ESSAYS

New York Times, 2022
”In the Metaverse, Life Imitat es Art” Essay by Krista Kim

2024

Data sovereignty is a Fundamental Human Right

Data sovereignty should be recognized as a fundamental human right. We are witnessing the most depressed and lonely generation in human history, with social media playing a significant role in this crisis. The surveillance capitalist system exploits our personal data, manipulating behavior through algorithms designed to prey on our vulnerabilities. These systems turn screens into dopamine-inducing machines that divide, enrage, addict, and distract us endlessly. Protecting personal information is crucial for safeguarding the mental health of future generations to end free access to our data. I believe that the integrative development of data sovereignty, the creation of meditative digital experiences, and the use of biometric proof of personhood on blockchain against the existential threats posed by artificial intelligence are pivotal steps toward addressing this crisis.

As an artist deeply immersed in emerging technology, my journey has been one of exploration at the intersection of art, technology, and mental well-being. I founded "Techism," a movement I initiated to recognize technology as an artistic medium that explores the artistic exploration of digital technology as a medium, while advocating for the ethical creation of digital culture. I authored the Techism Manifesto in 2014, advocating for the creation of digital art that not only leverages cutting-edge technologies but also resonates with our deepest emotional and psychological needs. The manifesto emphasizes the responsibility of artists and technologists to collaborate, and prioritize ethical considerations, ensuring that innovations serve to uplift and connect rather than exploit or alienate. By fostering a dialogue between art, science, and spirituality, Techism seeks to pave the way for a future where technological advancement goes hand in hand with human flourishing.

Data sovereignty as a human right is paramount in an era where personal data is harvested relentlessly. The lack of control over our data feeds into systems that manipulate our thoughts and emotions, contributing to anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation. By reclaiming control over our data through the convergence of data sovereignty AI, edge computing, and blockchain technology, we can transform technology from a tool of exploitation into one of empowerment and healing.

Building on this foundation, I have sought to create meditative and wellness experiences using digital technology. One of my significant projects, "Continuum," embodies this philosophy. In 2022, I brought "Continuum" to Times Square, one of the most hectic and commercialized places on earth. The installation took over 111 screens, transforming the bustling heart of New York City into a digital Zen garden. By enveloping viewers in shifting gradients of light and color, the installation created a space that encouraged introspection and tranquility amidst the chaos. It was a deliberate intervention, turning a symbol of consumerism into a sanctuary of calm, illustrating how technology can foster collective moments of peace in hyper-urban areas.

"Continuum" symbolizes how technology can enhance human experience without intrusion or over stimulation. It invites viewers to disconnect from manipulative algorithms and reconnect with their inner selves, highlighting the importance of environments that support mental health in the digital age. The use of LED lights and gradients is not merely an aesthetic choice but a deliberate tool to positively influence the viewer's state of mind. Colors and light have profound psychological effects; by orchestrating these elements carefully, I aim to induce a sense of calm and contemplation.

Another significant project, "Heart Space," integrates biometrics and artificial intelligence to create unity and human connection through heartbeats. Debuting at Art Dubai in March, "Heart Space" was developed in collaboration with Tenbeo AI, whose expertise in AI and data processing was instrumental. Tenbeo's technology focuses on advanced biometric analysis, utilizing their proprietary heart signature technology. The Heart Signature is unique to every individual and cannot be faked by AI. This technology captures the subtle nuances of a person's heartbeat, creating a biometric identifier that is as distinctive as a fingerprint.

Upon entering the installation, guests find themselves in a mirrored room extending infinitely. One wall serves as a full LED screen—the canvas for the artwork. Participants connect to a heartbeat sensor ECG device, capturing each heartbeat on Tenbeo’s AI generative system. A heart signature is generated, and translated through Touch Designer Software into a visual social tapestry in mesmerizing waveform patterns and colors, represented by emotional states, displayed on the screen.

Tenbeo's proprietary heart signature technology is crucial in this context. Unlike fingerprints, face scans and retinal scans that can be mimicked or replicated by AI, the heart signature cannot be hacked. This provides a proof of personhood, a safeguard against the existential threats posed by AI, deep fakes, and reality distortion. By utilizing a biometric marker that is uniquely human and virtually impossible to counterfeit, "Heart Space" secures the irreplaceable nature of individual identity and authentication.

In “Heart Space”, each heartbeat contributes to the evolving artwork, changing with each new participant's pulse. "Heart Space" becomes a social, collaborative artwork where individuals create a single, living experience, connecting through the spiritual language of the heartbeat. This project illustrates the importance of protecting proof of personhood against the existential threat of AI and the possibility of harnessing AI to create unity and shared oneness.

Education and advocacy are integral to my mission. I strive to inspire artists and technologists to consider the ethical implications of their work. It is essential to challenge unethical systems that exploit data for profit and promote practices that respect individual sovereignty and well-being. The integration of data sovereignty AI, edge computing, and blockchain offers a pathway to build such ethical frameworks.

The timelessness of my work lies in its foundational focus on the human spirit and mental well-being—themes that transcend technological eras. As we look 100 years into the future, the challenges of balancing technological advancement with holistic health will only intensify on a global scale. By pioneering this integration now, I lay the groundwork for future generations to continue exploring how technology can serve as a tool for healing and unity rather than division and isolation. The principles outlined in my Techism Manifesto are poised to remain relevant, guiding society toward a more compassionate and self-aware future, regardless of how technology evolves.

In challenging surveillance capitalism and acknowledging social media's detrimental effects, I aspire to inspire others to see technology as a bridge to inner peace and collective harmony. Together, we can transform our environments into conscious extensions of ourselves, fostering a digital landscape that heals, connects, and uplifts. Through art and the responsible integration of data sovereignty, meditative digital experiences, and protection against AI-induced reality distortion, we can navigate the complexities of an uncharted future, finding unity and connection in the rhythms that make us human.

Krista Kim (December 1, 2024)