Reflection:
Transition of Human Behaviors to Online Spaces Amidst the Pandemic

“Someone was willing to hear my story, but he only listened superficially and didn't seek a deeper understanding, so he left. So later, based on that, and combining it with the concept of online dating, what I wanted to convey is a sense of emptiness in contrast to something that seems rich.”






















“Originally, relationships were envisioned as romantic and sincere endeavors, requiring considerable time and thoughtful investment from both parties. They were meant to be approached with seriousness and dedication. However, they have now transformed into a swift and efficient selection process, involving criteria-based filtering at each stage or in any given context. These conditions and structures give the impression that human beings are being commodified, echoing the way products are managed on online shopping platforms. In the context of online dating, it has essentially become another variant of an online shopping platform, where the products are people, each individual tagged with labels like pricing. Moreover, we also establish our own criteria, allowing others to filter us based on these conditions. Furthermore, similar to a marketplace, there may be ratings and popularity metrics, mirroring those found in the realm of online shopping.”



































“It's like suddenly, you find yourself with a lot of time at home. Then, it's challenging to adjust your mindset to where you should actually be, such as in a school or work mode. It's as if being confined at home keeps you in a constant state of relaxation, making it difficult to transition, and perhaps, there isn't a strong effort to make that adjustment. Normally, through changes in your location or commuting, it forces a certain style of managing time. However, due to the pandemic, you stay in the same space, and your time allocation becomes very fuzzy, and the boundaries are blurred.”

Not all the works I've curated for this project were directly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I believe their inclusion is pertinent as they resonate profoundly within the pandemic's context. After discussing with the artists, I secured their consent to interpret and showcase their works as part of a pandemic oral history project. Among these, 'Daters,' created by July Zhou, a Parsons MFA student with a rich background in UI/UX design, stands out for its unique perspective.


"Daters" stands as an interactive installation offering a profound contemplation of the evolving landscape of human interactions in our increasingly digital world. The significance of this theme has been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by a substantial surge in dating app usage. Faced with confinement and isolation, individuals sought connection and companionship through digital platforms. Beyond dating, a conflict or tradeoff between the emptiness of real-world experiences and online activities emerges, warranting discussion. While not explicitly prompted by the pandemic, July's work serves as a poignant commentary on this societal shift.


She shared the source of inspiration for her work, recounting a brief story she once encountered online: "I found myself at home, hearing approaching footsteps and a subsequent knock on the door. Frightened by the knocking, I hesitated to open the door, waiting for another knock. The person eventually left without entering when I didn't open the door. On another occasion, summoning the courage to open the door, I allowed the person to come in, have a cup of tea, and listen to a story I shared. After hearing the story, the person departed, leaving nothing behind but an empty teacup."


Based on this story, July created the prototype of this work, as depicted on the cover. The focal point of this prototype centers on a small figure within a confined space. Following this, external sounds of footsteps and knocking induce fear in the figure, prompting it to stay still. After the departure of the external presence, hearts descend from the ceiling, repeating this sequence multiple times. Initially absent, the hearts gradually multiply, potentially saturating the room. Despite the seeming result that the space is full in the end, it consistently accommodates only the solitary figure. Even as hearts accumulate, suggesting a love-infused environment, the figure remains alone, as no one demonstrates a genuine willingness to open the door. Though the door could be easily opened, this pivotal step remains uninitiated; visitors merely glance inside and, lacking swift acknowledgment, move on to the next room. Consequently, despite the growing number of hearts, creating the illusion of enveloping love, the stark reality persists—profound loneliness prevails, with a genuine dearth of willingness to deeply comprehend the figure within.


The final installation she created, comprising an iPad, a filter screen, and a display screen, narrates a story of isolation and connection in the digital era. A small figure, confined in a transparent box, symbolizes the individual's isolated condition amid a sea of virtual interactions. User interactions with the iPad, such as swiping right, cause hearts to fill the box, representing the affection and connection sought through digital platforms. Yet, when viewed without the filter screen, this illusion of connection dissolves, underscoring the disparity between digital intimacy and actual isolation.


"Daters" presents a thought-provoking exploration into the growing reliance on online platforms for social interactions during the pandemic. The swift shift from physical to virtual meetings, hastened by lockdowns and social distancing measures, not only transforms dating culture but also signifies a broader shift in societal norms.


This artistic representation encapsulates the spirit of our era, emphasizing how the pandemic has seamlessly woven digital interfaces into our daily lives, thereby fundamentally reshaping the nature of human relationships. When we find satisfaction in our online experiences, it's essential to take an extra step and ponder whether this contentment extends to our real-life experiences.


I want to go beyond July's critique of online dating, delving into the transient nature often likened to fast-food culture. The artwork's portrayal of hearts accumulating rapidly with each swipe acts as a metaphor for the ease and quickness of forming connections online. However, it also hints at the underlying loneliness and superficiality inherent in these interactions, urging viewers to question the depth and authenticity of relationships forged in the digital realm.


Moving beyond the discourse on fast-food culture in online dating, consideration extends to the efficiency of online tools that bring us undeniable benefits. The transition to online platforms, facilitating convenience in aspects such as working from home and efficient online instruction, allows for enhanced flexibility in time management. In my various interviews for other projects, respondents often expressed their enjoyment of the convenience of working from home. Yet, with every such response, a subtle sense of something being missed lingered in the air.


Therefore, it is imperative to delve deeper and reflect on the potential losses associated with fully embracing online efficiency. For example, the blurring of boundaries between the virtual and reality extends to the ambiguity in lifestyles, as individuals no longer need to distinguish between a working-self and a home-self due to the absence of commuting. This inherent vagueness poses potential dangers. Additionally, the loosened human connections and concealed loneliness, as highlighted in "Daters," undeniably emerge as another two negative aspects of transitioning human behavior to the online sphere.


In summary, “Daters” transcends being merely an art piece; it serves as a reflective commentary on a significant social shift – the migration of human activities and interactions from offline to online realms. Through this installation, July prompts viewers to contemplate the implications of this transition, particularly in the context of the pandemic. The piece challenges us to reassess the true essence of human connection in an era increasingly dominated by digital interactions. It stands as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that technological advances and global crises have on the fundamental aspects of human life, urging us to strike a balance between our online presence and the need for genuine, meaningful connections.