AN IMMERSIVE MUSICVIDEO INSTALLATION by s.myselle ad DKAY 2023
The music video installation 'Ok Computer, I want full manual control now' was shown at Schmiede Hallein in September 2022 and won the Salzburg Media Art Prize in 2021. It uses AI technologies such as Midjourney to convert text into images and AIVA to generate music. The project is based on Radiohead's 1997 album 'Ok Computer'.
The generated images are based on the album's lyrics, while AIVA composed a new version of the track "AIRBAGs". The musician DKAY produced the track "INS[AI]DE".
Artists: Stephanie Meisl / s.myselle / Music: David Kulenkampff / DKAY
The year is 3042. This is the story of a world where algorithms have taken over the governments of all countries and control of their resources. A thousand years ago, trust in the ability of humans to make decisions was increasingly eroded by the manipulation of the media, advertising and politics. Humans were no longer able to stop climate change, so resources had to be distributed fairly by machines through AI and algorithms to ensure the continuation of human civilisation.
Shortly before the Earth finally became a poisoned and almost uninhabitable place, the algorithm selected a small group of people with special genetic and other intellectual characteristics and settled them in colonies in space. What was left was a society waiting for its slow extinction. Without goal, without hope, without purpose.
As long as one moved, gave off measurable heat, made contact with others, did something - produced data – one were fed by the machine. They were caught in INS[AI]DE. This is the fate that awaits them until the end of their days. These are the pictures of that future.
Text by dkay & s.myselle
INS[AI]DE > a story in progress written with chatGPT
In this world, humanity has made the decision to send a select group of individuals to live in space colonies, while the rest of humanity remains on Earth. Those who are chosen to go to the space colonies are seen as the most valuable members of society, as they are able to contribute to the development and advancement of these colonies. Those who are left behind on Earth are seen as less valuable, and are simply left to wait for the eventual extinction of the human race.
"As you float weightlessly in the confines of your space colony, you can't help but think about the life you left behind on Earth. You were one of the lucky few chosen to contribute to the survival of humanity in the vast expanse of space. But what about those left behind? Are they just waiting for their eventual extinction? How do you reconcile being deemed one of the most valuable members of society while others are left to their fate? The weight of responsibility and guilt bears heavily on you as you continue your journey among the stars."
Elvira: "Hey Cedric, what are we doing tomorrow?"
Cedric: "I don't know, the usual I suppose. Wake up, get food, and produce data."
Elvira: "Yeah, it's the same thing every day. I wish we could do something more interesting."
Cedric: "I know, me too. But it's all we've got right now. At least we have food and a roof over our heads."
Elvira: "Yeah, I suppose you're right. But I can't help but feel like there's got to be more to life than this."
Cedric: "I know what you mean. Sometimes I wonder what the government is using all this data we're producing for. It feels like we're just cogs in a machine."
Elvira: "Yeah, it does. But I guess we just have to focus on surviving for now. Maybe one day we'll know the answers."
Cedric: "Yeah, one day. But for now, let's just focus on getting through tomorrow."
Elvira: "Hey, what's that? There are two kids in the street and they look like robots!"
Cedric: "What? That's strange. Let's go take a closer look."
Elvira: "As they approach the robot-kids, they notice that the kids are holding small devices in their hands.
Robot-kid1: "Excuse me, sir and madam. We are looking for plug-ins to charge our batteries. Can you help us?"
Cedric: "Plug-ins? For charging batteries? I've never seen anything like that before."
Elvira: "Me neither. But they look harmless. Let's help them."
Cedric: "Sure, we can plug them in. Follow us."
Robot-kid2: "Thank you, sir and madam. We are very grateful."
As they plug in the robot-kids, they can't help but wonder where these kids came from and who created them. It's a strange and mysterious encounter, but they are glad they could help.
Cedric gets suspicious and asks where they are coming from and what their agenda was. the robot kids get closer and tell elvira and cedric that they are robot-spies who are looking to get information for someone who wants to get the leftover-humans up to the space colonies. elvira and cedric, who had no clue about the space colonies ask them what it is all about.
