Reflecting on my COMM 555 Journey
As
a master's student with a background in health communications currently working
in an environmental non-profit, the journey through COMM 555: New Media
Narratives has been a very interesting one for me. The course, meticulously
crafted by Dr. Jessica Laccetti, has offered a panoramic view of digital
media's role in writing, editing, and publishing, with a particular emphasis on
new media narratives and the intricacies of their production.
The
course's structure, encompassing a diverse range of modules from AI narratives
to identity representation and technobiophilia, has provided a comprehensive
understanding of the digital landscape. Each module, with its focused topics
and activities, has contributed to a deeper appreciation of the multifaceted
nature of new media narratives. The hands-on experience with digital tools,
such as creating AI-assisted narratives and engaging with platforms like
Pinterest, has not only helped me hone practical skills but also fostered an
in-depth understanding of the digital technologies that shape contemporary
narrative practices.
One
of the most impactful aspects of the course has been the exploration of the
selfie as a narrative of representation. The assignment on digital
self-representation challenged me to critically analyze and articulate the
complexities of self-representation in new media, focusing on the interplay of
technology, culture, and identity. This task resonated with my background in
health communications, where the portrayal of identity and the ethical
considerations surrounding digital representation are paramount. The readings,
particularly those by Liu et al. (2018) and Tiidenberg (2017) provided
insightful perspectives on the role of selfies in social movements and the
nuances of aging femininities on Instagram.
Photo by Google DeepMind
The concept of technobiophilia within the course offered a fascinating lens through which to view the intersection of technology and nature. The concept of integrating nature into technology resonated deeply with me, also aligning with the values of the organization I currently work, where we strive to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. I am excited about the potential to incorporate technobiophilic principles into our digital communications strategies, fostering a deeper connection between our audience and the natural world. Furthermore, learning how to use and engage with Pinterest more effectively has also opened up my mind to new avenues for creative storytelling and visual communication that I could incorporate into my work.
The
historical perspective on the evolution of books and the impact of AI on book
marketing was also enlightening. Understanding the shifts in publishing and the
role of digital technologies in shaping contemporary narrative practices has
broadened my perspective on the possibilities of storytelling in the digital
age. As someone involved in communications, the insights gained from this
module have sparked ideas for leveraging AI and other digital tools to enhance my
storytelling efforts and reach a wider audience.
In
conclusion, COMM 555 has been a pivotal experience that has expanded my
horizons and equipped me with the knowledge and skills to navigate the dynamic
landscape of new media narratives. It has been a journey of discovery, critical
reflection, and intellectual growth that I will carry with me as I continue to
explore the intersection of technology, narrative, and environmental
communications.
References
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
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
Photo
by Google DeepMind: https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-artist-s-illustration-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-this-image-depicts-how-ai-could-help-understand-ecosystems-and-identify-species-it-was-created-by-nidia-dias-as-part-of-the-visua-18069371/
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