Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Facebook and Darkrooms and Typewriters, Oh My!

Great video! Not only does Ty Morin's project of photographing all 788 of his Facebook friends bring social media into reality, but he has also influenced a good friend of his to send letters to his friends as well --and no, he is not typing them on the computer, but a using typewriter. Not the same as old-fashioned handwriting, but still sentimental.

While Morin says it will take at least 3 years to photograph everyone on his friend list, he is passionate about making the mass of names and pictures online into real people. He plans of taking pictures of them doing activities they love. What is interesting is that Morin mentions that some people on his friend list say they don't know what they love to do. This dilemma seems to be on the rise as more people create a presence online and devote several hours to their Facebook and Twitter accounts instead of going outside and being with people.

 I am pleased to see that Morin is not discrediting social media, but trying to make it more social. In fact, he is using communication technology, an old box camera, to make these people more real to him. With my personal interest in the old, seeing his friend use a typewriter and Morin himself using not only a nondigital camera, but a dark room and developing supplies, is touching. Perhaps this can be a new way this new generation connects with the older generations? Morin has something good going for him. Take a look at some of his photos Facebook friend photos above.

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