Assignment 4: Theory of the Selfie Part 3 - Peace Omodele

 

                         Reflecting on the Creation of my AI-Generated Digital Selfie

                                                                                                A grid of a few of the images generated by WOMBO me.

In the age of new media, digital self-representation has become an essential component of personal and social identity. In a world where digital personal branding and curation are constantly discussed, it almost feels like a crime not to take it seriously. The introduction of new media technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has transformed how people create and perceive their digital personas. This blog post delves into my process of crafting a digital self-portrait and completing the digital self-representation assignment in this course. 

Description of Creation Process

To create my digital self-representation, I searched for free AI applications that can generate digital images. The selection criteria were based on the apps' usability, the quality of image generation, and the ease of sign-up processes. Through experimentation, I generated a series of self-portraits with WOMBO Me, ultimately selecting one that captured the essence of my identity. This image was then refined in Adobe Photoshop, where I meticulously integrated symbols representing my Nigerian heritage, Yoruba royal lineage, and my professional and academic experiences in health communications and as an international student in Canada. I also incorporated a visual element symbolizing my pro-choice advocacy. This process resulted in a digital self-representation that not only mirrors the multifaceted nature of my persona but also weaves in the rich tapestry of my cultural and social background as shown below. 

                                                                                                                           My final AI-created selfie

Analysis of Representation

Digital identity formation is a process influenced by the interactive capabilities of new media technologies. This digital portrayal serves as a bridge between my physical and digital personas, encapsulating my cultural roots, professional aspirations, and social advocacies. Liu et al. (2017) emphasize the power of selfies in amplifying personal and professional identities, as seen in movements like #ILookLikeAnEngineer. My digital self-representation also delves into cultural hybridity. The blend of Canadian and Nigerian symbols in the portrait highlights my journey as an international student, navigating the confluence of two distinct cultures and forging a hybrid identity that is both unique and complex. This complex representation aligns with Walker Rettberg's (2014) notion of digital artifacts as tools for self-exploration and Senft and Baym's (2015) discussion on the role of selfies in navigating visibility and authenticity in digital spaces.

The inclusion of the Venus symbol in my digital self-portrait is a visual representation of my commitment to women's rights and bodily autonomy. This choice is reflective of my social advocacies and the importance of personal beliefs in shaping one's digital identity. Viewing my selfie as a performative act, I recognize that the selected elements and enhancements contribute to the creation of a desired identity. This perspective aligns with the theory that identity is a continuous performance shaped by social norms and interactions (Butler, 2011). The software not situating me in front of a Canadian or academic background also invites a broader discussion on the interpretative capabilities and limitations of AI and how it navigates the complex terrain of personal identity and cultural symbolism. It shows the need for a critical engagement with the technology, questioning its outputs, and exploring how its understanding and different representations might alter the perception of one's identity in the digital realm.

Incorporation of Feedback

                                                     Screenshot of my peer feedback document

The incorporation of the peer review into my analysis has been instrumental in deepening my understanding of the nuances of digital self-representation. The feedback highlighted the importance of critically examining the choices made by AI in crafting my digital identity. It encouraged me to question the AI's choices in the portrayal and to contemplate alternative representations. Incorporating this feedback has enriched my analysis, prompting me to explore the limitations and possibilities of AI in digital self-representation.

Ethical and Cultural Considerations

The creation of my digital self-portrait raised pertinent ethical questions concerning data privacy and the interpretative lens of AI. The ethics of selfies involve considerations of empowerment, consent, and representation (Senft & Baym, 2015). The act of creating and sharing a selfie can be empowering, giving individuals control over their image and narrative. However, this raises concerns about who has access to this form of self-expression and who is excluded due to factors such as class, race, gender, and geography (Tiidenberg & Gómez Cruz, 2015). The prevalence of selfies also raises questions about privacy, consent, and the commodification of personal images (Fuchs, 2010). The act of publishing a selfie is not just a personal expression but also an engagement with a larger digital ecosystem, where images can be appropriated, manipulated, or commercialized without the creator's consent. The circulation of selfies also involves ethical responsibilities, such as respecting the privacy and consent of the individuals depicted. I couldn't help but wonder if the images I uploaded to WOMBO Me for my AI-created selfie might be stored on a remote server or used for purposes beyond my knowledge, despite having read the terms and conditions; some aspects remained ambiguous.

Transliteracy

Translating my academic analysis into a blog format required a thoughtful balance between maintaining scholarly rigor and ensuring web-friendly engagement. This transliteration process shed light on the nuances of digital communication, emphasizing the impact of the medium on the delivery and reception of messages in the digital landscape. In the process, I adhered to blog writing guidelines for maximum SEO benefits (HubSpot, 2021). I used subheadings inspired by the assignment guidelines to structure the content, making it easier for readers to navigate and find information. Additionally, I employed simple yet academic language, considering the target audience, and incorporated images to enhance the visual appeal of the blog post.

In conclusion, the analysis of my digital representation is an exploration of how technology, culture, and personal identity intertwine to create a digital persona that is both a reflection and a construction of the self. It explores the choices made by the AI and the significance of the elements integrated into the portrait. 

                                                                    References

Butler, J. (2011). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Philpapers.org. https://philpapers.org/rec/BUTGTF

Fuchs, C. (2010). Web 2.0, Prosumption, and Surveillance. Surveillance & Society, 8(3), 288–309. https://doi.org/10.24908/ss.v8i3.4165

HubSpot. (2021, January 19). The Ideal Blog Post Length for SEO in 2021. HubSpot Blog. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-long-should-your-blog-posts-be-faqTop of Form

Liu, F., Ford, D., Parnin, C., & Dabbish, L. (2017). Selfies as Social Movements. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 1(CSCW), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1145/3134707

Senft, T. M., & Baym, N. K. (2015). Selfies Introduction ~ What Does the Selfie Say? Investigating a Global Phenomenon. International Journal of Communication, 9(0), 19. https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/4067/1387

Tiidenberg, K., & Gómez Cruz, E. (2015). Selfies, Image and the Re-making of the Body. Body & Society, 21(4), 77–102. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357034x15592465

Walker Rettberg, J. (2014). Seeing Ourselves Through Technology: How We Use Selfies, Blogs and Wearable Devices to See and Shape Ourselves. In library.oapen.org. Springer Nature. https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/27826

WOMBO Me. (2024, February 14). ‎WOMBO Me - AI Avatar Maker. App Store. https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/wombo-me-ai-avatar-maker/id6463660444