Representing Ourselves
1) Read the article and summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?'
'Who are you' - We are all involved in constructing an image to communicate our identity.
'I think therefore I am' - At one time in the not-too-distant past, our identity was seen to be firm, fixed and pre-determined. How we presented ourselves was based on the
social constructs.
'The rise of the individual' - During the second half of the 20th century, people began defining themselves as individuals, and so wanted to express their ‘difference’ and ‘uniqueness’; they were empowered by being encouraged to ‘be themselves’.
'From citizen to consumer' - The idea that identity could be constructed in terms of an externalised image came in the post-industrial consumer boom of the early 20th century.
'Branding and lifestyle' - marketing and the importance of brands. Branding is the association of a ‘personality’ with a product.
'Who will we be' - Constructing a personal home page can be seen as shaping not only the materials but also one’s identity.
'Who are you' - We are all involved in constructing an image to communicate our identity.
'I think therefore I am' - At one time in the not-too-distant past, our identity was seen to be firm, fixed and pre-determined. How we presented ourselves was based on the
social constructs.
'The rise of the individual' - During the second half of the 20th century, people began defining themselves as individuals, and so wanted to express their ‘difference’ and ‘uniqueness’; they were empowered by being encouraged to ‘be themselves’.
'From citizen to consumer' - The idea that identity could be constructed in terms of an externalised image came in the post-industrial consumer boom of the early 20th century.
'Branding and lifestyle' - marketing and the importance of brands. Branding is the association of a ‘personality’ with a product.
'Who will we be' - Constructing a personal home page can be seen as shaping not only the materials but also one’s identity.
2) List five brands you are happy to be associated with and explain how they reflect your sense of identity.
Apple - I feel proud to use an iPhone and it feels very strange if I were to use anything else.
Netflix - Netflix is a premium service which is considered to be somewhat of a necessity in todays society.
Nike - Nike is a quality brand, which is why I am happy to use the brand pretty much daily on my shoes, clothes, hats etc.
Beats - Beats is another company I like to associate myself with as they make stylish and quality products.
Coke - Coke is a good brand with excellent products and with an excellent taste.
3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean?
3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean?
I agree with the view that some modern media is all about style over substance as many products use visual aids and other things such as overselling the product to advertise it.
4) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation' in one paragraph. You may need to research it online to find out more.
Our age, gender and ethnicity no longer defines our identity. The media has made us more cultured.
5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are?
I think that my presence on social media is somewhat what I would like people to perceive of me as I have sometimes added or removed a picture purely as it I hope people would think its a good picture and like it. I think everyone would like to portray themselves in a good light.
6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?
It is a difficult topic as it is an extremely effective way for companies to find out what consumers enjoy for free and would clearly work as an effective method, however it is clearly an invasion of privacy and I think that companies could just pay people a small fee or offer a small prize for filling out a survey, meaning that they can get their information without invading peoples privacy for a small fee.
Our age, gender and ethnicity no longer defines our identity. The media has made us more cultured.
5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are?
I think that my presence on social media is somewhat what I would like people to perceive of me as I have sometimes added or removed a picture purely as it I hope people would think its a good picture and like it. I think everyone would like to portray themselves in a good light.
6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?
It is a difficult topic as it is an extremely effective way for companies to find out what consumers enjoy for free and would clearly work as an effective method, however it is clearly an invasion of privacy and I think that companies could just pay people a small fee or offer a small prize for filling out a survey, meaning that they can get their information without invading peoples privacy for a small fee.
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