Digital Art: A Procreate Overview

If you are at all familiar with digital art then you have likely heard mention of the innovative digital art studio, Procreate. This program, unlike many design and editing software housed within the Adobe Creative Cloud, is a one-time purchase of $10, making for a low-risk investment on the user’s part. Over quarantine, many people were faced with abounding free time to pick up new hobbies, exercise, bake bread, whatever it may be, but with the few months I spent at home, I was able to take the necessary leap to try digital art through Procreate. 

Although the process of learning can be very time consuming, the applications of digital art and graphic design are wide-ranging across many career fields. Procreate’s program is a raster graphics editor, meaning that the art you create will be pixel-based, similar to that of photoshop. When I researched the Procreate before my initial purchase, I found that reviews of the app reflected the easy transition from working in photoshop to Procreate, this is likely because of the utilization of layers within each project. When exporting a piece of artwork from the app, you can use a variety of file formats like PDF, Jpeg, and a Procreate native file, but interestingly enough, the option to export as a photoshop file is available. This feature would allow the layers to stay intact and become easily transferable to other programs like Adobe Illustrator. 

My journey learning about the program has been aided by dozens of tutorial videos and my experience with graphic design. Despite the slow start, I would recommend this program to anyone contemplating a hobby in digital art, or even someone looking for a creative outlet to express their ideas. I cannot count how many times I have been able to incorporate this program into school projects, extracurriculars, and everyday life as an amateur artist. 

Sources: 

https://procreate.art/ipad

https://procreate.art/handbook/layers/layers-organize

Final Post: Our Relationship With Technology

As new generations transition into society as the older exit, the children of each respective generation normalize the use of technology during their upbringings. Technology is an aspect of their lives they have never gone without, unbeknownst to the user or not, this creates what can only be described as a dependency. With all things, and as we have heavily touched on over the course of Media Law and Ethics, unforeseen consequences follow with every advancement we make, cyberbullying being a prime example of this. Although technology’s consequences can be unavoidable, the devices themselves are not inherently bad, and it’s a matter of proper use adding detriment to the outcome.

On the topic of communication, technology has exponentially expanded avenues in which to communicate and broadened it so greatly that communication has become an entire field of study, as I am a participant. While technology like telecommunication devices, social media, and the internet have dramatically improved global connectivity [1], the added time communicating through these channels could play a large part in the younger generation’s waning, in-person communication skills.

Work environments are especially susceptible to the damage ensued by the consequences of communication technology. The process of relaying information has been heavily optimized, but that can often gloss over the negative impact of different online amenities, such as social networking sites degrading workplace productivity. Research shows that overuse of social networking, such as Instagram, Facebook, and so on, can cause an overall lowering in employee’s attention span, although this is not limited to employees but any users of these sites [2]. In addition to the sense of validation, or lack thereof, derived from social media, any negative emotions can be far-reaching into the lives of users, and subsequently the work environment.



Technology can more often than not take the form of a double-edged sword to our society, but I suppose the alternative of being unarmed would be too great a change for people, chiefly among them, myself. Risk management and the continuous assessment of technology’s impact should be imperative for each generation, serving as a way to keep our net damage in check. Overall, if I had to define our society’s relationship with technology and everything encompassed with it, I don’t think I would receive much debate when referring to it as a love/hate relationship.

Sources:

[1]

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563203001109?casa_token=7gsGIrXnHaAAAAAA:NfGWzX9CAE23bFReQUB2Iu2fjBN-Y3GFZQBEXELhXvOSrs67bTUqGGtwql7WuhhvRZaCjkItCA

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378720617303919?casa_token=KNHFb_KxctUAAAAA:1NNkITcwMzUGcFsEc2i_DyIr4v-Xe7C1ErkCzlFXhFfqTV2Qjjx413mt4rEqnNsItRXMwl2x_A

EOTO: Propaganda

In its simplest definition, propaganda is merely information presented in such a way that it would persuade the viewer. Although propaganda has received a particularly negative connotation in the news media and throughout history, propaganda in itself is not evil. Propaganda can easily be considered a simple avenue of communication, however, there is a latent potential for disseminating misinformation when crafting it. Weighing the implications of its strong influence, propaganda can either work to better society, or work as a detriment to its growth depending on the messages you imbed within. 

