Selfie-Knowledge and Grammable Moments
Rebecca Mace (UCL)

5.30-7.15 pm

Visually dominated social media have changed the way people interact with the world. This paper considers how self-image is used on social media to articulate and communicate. Exploring self-knowledge in online visual self-(re)presentation, it examines the interaction between traditionally presumed binaries: self/other, subject/object, real/ideal, and mind/body. The focus is upon body images as stories, representing not only individual ideals but also cultural value frameworks. It seeks out the grey areas and permeable boundaries social media offers, noting that image has become an aesthetic of aspiration, as much as looks are an articulation of friendship, and a tool to self-knowing.

Rebecca Mace has nearly two decades of teaching experience, working in a range of state, independent, day, boarding, single sexed, and mixed schools. She has a keen interest in technology – especially the application of EdTech. Following a year as part-time Research Associate at the University of Oxford Internet Institute Digital Ethics Lab, she decided to undertake full-time doctoral study at University College London, Institute of Education. Her research considers the ways a culture dominated by social media is impacting upon the concept of self.

For further inquiries: Paul Standish (p.standish@ucl.ac.uk).

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