Blog Post #3

 The film Eighth Grade illustrates to us the many experiences of anxiety, stresses of what it is like growing up, especially within the technological world of social media/ digital media. Kayla the main character in the movie, has a constant mission of fitting it with her peers and the so called “cool group”. The movie does a great job showing us the many problems that she endures by showing Kayla making these YouTube videos in hopes of getting recognized by the girls that have hopped on the trend. Kayla growing up in today’s society has come imprisoned to the digital world and social media and all of the hitches and problems that comes with it. As watching this film it was evident that Kayla was very anxious and tense while filming her YouTube videos; but as soon as the camera was turned off her mood and overall demeanor would change. This is what we would call technological determinism, as technology has important effects on our lives as outside forces create change through influence and persuasion; In this case Kayla’s life. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are prime examples of platforms that can cause negative effects. In order for to stay away from technological determinism we must get away from the idea of comparing ourselves to others and trying to “fit in” cause we think we have to. Although I understand it is simply not that easy to do, technological determinism had dramatically changed the outlook of all social media platforms.

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