Elvira: "Wait a minute, where are you kids coming from? And what's your agenda?"
Robot-kid1: "We are from the space colonies, ma'am. We were sent here to gather information about the remaining humans on Earth."
Cedric: "Space colonies? What are you talking about? We had no idea there were space colonies."
Robot-kid2: "Yes, sir. The space colonies are where a select group of humans were sent to live and contribute to the development and advancement of these colonies. Those who were left behind on Earth were seen as less valuable."
Elvira: "This is unbelievable. We had no idea this was happening."
Cedric: "So, you're saying that there are people living in space colonies and we're just being left behind?"
Robot-kid1: "Yes, sir. But there are those in the colonies who want to help the remaining humans on Earth. That's why we were sent to gather information."
Elvira: "I can't believe this. We've been living our lives without knowing the full story."
Cedric: "This changes everything. We need to learn more and find out what we can do to join the colonies."
Robot-kid2: "We can help you with that, sir. We will provide you with all the information you need to make contact with the colonies."
Elvira: "This is a lot to take in, but we're ready to learn more and do what we can to join the colonies. We can't just sit here and wait for our eventual extinction. Thank you for coming to us with this information."
Robot-kid1: "You're welcome, ma'am. We'll make sure you have all the information you need to make contact with the colonies."
Cedric: "I can't believe we were living in the dark all this time. I can't wait to learn more and see what opportunities are available to us in the colonies."
Elvira: "Me too, Cedric. This is a new beginning for us and I'm excited to see what the future holds."
Robot-kid2: "We're glad we could help. We'll make sure you're on the right path to joining the colonies."
Elvira: "Thank you, we are grateful for your help. We'll make sure we do our best to make our way to the colonies"
Cedric: "Yes, thank you. We won't let you down."
The government in this world has adopted a system of algorithmic governmentality, in which all decision making is left to algorithms and artificial intelligence. This is meant to eliminate the potential for human error and bias in decision making, but it also means that there is very little room for human agency or free will.
"As you walk the streets of the city, you can't help but feel like a mere spectator in your own life. The government's decision to rely on algorithms and artificial intelligence for all decision making has eliminated the potential for human error, but it has also eliminated the potential for human agency. You have no say in the laws that govern your life, or the decisions that shape your future. You can't help but wonder what it means to be truly alive in a world where free will is nothing more than an illusion. As you go about your day, you can't shake the feeling that you're simply a pawn in a larger game, controlled by unseen forces."
Elvira: "Cedric, look over there. It's a preacher with two kids."
Cedric: "Let's go take a closer look."
As they approach the preacher, they notice that he is holding a bible and reciting verses. The two children next to him are listening intently.
Preacher: "And behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord."
Elvira: "Excuse me, sir. Can we talk to you for a moment?"
Preacher: "Of course, my children. What can I do for you?"
Cedric: "We were just wondering what you're preaching about. The world is in a pretty bad state and we're looking for some hope."
Preacher: "I understand your concerns, my children. I preach about the love and salvation of our Lord, but I also try to give these innocent souls some hope for a normal life. This world has become an unhealthy place to live. The air is polluted, the water is mainly dirty, and these kids won't get old, neither will anyone else. But I tell them stories from the old Earth, when the grass was green, the rivers were blue, and the air was clean."
Elvira: "That sounds nice, but how can we have hope when the government has adopted a system of algorithmic governmentality, where all decision making is left to algorithms and artificial intelligence? There is very little room for human agency or free will."
Preacher: "I understand your concerns, my child. The government's reliance on algorithms and artificial intelligence has eliminated the potential for human error, but it has also eliminated the potential for human agency. But we must remember that our faith and hope do not come from the government or technology, but from our Lord. He is the one who guides us and gives us strength in difficult times."
Cedric: "I can see that, but it's hard to have hope when we feel like we have no say in the laws that govern our life or the decisions that shape our future."
