Authentic Inauthentic Self

Abstract

"Tarot, Tweets, and Truth: Unmasking the Layers of Digital Identity" investigates the interplay between social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and human behavior, highlighting how the convergence of online and offline realities reshapes self-presentation and societal dynamics. Parasocial relationships (PSRs) dominate digital communities, with influential figures becoming cultural icons who strategically use language to shape societal perceptions. Adolescents, in particular, face pressure to curate positive online personas, raising ethical concerns about AI's potential to exploit these dynamics. Social media fosters inauthentic interactions, with influencers presenting intimate yet superficial aspects of their lives, blurring the line between genuine human nature and constructed identities. Surveillance and data extraction on these platforms create an action economy, where user engagement is incentivized and controlled by algorithms, complicating privacy and authenticity concerns. The ethical implications of integrating AI into social media are profound, as AI might replicate harmful behaviors and manipulate human interactions more efficiently. The project "Authentic Inauthentic Self" critiques the manipulation by social media influencers and their elevation to godhood, encouraging viewers to critically examine the figures they follow and their societal impacts. By using cartomancy to represent influential figures, the project aims to hold them accountable and spark conversations about AI's role in social media. Despite execution challenges, the exhibit generates reflections on authenticity and influence, underscoring the need for ethical considerations in integrating AI into social structures. Ultimately, the project serves as a historical record and critique, aiming to elevate societal standards and prevent potential harm from AI in the future.