Feelings Inc. Symposium Day 1

Privacy Salon

Feelings Inc. delves into the delicate interplay of vulnerability and connection in online matchmaking and beyond.

Huidenclub

SYMPOSIUM DAY 1Artistic practice has always reflected the times, and as technology advances, so does the art inspired by it. Throughout history, artists have used the latest technological innovations to create new ideas and push the boundaries of creative expression. In today's ever-changing digital landscape, the boundaries between technology, art, research and even laws and regulations continue to blur. This inspires innovative protagonists to explore the unknown territory where these domains intersect. The Feelings Inc. symposia thrive on 4 main themes, each addressing a specific focus within recent developments in technology and vulnerability: Dating Apps, AI Companions, Platform Blues, Human-Machine Intimacy <h4>13 February 10:00 - 19:00</h4>Pelgrimsstraat 5c, 3029 BH Rotterdam, NL

Agenda

An short introduction to the day’s themes. 

Opening Remarks 

Where is platform theory today now that everyone is aware of the data-extractivist strategies and algorithmic manipulation? What is the 'platform brutalism’ turn and how does it relate to techno-feudalism? We all are becoming aware of the mental implications of intensive social media use. I will briefly visit my own work, from Sad by Design via Zoom Fatigue to Extinction Internet and then discuss Europe’s alternative strategies in these early stages of the Trump II-Musk era. What’s to be done? How can social movements, activists and artists organize themselves beyond Meta and Google? What are the ’stream art network’ and ‘expanded publishing’ practices and how do they provide an alternative to the 30 second videos on Insta and TikTok? 

From Platform Blues to Xodus 

From love to despair, to anger, loneliness and violence... our increasingly platformed society brings about feelings that are subject to commodification. Now more than ever the question arises: Should I stay or should I go? This panel will examine the motivations of whether or not to leave these toxic platforms. What are the alternatives, and do they fulfil our platform desires? To what extent is this exodus purposeful? 

Panel: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

This talk dives into the research behind Latent Intimacies, a trio of objects featured in the Feelings Inc. exhibition. Latent Intimacies is a collaborative project using open-source speech synthesis and small generative language models to explore new forms of human-machine intimacy. Anchored by the themes of latency, vulnerability, and connection, the discussion will unravel these as central mediators of technodomestic romance. It will also touch on versioning and archiving as technical and sociocultural means to preserve, safeguard, and restore our technological bonds. 

Latent Intimacies:Feelings towards machine latency, vulnerability & connection

In an era where artificial intelligence seamlessly mimics human interaction, youth are forming connections not only with people but also with chatbots and AI companions. Studies show that many users mistake chatbots for real individuals, revealing the deep psychological impact these technologies can have. The EU AI Act requires AI systems to disclose their synthetic nature, but the question remains: How do these interactions shape young minds and their expectations of real-world relationships?

Panel:Synthetic Bonds:Youth, Artificial Intimacy, & the Future of Relationship

In 2018, an incel (i.e., an involuntary celibate) posts a suicide note on the Reddit platform with the title “America is responsible for my death.” The Mechanics of fluids is an attempt to find answers to his words. A virtual drift on the Internet in search of his digital traces that ends up being an inner journey between two connected solitudes.

Film screening & Interview: "The Mechanics of Fluids" 

Large Language Models take on personas. The persona of the user (the discussant) is mirrored back. If the user is a mother, a mother will talk back. If one is a psychologist, a psychologist will talk back. The same applies to an artist, a lawyer, etc. Chatbots are capable of twisting the truth without distinguishing between fact and fiction, just to reflect the user. Hence, designing with care is pressing and is not only driven by agency of technologies in everyday life. Increasingly important agendas around inclusivity and sustainability help determine the perspective that designers, but also artists, preferably adopt. 

The answer is also sought from within. More-than-human design – for example - aims to transcend and expand the field and the relationship between humans and non-humans through the participation of non-humans in design processes. The panel looks into different practices within the field. 

Panel: Chatbot as a Mirror

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Feelings Inc. Symposium Day 1

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Feelings Inc. Symposium Day 1

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