Līva Freimane, student ambassador BA Digital Society

Why did you choose to study Digital Society in Maastricht?

In high school, I was interested in IT and physics. However, I was not really satisfied with the study programmes available in those fields. It always seemed like something was missing. Then I came across Digital Society, and I discovered what I was missing all along: the connection between those fields and its impact on society. That perspective was new to me. I did not know this existed at all!

What do you enjoy most about your studies?

It’s very fulfilling to see how the material we study affects our daily lives. And the little things that make each tutorial unique. For example, in the course Digital Cultures every student brings a different music video or music track related to the course material. We play it at the start of the tutorial, allowing us to learn in ways beyond just reading the material. This approach links the content to real-world problems, even though it is a theoretical bachelor’s programme. 

I find it interesting that we take technology for granted. It is so embedded in our lives that it seems invisible. Take our phone, for example. We use it to communicate, for entertainment and so on. In Digital Society, we not only look at the technologies behind it, but also its impact on the relationships between people. How does having a phone next to you influence how you talk to someone?

What do you hope to get out of this programme?

I want to acquire the tools to analyse technology through a critical lens. Touching upon all these subjects and talking to professionals helps me achieve that. After this, I would like to do a master’s, although I’m not yet certain which one. I try to focus on the present rather than setting rigid expectations for myself. Currently, I feel drawn to an academic career. Working in academia would be a good environment to keep on stimulating my curiosity.

How do you like living in Maastricht?

I love Maastricht in the autumn. It looks beautiful. As an avid reader, the season calls for cuddling up with a good book. My favourite place would be Lumière, the arthouse cinema. The setting and atmosphere are great, and it even reminds me of home.