Drones: an extension of the gaze or its dehumanization?

Abstract

Aerial images were present in modern society shortly after the advent of photography. They also became part of the war strategy since they became technically viable. Currently, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, notably known as Drones, has expanded its participation in different segments of society due to its miniaturization resulting from the convergence between technology and digital imaging. To what extent do these artifacts cause changes in the production and reception of aerial images? Are we facing an extension of the gaze or its dehumanization? Supported by the reflections of Vilém Flússer and his work Towards a philosophy of Photography and Edmond Couchot in his book Art and Technology - from photography to virtual reality, this article seeks to reflect on this issue and analyze its possible contemporary developments.