Van Dijk claims that the culture of connectivity is "derived by a continuous pressure [..] to expand from pressure and gain strategic alliances." This can be seen through endorsements that social media stars face on a daily basis and is also evident through the fake online relationship that was proposed to Essena O'Neil. By connecting online presence's with brands, they are adding their brand to the 'perfect life.' In addition, they are associating a lust over a persons lifestyle with a product. These alliances increases the culture of connectivity because people associate the product with a sense of belonging.
I agree with the statement of Van Dijk's theory of neoliberal economic principles being a part of the culture of connectivity. For example, transferring economic benefit into the public sphere and realm of discussion does not make the social media world truthful to thoughts and opinions. This influences the culture of connectivity as this culture is based on economic benefit which then effects what is posted on social media platforms. The winner takes all mindset comes from who can have the most endorsements, sponsors, followers, and economic benefit through their social media accounts - and thus takes away from their true thoughts and opinions.
If social media was started as a form of participatory media in order for one to share their thoughts and feelings, this space is being highly influenced by what people want to portray and why they like and share what they do.
I agree with you in that O'Neil and Van Dijk share similar views on these ideologies. I liked the picture that you included in this post. I think that it is really important that people like O'Neil talk about the uses of social media in a personal way so that people can understand some of the theories that Van Dijk is presenting. Stating "I like the real you more than the instagram you" is important these days as people get caught up in living an online life that they can control and don't think to worry about their real life that is right in front of them.
ReplyDeleteI think that it was interesting for you to argue that Essna O’Neil is considered oppositional to Van Dijk, because I personally thought that she argued that she agreed with Van Dijk, which was why she decided the leave social media. She still used her fame to express her distaste for the culture that Van Dijk describes, which articulates the very power that she had as a result of cultivating connections and a persona. It was not that she showed how anti-glamourous the insta-fame was, instead it was how artificial and unfulfilling the practices of cultivating glamour panned out.
ReplyDeleteLike Kailyn, I liked how you included her Instagram picture in your blog post. It captures O’Neil’s perspective and how it aligns with Van Dijk’s beliefs.