A popular example that comes to mind when people think of propaganda is the harmful Nazi sort that served to dissuade revolt, this was accomplished through fostering a dangerous sense of nationalism in the German people. Conversely, an American equivalent, and one with less malicious intent, is Rosie the Riveter. While Nazi propaganda sought to run a campaign on the intense emotions of fear and pride, the purpose behind Rosie was to work as a symbol for the women joining the workforce during World War II as a means of stimulating economic growth. While each example could be said to have ulterior motives behind their messages, each's use of propaganda was, at its core, a tool of persuasion. 

Aside from any major historical examples of propaganda, you may notice that propaganda presents itself to you in your daily life. From the commercials we hear through the radio on our commutes to work, to the advertisements we scroll pass on Instagram, and any piece of media remotely political, we experience some form of propaganda, however minor. There is no definite way to prevent its influence over us, as propaganda is omnipresent throughout our society and operates anywhere in the range of subliminal messaging, to brazen statements of opinion. On a base level, propaganda can be very political, or of ordinary social concern, but the important takeaway is to always be aware of who is providing the information, and what the underlying goal of the message is. 

Sources: 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rosie-the-Riveter

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2017/03/how-nazi-propaganda-encouraged-the-masses-to-co-produce-a-false-reality.html

Ted Talk: Christopher Soghoian

In a Ted Talk with Christopher Soghoian, the idea that surveillance systems on personal communication devices lack security and are too susceptible to outside observation are deliberated. While wiretapping and hacking could almost be considered commonplace in today’s world, the notion that cell phone companies have steadily ingrained easy-to-use surveillance properties into their devices may not be beneficial to society as a whole.

Soghoian acknowledges that there are many outside forces such as terrorists and foreign government agents that would be more difficult to catch without the existence of our easily monitored networks, but at the same time raises the point that there is no such technology specifically intended for illegal activity. People all around the world use these communication devices, and when not securely encrypted to protect your data, not only are the terrorists’ information easily accessed but every user of that technology. Recently, Silicon Valley tech companies have put a greater emphasis on encryption into our communication devices, and providing free avenues for protected messaging, the example used in the Ted Talk was Apple’s iMessage feature.

My standpoint on the matter is that the availability of some of our information is pertinent to national security in certain cases. That being said, the privacy of the individual should not be disregarded and put in low priority for the sake of the federal government to catch a handful of criminals. While some invasions of privacy may be warranted, but from an objective standpoint, such instances do not justify infringement on privacy rights to the American citizen. To monitor our personal affairs without cause would undoubtedly influence, negatively so, the freethought of the individual. Such a reality parallels an Orwellian dystopia characterizes by “Big Brother” surveilling our day to day exchanges.

Source: https://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_soghoian_how_to_avoid_surveillance_with_the_phone_in_your_pocket?language=en
George Orwell, 1984

Social Media Presence and Digital Footprint

When I unlock my phone in the morning, like many people, I check social media right away to read any messages I may have gotten while asleep. I’m unsure as to whether or not I would consider myself addicted to the platforms I have a presence on, but I can acknowledge that they provide a certain level of comfort in my daily life. The ability to keep up to date with my friends helps maintain a connection to them even as we find less time to spend with each other because of school, work, or geographic obstacles. However, the main concern I have for my social media accounts is the performance that is inherent to the internet, the notion that my pictures, thoughts, feelings, and personal information are made accessible to any social media user is daunting. Not only does that fact influence my content, but it pressures me to present my desired self to the world, as opposed to a more authentic representation of myself.

I participate in just about every social media platform, I like to be knowledgeable about each because of social media’s growing relevance in our society. It does not come as a surprise that school systems, especially at the collegiate level, have recognized the importance of your image on social media; LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook are all points of reference when determining a person’s character, however subjective that perception of them may seem. My footprint, as it were, has been limited to occasional posts with friends on Instagram, retweets I find relatable, and a professional overview of my accomplishments on LinkedIn. Needless to say, I don’t just release disseminate any random occurrence from my life onto the internet, rather, I carefully craft an image of myself that other people, and future employers, in particular, would find respectable.

