Data used as art: Humanity in the 21st century

                      It is often assumed that people today are losing their individuality and uniqueness due to the increased use of technology. The beginning of the video even opens with a quote from a media theorist which stated, “19^th century culture was defined by the novel, 20^th century culture was defined by cinema, the 21^st century culture will be defined by the interface.” The artist Aaron Koblin has been working hard to disprove this theory. Using many social experiments that appear unorthodox at first, he proved an “average Joe” can make their mark on the global interface.
                In this day and age almost anybody can post their thoughts, feelings, ideals, or beliefs on the internet and instantly gain fame or criticism. The use of the internet has become a quintessential part of our generation. Yes, it can be frustrating to go to a website and be instantly engulfed with advertisements and notifications, but the internet can satisfy almost any need whether being used for social networking, research, or entertainment. However, with literally hundreds of millions of websites on the internet and even more pieces of content an individual can feel rather insignificant. Aaron Koblin’s social experiments provide a way to give an identity to a ghost of person who appears as a mere number or screen name.

                Take “The Johnny Cash Project” for example. It is a perfect way to bring together a plethora of personalities into one giant project.  The sheep and hundred dollar bill drawings are also great examples.  These experiments demonstrate how people can come together and create an original object and yet keep individual diversity and uniqueness. The airplane route interface and voice pattern models in Amsterdam provide a much needed assistance the chaotic life of the average human today. Humanity will move forward to a golden age thanks to technological advancements. Humanity is not being destroyed. It is merely moving forward into a bright new future of individualism.