Seiden (2001) described an artistic medium as “the environment within which expression occurs” (p. 19). Using this definition, one could argue that social media are the medium for which an expression of identity occurs. If art therapists view digital media devices and social media cultures as tools of creative expression akin to the crayon, the brush, etc. art therapists are more firmly positioned to both further understand and help clients maintain a place of safety as they operate these environments. In this view, digital and web based media are like a pair of scissors (and any other material for that matter) in that they have the potential to be both beneficial and dangerous.
Seiden, D. (2001). Mind over matter: The use of materials in art, education,and
therapy.Chicago, IL: Magnolia Street.
Social media, Social networking: do you see differences?
ReplyDeleteDigital and multimedia is a growing art form in this world, which is vastly different than social networking and maybe media. My Sisterinlaw works with youth in multimedia and film making, it's done to have dialogue and present concepts either as they happen or as products-- much like the happenings of the 60's and 70's of the art world and artists who make products to sell.
I am not fond of the social media wording, I see it as a creative and expressive concept. I believe it is a semantical issue, just as the discussion we had in Phil's clas about creative and expressive, arts, art therapies, etc.
cheers