#self-surveillance

#self-surveillance

While testing angles, I thought: When did this become normal? Then I did something even worse. Or more practical. Or both - I can't tell the difference anymore. I used an AI tool to "enhance" the photo. Adjust the lighting. Add a studio background. Give it that more "professional" look. I literally asked an algorithm to tell me what my face should look like. And the most depressing part wasn't doing it. It was that it worked. The photo was "better." More presentable. More performative.

Wake. If you're lucky, that is morning's first task. Wake. Not rolling over onto your side, not recalling the thoughts that have stayed the night, like a tryst who cannot sense they're meant to leave before light breaks through on the pane. Leave that to phones - light breaking through, remembering everything. Wake - what a herculean task! To wake first, and not check your phone. Everything after that? A form of grace, if you believe in that sort of thing.