I have always been one to struggle with being creative and unique in the formation of ideas. Once I’ve got my head around where I want to go with something, there’s no stopping me, but the start of the whole process is just about as frustrating and exhausting as asking a 2-year-old what they want for dinner.
In exploring the various topics discussed throughout Media, Audience and Place, there have certainly been some hits and misses in regards to interest levels, but that is to be expected. Not everyone is going to be into television’s evolution through time, and that is totally fine. To each their own right?
Despite this, I have taken up a particular interest in the ideas we formed around technology in public spaces. The exploration of the semi-public space that has evolved as a result in our interdependence and need for constant technology usage resonated with my own experiences as part of the younger side to Generation Y.
Discussions have also arisen in classes around the idea of media regulation and expectations of others (as well as ourselves so as to not be hypocrites) in public scenarios. Essentially, how much attention have we come to demand of people in social and other public settings now that we all have the world at our fingertips?
With this in mind, I did a little examination over a week or so leading into this proposal formation to test out a couple of ideas that I possibly wanted to further examine for my final project. Every time I found myself in a social situation, be it a meal with a friend, dinner with my family, some down time with a group of mates, or even on Skype, I took note of how often the other person/people looked at their phones, be it to check for notifications or to engage with social media for no apparent reason.
As to be expected, this happened more often than not. The matter of fact is, we really do struggle to live away from the network we have grown to become so reliant on, and so despite being in the physical presence of those you may have on social media sites or interact with through technological means, the need to continue one’s immersion does not stop.
What do you want to know more about?
I want to explore the idea that we, as active members of the 21st century and the technology revolution of the past 15 years, have grown reliant upon our portable devices and the internet to help us feel constantly connected to the world around us. Have we lost that personal touch because of this, or do we still demand high attention and involvement in social and public spaces regardless of all of this? This project will mainly focus on the younger generation (18-25-year-olds).
What will be the digital platform you may choose to explore this idea through?
I quite enjoy video editing and production, and so want to utilise the skills I have learnt in perhaps putting together a video piece that incorporates video interviews or discussions with friends and peers about the idea in question, whilst bringing in past research done in order to reach an overall conclusion on technology and the future.
Breanna O'Neill 