Summary Tradisional | Subjectivity in Contemporary Society

Contextualization

Subjectivity is about the individual and unique way each person understands and interprets the world around them. In our modern society, subjectivity is ever-changing and is shaped by a range of external and internal factors including culture, the media, digital technologies, personal relationships, and life experiences. These influences can greatly affect how individuals perceive themselves and others, which leads to a variety of different perceptions and behaviours among people.

In today’s digital age, social media plays a pivotal role in influencing subjectivity. The constant exposure to filtered and idealised content can heavily sway young people's self-image and confidence, as they often find themselves comparing their everyday lives to the polished versions they see online. This dynamic illustrates how outside factors such as media and technology shape individual subjectivity, emphasising the need for critical engagement with these influences.

To Remember!

Concept of Subjectivity

Subjectivity refers to the unique way individuals perceive, interpret, and make sense of the world around them. Each person’s subjectivity is informed by their own experiences, beliefs, values, and emotions. This construct plays a big role in influencing how people view themselves and act in the world.

In contemporary society, factors such as culture, media, and digital technologies significantly impact subjectivity. These influences shape self-perception and worldview. For instance, exposure to cultural ideals can greatly affect one’s self-image and confidence levels.

Moreover, internal factors including personal experiences and emotions also shape our subjectivities. Everyone interprets their experiences in their own unique way, contributing to the ongoing and evolving understanding of who they are. Recognising the ongoing formation of subjectivity is crucial for grasping human behaviour in today’s context.

• Subjectivity is the distinct way of perceiving the world.

• It is influenced by external factors (culture, media, technology) and internal factors (personal experiences, emotions).

• Both internal and external influences contribute to the continuous evolution of subjectivity.

Influence of Culture and Media

Culture provides a set of norms and values that shape how individuals behave and perceive themselves and the world. The media plays a key role in disseminating these cultural standards. Through films, television, advertisements, and social media, cultural values are conveyed, which directly affect individual perceptions and behaviour.

The media often endorses specific standards of beauty and success, leading individuals to assimilate these ideals into their self-perception. For example, portraying slim and fit bodies as the ideal image of beauty can negatively impact the self-image and confidence of those who don’t fit this stereotype.

Additionally, the media can reinforce stereotypes and biases, affecting how different social groups are viewed. Although this influence might be subtle, it greatly impacts the formation of subjectivity and how social interactions are shaped.

• Culture provides the norms and values that guide individual behaviour and perceptions.

• The media spreads these cultural values, shaping subjectivity.

• Standards of beauty and behaviour promoted by the media can alter self-image and confidence.

Impact of Social Media

Social media has a massive impact on how we shape our subjectivity in today’s society. With endless exposure to curated and idealised content, it can change how individuals view themselves and others. Social media showcases edited highlights of people's lives, often leading to comparisons that can distort reality.

Such comparisons can result in negative self-image and low self-esteem, particularly among younger generations. For example, the use of photo filters on social media platforms can create unrealistic beauty standards, making individuals feel self-conscious about their appearances. Additionally, the need for validation through likes and comments can further influence self-worth perceptions.

Furthermore, social media impacts our interpersonal relationships, altering how we communicate and interact online compared to face-to-face interactions, which can change our relationships web. Recognising the influence of social media on subjectivity is crucial for fostering a conscious and critical approach to using these platforms.

• Social media promotes idealised versions of individuals' lives.

• Regular comparisons can lead to a distorted self-image and diminished self-worth.

• The search for likes and validation on social media can impact self-perception.

Related Philosophical Theories

Various philosophical theories delve into the topic of subjectivity and its influences. Michel Foucault posits that power dynamics exist in all social relationships, shaping individuals' subjectivities. He argues that institutions like schools, hospitals, and the media exert influence by defining norms and standards of behaviour, affecting how people perceive and engage with the world.

Conversely, Jean-Paul Sartre discusses existence and essence, asserting that one’s existence precedes their essence. Sartre emphasises that individuals have the freedom to define their own essences through choices and actions. However, this freedom comes alongside the responsibility of understanding that every choice contributes to shaping their subjectivity.

These philosophical viewpoints help dissect how subjectivity is formed and influenced in our society today. Foucault’s insights teach us about the role of power and social conventions in shaping perception, while Sartre highlights the importance of personal choices in constructing one's identity. Gaining insight from these theories allows for a more critical examination of both external and internal influences on subjectivity.

• Michel Foucault: power dynamics in social relationships shape subjectivity.

• Jean-Paul Sartre: existence comes before essence; individual choices shape one’s identity.

• Philosophical theories provide insights into the influences that form subjectivity.

Key Terms

• Subjectivity: Unique and individual way of perceiving and interpreting the world.

• Culture: Set of norms and values guiding behaviour and perceptions.

• Media: Platforms that share and distribute cultural values.

• Social Media: Digital platforms facilitating interactions and showcasing idealised content.

• Self-image: How an individual perceives themselves.

• Self-esteem: How one evaluates their own worth.

• Michel Foucault: Philosopher focusing on the interplay between power and subjectivity.

• Jean-Paul Sartre: Philosopher discussing the relationship between existence and essence.

Important Conclusions

The lesson on subjectivity in today’s society has underscored the ways in which both external and internal factors shape how individuals perceive themselves. The influence of culture and media is striking, as these forces disseminate norms and ideals that can impact an individual’s self-image and confidence levels. Notably, social media fosters an environment where idealised content can warp self-worth perceptions, particularly among the youth.

We also explored the philosophical contributions of Michel Foucault and Jean-Paul Sartre in enriching our understanding of subjectivity. Foucault’s work highlights how power and social norms can sway individual perception, while Sartre’s emphasis on personal responsibility and choice adds depth to the construct of subjectivity. Engaging with these ideas encourages critical self-reflection on the influences that shape us.

A thorough grasp of subjectivity is key for understanding human behaviour in our current context. This enables learners to develop a critical awareness of the factors influencing their perceptions and actions, thereby promoting deeper self-reflection and understanding of their daily choices.

Study Tips

• Review the philosophical theories of Michel Foucault and Jean-Paul Sartre for a deeper understanding of subjectivity.

• Critically assess the impact of social media on your self-image and self-esteem, looking for relatable examples in your life.

• Explore articles and watch videos about the influence of culture and media on subjectivity to complement the knowledge gained in class.