Hello there, welcome to NO FILTERS — we’re snarking on the intersection of digital tech and society.
So... I guess I'm starting a newsletter?
Cool — but who the hell are you?
I’m Carolyn West. You can call me Caro. My pronouns are they/them/she. I am a photographer, creative director, writer and anthropologist.
My work is interested in the way in which people imagine the world around them through the intersection of digital media and technologies. Specifically, I’m interested in mobility, religion and spirituality, the climate crisis, queerness, and sexuality. My work is interdisciplinary and takes form in the mediums of photography, video, written and spoken word.
When I’m not thinking about these things, you can generally find me behind a coffee machine or driving around in my van, Ziggy Deathbox.
So what is NO FILTERS about then?
NO FILTERS is the super sexy lovechild born from the two disciplines I am privileged to have degrees in: digital media and anthropology. Each week, we will explore a new facet of how the internet interacts with our everyday lives — or perhaps the other way around — through thoughtful short(ish) essays, interviews, podcasts and sometimes video content. Join me as we dive deep into niche parts of the web and try to work out exactly what it all means.
I know producing longer-form content for a generation that is now very much addicted to 15-second TikToks is somewhat redundant, but I hope that you find this newsletter to be mentally stirring.
If at any point I discuss something that you don’t agree with, have a question about, or perhaps you have more to add to the topic at hand, please do leave a comment! Constructive debates, criticism and discussions are valued here. Got a tip about something I should explore? DM me on IG @c____west.
Is there a benefit to subscribing?
Look, we all know your memory has practically been reduced to that of a goldfish (thanks, social media!), and you’re not going to remember the URL to this page, or to check back once a week to see when I’ve posted a new article.
So, subscribe… it’s free! You won’t need to worry about missing an article. Every new addition of NO FILTERS goes directly to your inbox. You can also access the archives and discussions right here. Also, you’ll be boosting my struggling ego a little bit.
I might not be as wealthy as that Nigerian Prince in your spam folder, but I can provide you with a wealth of information 😉 😬
Give me social media klout
You can also engage with me on Instagram and Twitter where you’ll find bite-sized chunks of information I share here, me doing dumb shit on my stories, the occasional thirst trap and the like. I also have a website where you can see my work, read my blog and write me love letters.
Anyway, that’s it for now. Welcome to the newsletter and stuff, I guess. Feel free to tell your friends, spread the love, and leave a comment below so that I don’t feel like I’m screaming into the void.
Cheers ✌️