Tutorial Two: Digital Imaging: Second Part!

“A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature”

I don't know whether I agree to this quote and it is definitely open to interpretation and open to discussion probably between generations, I would think. I am of Generation Y. I come from a generation where we are surrounded so much by technology that it becomes a part of every day life, we can't escape it. Our cellphones are glued to our hands, laptops can fit into our pockets if we like and information is accessible at a click of a mouse. We are forever being topped up with new technology that is, in my opinion, better than the last. I must admit, I don't have the newest technology and SOME new technology has little benefits to the standard person, but I do think it is always going to better, always going to be superior and have new and exciting features to make us linked to the world around us. It is inevitable. So no, I don't think that new technology is less superior to its older counterparts. I just think it hasn't been given the time to be explored.

Now, we move onto the ethical issues raised with digital imaging. There are so many different social networking sites out there that share photos and digital images that its hard to keep track of them all. So what ethical issues are raised with imaging?

• Privacy: While there are privacy tools or options you can chose on social networking sites, such as, Facebook, these are often not set to meet the individuals needs. Privacy is a huge issue especially when it comes to imaging. It has been said that an employer has full right to go into social networking sites and look at the profiles of potential employees, so it makes you think about what content you do have on these sites and what should be limiting to impress a potential employer. There is little privacy to the wider community if you allow it. Also, in regards to this when images of children are put up privacy for this child could be breached.
• Ownership: There are so many 'fashion blogs' or 'inspirational blogs' that I see floating without references to the images they upload. Ownership of the photo is then lost, without giving credit to the person who took it.

How does digital imaging relate to Occupational Therapy?

Firstly, we need to consider where these images are stored. They must be stored in a confidential space. It is so critical to our role that we maintain the privacy of our clients. Digital imaging is often used at special events on hospital wards or for housing medication where an image of the client is stored alongside the file.

At the end of the day we must remember who we are responsible for the most: *our clients*.

That is all for now folks!

-- Lucy