i'm a little sad we're straying away from the "alchemy" theme - i might have to rethink my blog, but i'll keep the title. it's going to be interesting to see where this new perspective on netnarr is heading - we're still dealing with digital identity, but in a different sense. i think it's definitely both an engaging and smart idea that we're watching our own digital footprints, and seeing what tracks we're making. we need to be mindful of how we present ourselves online, as well as who (and what) else is watching (and tracking) us.
yesterday i learned that my uncle in california apparently follows my sister and i very closely on social media, which i would not have thought. of course, i added him innocently because he is family - but i learned that he has nothing but malicious things to think and say about us behind our backs. it made me reevaluate who i'm letting into my virtual space - maybe i'm naive, but i would never have thought that adding my uncle would be an invasive thing, but i guess you learn, no matter how long you've lived your life on the internet.
also, i'm interested to see the class dynamic and energy with all this new blood mixing with the old! i think some great conversations will emerge about digital culture - already, we've had promising perspectives last tuesday, and i think everyone will do a great job in engaging Brett Gaylor tomorrow. after all, i think his document is extremely relevant to everyone in the room, since no one these days is really exempt from the consequences of having a digital presence.
That tension with family and social media is interesting (sorry it is discomforting for you, too) as we often think of family within the first sphere of connections. Reality makes us reconsider those notions. My wife has an uncle who spouts off all sorts of alt-right religious garbage on FB. It would not surprise us at all to find him as someone who believed all of the Russian Bot Propaganda and helped spread it far and wide. Who to filter and why are important questions.
ReplyDeleteKevin
What is with it with California...? I have family who live in CA that I have blocked on and from my social media because they could not behave themselves. Only recently have I let a cousin back into my life. I didn't think of the role/toll social media plays on familial relationships in my post. With how pervasive it has become, maybe I should consider it more. Some things you don't want to share with family but is there even a point if they can so easily access you now?
ReplyDeleteUgh, that gives me the creeps to think about tbh~
(I like your title too ^.^ я понимаю~
Kelli
Haha, he's a stuck up hairstylist who works in Hollywood, but I wouldn't have thought his judgement would be so harsh on us! He's always been nothing but nice to my sisters and I, but recently (especially after having kids), he's amounted this awful superiority complex? I think he thinks his children (who are spoiled af) are better than any other human living being. It's interesting, really.
DeleteI think it's time for us to rethink our digital identity and just create & present ourselves behind virtual alter egos >_>
Whew, I am glad I have no relatives in Florida (there are weird cousins in Florida that I dont see cause they only do Facebook).
ReplyDeleteWho said we are done with alchemy?! Doing stuff on the internet is always the experimental mixture of media elements, incantations, and hopefully some magic.
Always love to read your blogs Hailey. And I agree with what you said about family and who's following you on social media. I'm excited to see how the dynamic of this new crew of alchemists roll.
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