Michele Hutchison

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Storytelling as a tool

Image retrieved from the internet via Easy Peasy AI (n.d.) at [https://easy-peasy.ai/ai-image-generator/images/philippine-oral-literature-stories-curious-children].

In week two of INFO 5442: Digital Storytelling, I explored storytelling's impact on teaching, learning, and persuasion, the power of narrative communication, digital storytelling fundamentals, and copyright considerations.

Choose two aspects regarding the power of story and storytelling and explain to us why you found them particularly important or interesting, especially in how those qualities can mediate digital storytelling.

Stories communicate and preserve culture

One of the most compelling aspects of storytelling is its innate role in how we, as humans, communicate and remember. As Professor Mumah states, “We tend to communicate in story. We humans remember in story, and research indicates we tend to remember information better when we acquire it in a story format” (Mumah, n.d.). This resonates with me because I’ve witnessed the profound impact of storytelling through my work at a nonprofit. One of our products is an application designed to help communities orally translate stories into their heart language—their native tongue. 

The process involves storytelling to create and convey concepts that preserve culture and identity. Communities gather to share stories in their native language, often creating video, audio, and transcribed text tailored to their collective understanding. This practice is powerful because it makes these stories feel more personal and relevant. I’ve seen firsthand how this approach supports connection and understanding, especially when abstract concepts become more understandable. Storytelling can bridge cultural gaps, helping narratives transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.

The ethical responsibility of storytelling

Another key aspect of storytelling is its potential to shape beliefs, even when the stories are fabricated. Joshua Gowin’s reflections on storytelling emphasize this point: “By simply telling a story, the woman could plant ideas, thoughts, and emotions into the listeners' brains.” (Gowin, n.d.). This can be both a strength and a vulnerability of storytelling. On the one hand, stories can captivate and inspire; on the other, they can be manipulated to spread misinformation.

The rise of fake news and the viral spread of fabricated content shows how storytelling can profoundly influence public perception. These stories often bypass critical thinking by appealing to emotions, creating a sense of urgency or relatability that leads people to believe them. This has devastating effects, from sowing division in communities to eroding trust in institutions.

What's one aspect of copyright in relation to storytelling you didn't know before now? Why is it important?

Before now, I didn’t realize how nuanced copyright law is regarding storytelling. As Professor Mumah explains, “You can use a story's idea, but if the way you present it isn't substantially altered from the original, you probably are infringing on copyright” (Mumah, n.d.). While I was familiar with the concept of plagiarism in art and design, I hadn’t considered how closely this parallels digital storytelling. This is crucial to remember when creating digital stories. It serves as a reminder to evaluate the originality of our work critically and to ensure we’re not unintentionally infringing on someone else’s intellectual property.

Mumah’s point about citing sources—“Even with an actual adaptation, you should acknowledge the original source and author in your introduction”—is a valuable guideline to follow (Mumah, n.d.). This is especially important in the digital age, where content can be easily shared, modified, and redistributed. It’s best to err on the side of caution with digital story creations.

Which three digital stories did you watch? Based on your new understanding of digital storytelling, do you think they met their objective? Why or why not?

My Champion - by Jose Gonzalez

Jose’s digital story, My Champion, achieves its objective of evoking empathy in the viewer. His deeply personal narrative about losing a loved one resonates universally, as most people have experienced the loss of someone they admired or depended on. This story connected with a loss of my own. As I watched Jose recount his memories, I found myself reflecting on the times spent with my grandpa and the immense void I felt after his passing. This emotional connection underscores the power of storytelling, as Joshua Gowin explains: “When you hear a good story, you develop empathy with the teller because you experience the events for yourself” (Gowin, n.d.). The synchronicity of emotions between the storyteller and the audience is a testament to the effectiveness of this digital story in creating a shared human experience. 

Tanya - by Monte Hallis

While Monte’s story, Tanya, aimed to evoke empathy, it fell short due to the poor execution of its visual presentation. Her narrative held potential, but the pixelated and blurry images detracted from the emotional experience. The visuals failed to align with the narrative, making it harder to engage with the story entirely. As Big Fish Presentations highlights, “Steve Jobs was famous for his keynotes. Whether launching new products or making an announcement, he agonized for hours over the details of his presentations” (Big Fish Presentations, 2012). Tanya's lack of visual clarity made it harder to connect with the story. This example serves as a reminder that digital storytelling requires equal attention to narrative and presentation.

A Step Forward - by Jermila M.

Jermila’s story, A Step Forward, successfully communicates a powerful message about the ability to turn one’s life around. Even if viewers cannot personally relate to her experiences, the universal theme of resilience shines through. Jermila’s honesty and vulnerability allow her audience to connect with her journey on an emotional level. As Big Fish Presentations states, “History is nothing but a series of stories that, when told correctly, can teach us lessons, give us insights into a variety of concepts, or entertain us” (Big Fish Presentations, 2012). Jermila’s digital story achieves this by blending her struggles with a broader message of hope and transformation. Her ability to balance the personal with the universal makes her story compelling and memorable.

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Digital StorytellingMichele Hutchison