Article

My Networked Images

The unit My Networked Images tackles the production, distribution and consumption of images that circulate online on a daily basis, and is dedicated to questions of (self-)presentation, amongst others. A thematic discussion takes place based on articles, events and workshops as well as teaching materials for school classes, with the goal to promote the participants’ image and media competence.

Workshop

Tracking My Data

We all know that the moment we start browsing the internet, our data is collected, stored and processed. But what data trails do we leave behind when we interact with images? In the workshop we will explore the scope of this question by looking at a number of different examples.

Workshop

Copy & Pose

Photographic images now offer a whole range of options for self-presentation. The workshop will focus on the opportunities and challenges intrinsic to the act of (self)presentation: What freedom are we afforded by digital media?

Teaching Material

Facial Recognition

The teaching material is designed for classes at secondary levels I and II (ages 13–19). It includes interactive worksheets for students as well as teacher preparation material and a planning grid for three double lessons.

Article

Beauty Filters

When Beauty Is Standardised

By Sophie-Charlotte Opitz

It just takes a few clicks and you can fundamentally change your appearance on social media and elsewhere – using beauty filters. While, in the past, you had to hire a professional to improve the way you look in a photograph using complicated photo-editing software, today all you need is an app on your smartphone or a program on the internet. The filters that are used are geared to very strict patterns – bigger eyes, smaller nose, smooth complexion. Does this produce standardised ideals of beauty? And what does it have to do with privacy?

Article

Facial Recognition

Technology between Support and Suppression

By Sophie-Charlotte Opitz and Jana Honegger

Why is a picture of a face scanned by a machine and what is this then used for? How safe is this technology in terms of data transfer and identity theft? Facial recognition is a procedure that can help in the solving and prevention of crime. It can verify the identity of people in order to give them access to sensitive data and secured areas. Yet it can also be used in forms of surveillance that restrict human freedom of movement and action. An overview of the opportunities presented by digital facial recognition and the dangers that go with it.