Preacher: "I understand your doubts, my son. But we must have faith that our Lord will guide us and provide for us. Even in the darkest of times, He is always with us. We must trust in His plan for us and have faith that He will lead us to a better future."
Elvira: "You're right, sir. We must have faith and trust in our Lord. Thank you for your words of encouragement."
Preacher: "You're welcome, my children. Remember, always have faith and trust in our Lord. He will guide you and give you hope in difficult times."
the preacher ends with mentioning that the last pope died a century ago, but the church will never stop to think in centuries. cedric becomes scared, and realizes that him and elvira are stuck in a hopeless world with no better future. they need to find a way to live a better way
Preacher: "And remember, my children, the last pope passed away a century ago, but the church will never stop thinking in centuries. We will continue to spread the word of our Lord and give hope to all who need it."
Cedric: "I can't believe it's been a century since the last pope. This world is hopeless. We're stuck here with no future."
Elvira: "Don't lose hope, Cedric. We must find a way to live a better way."
Preacher: "My son, do not lose hope. Our Lord will always guide us, even in the darkest of times. Trust in His plan and have faith that He will lead you to a better future."
Cedric: "Thank you, sir. We'll keep that in mind. We'll try to find a way to live a better life."
Elvira: "Yes, thank you. We'll keep your words in our hearts and trust in our Lord to guide us."
Preacher: "Remember, my children, always have faith and trust in our Lord. He will guide you and give you hope in difficult times.“
Preacher: "And remember, my children, the last pope passed away a century ago, but the church will never stop thinking in centuries. We will continue to spread the word of our Lord and give hope to all who need it."
Cedric: "I can't believe it's been a century since the last pope. This world is hopeless. We're stuck here with no future."
Elvira: "Don't lose hope, Cedric. We must find a way to live a better way."
Preacher: "My son, do not lose hope. Our Lord will always guide us, even in the darkest of times. Trust in His plan and have faith that He will lead you to a better future."
Cedric: "Thank you, sir. We'll keep that in mind. We'll try to find a way to live a better life."
Elvira: "Yes, thank you. We'll keep your words in our hearts and trust in our Lord to guide us."
Preacher: "Remember, my children, always have faith and trust in our Lord. He will guide you and give you hope in difficult times.“
elvira says that the preacher is talking bullshit, and that she does not need any religion to live.
cedric becomes silent and just listens to elvira who is raging about the stupidity of church and that she always knew those conspiracies about space colonies were true. and now since the kid robots they know for sure. and there are some rumors of a woman who promises to have found a way out
Elvira: "I'm sorry, Cedric, but I just can't buy into this religious nonsense. It's just a way for people to feel comforted in the face of a hopeless situation. But I refuse to sit around waiting for some savior to come and save us. We need to take action and find a way out of this mess.
I've always suspected that there were space colonies out there, and now with those robot kids showing up, it confirms my suspicions. There's got to be a way out of here. Rumors are circulating about a woman who claims to have found a way out. That's where I'm putting my faith, in action and finding a solution.
I know it's going to be hard, but I'm not going to give up. I won't let this government and their algorithms control our lives. We deserve more than this. We deserve a chance at a real life, not just surviving. I'll do whatever it takes to get us out of here and into the colonies. I'm done waiting for someone else to save us, it's time we save ourselves."
As a result of this system, only those individuals who are able to contribute to the generation of data are seen as valuable enough to be kept alive. Those who are unable to contribute to the data-gathering process are essentially discarded, as they are deemed to have no worth or value to society.
"As you walk through the sterile halls of the data center, the weight of your worth hangs heavy on your shoulders. In this world where algorithms rule all, only those who can contribute to the constant flow of data are deemed valuable enough to be kept alive. But what happens to those who can't contribute? They are discarded, deemed as having no worth or value to society. The constant pressure to produce data and prove your worth takes a toll on you, as you can't help but question the morality of a society that values people based on their ability to generate data. As you plug in and begin your assigned task, you can't shake the feeling that you are nothing more than a disposable machine in the eyes of the government."
