Digital Media and Information in Society/Student Journals/Bart Casabona/photograph Phenomenology of Technology

The article "Separation: Disclosing the Loss of Maternal Proximity" delves into the emotional impact of photographs on mothers as they reflect on their children growing up and becoming independent individuals. This exploration ties into the Phenomenology of Technology, a concept in philosophy that investigates how technology shapes our perceptions and experiences. Within this framework, the article discusses the experiences of mothers, such as Samantha and Jessica, who find that looking at photographs of their children evokes powerful feelings of reminiscence and loss. These photographs serve as reminders that the past is different from the present and will continue to differ from the future, a key aspect of temporal consciousness in the Phenomenology of Technology. The article further delves into the concept of temporality, as described by Gilles Deleuze, highlighting that the present moment contains both a present and past dimension. In the context of Phenomenology of Technology, technology often serves as a temporal bridge, connecting us to the past while also pushing us into the future. The act of capturing moments in photographs represents the origins of the maternal relationship, while simultaneously marking a sense of loss as children grow and become more independent. The emotional connection between mothers and their children is explored through the lens of these early photographs, which symbolize the closeness and changes that occur as children grow and develop, illustrating how technology and our relationship with it intersect with our experiences of time and memory.