By Tyler Leese
Virtual networks have a conceptual map which
is perceived differently by each member and therefor navigated differently, by
different mindsets of different people. One such virtual network is Instagram,
(as introduced in my previous post )This vast network holds place for wanderers, observers, commentators and those
who choose to become flamboyant or a spectacle (Kuttainen, 2015). One can
navigate their social network and not encounter a “flâneur”, who may be
watching from afar.
“Flâneurs” can be anywhere, at any time and
may only choose to become visible, if the opportunity arises. They are the
person who walks down a street without purpose (Kuttainen, 2015). This type of
individual is an observer who is often distracted by new details, which may
capture their interests in certain circumstances.
The rise of social media has given birth to
a new breed of flâneur, this is the “cyber- flâneur”.
In comparison to the historical flâneur, the
cyber- flâneur can now either remain anonymous, with taking a back seat in
observing the online lives of others (as mentioned above), or be the center of
attention with introducing new ideas and being a commentator on posts in which
he or she is a friend or stranger.
My Instagram account holds many types of
individuals, some never post or update their status, while others are making a
new post every second. The mapable world of a social network means that millions of
people who are connected to your followers, can pass by your profile and you
will never know. Many observers and followers can see your posts and know more
about you, without you knowing them. In the same way that the masses provided
camouflage for the flâneur (Prouty, 2009) in the city, social media also
provides a camouflage for the cyber-flâneur, who can now be anywhere in the
world, and while considering the panoptic view of the internet, can still remain hidden.
Reference List
Kuttainen, V. (2015). BA1002: Space: Networks, Narratives, and the Making of
Place, Week 4: Maps (PowerPoint
Presentation). Retrieved from http://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au
Prouty, R. (2009). Turtle On A Leash. Retrieved from http://www.onewaystreet.typepad.com/one_way_street/2009/10/a-turtle-on-a-leash.html
Image Reference
Network, Earth, World, Map Of The World [Image]. (2012). Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2012/11/01/11/40/network-63772_640.jpg
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