Strangers on the Web, exchanging selfies

During the 19^th century, in the arcades of Paris, to flâne was not only to observe the crowd as a “passionate spectator” but to also be a spectacle oneself (Prouty, 2009). Dressed in one’s best, wanting not only attention but appreciation. So who do you think appreciated flâneurie? Would it be the shopper? Bustling along, many things to do and many things to buy. Or perhaps the storekeeper? Their rudimentary purpose: to make a sale, earn a living. Sure these folks might be intrigued for a brief moment, but neither of these characters seem as though they are able to truly provide the admiration our flâneur seeks. I submit that the type of person, who can fully appreciate our flâneur, is another flâneur. So two or more flâneur would notice each other in the arcades, and maybe exchange a glance. They don’t know each other, yet they can admire one another’s garb, style and purpose. But how does this extend to the cyberflâneur?

Arcades of the cyberflâneur

Some actually argue that the cyberflâneur is dead and gone, stating that nobody “surfs” the web anymore. Though these arguments overlook apps like Facebook, in which we are able to observe others in our own network of friends as we please. However this is not exactly flâneurie. It is difficult, because generally you know your Facebook friends to some degree. Nevertheless there are Facebook groups (for example: Let Me Take A #Selfie) you can join or browse, which are solely dedicated to posting selfies. These groups and pages are reminiscent of the Arcades Project from the perspective of a flâneur/ cyberflâneur. They consist of the standard Facebook page setup of course allowing users to simply scroll down the page, view the selfies of strangers and click the like button. In turn, they are encouraged to post their own selfies for others to admire and like, exchanging glances if you will.

Being a cyberflâneur is not for everyone

Refrences:

Facebook visualisation [Image]. 2016. Retrieved from https://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/execute/content/file?cmd=view&content_id=_2417221_1&course_id=_76323_1&framesetWrapped=true

Prouty, R. (2009, October 28). A turtle on a leash [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://www.onewaystreet.typedpad.com/one_way_street/2009/10/a-turtle-on-a-leash.html

Stormtrooper Selfie [Image]. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://onsizzle.com/t/selfie_stormtrooper