Student 8

Object #1: My Key To The Gym

My key to the gym symbolizes the role of experts in influencing our consumption of knowledge, as my acquisition of my key to the gym was due to the exposure that experts present. The most broadly considered experts are doctors, fitness trainers, and social media stars. These people are considered experts due to the knowledge, experience, and experiments they have or have done.

When I saw my friend’s interest in fitness and wellbeing, I was influenced to consume more knowledge on the topic. Since I trusted my friends and their opinions, I was inclined to trust experts that they followed. The knowledge I gained on the topic was due to who I considered an expert. My background pushed me to research workouts and lifestyle tips which relate to me culturally (ex. How I could eat cultural foods and still be healthy), religiously (ex. Following restrictions), and physically (ex. My body shape, weight, and height). Therefore, when acquiring knowledge I focused on what workouts are best for which areas of the body, what sort of diet should be kept, and how often I should go to the gym to maintain a healthy, fit lifestyle.

Experts not only influence going to the gym, but they also influence the activities an individual does in the gym, based on focus of what one would like to achieve. This could range from working out due to body insecurity to doing it for interest . For example, my main focus is resistance training with cardio as fitness enthusiasts and experts have influenced my knowledge, and informed me that workouts relating to these categories will provide me with the maximum results I desire. For others, this may vary as the expert that one follows and believes the most will direct their decision by providing them with knowledge that relates to their perspectives.

My object holds significance to me as my acquisition of my key to the gym impacted my mental state.I was spending time on myself and allowing my body to be in a healthier position compared to before, driving me to change my lifestyle into a healthier and more self focused one alongside aiding my mental health. The knowledge I gained and the types of knowledge that I allowed to influence me was due to perspective and who I considered an expert because of that perspective. As I continue to acquire knowledge on the topic of fitness and wellbeing, my definition of an expert shifts based on the previous information I have learned.

Object #2: My Toothpaste

My toothpaste demonstrates the role of experts in influencing consumption and knowledge through context, as there are multiple brands of toothpaste ranging in price and functionality. The most commonly accepted experts are oral health brands, dentists/ oral specialists, and social media stars.

Oral health brands are considered experts as they create credibility to gain the trust of the target audience. They do so through reviews, sponsorships, branding, pathos, and logos. Dentists are widely considered experts when it comes to matters related to oral health because of their education and application in the field. Social media stars are considered experts mainly by their fanbase and because of fan loyalty, but also since they provide product reviews and results. Perspective helps determine who one will consider the expert and influences our decision on who to trust.

This object is significant to me because of the physical health benefits that it has presented. When I decided to change my toothpaste,I felt it making an impact externally and internally.

Object #3: My Quran

My Quran is a religious application of the role of experts in the consumption and acquisition of knowledge. The generally regarded experts may be historical figures, historians, or God.

Due to the role of the expert in creating the book. Since I consider God to be followed due to the high status he has in my religion, my consumption and acquisition of knowledge is influenced more through following religious rulings in the Quran as it is recommended to read. My acquisition of knowledge differs as while I am consuming the knowledge, the meaning of what is written differs as it can be interpreted in many different ways.

The Quran has influenced the consumption and acquisition of knowledge of those around me, depending on their perspective and who they consider the expert. For example, if someone considers the historian as the expert, they would consume the knowledge in the Quran in a different way and amount.

My object holds significance to me due to the fact that it is the Holy Book of the religion of Islam which I have followed and choose to follow, as my religion is a part of me. It has shaped me to become the person that I am, spiritually.