Analyzing Influences
Asynchronous Session
The Impact of the Virtual on the Photographic Medium
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Bill Hill
This essay examines the evolving relationship between photography and virtuality, analyzing how digital technologies have transformed the photographic medium’s ontological and epistemological foundations. Drawing on Jean Baudrillard’s theory of simulation and Roy Ascott’s concept of technoetics, the essay explores how the indexical nature of photography—traditionally linked to realism and truth—has been destabilized in the digital era. With the rise of computational image-making, AI-generated imagery, and immersive media such as virtual and augmented reality, photography has shifted from documenting the real to generating hyperrealities that often precede or replace physical referents. Baudrillard’s notion of the simulacrum frames this shift, suggesting that photography now operates in a regime of signs untethered from material reality. Simultaneously, Ascott’s technoetic perspective reimagines the photograph as a participatory, networked experience, embedded within systems of consciousness, interactivity, and transformation. The essay further considers how social media platforms and virtual environments have redefined the production, circulation, and perception of photographic images, challenging traditional notions of authorship, authenticity, and temporality. Photography becomes not merely a representational tool but a dynamic interface shaped by algorithmic logic, interface design, and participatory culture. By examining the medium through the dual lenses of simulation and cybernetic art theory, this study argues that photography in the virtual age occupies a fluid, post-indexical space—one that demands new critical frameworks for understanding its aesthetic, political, and cultural implications.
Seeing with Meaning: Photovoice, Disability, and the Emotional Authority of Real Images in the Age of AI
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Hoang Tram Anh Nguyen
In an era where AI-generated imagery saturates digital culture, questions of authenticity, authorship, and emotional resonance have become central to debates in communication and media studies. This paper explores the continuing power of real photographic images—specifically through the lens of Photovoice, a participatory photography project organized by UNFPA in Viet Nam to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Anchored in Stuart Hall’s encoding/decoding model and theories of visual rhetoric, the paper examines how participants—many of whom are people with disabilities—used photography not just as representation, but as reclamation: to encode personal narratives, challenge stereotypes, and produce meaning that is both locally grounded and globally relevant. Unlike generative AI, which often mimics emotion through algorithmic prediction, these images carry lived experience and embodied truth. Their emotional authority lies not in visual perfection, but in imperfection as presence—bearing witness to resilience, exclusion, and dignity. While AI photography continues to evolve and provoke aesthetic admiration, its perceived lack of human essence raises questions about the boundaries of photographic meaning in democratic and digital cultures. This case study suggests that, far from becoming obsolete, human-made photography—especially participatory and activist forms—remains vital in constructing authentic narratives, fostering empathy, and elevating marginalized voices. In re-examining the relationship between photography, language, and light, this paper argues that the future of image-making must include ethical space for both innovation and the irreplaceable storytelling power of lived realities.
Media Dependence and the Shaping of Public Attitudes During Crises
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Wael Nel
Media dependence plays a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes during times of crisis. Grounded in Media Dependency Theory (Ball-Rokeach & DeFleur, 1976), the discussion explores how individuals increasingly turn to media—both traditional and digital—as a primary resource for understanding. Emphasis is placed on how the frequency of exposure and the framing of media messages contribute to the formation of public opinion and collective responses. In the contemporary digital environment, this dependency is complicated by the rise of misinformation, algorithmic filtering, and the participatory nature of media audiences. Individuals are no longer merely consumers of information, but active contributors to media content, often guided by personal beliefs and biases. These dynamics raise pressing ethical questions regarding the responsibilities of media institutions and underscore the need for media literacy and critical engagement. Ultimately, the argument put forward is that media, particularly in crisis contexts, functions not merely as a communication channel but as a powerful actor that shapes perception, influences behavior, and informs public understanding. The discussion encourages a deeper examination of the evolving media landscape and its broader implications for public discourse and crisis communication.
Quantitative Analysis of International News Coverage in Major U.S. Newspapers: A Focus on Recent Middle East Events
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Suzana Djamtoska, Sabir Haque
This study provides a quantitative analysis of international news coverage of recent Middle East events in The New York Times. By examining the frequency, tone, and thematic focus of articles published over the past year, the research aims to identify prevailing narratives and editorial priorities related to the region. The analysis reveals patterns in coverage, highlighting the emphasis placed on conflict, diplomacy, and political developments, while also evaluating the framing and language used to depict Middle Eastern affairs. Additionally, the study explores potential correlations between coverage scope and regional geopolitics, offering insights into how The New York Times shapes American perceptions of Middle East events. The findings contribute to a better understanding of media representation and underscore the importance of comprehensive and balanced reporting in international journalism.
