Digital Distractions Become An Art Form
My digital realm is precise, enjoyable, and most of all, addicting. It’s created by algorithms that are tailor-made by studying my search history, screen time, messages, shopping patterns and eavesdropping on my conversations.
They have figured out what I want and when I want it.
My digital realm keeps me distracted. Things like the enjoyment of a stroll in the park, spending time and engaging with other humans, the awe and wonder of staring at Jupiter through my binoculars on a clear night, are all shelved for the moment, as I sit watching an endless loop of funny voiceover reels on Instagram that keep me preoccupied for hours.
When suddenly an ad for that new studio easel that I’ve been searching for pops up.
“Oh, look, this one is on sale.” CLICK.
And just like that a new rabbit hole has been created by my algorithm for me to bury into.
In this painting, “Don’t look over there, just like, comment, and share.” I try to visually represent this feeling of digital distraction. Three giraffes, a black cat scampering in the parking lot, smoke, and a tire engulfed in flames rolling into the picture frame suggests that there must be something chaotic going on in the background. The viewer is distracted by the character in the foreground though, holding out their comforting hand for you to grab a hold of.
The smiley character that I like to call “ALL SMILES” is the representation of those algorithms that I credulously believe in. The character is there trying to lure me in with a warm, yet mischievous smile bringing with it the most iconic responses it needs to keep the loop going, “comment”, “like” and “share”.
click on any image to enlarge
My algorithm is a shadow of a digital assistant who profits off my needs and wants in order to survive, and because of that, has created a digital realm where I am the King and it is my King’s Hand. But who’s really in control?
I scroll through my news and social feeds, looking at everything I like, want to see, hear, or read about. But if I could stop myself for a moment and question if it really is me who wants these things, or is it something manipulating me, I might be able to finally step outside my personal digital bubble.
Maybe, I selfishly ignore that question, because in the end who can resist that smile.
