The first social media channel, Facebook, went online 20 years ago. Since then, the functionalities and range of social media have developed rapidly. Today, it is impossible to imagine our society without social networks and Facebook has to share the attention of users with a multitude of other apps. With her second exhibition BE.LIKE.ME. Social Media and Me, the World of Temptation Foundation is addressing an everyday phenomenon that has long dominated our lives, our health and our interactions – and can certainly be addictive. The largely interactive exhibition will open on Thursday, August 15, at 7 pm at Anger 28/29 (Lachsgasse entrance) and can be seen up to and including October 31.
Image above: Key Visual, BE.LIKE.ME. Social Media und ich – ein Projekt der Stiftung Welt der Versuchungen. Created with Midjourney by Naroska, 2024.
Since the 2000s, apps such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), Insta and BeReal, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok have been booming – almost everyone has a profile somewhere, posts, pictures and videos online and comments on others’ posts. In the smartphone age, they permeate us individually and socially, professionally and privately. No matter where, and always: now. We use social media for contact and information, social participation, dating, consumption, distraction, stimulation and, last but not least, not to miss anything and for self-affirmation in the hunt for likes.
On the one hand, these changed lifestyles offer us opportunities, but on the other hand they also demand a lot from us mentally, physically and in terms of personal rights. But they can also encourage addictive behavior. The exhibition will discuss these aspects from the perspective of users with all interested parties – with an additional focus on young people and families.
Among the wealth of possible topics, the exhibition will highlight current positions from science and art and focus on these questions, among others: What human needs are addressed by social networks, what are the benefits and risks? How is my user behavior influenced by algorithms? Why do we need likes and why can they put us under pressure? As well as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) or fear of rejection? How does the use of social networks affect our reward system: passively as a child and actively as a teenager and as an adult? Where is the tipping point towards addictive behavior? How can I arm myself or break habits?
WHEN?
Opening: Thursday, August 15, 2024, 7 pm
Exhibition dates: Friday, August 16 – Thursday, October 31, 2024
Opening hours: Friday – Wednesday, 11 am – 6 pm, Thursday, 11 am – 8 pm, Tuesday closed, open for school classes from 9 am after booking
WHERE?
World of Temptations Foundation
Anger 28/29
99084 Erfurt
COST?
Regular: 7 EUR
Reduced: 5 EUR
Pupils: 3 EUR
