"It is almost impossible to summon and maintain good moral character
in a thickly massed population where each individual, unbeknownst to all
the others, hides in the crowd, so to speak, and blushes before the
eyes of no one." (Prouty, 2009)
This statement was produced by a police agent in 1798 in regards to the increasing number of people that were walking the Parisian streets. I believe this statement can refer to virtual networks and the way that people are able to create a certain type of persona for the other virtual network users to see. This persona may or may not be the whole truth. There are also users that are able to hide behind the vast amount of users on the sites.
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| Image 1: Instagram map (Instagram, 2012) |
Instagram is a virtual network that allows users to post pictures and videos, in their words "to capture and share the Worlds moments" (Instagram, 2012). Users are also able to share their posts on different virtual networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. "Cyberspace exists only as a cognitive map. The bewildering amount of data that exists in electronic space on storage devices constitutes a labyrinth that requires 'the inner map we make for ourselves, plus the layout of the software' in order to navigate our way through the information wilderness." (Barnes, 1997) This statement highlights the creation of cognitive maps by users in the virtual world. Instagram moves this cognitive map users have to a realistic, visual map of the places they have been by locating the photos they take and putting them on a world map. Other users are able to see this map, resulting in the viewer getting an understanding of the sort of person the blogger is due to the places they have been.
Virtual networks create a different experience of travelling than one would experience when physically travelling. You are able to hide behind your computer or phone screen and experience different aspects of the world you may never have had a chance to by living vicariously through somebody else's experiences that they make available through pictures and short videos. Barnes (1997) explains that because of a
cyber-flaneur's natural desire for movement they discover virtual spaces through anonymously exploring its boundaries whilst developing their own virtual identity through connecting with other users.
References:
Barnes, G. (1997).
Passage of the Cyber-flaneur. Retrieved from http://www.raynbird.com/essays/Passage_Flaneur.html
Prouty, R. (2009).
A turtle on a leash. Retrieved from http://onewaystreet.typepad.com/one_way_street/2009/10/a-turtle-on-a-leash.html
Instagram. (2012).
Instagram 3.0-Maps and More.
Retrieved 14th August, 2013
I agree that Instagram gives direction, much like bringing order to chaos in the labyrinth of the network. As Barnes (1997) infers, curious movement through the virtual network defines the boundaries and gives outline- cyber-flaneur(Barnes 1997). I think it would be plausible to consider that the virtual/picture maps are not always completely clear in constructing a view.
ReplyDeleteReferences:
Barnes, G. (1997). Passage of the Cyber-flaneur. Retrieved from http://www.raynbird.com/essays/Passage_Flaneur.html
Instagram is definitely a great example of what the reading by Wood, Kaiser and Abramms explained of maps having a purpose and being descriptive. Instagram personifies this as it uses pictures to map moments and experiences worldwide.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people create a separate persona which a person can hide behind whilst using this form of social networking. People can show their life in a different light by using photos and now videos.
"Cyberspace exists only as a cognitive map. The bewildering amount of data that exists in electronic space on storage devices constitutes a labyrinth that requires 'the inner map we make for ourselves, plus the layout of the software' in order to navigate our way through the information wilderness." (Barnes, 1997).
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this quote you have used, in the context of Instagram and other social networks. It is interesting to think about not only the cognitive map that is created by the posting of certain images (creating a narrative of sorts), but also the personal cognitive/emotional 'maps' that locate and select the particular images to be posted in the first place! After reading Yi-Fu Tuan's introduction to 'Space and Place: The perspective of experience' (week one reading), I began to wonder what causes an otherwise arbitrary geographical 'space' to become a 'place' that we identify as being relevant enough to who we are that we decide to photograph it and post it publicly.
Thanks for a well-written blog. :)
Tamlyn Magee
Hi Maria, I found it interesting to learn a little about instagram via your blog post. I have not used Instagram before but can see how it would appeal as a means of sharing ones experiences and viewing the experiences of others via photographs. Your post also made me think about how Instagram could not only act by "intoxifying the gaze with an endless succession of spectacles" (Barnes, 1991)but also act to encourage people to travel - not just vicariously through others as you mentioned - but in reality! Seeing a photograph of an exotic far-away place has many times led me to purchase a plane ticket :)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to learning more, via your blog, about how social networks and social power come into play via Instagram.
Meg