JHOEMAR REY O.

ALTOMEA 2002-44428 MMS 111 Theorizing Multimedia A Reflection Paper

Having consumed significant idealistic perceptions, I may be inclined to present my thoughts in a formal manner, somewhat analytic, given the context of the topic wherein interpretations should mostly be grounded on physical interaction/socialization. Nonetheless, let me present my thoughts in a way, such that the concepts behind the construction of reality may be neutralized, if not contradicted, by ontological concepts. According to Stefan Weber, constructivism asserts that an agent creates reality by the mere act of perceiving it. From this set-up, we can see plurality of subjective interpretations of reality, especially in the context of an informal society (by formal or formalized, we are pertaining to a set of rules being followed, thus, institutionalized). Thus, it would be a necessary condition for constructivists to understand social situations before creating society. Given the fact that the society should be institutionalized, it should therefore follow established rules for institutionalization. As such, it would be imperative as well to know when a specific social situation is acceptable. This should be done by repeated observation, thus grounded on empirical sources, on relationships, experiences, etc. Moreover, we may consider the agents inclinations, on what is current, and his/her assumptions on an outcome, given the contributing factors. This may also be referred to as the Social stock of Knowledge. The societys customs, common interpretations, shared routines, habituations, etc. constitute a significant part of this stock of knowledge. In this regard, we may say that this specific social realm may only be deconstructed by an introduction of a significant entity with a totally different social perspective. Nonetheless, the social reality itself may depict a different meaning once constructed. We are looking at the abstraction of relative social situations, and each conceived abstraction to a specific social construct. Giving content to our interpretations through empirical connections, and by accepting what an agent means by what he does/says during an interaction, we are justified to say such social situations are significant in establishing a clear understanding of social reality. From a constructivist reality, we can perceive a controlled society. Controlled, in the sense that every interaction is predictable, every agent is limited. Any deviation that eventually arises may directly be

regarded as anomalous, and should be excluded from the society. Nonetheless, as such deviations are inevitable, constructivists may try give meaning to them in order to maintain the reality. Apparently, this is a sheer act of depicting what already exists. Therefore, there exists a reality prior the one constructed, or another realm outside. A satisfactory definition of social reality, therefore, may require the understanding of agents involved (i.e. their behavior, reactions, etc.) being parallel to every interaction, creating distinct or comparable social situations. This is where we give significance to the underlying meaning, intent, purpose, etc. to every aspect, more than just the reality as a whole.

On Social Reality and Multimedia From a constructivist point view, the media may serve as: 1) a medium in order for the agent to perceive social reality, and 2) the reality itself as perceived. In this regard, multimedia may directly or indirectly manipulate an agents perception of reality, distorting it the process. Such may either be beneficial or detrimental to the agents concerned, the outcome of which is still contingent upon the social reality constructed. Multimedia, therefore, is contributing not primarily on purely the creation, but on the recreation of reality. Such recreation entails the understanding of what already exists or created.