Assemblage is the composition of different elements that all contribute to the success of a main goal. This can include the interaction between humans and non-human elements but it is usually a combination of both since most technology has to be operated under human surveillance. The social media assemblages that we talked about in class for example tiktok are good references for assemblages. There are so many elements that must be considered before one successfully uses the tik tok app. A combination of algorithms, users, coding, the devices and so many other elements have to co-exist before the app is used. It is not common to think about all these elements while using the app but the knowledge of assemblage helps one put the pieces together. 

Assemblage is the arrangement and organization of different elements. Every form of media can be broken down into smaller parts, and each part is necessary for the media to function properly. In class, my group looked at IFixIt videos on youtube, which are videos that can be uploaded onto the Youtube channel by anyone and teach people how to fix various technologies. We broke down IFixIt videos into many different elements including the repairer, the broken device, the knowledge of repairing, the youtube channel, device, audience of followers, video engagement, internet, and more. By breaking down the different parts of IFixIt videos, we can see that both humans and nonhumans have agency in this assemblage. The human is the one that breaks the device, has the knowledge to fix the device, turns on the film camera, fixes the device, and posts their video on the youtube channel. Humans can like, comment, and share on the videos. The technology has agency, too, as it “suggests” IFixIt videos to users on Youtube, creates the order in which the videos and comments appear, and includes advertisements based on the user’s personal data. 

Assemblages are probably the most multifaceted of the keywords that we have covered so far in this class. The term is originally defined as, “the arrangement and organization of a variety of heterogenous elements.” Most media we consume are assemblages of some kind. For example, a TV show requires the use of actors, a selection of music, on screen CGI effects, and a team of writers and producers. each of these elements plays a part in the final assemblage that we see on our TVs. Many times, an assemblage can contain multiple assemblages within it. (a movie containing a curated playlist). Live broadcasted events are an assemblage that I think require a mind boggling amount of elements. For example, a live sports event requires athletes, coaches, officials, stadium staff, cameramen, broadcasting personnel, music, and so much more that can’t even be listed. If just one of these elements is not present, the on screen product will be much different, as each plays a critical role in the assemblage. Thinking about things as assemblages gives me a greater appreciation for the amount of work media takes. People tend not to think about those behind the scenes, but their efforts are extremely important.

Assemblage can be viewed as the organization and arrangement of elements, taking small parts that seem unrelated and combining them into a larger whole. When I read this keyword, I think of assembly lines of workers or technology taking different materials and  piecing them together to make products. I am also reminded of commercials for toys from when I was kid stating, “assembly required.” Typically, this warning meant that the toy came with many different pieces that required the buyer to put them all in their proper place. The toy that really comes to mind are Lego sets, which usually contain many elements. Each set includes a box, a magazine of instructions, labeled bags, and a variety of pieces within each of those bags. Through the lens of assemblage, Lego has elements like the different components found in a set, they are organized by an instruction manual, and it is all arranged in a specific way to make one whole toy.