The definition of art, compared to a functional tool, is form over function. A painting has no functional utility, but it has an aesthetic form that we can appreciate. This made me think about social media posts. Are not the combinations of photography, videos, and music – a form of modern art?
We create these pieces with no apparent functional utility, but for the aesthetic value to our viewers (the audience). We do it to share an experience, a feeling or a mood. We use different digital media – photos, videos, music, and voice recordings.
In this sense, are we not creating art when posting aesthetic posts and stories on social media? I’m thinking about both aesthetic YouTube videos of short video clips with soft music playing in the background, and of Instagram stories of a photograph or video combined with a soundtrack.
I think the general discourse against social media is very negative at the moment. We critique ourselves and others for social media use, but what about the potential positive aspects? For example, if we saw our stories and posts as aesthetic pieces, then it’s amazing how easily we can share our art with others.