While I scroll through various feeds and see the weekend exploits of my friends, I can’t help but feel a little left out because I’m not documenting everything on my Instagram, I have to think about the consequences. If you take the idiomatic phrase “footprint” and apply some of the practices I have discussed, the end product will have clean lines, visible grooves, and appropriate forms that would warrant a positive review. Although I have this more reserved philosophy on social media postings, everyone participates for their different reasons, some may even be for therapeutic purposes, but the most important thing to keep in mind is what you are comfortable sharing with the world.

Source:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90315706/kids-parents-social-media-sharing

life360

Familial situations are evermore varying and have subsequent dynamics between members that do not always fit what you and your family may consider being "normal." Incorporated into this dynamic is the level of trust and involvement in each other's lives, bringing me to the widely debated app amongst younger generations. Life360: Noted for its usefulness in traffic-related incidents such as flat tires, jump starts, collisions reporting and other roadside services, has also become a popular means of tracking your children. 

The app gained popularity shortly after entering the market because of its practical use in tracking close friends and family who are apart of your designated "circle." The early adopters were the most cautious parents, not only was it a peace of mind to the consumer but it ensured a more invasive role in your child's life, but perhaps to their detriment. The debut of the app was in 2008 but slowly gained traction to arrive at its current place in the app store as the premier tool in a helicopter parent's bag of tricks. Despite studies showing the need for privacy in childhood development, the app remains near the tipping point as more and more parents gain an understanding of the technology. 

The intentions of this app may have once been pure and not unlike similar programs like Apple's "Find My Friends," but somewhere along the way, it seems that life360 devolved into the all-seeing eyes of Big Brother (1984, George Orwell). The downside to this class of privacy limiter does not only fall unto the child robbed of independence but to the parent as well. An unhealthy obsession with the life of someone other than your own, child or not, does not pose abounding benefits to either party. The app used in moderation and with clear boundaries discussed with all participants may warrant the usage, but because of the needlessly protective parenting styles in recent years, life360 is often abused. Unfortunately, because what I suspect to be a heightened sense of control, I do not foresee this technology quickly descending the saturation curve and exiting the market entirely. 

Sources: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffusion_of_innovations

https://www.life360.com/blog/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-life360/

Promote Tolerance

As supported by the constitution, and the humanitarian ideal, advocating for a personal, or shared belief is an inalienable right. Although what one person may hold to be just in their mind, it could just as easily be seen from someone else's perspective as bigoted. Hate speech is included in your right to free speech no matter how immoral and unfounded it can be, but that right is what sparks changes in attitude, hopefully, that means a change for the better. In fact, by observing hateful practices, people could stand to gain an insight into how such behavior should be adapted to the times. Opinions are derived from the environment in which we are educated, and when our education seeks to skew our perspectives, a blatantly racist or sexist remark can be the difference between cognizance, and indifference. 

Many people in our society witness hate speech or some other form of hateful conduct on a regular basis, and despite being aware of its existence, choose to remain a bystander to that injustice. Instances of hate speech can be both minor and dramatized, but the more noticeable the injustice, the more likely consequences will occur. I am not suggesting that people should spew every offensive idea that comes to mind, but in the event, they take advantage of their right to free speech, tolerance can come of the observers. As Lee Bollinger suggested in her book "The Tolerant Society: Freedom of Speech and Extremist Speech," the counterintuitiveness of allowing hate speech may act as a catalyst for generating understanding in other aspects of life. I believe that part of the scholarly review's namesake, extremist speech, can incite the greatest response out of the listener. The response may not always be desirable in the eyes of society, but it's potential is abounding. 

All too often we see misguided comments from ralliers in the media, we hear the opinions of the intolerant fueled by institutions incessantly producing propaganda, and without trying to sound overly critical, all you can do is feel sympathy for them. The prejudiced ramblings of reporter's interviewees, on a personal level, inspire me to be open-minded enough for both of us. Hate speech is defined as "speech that attacks, threatens, or insults a person or group on the basis of national origin, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability." Dissecting this definition, hate speech can occur when alluding to any group, and because of this seemingly bleak reality, people of all different perspectives can perceive this hate speech and with any luck, gain some of that previously mentioned tolerance. 

Sources: Lee Bollinger, "The Tolerant Society: Freedom of Speech and Extremist Speech,"

https://www.npr.org/2018/06/01/616085863/free-speech-vs-hate-speech