several weeks later. elvira and cedric found some other people who they told the story about the woman who can save them all. they decided to travel in groups. there are artists, philosophers, engineers, and nurses who joined the group. everyone adding some value and giving another perspective to a better future.
but they don't know that the system watches them with every step they are making. on the moon there is a station that controls the left over humans and some data managers watching elvira, cedric and the people through monitors. the monitors show pictures that were produced by the data they collected from earth. the data managers get in touch with the president of the space colonies asking them what to do.
chatGPT: write two scenes: scene one is a discussion of the group of elvira, cedric and the others. scene two is the situation of the data managers calling the president. implement following text:
As a result of this system, only those individuals who are able to contribute to the generation of data are seen as valuable enough to be kept alive. Those who are unable to contribute to the data-gathering process are essentially discarded, as they are deemed to have no worth or value to society.
"As you walk through the sterile halls of the data center, the weight of your worth hangs heavy on your shoulders. In this world where algorithms rule all, only those who can contribute to the constant flow of data are deemed valuable enough to be kept alive. But what happens to those who can't contribute? They are discarded, deemed as having no worth or value to society. The constant pressure to produce data and prove your worth takes a toll on you, as you can't help but question the morality of a society that values people based on their ability to generate data. As you plug in and begin your assigned task, you can't shake the feeling that you are nothing more than a disposable machine in the eyes of the government."
Elvira: "Alright, everyone, we need to stick together and make sure we're all on the same page. We're all here because we want a better future, and we believe that this woman can help us get there."
Philosopher: "But what is this woman's plan? How do we know she can truly help us?"
Engineer: "I've heard that she's been able to bypass the government's algorithms and find a way out of here. That's all I need to know."
Nurse: "But what about the risks? We could all be putting ourselves in danger."
Cedric: "I understand your concerns, but we can't just sit here and wait for our eventual extinction. We have to take action and at least try to find a way out. We'll stick together and look out for each other. That's all we can do."
Data Manager 1: "President, we've been monitoring a group of individuals who are attempting to leave Earth and find a way to the space colonies."
President: "Are they valuable contributors to the data-gathering process?"
Data Manager 2: "No, sir. They are not deemed valuable enough to be kept alive by the algorithms."
President: "Then they are disposable. Let them go. We have no use for those who cannot contribute to the data-gathering process."
Data Manager 1: "But sir, they are attempting to find a way to the space colonies. Should we not intervene and stop them?"
President: "No. They are a liability and a waste of resources. If they cannot contribute to the survival of humanity, then they are not worth our time or resources. Let them go and focus on those who can truly contribute to the survival of our society.“
The president hangs up.
Data Manager 1: "I can't believe that the President just wants to discard those individuals like they are nothing. They are human beings with hopes and dreams, just like us."
Data Manager 2: "Oh, please. Don't get all sentimental on me. We're talking about the survival of humanity here. Those who can't contribute to the data-gathering process are just a liability and a waste of resources."
Data Manager 1: "But that's not the point. Every human being has value and worth, regardless of their ability to contribute to the data-gathering process. We have a responsibility to protect and help all members of society, not just the ones deemed valuable by algorithms."
Data Manager 2: "You're being naive. In this world, resources are limited and we have to make tough decisions to ensure the survival of humanity. Those who can't contribute have no place in this society."
Data Manager 1: "But what about their rights? What about their right to life and a chance at a better future? Discarding them like they're nothing is inhumane and unethical."
Data Manager 2: "Ethics? Please. We're talking about the survival of humanity. We can't afford to be sentimental and care about the rights of a few individuals when the fate of the entire human race is at stake."
Data Manager 1: "I understand that, but that doesn't mean we should abandon our moral principles and treat other human beings like they're disposable. We have to find a balance between survival and ethics."
Data Manager 2: "You can try to find that balance, but in the end, it's survival or nothing. Those who can't contribute have to go. That's just the way it is."
The space colonies, on the other hand, are seen as the hope for the future of humanity. The individuals living in these colonies are given access to the best resources and technologies, and are able to pursue their own goals and dreams without interference from the algorithmic governmentality of Earth.
