Images at the click of the wheel

iPods have become so iconic and well-known that having one not only gives you access to the newest songs it gives you access to a new image. The associations linked with having an iPod can change and transform your image and identity especially if you have the latest iPod that can hold the most music, videos and photos. It makes you the "cool" one the group that is the most "technological". iPods are not only transforming how we listen to music they are transforming how we see ourselves as well as how others see us! As iPods continue to transform and improve so people are given the oppurtunity to construct new images of themselves.

Its not just the type of iPod that you have its also the type or genre of music you listen to. People tend to immitate their music icons style and mannerisms in order to create an image they see as worthwhile. People's images are being constructed through mediums of the media. This raises the issue of true identities. Have iPods and the access they give to unlimited music given people the ability to construct their identity not on their true self but on their mediated self which is modelled on their music icons? This can cause major concern as scholars are easily influenced and what if they are modelling their image and behaviour on a music icon like Britney Spears. Next thing you know they are shaving their heads and flashing everyone. Although it is important for people to be able to create their own image, it is a concern when access to iPods for example has provided access to music icons images that people then model their own image and behavior on instead of discovering who they really are!