Task: Producing a video art piece reflecting the CI theme of the term.
Course Code and Name: MSJ 11215 Convergence Communication 2
Project Name: Technostress
Project Date: Summer 2021
Project Type: Individual
Project Completed on Semester No: 05
CI Theme of the Term: Digital Citizenship
Project Description:
The project, titled “Technostress,” is an individual video art piece created by Zakia Sultana Sanam as part of the MSJ 11215 Convergence Communication 2 course. This project explores the theme of Digital Citizenship, focusing specifically on digital health and wellness. The video art visually represents the stress and emotional toll that constant engagement with digital technology can have on an individual’s life. Through symbolic and non-verbal communication, the video art captures the isolation, frustration, and exhaustion caused by the overuse of digital devices.
Project Justification:
This video art project serves as a medium to convey complex messages about the impact of digital technology on mental health without relying on verbal communication. It uses symbolism to illustrate the concept of “technostress” and its effects on daily life, thereby raising awareness about the importance of digital wellness. The project is a creative interpretation of the Curriculum Integration (CI) theme of Digital Citizenship, emphasizing the need for balance in the digital age.
Project Link: https://youtu.be/NywUVALp6rI
DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA STUDIES AND JOURNALISM
Course Title: Convergence Communication II
Course Code: MSJ11215
Term: Summer 2021
Section: 01
Final Project (Concept Paper) on the Curriculum Integration Theme (Summer 2021), Digital Citizenship (Digital literacy), Topic Title: “Technostress”
Submitted To
Mohammad Shazzad Hossain
Assistant Professor
School of Social Science (SSS)
Department of Media Studies and Journalism
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
Submitted By
Zakia Sultana Sanam (201012045)
Date of Submission: 4th September, 2021
CI Theme:
A person who has the knowledge and skills to effectively use digital technology to connect with others, engage in society, and create and consume digital material is referred to as a digital citizen. Digital citizenship is defined as a confident and beneficial use of digital technology. Digital citizenship encompasses nine different aspects of technology use, including digital access, digital commerce, digital communication, digital literacy, digital etiquette, digital law, digital rights and duties, digital health and wellbeing, and digital security.
Title: Technostress
Thought/ Idea:
My concept is built on digital health and wellness; however, we must first define digital health and wellness. Digital health and wellness refers to physical and psycho-social well-being in a technological world. The ergonomics of the work station have become more important than ever, given the frequency and duration of use of technologies. A cultural shift is occurring with respect to what is expected of individuals in social settings, in relationship with others and especially in relationships with others through and with technology. Mobile and connected technology will continue to place pressure on the nature of social connectedness, both physical and virtual. There is increasing concern that some people are becoming Internet addicted – namely exhibiting compulsive behavior that interferes with normal living and causes high levels of stress on family, friends and one’s work environment.My concept will demonstrate the impact of digital health and wellness in a general way. In this video art, I will try to convey the message of how technological stress impacts our normal life.
Background Music: Epic Cinematic Music | Pandemic – Ramol
Visualization:
Shot: 1
The first scene will show the name of the video art along with the name of the video artist.
Shot: 2
In the second shot, a girl is drinking coffee, writing in her notebook, typing something in her laptop, browsing mobile and texting with someone in a dark corner.
Video Message 1:The girl is sitting in a dark corner of a room which demonstrates the negative boundary or limitations of her normal life where she is stuck.
Video Message 2: The continuous process of her working, typing, writing, drinking coffee and the crumpled paper demonstrates the effort she is giving in a specific workspace as well as the stress of her failure.
Shot : 3
In the third and last shot, the girl is laying her head on the table when her mom calls her on the mobile but she doesn’t pick it up.
Video Message 1: Laying down her head on the table demonstrates her tiredness or stress due to the digital boundary of her life.
Video Message 2: Not picking her mom’s call demonstrates the emotional distance of relationship with family caused by technological stress.
Production Plan:
Cast:Zakia Sultana Sanam
Props:
- Crumpled Papers
- Coffee Cup
- Notepad
- Pen
- Wrist Watch
- Table
- Chair
Equipment:
- Mobile
- Laptop
- Tripod
Camera:
Oneplus 8T
Location:
Mirpur – 1, Dhaka
Editing:
Zakia Sultana Sanam
Learnings and Outcomes (Self-reflection):
- Gained insights into translating complex themes into visual narratives.
- Learned to employ symbolism in conveying nuanced messages.
- Improved planning and execution in video art production.
- Developed video and audio editing skills using Adobe Premiere Pro.
- Discovered the power of non-verbal communication in storytelling.
- Merged personal experiences with academic concepts creatively.
- Enhanced understanding of digital citizenship.
- Strengthened technical skills in video shooting and editing.
- Focused on audience interpretation and multiple layers of messaging in art.
- Adapted to the logistical challenges of producing video art during a pandemic.