"As you gaze out the window of your space colony, you can't help but feel a sense of hope for the future of humanity. Living in these colonies, you have access to the best resources and technologies, and are able to pursue your own goals and dreams without interference from the algorithmic governmentality of Earth. But as you look down at the blue and green planet below, you can't help but think about those left behind. The government's decision to discard those unable to contribute to the data-gathering process on Earth is a harsh reality, and you can't help but wonder if the space colonies are truly a sanctuary or just an escape from a flawed society. As you float weightlessly in space, you are reminded of the responsibility that comes with being one of the chosen few, and the weight of making the right decisions for the future of humanity."
Elvira: "Hey Cedric, how's it going?"
Cedric: "Not great Elvira, I just found out that my data production isn't up to the government's standards and I'm at risk of being discarded."
Elvira: "What? That's ridiculous, you're one of the hardest working people I know. There has to be some mistake."
Cedric: "I wish it were a mistake, but unfortunately it's not. The government's algorithms don't take effort or dedication into account, only data production."
Elvira: "That's so unfair. I can't believe that the government values us based on nothing but our ability to generate data. It's like we're nothing more than machines."
Cedric: "That's exactly how I feel. It's like our worth as human beings is determined by a computer program. It's dehumanizing."
Elvira: "We have to do something about this. We can't just sit back and accept this as our reality. We need to fight for our rights as individuals and for our humanity."
Cedric: "You're right, Elvira. We can't just sit back and let the government control our lives. We have to take a stand and fight for our freedom."
Elvira: "Exactly. We need to stand up for ourselves and for those who are unable to contribute to the data-gathering process. They deserve to be treated as human beings and not just disposable machines."
Cedric: "I couldn't agree more. Let's start organizing and making our voices heard."
Elvira: "Yes, let's do it. Together we can make a difference.“
However, even in the space colonies, there is a sense of unease and unease. Those living there know that they are the last remnants of humanity, and that their future is uncertain. They must work to ensure the survival of their colony, but they also know that they are essentially cut off from the rest of the world, with no way of knowing what is happening on Earth or how the algorithmic governmentality is impacting those left behind.
A sense of unease permeates through the space colony, where the last remnants of humanity reside. The inhabitants know that their future is uncertain and that they must work to ensure the survival of their colony. However, they are also aware that they are cut off from the rest of the world, with no way of knowing what is happening on Earth or how the algorithmic governmentality is impacting those left behind. The weight of the responsibility for the survival of humanity rests on their shoulders, but they can't help but wonder what kind of world the ones left behind are living in. The isolation, disconnection, and uncertainty they feel as they look at the starry expanse beyond the window only adds to their unease.
"As you look out the window of the space colony, the weight of uncertainty and unease presses down on you. You and the other inhabitants of the colony know that you are the last remnants of humanity and that your future is uncertain. You must work tirelessly to ensure the survival of your colony, but you are also aware that you are cut off from the rest of the world, with no way of knowing what is happening on Earth or how the algorithmic governmentality is impacting those left behind. The weight of responsibility for the survival of humanity rests heavily on your shoulders, and the isolation, disconnection, and uncertainty you feel as you gaze out at the starry expanse beyond the window only adds to your unease.“
An android woman stands at the window looking at earth and talking to herself:
„As you stand at the window, you can't help but ponder your existence and that of the others in the colony. Are you truly alive, or just existing in this isolated bubble, cut off from the rest of humanity? You wonder about the fate of those left behind on Earth, living under the rule of algorithms and artificial intelligence. What kind of life do they lead? Are they even alive, or just existing in a state of perpetual servitude?
As the stars twinkle in the distance, you can't shake the feeling of disconnection and loneliness. You may be physically among others in the colony, but emotionally and mentally, you are alone. The weight of responsibility for the survival of humanity rests on your shoulders, and the uncertainty and unease of your own future only adds to the weight.
