Collective identity

Collective identity: blog task

Read the Media Magazine article on collective identity: Self-image and the Media (MM41 - page 6). Our Media Magazine archive is here.

Complete the following tasks on your blog:

1) Read the article and summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?' 

-We are all involved in constructing an image to communicate our identity.

thinking. 
-Consumer goods were about creating and then satisfying desires; and advertising informed people about what they could, and indeed, should want.
-Advertisers sell the personality rather than the product, so that people will choose products that match their own self-image.

2) List five brands you are happy to be associated with and explain how they reflect your sense of identity.

Nike- Nike would reflect my identity because I enjoy living an active lifestyle. I also, like the creativity and timelessness that is associated with Nike. 

Apple- Apple would reflect my identity through it's innovative and creative brand values. 

Fender-Being a musician, the Fender brand has evolved to being amongst the most prestigious brands in instruments. Fender offer a sense of reliability and creativity which I'd be happy to be associated with. 

BMW- BMW's brand would represent reliability and class. As well as these things, the brand would also connote innovation and luxury.
River Island- River Islands brand is all about iconic casual wear. Trendy and sophisticated apparel for a reasonably affordable price. 

3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean?

 This expression would imply that ones aesthetic hold more authority and prominence than intellect and personality. I would whole heartedly believe in this expression. In today's pop culture, especially the music industry, through the developments in digital audio workstations artists can easily get away with auto tune when in the recording studio. This shows how singers can get away with a mediocre voice and substandard creativity, but be signed to a label because they look the part.  

4) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation' in one paragraph. You may need to research it online to find out more.

5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are?

Your presence on social media is an accurate representation to an extent. However, it is easy for people to alter their personas online and construct the most ideal version of themselves. But then again, representation of yourself online would, for the most part, be based on truth. Personally, I haven't done that however I see why people do that. I think the reasoning behind people removing pictures, as it contributes to my argument that people are constructing the most ideal version of themselves, removing pictures that may shed light on their flaws and choosing which photos they would want to represent themselves. 

6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?

For me personally, I don't have a problem with it. In fact, it helps me become more aware with whats trendy, as well as new releases. It could even be seen as a help because, the products advertised would be tailored to your interests and hobbies. I don't think that it's an invasion of privacy.