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 23:48, STARS: 0
Dude, believe me... take it from someone who has had over a 3.6GPA in both undergrad and grad school and has had several internships + jobs. I’ve probably sent well over 300 job applications over the years and had maybe 15 interviews. Half of those interviews were stuff like “We’re not looking for what you applied for right now, but we have _”
The job I have right now I got via craigslist of all things. I’m still looking around but really you gotta know someone in your field
"For Sweden" (rallybeetle)
02/22/2017 at 23:54, STARS: 0
Yes, if the mods are in the watchtower
"Nibby" (nibby68)
02/22/2017 at 23:56, STARS: 1
MODS ARE WATCHING, QUICK, POST MINI ESSAYS ON SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND SURVEILLANCE
"unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)" (unclevanos)
02/22/2017 at 23:56, STARS: 0
My parents don’t know anybody in engineering. Only construction and civil engineering bores me to death. If you’ll excuse me, I have to air my grievances at Hondabro for no reason at all.
"Toby F., Manager" (itsmefromhr)
02/26/2017 at 18:14, STARS: 0
Your comment reminds me of this video shared in my diversity course a few weeks ago. I don’t agree with 100% of what this guy says, but some of his statements relate to what I’ve observed regarding social media in the past and present.
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"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
02/26/2017 at 18:32, STARS: 0
Awesome. Science confirmed my suspicion that people are addicted to likes. Good watch. Thanks for the share.