Internet — is not just a technology or tool for transmitting information. It has so changed our social, cultural and economic realities that it has become an integral part of how we think, perceive the world and interact with each other. With the development of the Internet, the term " appearedpost-internet"describing a new cultural phase where digital technologies do not just exist next to us, but are deeply integrated into all aspects of our lives. What does this phenomenon mean and why is it so important?
Definition of post-Internet
Term "posts-internet"emerged in the context of art and culture in the early 2000s to describe new forms of artistic creativity and cultural processes that appeared after the Internet ceased to be a novelty and became commonplace. However, this term is broader and covers not only art. The post-Internet describes an era in which the Internet is not just a tool or a separate environment, but rather a fundamental structure of our everyday life.
In the context of the post-Internet, the Internet is no longer perceived as a separate space where people enter to obtain information or interact with others. Instead, it has become so integrated into all areas of life — from personal relationships to economics and politics, — that the line between online and offline worlds is gradually blurring.
Influence on art
Post-Internet art is one of the key areas where this phenomenon has found its expression. This is an art that was born and functions in an era when the Internet is already so integrated into life that most works are created taking into account its influence. These can be both digital works and physical objects, but they all reflect the aesthetics and culture formed under the influence of the global network.
One of the key aspects of post-Internet art — is the interaction with digital culture and Internet memes that have become an integral part of mass consciousness. Artists use elements of Internet culture to create new meanings and contexts, often exploring the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds. For example, popular Internet memes can become themes for paintings or installations that resonate with broader cultural and social processes.
Also, post-Internet art actively uses social networks and digital platforms as places for exhibitions and interaction with the audience. Artists are no longer limited to galleries or museums. The Internet empowers everyone to create, publish and disseminate their art to a global audience. This changes not only the art form itself, but also the role of the artist and the viewer.
Social change and new reality
Post-Internet is not only about art, but also about broader social processes. Social networks, for example, have radically changed the way we build relationships, form social movements and express our thoughts. Information is now transmitted instantly, directly from one user to another, allowing new forms of interaction and cooperation to be created. But at the same time, it leads to certain — challenges from privacy issues to information congestion and fake news.
One aspect of the post-Internet is the "global village" phenomenon, where geographical boundaries no longer play an important role. People from different countries can instantly interact, cooperate and exchange ideas. This creates new opportunities for intercultural dialogue, but also raises the question of the preservation of local identities in a globalized world. The phenomenon of the global village will be described in a separate post.
Technology and self-perception
Post-Internet is also changing our self-perception. A person in the post-Internet era — is not just an individual, but also a digital presence. Our online personality, which we build through social networks, websites and digital platforms, often becomes as important as physical presence. It changes not only how we see ourselves, but also how others perceive us. Many aspects of life are increasingly digitalized and, for example, you can get married online through the Action application.
In addition, the Internet provides opportunities to create new communities and new community formats. For example, people can find like-minded people online, form new support and interaction networks that were previously unavailable due to physical distance or cultural barriers. For example, not indifferent people who have a 3D printer (or several) and want to support the army can join the DrukArmy community. Even from a distance, people can communicate and do things (not even digital, but physical) and swim to global and important things.
Post-internet <TAG1> is more than just a technological phenomenon. It is a cultural and social reality that changes our perception of the world, interaction with art, society and even ourselves. We live in an era where the Internet is no longer a separate space, but is deeply woven into all aspects of our lives. Post-Internet culture, with its new art forms, social changes and rethinking identity, continues to evolve and transform our understanding of the modern world. The new generation is unlikely to be able to imagine a time when the Internet was not what it is now.
Added a photo from the Error 404 exhibition to this post. Territories of Absence held in Bucharest in 2017. This exhibition just described aspects of the transformation of the era and the post-Internet as a whole.
