Information Technologies (IT) can solve problems, accelerate decision-making and help complete complex tasks through self-learning processes. They are often defined as a communication system that is universal, transparent, simple and accessible. However, this is not 100% true. Technologies are neither neutral, nor accessible and transparent. Algorithmic processes are acting in direct relation to our infrastructures and beyond the purely functional transmission and transformation of the data, they often perform invisibly and with bias. There are political, social, economic and cultural issues that need to be addressed, because they determine the performativity of these technologies and are embedded in their design. We should be able to detect tactical and technical design choices, and to examine the potential and limits of their implementation. It is useful then to explore the intersection between the fascination generated by the possibilities of this hybrid and augmented condition and the awareness of the emerging patterns that lead to redefinitions of creativity, disciplines, representation, globalization and cultural production.
Beyond the Obvious 2018 “ctrl+shift HUMAN” focused on the paradigm between the fascination generated by the possibilities this hybrid and augmented condition brings, and the awareness of the new patterns that lead to redefinitions of creativity, disciplines, representation, globalization, production, labor… all within the framework of an increasing code dependence.
We are glad to present you the report of the conference which you can download from here.
