Digital Tattoos

As you read the title “Digital Tattoos,” what do you image? Are you thinking of a tattoo that is easily removable from your body because it embodies the mythical and ethereal traits of all things digital? Something you can change on a whim?  OR . . . do you think of something you have put on the internet (or has been put on about you) that you can never remove, no matter how hard you work, there will always be a telltale scar? Where did your mind go?

Now, imagine you are a teenager who is still developing a sense of permanency and thinks tattoos are super cool – the more the better – especially the one on the side of your neck.

I have so many things I think about the whole idea of a digital tattoo, that I’m not sure where to start. Making comparison and contrast to an ink, body tattoo brings some tangibility to it – and may also open up some unusual perspectives.

INK TATTOO	DIGITAL TATTOO
It’s art, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Tattoo artists do some amazing work – it’s crazy. What better way to celebrate art than to put it on your body.	What one person thinks is a disaster, another may see as a success. Perhaps you want to be remembered as the girl with too much teenage angst.  People have made millions by it. There are some things we put out there that we WANT to stick to us.
The Hollywood myth is that tattoos usually result from a drunken whim. I suppose that happens, but most people I know with body tattoos have thought long and hard about it.	“Tattooing” yourself on the internet is so easy that most people don’t even think about the possibility. Posting a picture or making a blog post takes very little forethought. In fact, there is basically no ceremony at all.
Something you chose to do to yourself. Few people are tattooed without their permission.	A by-product of a hasty or thoughtless action – either by you or someone else.
Most people realize the weightiness of a body tattoo and put much consideration into their message.  You don’t see a lot of tattoos of people puking on themselves at a party.	Although it seems hilarious at the time, you don’t see a lot of people think about how NOT funny a puking picture looks to a potential employer.
A body tattoo may seem like a good idea at the time, but people change. Neck tattoo guy may want to be a judge or spiritual leader later in life – will our society change that much?	Most people are willing to forgive/overlook adolescent or just plain stupid mistakes. We are all human, after all. But the reality is, the impression is already made.

I don’t want to beat a good comparison to death, but I may have.  I’ve run across the phrase “Digital Tattoo” several times, and it has made an impression on me. But, I am an adult.  Do you think the idea of a Digital Tattoo would make an impression on someone who is not yet an adult?

Just thinkin’
Lee Anne