The panel discussed the impact of weirdness in mainstream culture, driven by the blend of emerging tech and art. Shumon Basar introduced the concept of the "new new normal," highlighting the rapid changes in societal norms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion led by moderators Andrea Evgenieva (AE) and Ester Freider (EF) explored the normalization of abnormal events, the role of AI in storytelling, and the shift from irony to sincerity in online interactions. The panelists- Shumon Basar (SB), Zaiba Jabbar (ZJ), Marisa Musing (MM), Nella Piatek (NP), and Bailey Davis (BD)- emphasised the importance of digital intimacy, the nostalgia for early internet experiences, and the emergence of third spaces as alternatives to social media. They also touched on the ethical considerations of using AI and the need for critical engagement with digital tools.
keywords: weirdness, emerging tech, art culture, user identity, personal style, authenticity, new normal, digital identity, cyber feminism, AI storytelling, social media, sincerity, accelerationism, third spaces, community engagement
Outline with Time Stamps
Introductions
00:00 AE introduces the purpose of the panel, focusing on the impact of weirdness in mainstream culture through the blend of emerging tech and art. AE and EF present themselves as moderators, and introduce the panelists.
Shumon Basar on the NEW new normal
02:06 SB discusses the concept of the "new new normal," describing it as the normalization of what was previously abnormal. Basar highlights the acceleration of change and its impact on various aspects of life, including work, shopping, and relationships.
07:01 SB mentions the normalization of horrific events, such as live-streamed genocides, and the chaotic nature of progress. He introduces the term "sci-fi realism," describing the present moment as stranger and weirder than any science fiction of the past.
Coping Mechanisms and Escapism
09:41 AE discusses the coping mechanisms people use to deal with the constant changes and horrors they encounter daily. She mentions the use of humor, irony, and memes as ways to cope with the overwhelming nature of the internet.
10:48 SB adds that posting on social media has become a form of activism and political representation. The discussion touches on the challenges of posting on social media platforms, including algorithmic suppression and shadow banning.
Digital Identities and Alter Egos
11:51 NP discusses the historical context of digital identities and alter egos, emphasizing their role in artistic expression and survival. She highlights the importance of opacity, playfulness, and refusal in digital spaces. NP introduces the concept of the glitch as a way to embody slowness and resist capitalism.
The discussion explores the idea of digital spaces allowing for the evolution of identities and the importance of not just broadcasting but practicing identity.
Idea of the Glitch and Her Visions Founder
16:28 EF asks ZJ about the idea of the glitch and how trends could subvert that in culture. ZJ discusses her platform Her Visions and how she created it.
The Role of AI in Storytelling
21:17 AE opens the floor to discuss opinions on using AI in storytelling and AI digital tools, stereotypes etc. ZJ explores the concept of ‘digital rewilding’.
24:41 MM talks about her PhD research on using AI to reinterpret ancient frescoes in Pompeii, emphasizing the importance of critical speculation.
30:30 BD shares her experience with using AI for storytelling in her fashion magazine, focusing on the use of AI for creating hyper-realistic images. She discusses the importance of having lived experiences to create meaningful and realistic AI-generated content.
Sincerity and Authenticity in the Digital Age
33:34 The panelists discuss the concept of sincerity and authenticity in the digital age, exploring how these terms have evolved. SB references the "age of sincerity" in early internet culture and the shift towards irony and hyper-maxing. The discussion touches on the challenges of maintaining sincerity and authenticity in a world dominated by social media and AI. The panelists share their personal experiences and perspectives on how they navigate the tension between sincerity and irony online.
The Role of Community and Third Spaces
44:56 The panelists discuss the importance of community and third spaces, which exist between social media and in-person interactions, as a way to create more meaningful connections in the digital age. The discussion touches on the role of platforms like Discord and group chats in fostering community and authentic interactions. The panelists share their experiences with creating and participating in online communities that provide a sense of belonging and support- in an age that has increasingly nostalgia for early internet culture.
Nostalgia for Early Internet Culture: The panelists discuss the sense of ambiguity and playfulness that characterized early internet culture, the challenges of platformization and the desire for more participatory and less passive online experiences. Highlight the importance of meeting people in person and having face-to-face conversations as a way to build meaningful connections. The panelists share their thoughts on how to balance the benefits of modern technology with the desire for more authentic and slower-paced interactions.
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