Selma E. Oksvold
A Digital Crisis: Kids and Screens
My long-form piece came about from witnessing the rapid and ubiquitous shift in people’s relationships with smart devices and the undeniable effect it’s having on society as a whole. This is particularly evident among younger people, with the loss of childhood as toys and interactive play are replaced by screens, as well as increasing issues with mental health.
The more I dug into the subject, the more difficult I found to narrow these issues down to a single-problem statement. Not only does this piece highlight societal shifts, it makes clear that governments, teachers, parents and even Gen Z have a crucial role to play in consciously informing and reshaping perceptions about the inherent dangers of a highly online society.
The Avian Plight in a Different Light (photojournalism)
Whether it be pigeons, treated as dirty “rats of the sky” by those who once held them dear, or majestic birds of prey, who have their freedom reduced to a 5 sq metres cage, I wanted to make this photo essay to show appreciation for these highly intelligent sentient beings. I’ve used portrait-style and close-up images to attain a more humane feel and hope this essay will shed new light and challenge misconceptions about birds.
The Other Side of the Refugee (podcast)
This podcast is an intimate, interview-based discussion with refugees about their current experiences living in a new and different place, their personal struggles and achievements, mental health, relationships, dreams, wishes and regrets. By gathering testimonies from two refugees from two different parts of the world, the podcast sheds light on how individual experiences may differ, whilst also revealing their similarities. The project aims to bring a more human perspective on refugees. All too often, they are reduced to a collective rather than seen as individuals with rich and intricate life stories. The presenter’s presence is minimised and the participants guide the narrative, allowing their individuality and shared humanity to shine through.