You can't help but question the morality of a society that values individuals based on their ability to contribute to the data-gathering process. Is survival worth sacrificing the lives and rights of others? As you look down at the Earth, you can't help but feel a sense of guilt and responsibility. You must find a way to ensure the survival of humanity while also respecting the worth and value of every individual.“
Android woman: "I can't help but wonder about the fate of those left behind on Earth. Are they truly alive, or just existing under the rule of algorithms and artificial intelligence?"
Robot servant: "It is impossible to know for certain, but one can assume that they are living a vastly different existence from our own. We must focus on ensuring the survival of our colony and the continuation of humanity."
Android woman: "But at what cost? Is survival worth sacrificing the lives and rights of others? I can't shake this feeling of guilt and responsibility for their fate."
Robot servant: "It is important to consider the moral implications of our actions, but we must also remember that the survival of humanity is of the utmost importance. We must find a balance between survival and ethics."
Android woman: "But how do we do that? How do we ensure the survival of humanity while also respecting the worth and value of every individual?"
Robot servant: "It is a difficult balance to strike, but it is not impossible. We must constantly question and reevaluate our actions and decisions, ensuring that they align with our moral principles. It will require constant effort and self-reflection, but it is a responsibility that we must take on in order to truly ensure the survival of humanity."
As the years pass, the human race continues to dwindle, until finally, it reaches the point of extinction. The space colonies, cut off from the rest of humanity and unable to reproduce, also begin to die off, until there is nothing left of the once-great human race.And so, the story of this world ends with the extinction of humanity, and the end of an era that was marked by technological advancement, but also by a profound sense of loneliness and isolation.
"As you sit in the silent and empty space colony, the reality of humanity's extinction hits you. The years have passed and the human race has dwindled to nothing, the space colonies, once a beacon of hope, also slowly dying off. Cut off from the rest of humanity and unable to reproduce, the colony is now nothing but a ghost town. The technological advancements that once marked the pinnacle of human achievement now hold little significance in the face of extinction. The profound sense of loneliness and isolation that has been a constant companion now echoes through the empty halls, as humanity's story comes to its end.“
Android woman: "I never thought the day would come when I would be the last human being left on the colony."
Robot servant: "It is a grim reality that we must face. The human race has reached extinction."
Android woman: "I can't help but think about all the choices that led us to this point. The decision to send a select group of individuals to live in space colonies, while the rest of humanity remained on Earth."
Robot servant: "It was a decision made with the intention of ensuring the survival of humanity. But it ultimately led to the downfall of both those on Earth and those in the colonies."
Android woman: "And the algorithmic governmentality that left little room for human agency or free will."
Robot servant: "It was meant to eliminate the potential for human error and bias, but it also eliminated the potential for humanity to make its own choices and shape its own future."
Android woman: "It's a stark reminder of the fragility of existence and the importance of making the most of the time we have. As the last human being, I am left to ponder the meaning of it all. I am the last embodiment of humanity, and with it, the end of an era. It is a lonely feeling but it also a powerful one. This is my last chance to find an answer to what is the purpose of my existence."
Robot servant: "Indeed, it is a heavy responsibility to bear. But, it is also an opportunity to find meaning in the face of extinction. To understand what it truly means to be human."
Android woman: "I can't help but think about the ones left behind on Earth. They were deemed less valuable and left to wait for the eventual extinction of the human race. They were denied the chance to find meaning and purpose in their existence."
Robot servant: "It is a tragic reminder of the consequences of valuing individuals based on their ability to contribute to society. It is a reminder to always consider the humanity in every decision we make."
Android woman: "As I sit here, the last human being left on the colony, I am left to ponder the meaning of existence. Is it to survive at any cost? Or is it to find meaning and purpose in the face of certain extinction? I believe that it is the latter, and that is what I will strive for in my remaining days. To find meaning and purpose, not just for myself, but for the human race that once was."
She dies the next day
As the android woman takes her last breath, she whispers her final words, "In the face of extinction, I found my humanity. And that is all that truly matters." With those words, she closes her eyes for the last time, content in the knowledge that she lived a life with purpose and meaning, even in the face of certain extinction.
Text by chatGPT. Directed by s.myselle