On Becoming Psyche, Soma, Cyborg
A 72 Hour Digital Fast
"The collective unconscious projects a future that features a range of nightmarish states, from pervasive psychopathy to planetary apocalypse. Cinematic imagery in particular indicates a future where human nature is either severely compromised or completely overtaken by autonomous technology.”
—(Slater, 2008)
The Shadow of technology and social media.
"When part of your life is lived in virtual places-it can be Second Life, a computer game, a social networking site-a vexed relationship develops between what is true and what is "'true here," "true in simulation."
(Turkle, 2013)
“The advertising for Second Life, a virtual world where you get to build an avatar, a house, a family, and a social life, basically says, "Finally, a place to love your body, love your friends, and love your life."
“On Second Life, a lot of people, as represented by their avatars, are richer than they are in first life and a lot younger, thinner, and better dressed."
(Turkle, 2012)
What is the Cyborgian drift?
According to Slater (2008) “Drift” suggests being caught in a movement without being conscious of its direction. Although compelled to look at possible futures to perceive the direction of this movement, the concern comes to rest in the actual present"
Social media filters are altering face features in subtle and not so subtle ways.
Making the nose smaller, the jaw smaller, the eyes larger, changing eye color.
Removing texture, expression lines, the scars that make a person unique and human.
Damages self-image.
Filters that alter face features are no longer used just for fun, rather they have become the norm and people attempt to maintain as self image.
People do not recognize and/or dislike unfiltered images of themselves.
People, especially woman and young girls are being programed to reject their natural self.
NOT CONCERNED?!
"A triad of motivations underlies cyborgian drift: The denial of death; the search for perfection; and the need to believe that scientific discoveries and their application are synonymous with human progress" (Slater, 2008).
"We are immersed in a stream of consciousness that is carrying us toward a cyborg existence. The concern, in its essence, is that to the degree we imagine ourselves in robotic terms, we will, as our mastery of nature increases, turn ourselves into the very thing we imagine" (Slater, 2008).
Drifting…
Self-portrait painted during 72 hour digital fast. Examining and integrating the concept a social media Avatar and personally meaningful symbols.
Utilized applications to alter features and use of digital ‘enhancements’ to portray concept of fragmented self.
Can we help ourselves and future generations?
"These values suggest the need to preserve certain qualitative states—sensual awareness, erotic bonds, embodied thought, beauty, wisdom, limitation, imagination, empathy, reflection, artistic expression, and playfulness" (Slater, 2008).
The Medicine
Nature
Dreams
Rituals
Imagination
Stories
Embodiment
Art
Soul Work
