Indulging in the Coin Vending

The increasing influence of media in shaping public discourse raises concerns about true individual agency in commentary versus reactions shaped by external pressures. This dynamic is explored in the artwork Comments Pusher, which examines the cyclical nature of opinion accumulation and collapse in online environments. Using a dual-screen installation, the piece simulates real-time commentary with voice simulation and sentiment analysis through the VADER tool, categorizing emotional content into positive, negative, or neutral sentiments.

The installation likens social media engagement to a coin-pushing game, where participants’ contributions seem impactful but rarely lead to meaningful outcomes. As with coins accumulating in the game, comments drive discussions to a tipping point before topics collapse and fade away. This metaphor illustrates the repetitive cycle of engagement, outrage, and forgetting, exposing the illusion of progress and the futility within the digital public sphere.

Comments Pusher also addresses the moral responsibilities of users in digitally mediated environments, highlighting the need for critical self-reflection to navigate the fine line between ethical participation and complicity in divisive discourse. By engaging with these themes, the artwork calls for a deeper examination of how technology influences not just communication but also thought and behavior, emphasizing the need for genuine human connection and ethical consideration in the digital age.