Response 3- JaysonV

Upon looking at the mirror/arms length portraits project that was linked. It seems to me that the person in charge of the project did not, at the time, think of the simplicities of taking photos of ones self. He goes on to ask about the intent of these photos, though it does depend on the scenario, there is a very finite number of reasons for taking a ‘selfie’. One may be to save a memory of a good time without asking someone to awkwardly take one’s picture, whereas another may be to just take a picture of ones self. Body image may be an issue or just because it is fun. When it boils down to a ‘selfie’ there are not very many reasons why one would take one aside for the age old question of ‘why not?’

To me, unless it is stated, a selfie is essentially just a picture. There’s no deeper meaning unless stated other wise. Filters? Those are used every day for fun now. There is no possible way to tell if that black and white picture of a troubled teen is a statement on teen depression and angst or if it’s just a filter they used because ‘why not?’ Especially now with those animal filters and such, self portraiture is becoming less of an art and more of an everyday activity which one can do. This makes the idea which the mirror/ arms length portraits to me, seem a bit creepy. “It’s interesting to collect them.” This, at least to me, seems a tad sketchy, and has only been put into an elegant manner of speech when the idea is pitched to us. It’s that one key phrase that raises red flags, especially when talking about todays society. Perhaps it is more of an exercise of trust in the leader of this project so that one day we can all learn to trust each other. The idea of collecting random selfies is odd, but the idea behind that idea is still unknown. Why did he really start this project? Was it just to ‘collect’ selfies, or something more?

The wearable computer though, that is an idea I can really get behind. Just like a sort of augmented reality machine or a real life Heads Up Display like in video games. I would love that to be a thing. Steven Mann’s machine seems to be something just like that. Though the development robbed him of his sight, he used his creation to continue his ability to see, even if slightly more limited. Something akin to a scouter in Dragon Ball Z would be amazing to have as well, as well as all the analytical prowess that his machine has would make practical life easier and would make great strides in the ability to learn in life and in many different areas. I just think it is a great idea overall.

The influence of these creations may be positive, may be negative, or even may be neutral. It shows a huge trust in machines as we create them, perhaps an independence on them. Sort of like a parasite that we live in symbiosis with, as the technology becomes out life through communication, through self expression. The new Technology for each is simply a camera, though the thought of self portraiture has been around for the longest of times. New selves cannot necessarily be if the self is brought into the society of technology where these influences are the norm. It is simply the self being able to be the self, no matter what race, gender, sexuality, etc. Autobotography is simply to me a gateway for the self to be brought out. With society as we know it, we cannot afford to be ourselves, and this extension of communication through technology allows an easier segue to show our true selves.