FINAL BLOG POST

 
My Digital Footprint on Society: 

April 26, 2021

by Julianna Rigoglioso 

Insight on My Personal Relationship with Technology 

I always have been fascinated with computers and technology. I love saving up for the newest tech product or gadget. The first technological gadget I used was my family's Dell Desktop Computer. When I was in elementary school, I used to play games and watch videos in my free time. My dad had to limit my screen time because he "didn't want my brain to fry by looking at a screen for that long." Who knew that years later, screens would be surrounding our everyday lives? Screens project the content of the gadget acting as a vehicle as we progress and become more technologically advanced. When determining whether my relationship with technology is healthy or unhealthy, I have concluded that it is complicated; similar to a high school boyfriend or girlfriend. As an online student, I rely on my technology to allow me to excel in my courses through a screen. Without technology, we would not be able to continue our educational and professional lives during the current national crisis, COVID-19. It is truly astonishing that we are still able to compete for job interviews, attend college classes, and work from home during these unprecedented times. 

However, technology and moderation have a hard time coinciding with one another. Technology creates such an efficient lifestyle. Why go to the store and when you can place an order online through an app? Why should I commute to work if I can work at my desk at home? Technology's efficiency becomes addicting. Our society today relies on it and this is where one's relationship with technology can become detrimental to one's health. 

Mental Health and Social Media

There is no coincidence that mental health issues have risen at the same time technology advances. According to a September 2020 report by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the suicide rate for pediatrics rose 57.4% from 2007 to 2018. Most teenagers in today's society have a habit of checking their phones every five minutes. The innovation of social media apps like Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, Facebook, is something so dramatic that most of the population uses these platforms daily. Social media creates this false ideal of reality when it comes to browsing on these sites. Influencers and celebrities choose to show the best version of themselves and label it as relatable. They post going to the grocery store in thousand-dollar jumpsuits or go to the gym with their hair and makeup professionally done. Now, there is nothing wrong with living a lavish lifestyle. But, as an audience, we must not forget that they have so many resources available to them as a celebrity. I cannot compare myself to a Victoria's Secret model, and I am okay with that. But when I was an immature and vulnerable teen, I thought as if the only way to be cool was to have a six-pack, glowing skin, and a European boyfriend. 

When posting, they have a photographer to create the best angles, an editor to blur out any wrinkles or blemishes, and expensive clothing to attract the public eye. They create this false image to normal teenagers that to be cool or to fit in, you have to look or act a certain way. I know I constantly struggled with my appearance growing up because I stick out like a sore thumb. I have bright red hair and freckles; people made it known to me that I looked different. When I would scroll on my Instagram as a high school freshman, I would get upset because I wasn't tall, skinny, and blonde. I am not alone, though. Social media has become a place where people post something they are not. People could be going through the most difficult time in their life; nonetheless, it could look like a completely different story in the public eye. 

I was the only member of my family to grow up during the realm of extreme technological advances (my youngest brother is nine years older than me). This contributes to all the different relationships we have with technology. My Dad has the healthiest relationship, in which he only really uses his phone to talk to his patients for emergencies or to get in contact with family. He uses his phone every day to call me and ask what Mom is making for dinner. My Mother, on the other hand, loves to post on Facebook. She isn't reliant on technology, but for some reason, finds great joy in posting her political beliefs. She is the worst texter I've ever met; she has 300+ unopened messages and the only way for me to reach her is through phone call. My six older brothers also have a healthy relationship only really using their phones for work and business. They have social media but really could care less—they use it more to stay up to date on various news and sports topics. 

I do find myself getting way too caught up in social media, and this is something I am working on. I realized that it affects my own mental health and the only solution is for me to put the phone down. Instagram and Snapchat pictures do not tell the full story. I am one of those people who get serious FOMO. I think this is part of being the youngest sibling—I always want to be included. When I was getting surgery over winter break, I would view my friends going out to dinner, hanging out, going to the beach, and although I am happy that my friends are having a good time, seeing their posts makes me feel so left out. This is my current struggle with social platforms. People claim, if you didn't take a picture, did it even happen? This is unhealthy and a problem with my generation. We forget to stop and smell the roses. Instead, we stop, take a picture, edit it, think of a caption, and stalk the number of likes it gets without appreciating life's beauty. Society now finds pleasure in public reaction. Whenever I find myself becoming caught up in this is when I need to put my phone down and appreciate life in front of me; not through my 6x3inch handheld computer screen. 

My Digital Footprint: My Social Media 

I have six older brothers; yes I am the youngest of seven children, me being the only girl. My brothers have watched me like a hawk throughout my childhood and teenage years. At the time, I thought it was annoying; however, as a nineteen-year-old college student with an appropriate online presence—I am so thankful. They stressed to never share anything you wouldn't want to see years later. While my friends were posting videos and pictures of underage drinking, I never participated in either of the two. Although it might seem fun and cool at the moment, I knew that one day I wanted to become something in this world. I never wanted my digital footprint as a high school teenager to jeopardize my future plans. I am proud to say I am not ashamed of anything I posted on social media and if all my posts were to wash up back to the public eye, I would be totally okay with this. Although, I may judge myself based on my chipmunk voice doing beauty tutorials at age nine using my mom's makeup (like I knew what I was doing.) My online presence does not need editing, however, there is an opportunity for improvement in all aspects of life. As I am approaching adulthood, in the future when I am employed, I may edit my social media platform to become more professional, rather than personal. I think my digital footprint will help me secure jobs in the future. I use Linked In to communicate with professors and career professionals. 

I was exposed to the media and technology at a very young age. I am an actress and have been performing in front of a camera or on a Broadway stage since the age of five. Without technology, the entertainment industry would be nonexistent. The creations of cameras, monitors, and editing softwares fuel the industry and allow the best content to be created. I was professionally trained in how to manage myself in the entertainment industry while also creating an online presence. My manager created a website for me to disclose my acting reels and resume. https://www.juliannarigoglioso.com/

I, unfortunately, admit that my daily life is influenced by the media tremendously. I say unfortunately because I believe I am an old soul and I wish I grew up in different times. But, I am grateful and will use these tools to my advantage when accessible—and ethical, of course. I do enjoy seeing what others are up to: as nosey as that sounds. I go on the internet daily to see how my friends are doing at college and view how my family is celebrating the holidays during the pandemic when we can't be together. I use it to keep up with the news and the latest social media buzz. I am not alone in this; I'm not the only one hooked on the internet.

Sources

-  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/youth-suicide-rates-are-on-the-rise-in-the-u-s
-  https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health 
-  https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr69/NVSR-69-11-508.pdf?_ga=2.57817962.1595091322.1600113401-938738154.1600113401