Blog 2
Instagram
is one of many locations on the virtual map. “These maps outline what we
believe to be representations of reality” as the lecturer stated in the
previous lecture. I personally found it intriguing because when you think about
it, Instagram and Facebook are quiet powerful in representing reality. This is
only because every person has a different concept of reality and that is formed
by personal experiences. These are the key points on maps that we are linked to
on the internet. If you look at it this way, we choose to like certain things
that interest us or relate to us. When we continue searching for these things
such as on Instagram you use hashtags that relate to your photo and once you
click on that you find more photos that have the same tag, then before you know
it you are a part of this giant web of photos and people who start following
you because either they find your pictures fascinating or you have things in
common. One thing I’ve noticed from observing Instagram is that hashtags are
one of the major tools used for pictures that have been uploaded. Each hashtag
used is then linked to more pictures with the same tag, so the more tags used
the more pictures you are linked to, which allows you to be linked to multiple
webs and millions of people are able to view your profile, follow you and like
your pictures. Within the previous lecture I remember the lecturer saying how “maps
are both mirrors and shapes of the world” and with that it reflects on how we perceive
the world as a whole, end result is we are all connected, however we chose
different paths.
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I definitely agree with your statement that the ability to hashtag on Instagram can no doubt be viewed as an virtual map. As Barnes states that "there are no limits to the exploration in cyber space, as it has no fixed boundaries' (Barnes, 1997), hashtags are a perfect example of no limitations. While hash tagging can be considered a popular way of finding accounts with similar interests/theme to you it can also be extremely dangerous. With the ability for anybody anywhere to find your image by simply searching one or two words is thought to be an invasion of privacy. Dedman explains in the following articles http://christiededman.com/5-things-you-should-know-about-hashtags-your-kids/ how unsafe hash tagging can be especially for young kids who are unaware of who could be viewing their photos.
ReplyDeleteWhile hash tagging on any social media platform is an efficient way to categories data, there is an unseen risky aspect towards it which may people are unaware of.
References:
Barnes, G. (1997) Passage of the Cyber-Flanuer. Retrieved from http://www.raynbird.com/essays/Passage_Flaneur.html
Dedman, C. (2015). 5 things you know know about hashtags and your kids. Retrieved from http://christiededman.com/5-things-you-should-know-about-hashtags-your-kids/