Video

DigitalDiaries: Personal Expression in the Age of the Internet is my final year graduate video project which was awarded a first class grade.

"DigitalDiaries" is a project that explores the phenomenon of video-blogging as contemporary self-expression in the context of the internet. The project features videos taken from various video-sharing websites, such as YouTube, which share the same formal structure: individuals talking to their webcams about life, from their dreams and aspirations to their deepest fears and struggles. With an emphasis on the 'early video-blogging' era (2008-2014), before 'vlogging' became the profitable business model we know today, 'DigitalDiaries' offers a glimpse into the lives of these individuals, providing a window into their unique perspectives and experiences. The project invites viewers to reflect on the power of self-expression and the impact of the internet on the way we share our personal stories and connect with others.

The project consists of two parts. The first is a lopping video structured by myself. In this option, viewers will be guided through a deliberate journey that highlights the different stories and perspectives presented in the digital diaries. The video offers a more intentional and directed viewing experience, where the viewer can follow a specific path through the project and explore the themes and emotions that emerge from the individual videos.

The second part of the project is an interactive web application, offering a unique and personal experience for each viewer. 

Through the utilisation of the YouTube API, the web application curates videos with titles featuring "My Webcam" or "Webcam Video" and less than 1000 views. While the video from the first part remains constant, the web application refreshes with every new user, providing a individualised journey. These videos become a collection of intimate narratives that might have otherwise remained undiscovered.

The second half of ‘DigitalDiaries’ provides a platform for viewers to engage with authentic and lesser-known videos, fostering introspection, connection, and a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that exist in the vast digital landscape.