CS371 Blog Post 3 - Ashley Pirillo

The theoretical perspective I chose to focus on in relation to the movie Eighth Grade, was technological determinism. I felt as though this perspective was most appropriate when considering the challenges children specifically, must face as a result of social media use. Technological determinism essentially evaluates the impact of technology especially in its ability to change how we communicate, how we learn, and how we live our lives on a day-to-day basis. These changes can lead to anxious behaviour and this is a theme portrayed in Eighth Grade. 

Relating to the film, Eighth Grade, we see Kayla reach out to Kennedy, the most popular girl in school, and Kayla thanks her for inviting her to her birthday party. Kennedy never responds or acknowledges Kayla and in doing so, this definitely worries her and makes her feel bad. We as social beings crave that recognition from people who are popular or liked by many and if we do not get it, anxiety or stress stems from this rejection. Technology has made us overanalyze online interactions with one another because we have to try to identify the tone and emotions being communicated to us without hearing and seeing it before us, that being one of the luxuries associated with face-to-face communication. 

We also see Kayla constantly using filters when sending Snapchat's. This shows that she is not necessarily confident in her own skin and feels as though she needs to use filters in order to be seen as pretty or cool. Unrealistic expectations are set as we scroll through social media and are shown individuals with clear skin, perfect bodies, and nice hair. Through this, we can understand that media like Instagram can negatively affect a young girl's self esteem and create body image issues.

All in all, it is obvious that the increased use of technology and social media causes people to act and perceive themselves differently and technological determinism focuses on this relationship between the two.