Flow is a concept that can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context. In this context we refer to flow in a way of connecting media coming in and out, assisting human interactions within technology. This flow can be information such as identity, credit card information, and even email information. This information is known as capital, this capital is shared within the network and helps the various algorithms to create interactions. For example, the notifications sent onto your cell phone creates an incentive for you to open your phone and respond, creating flow from the phone to you. This interaction is only one of the several entities that comes to me and comes from me. I still wonder if flow can be broken down into subcategories like our examples for agency. Another example is how various TV shows keep people interested in their media, moving from each program they create a continuous flow of shows to not lose their audience interactions. This is a similar concept to TikTok because it has a continuous flow of media as you swipe through the FYP, making the audience not realize how long they actually have been on the app.
2 thoughts on “Flow: Gwen Savidge”
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I would love to study the psychological effects of notifications and the desire for this approval system of being rewarded by technology such as receiving a bonus in a game. I think as humans we tend to be competitive and have a desire for achievement even if they don’t actually affect us. No one will know that we got a high score on Candy Crush, yet we still crave the win anyway. We can see this in the desire for approval on Social Media which has undoubtedly lead to suicide and depression among other mental health tragedies. Somehow, we have written into the code of our brain that a ding from our cell phone provides us with stimulus and reward.
I really like your description of how notifications are examples of flow from your phone to you. This reminds me of when I get emails from online shopping stores, saying that I have things left in my cart. Before receiving emails such as these I do not remember that I have left things in my cart, however, this technology is so advanced that it is able to inform me, through this connection of flow. Also, all social media is very similar to your explanation of keeping people interested in media. For instance, Instagram keeps people interested through the flow of other people’s content. By seeing someone post something it automatically makes you more inclined to do the same, therefore we receive flow from social media through the online accounts of others.