"Ensnared Identity" is a thought-provoking video installation of the profound impact of digital technology on our sense of self. In an era where the digital realm shapes how we gather information and engage with the world, our identities undergo a transformative process.
This concept springs from a keen observation of the dynamic between individuals and their avatars. Avatars, as digital identities, offer a liberating escape from physical constraints and grant access to a vast repository of knowledge. They embody the "imaginary self," serving as conduits for thoughts within the digital domain. Yet, their loyalty is deceptive; they function as vigilant recorders, documenting online activities and surrendering them to recommendation algorithms for scrutiny and filtering.
This phenomenon reverberates across all online users, confining us within curated information bubbles despite our initial quest for fresh identities. It profoundly influences the evolution of our identities, shaped by the interplay between our avatars and the information we encounter. However, when the information we are presented with is no longer random and boundless, who does this molded identity truly represent?
"Ensnared Identity" is a meticulously crafted installation comprising four videos. These visual narratives vividly depict the intangible force within the digital realm, materializing as algorithmic intervention in the interplay between us and information. As a designer, the primary objective is to instigate a collective awakening among digital users, that the information we encounter online is not a true representation of the vast digital landscape. It is selectively filtered, tailored to suit our preferences, and ultimately alters our perception of reality.
The first video embodies the yearning to transcend physical limitations and embrace boundless information with a fresh identity. In the second, I revel in the interaction with a myriad of information, but as it adapts to my tastes, it kindles suspicion. The third video chronicles my struggle against the pervasive influence of algorithms, as I strive to wrest back control. Even with personalized functions disabled, recommendation algorithms persistently filter information based on our digital footprints, leaving an indelible mark on our online experiences. In the final stage, a stark realization emerges: the inescapable entanglement within this cocoon of information prompts a soul-searching inquiry into self-knowledge.
Ultimately, "Ensnared Identity" invites viewers to navigate the digital landscape with a discerning eye, urging them to continually scrutinize their identities and question their essence. Through this introspective journey, we aspire to reclaim authorship of our own narratives, re-establishing a sense of agency in the digital age.
