Society of Simulations

Simulations are now more meaningful than the reality they represent

The media have become our filters through which we survey the world around us. We see more images every day than a person living in the Middle Ages in a whole lifetime. Plastic surgeons sculpt flesh to match retouched photographs in glossy magazines. Virtual computer worlds are becoming increasingly ‘real’ and blended with our physical world. People drink beverages with non-existing fruit flavors. We wage war on video screens. Birds mimic mobile–phone ring tones. Do we still have genuine experiences at all, or are we living in a Society of Simulations?

Staff Picks

‘Our brains have only limited capabilities for understanding media’
Retro-Futuristic Society of Simulations
Alessia Andreotti

This retro-futuristic postcard was produced in the 1930s by a German magazine.In this vision of the future they got a ...

Sight: As Second Life becomes First Life

This short, created by Eran May-raz and Daniel Lazo, portrays a speculative future wherein we all walk around with contact lens-like devices that augment our reality.

Visual of Out of Network

Out of Network

When we type “Flickr” or “Facebook” or “YouTube” into a browser we seek to enter social networks and enjoy secure...

Visual of "The End": a Virtual Opera Singer, Millions of Fans and the Meaning of Death

"The End": a Virtual Opera Singer, Millions of Fans and the Meaning of Death

Sixteen-year-old Japanese singer Hatsune Miku grew in short time to a worldwide popstar. With her colourful appearance she counts millions...

Visual of 'e-End' means removing a person from online life

'e-End' means removing a person from online life

When two people have a fight it is not really the end until it’s e-end. We finally have a chance...