I thought I would stick to what my url promises and incorporate photoglobalisation into this weeks blog on participatory media.
According to Joost Raessens (2005, p.373), “participatory media culture is not limited to cultural forms such as computer games”, thus is a broad concept that includes various forms of media that allows a person to participate in. However, Raessens also notes that “the view that participation is a new, exclusive, and essential characteristic of computer games ignores the fact that radio, film and television, for example, each have their own versions of this concept” (2005, p. 372). This implies that participatory media culture varies with each form of media.
Within Raessens article, he notes that computer games follow “specific characteristics or principles...as a form of digital media” of which include, multimediality, virtuality, interactivity and connectivity (2005, p.374) though this is not limited to computer games and does include most other media outlets.
In regards to this week’s topic, the non-game participatory media culture I chose to demonstrate is Instagram, specifically linking Raessens connectivity element. Raessens observes that connectivity allows the “ability to exchange ideas, knowledge...amongst each other via the internet” (p.374) to which I considered Instagram.
Instagram is a mobile app that is allows a user to take a picture and edit it before instantly sharing it on the Instagram network. Furthermore, the images “can be shared on other social networks, as well, including Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Flickr, and Foursquare” (Salomon, 2013) which demonstrates what Raessens noted on connectivity.
Image: Screen Shots
(Instagram.com/web.stagram.com)
(Instagram.com/web.stagram.com)
Instagram, as can be seen, is a network that is available both on a mobile device and online (however, the internet addresses are unable to upload images though can make comments). This displays a significant connectivity because a user is not limited to their mobile device. For example, I rely heavily on the online sites, because Blackberries do not cater to the Instagram app, and the only way I can make comments and see the updates is through the online websites.
This virtual world, though not associated with gaming, demonstrates a similar idea because the connectivity that Raessens describes can be seen through Instagram. Take for example Instagram user SydneyFashionBlogger who achieved her 330K+ followers because they connected with her ideals about fashion, who then, by a virtual ‘word-of-mouth’, has become a fashion guru to some followers.
This virtual world, though not associated with gaming, demonstrates a similar idea because the connectivity that Raessens describes can be seen through Instagram. Take for example Instagram user SydneyFashionBlogger who achieved her 330K+ followers because they connected with her ideals about fashion, who then, by a virtual ‘word-of-mouth’, has become a fashion guru to some followers.
References:
Raessens, J. 2005, ‘Computer games as participatory media culture’, Handbook of Computer Game Studies, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass, pp. 373-388
Salomon, D 2013, ‘Moving on from Facebook: Using Instagram to connect with undergraduates and engage in teaching and learning’, College & Research Libraries News,
vol. 74, no.8, retrieved 8 September 2013. <http://crln.acrl.org/content/74/8/408.full>
Instagram Inc, 2012, 'Instagram 3.0 - Photo Maps & More', retrieved 8 September 2013, <http//blog.instagram.com/post/29555443184/instagram-3-0-photo-maps-more-weve-been>
vol. 74, no.8, retrieved 8 September 2013. <http://crln.acrl.org/content/74/8/408.full>
Instagram Inc, 2012, 'Instagram 3.0 - Photo Maps & More', retrieved 8 September 2013, <http//blog.instagram.com/post/29555443184/instagram-3-0-photo-maps-more-weve-been>
Images: Instagram.com
web.stagram.com
web.stagram.com
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed reading your blog post this week. It is good to see that you have used this weeks topic and interpreted it in your own way.
I also like the way that you have used a range of sources to help support your arguments. You have used some good quotes, which help support your argument.
I really like the images you have used, they are very relevant and different. Instagram has become a great big part of todays society. Nearly everyone has it (except me !) and people choose to use it all the time just as much as facebook.
Thank you for an interesting post.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI thought your use of quotes from the article was beneficial in strengthening your discussion. Instagram is a fascinating tool with regards to participatory media culture, I valued your interpretation as an instagram user myself. I thought you made a really good point about how photos communicate and contribute to connectivity in a unique way, and on multiple platforms (phone app & websites). Your highlighting of the way in which instagram can be linked with your other social media profiles was useful in demonstrating the functionalities which contribute to your interpretation of connectivity. I would be interested to read your opinion on whether instagram offers much participation, or whether it is a passive form of connectivity.