“One should be careful not to buy into the notion that someone else’s life is somehow more complete or fulfilling than yours based solely on what you see online.” – Germany Kent 1
What do you see in the above image? An apple and a mirror, right?
There is a chance that the composer of this image simply placed down their apple after a bite, took a photo with no thought gone into it, then continued with their day. Possible but unlikely. It is through the encoders framework of knowledge that they would consciously conduct a physical representation of a notion, giving it the ability to be explored and decoded.
The purpose of this image is completely open to interpretation, meaning it could have The meaning of this image is completely open to interpretation, which allows a range of connotations to be explored. The image could be pulled apart in different ways, depending on the knowledge of each responder, the frame of reference in which individuals may conduct themselves and the myths and beliefs of each person. The picture can be assessed in two ways, “denotation is what is photographed, connotation is how it is photographed.” 2
As an individual of the modern society, I interpret the above image to be a representation of the way in which social media forces individuals to function, through hiding flaws and displaying what is believed to be ‘the impeccable lifestyle’. However, in reality, individuals post a compilation of their best moments, sifting through anything that could be perceived as less than perfect. Individuals “portray the best parts of [their] life on social media, by picking and choosing what [they] want people to see.”3 Through this, an individual’s perception on both themselves and others is distorted, as they feel pressured to post only the “good side of [their] life.”4 This interpretation of the image is solely formed by my own thoughts and feelings, through codes in which I know.
A study of semiotics was conducted by Mr Ferdinand de Sassure and Philosopher A study of semiotics was conducted by Mr Ferdinand de Sassure and Philosopher Charles Pierce in the late 19th and early 20th century. Through the study of signs, it was discovered that there are three main types; an icon, index or symbol.5 It was also identified that no sign has a definite meaning, as each is subjective, and for there to be one true definition, it must be certified continuously.
It is through exploring both the signifier and signified within the image, that the meaning is able to become more distinct. The signifiers within the picture are simple; half eaten apple sitting in front of a mirror. If the responder is to explore what is signified, they may begin to discover that the bitten part of the apple is away from the mirror, and the perfect side is the part that offers a reflection. The apple could in fact be personified, in a way that mimics the movements of individuals in everyday life.
Individuals are afraid Individuals are afraid to show their complete and whole self on social media, simply because of the fear associated with rejection, judgement or prejudice. This is reflected through the image above. It all comes down to perspective.
References:
1 – Kent, G., (2020). Social Media Addiction Quotes (75 Quotes). [online] Goodreads.com. Available at: <https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/social-media-addiction> [Accessed 21 March 2020].
2 – Chandler, D., (2020). [online] Visual-memory.co.uk. Available at: <http://visual-memory.co.uk/daniel/Documents/S4B/sem06.html?LMCL=e1kpn7> [Accessed 01 April 2020].
3 – Patterson, A. (2018) Social Media’s Impact on Individuals. Questionnaire:Primary Research. Survey monkey. [Accessed 2018 – 2020].
4 – Patterson, A. (2018) Social Media’s Impact on Individuals. Questionnaire:Primary Research. Survey monkey. [Accessed 2018 – 2020].
5 – The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2020). Semiotics | Definition, Theory, Examples, & Facts. [online] Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/science/semiotics> [Accessed 20 April 2020].
Milly Patterson 