Echoes of the Swarm by Awa Ndiaye

A contemporary gris-gris amulet, its form echoing ancient traditions, yet subtly reshaped by unseen forces.

What if your feelings were no longer entirely your own, but gently guided by an unseen hand?

Echoes of the Swarm: A speculative artifact from a near future where emotion AI subtly shapes collective behavior, prompting critical reflection on the price of algorithmic harmony.

Ndiaye_7659, Senegal

Description

Explore how emerging technologies, even when intended to improve quality of life, might give rise to unforeseen impacts on culture and traditional belief systems. "Echoes of the Swarm" presents a tangible artifact from a near future where emotion AI subtly shapes collective behavior. Drawing on Senegalese cultural motifs and the symbolic language of astrology, this piece reflects a society seemingly optimized for well-being, prompting critical reflection on the potential trade-offs between emotional stability and individual expression. It invites a quiet questioning of unseen influences, a recognition tinged with unease, and the urge to decipher deeper societal narratives.

Context

The imagined world is a vibrant yet subtly controlled urban Senegal. Traditional open-air markets bustle, but conversations carry a muted quality, a subtle conformity. Colorful, patterned fabrics, once expressions of individual flair, now adhere to algorithmically generated trends, blending ancestral motifs with data-driven aesthetics. Beneath the surface of communal harmony lies a quiet tension, a sense that individual emotions are subtly curated, that deviation from the norm, although rare, is gently and quietly discouraged in the pursuit of collective wellness. The past is a fading echo, increasingly replaced by a homogenized, algorithmically sweetened present.

Provocation

This project unveils a potential future where technology might subtly shape emotions. It demands that the viewer considers impacts of AI. Current rapid developments in AI and algorithmic control, should trigger concern. What aspects of our humanity might we be willing to sacrifice in the pursuit of collective well-being?

Ndiaye_7659's process

Ndiaye, a genderqueer artist from urban Senegal, is deeply inspired by astrology, mysticism, pop culture and various subcultures. Their local cultural background infuses a profound respect, for the traditional methods of collective experience. In "Echoes of the Swarm", Ndiaye merges demographic projections, and cognitive bias research with symbolic representations of cultural signs. The result is a single material piece that offers an insight into how societal optimization, through technology, can potentially suppress individual and collective expression for the sake of imposed harmony, sparking dialogue about the balance that must exist between those forces.

More about Ndiaye_7659

Events leading to ‘Echoes of the Swarm’

2024: Emotion AI technology advances, showing increased accuracy in predicting emotional responses.

2025: Pilot programs integrating emotion AI into wearable devices gain traction in limited populations.

2026: Studies explore the use of subliminal audio cues for influencing mood and behavior.

2027: Public debates emerge about the ethics of using AI for emotional regulation in select societies.

2028: First instances on the market of consumer products incorporating subtle emotion-regulating technology.

Imagined Future Scenarios Considered

Ndiaye_7659 considered the following imagined future scenarios while working on this project

Scientists create 'Neandertalized' brain organoids to study the functional impact of archaic genes on neural development and connectivity in a controlled environment.

Extrapolated from How Neandertal DNA May Affect the Way We Think - Scientific American

Nations implement 'Demographic Dividends' policies, incentivizing specific family structures and career choices based on real-time population models.

Extrapolated from Layering Success: How To Target High-Intent Users In Google Ads via @sejournal, @LisaRocksSEM - Search Engine Journal

Demographic data, combined with AI, allow for precise urban planning, creating smart cities that cater to residents' needs regarding transportation and housing.

Extrapolated from The Transformative Power Of Women In Leadership Roles - Forbes

Within 3-5 years work relocation incentives shift towards areas with advanced healthcare infrastructure and lower cost of living due to aging population

Extrapolated from The Future Of Work Requires CEOs To Prioritize These 2 Core Values - Forbes

VR simulations provide immersive, realistic training scenarios for employees, enhancing skill retention and application.

Extrapolated from Four Keys To Driving A Culture Of Continuous Learning And Improvement - Forbes

Advanced emotion AI can accurately predict emotional responses, enabling preemptive interventions in mental health care through behavioral nudges.

Extrapolated from Technology Trends for 2025 - Oreilly.com

Brain-computer interfaces become mainstream allowing individuals to directly translate thoughts into actions for computer tasks, dramatically accelerating workflows.

Extrapolated from Technology Trends for 2025 - Oreilly.com

Brain-computer interfaces leverage complex optimization to fluidly translate thoughts into actions, seamlessly restoring motor functions for paralyzed individuals.

Extrapolated from An overview of gradient descent optimization algorithms - Ruder.io

Hypothetical Product Ideas Considered

Ndiaye_7659 considered the following hypothetical product ideas while working on this project

Talent Mobility Marketplace

A global platform connecting individuals with specialized skills to high-demand jobs within growing smart cities. Using AI, it identifies skill gaps in specific urban areas and proactively matches candidates, facilitating relocation, training, and integration into the new city. Helps to solve talent shortages and drive inclusive economic growth. Includes cultural integration and language support.

Harmonia: Algorithmic Resonance Chamber

A public space or virtual environment where emotion AI optimizes the collective emotional atmosphere. It uses subtle environmental adjustments—soundscapes, lighting, and social nudges—to create a calming and productive environment, aiming to minimize negative collective emotions and enhance shared positive experiences, like public art installations designed to evoke awe.

Cognitive Resilience Training (CRT)

A personalized BCI-powered training program designed to mitigate cognitive overload and burnout resulting from constant, BCI-enhanced productivity. It focuses on improving attention regulation, stress management, and cognitive flexibility through neurofeedback loops.

Boomtown Builders Fund

A real estate investment fund focused on developing age-friendly infrastructure in growth regions. Prioritizes accessible housing, healthcare facilities, community centers, and sustainable transportation options to accommodate the influx of older residents while minimizing environmental impact.

Age-Based Retirement Bonds

Government-backed investment product incentivizing delayed retirement. Bonds mature and pay out significantly higher returns based on the age at which retirement is taken, calculated based on demographic projections and workforce needs. Funds are used to support the elderly and growing generations.

BCI Access Lottery

A randomized lottery system funded by neurotech companies and private donations to ensure equitable access to BCI technology for paralyzed individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status. This addresses the potential for widening inequality and ensures everyone has a chance at restoration of motor functions.

Silver Tsunami Navigator

A personalized relocation and integration service for seniors moving to growth areas. It factors in healthcare needs, lifestyle preferences, and financial considerations to ensure a smooth transition into the new community, connecting them with relevant resources, support networks, and leisure activities.

Equity Organoid Access Program (EOAP)

A subsidized organoid-based diagnostic and therapeutic program funded by a tax on profits from the bio-tech industry. It ensures equitable access to life-saving organoid treatments for underserved populations.

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