Abstract

Pixel Patrol is an interactive simulation installation that explores the complexities and ethical dilemmas of content moderation in the digital age. Visitors are invited to navigate the delicate balance between individual expression and platform guidelines as content moderators in a dystopian society. Through a three-monitor installation that features pixel art, real-time news, and evolving guidelines, visitors are encouraged to reflect on the impact of their decisions on the virtual world and on society as a whole. Drawing inspiration from games like "Papers, Please" and "Do Not Feed the Monkeys," Pixel Patrol challenges visitors to contemplate the value of our digital presence and to question the relationship between individuals and technology. The installation invites introspection and dialogue about the consequences of losing our digital presence and the ethical implications of the digital age. Visitors are challenged to consider how power dynamics shape our interactions, memories, and personal identities in the digital age.

Research

Technical Details

The installation employs ChatGPT and Midjourney to generate text prompts and visual references, and Runway Gen-1 to create video content, resulting in a majority of visual and video content. All content is seamlessly integrated through post-production in After Effects. The interactive interfaces of the installation are powered by TouchDesigner, which enables visitors to engage with the three-monitor setup in a dynamic and intuitive manner. Moreover, the monitors have undergone modifications such as the removal of the polarizer and the addition of polarizing films to glasses and polarized cards, revealing hidden content and adding an extra layer of interactivity to the overall experience.