© 2019 Emin Mathers
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"Social Science: Kinky Talks"
"Social Science: Kinky Talks" is an autobiographical photographic exploration of intimacy, loneliness, and blurred boundaries in the digital age. Through diptychs that merge intimate images with text from digital exchanges, the project highlights the paradox of hyper-connectivity—where "always-on" relationships often deepen feelings of isolation and objectification. It probes how anonymity fuels bold, sometimes taboo, conversations, raising critical questions about consent, agency, and evolving social norms. By pairing tactile visuals with fleeting digital messages, the project invites reflection on the shifting nature of intimacy and online interactions, challenging viewers to reconsider emotional boundaries in an increasingly connected world.
Research Context
The project is grounded in research exploring the complexities of digital communication. Studies reveal that despite promises of hyper-connectivity, online interactions often lack the depth of face-to-face connections, leading to increased feelings of isolation (Primack et al., 2017; Turkle, 2011). The phenomenon of the Online Disinhibition Effect (Suler, 2004) highlights how anonymity emboldens individuals to express intimate or controversial thoughts, creating a unique dynamic in digital exchanges. However, this also raises questions about consent and emotional vulnerability in fleeting, ephemeral interactions (Binns, 2018).
Research further explores how digital spaces simultaneously liberate and objectify individuals. While fostering new forms of connection, they often blur emotional boundaries and complicate agency (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). These insights inform the project's focus on the evolving landscape of intimacy and its nuanced portrayal of human connection in the digital era.
The project is grounded in research exploring the complexities of digital communication. Studies reveal that despite promises of hyper-connectivity, online interactions often lack the depth of face-to-face connections, leading to increased feelings of isolation (Primack et al., 2017; Turkle, 2011). The phenomenon of the Online Disinhibition Effect (Suler, 2004) highlights how anonymity emboldens individuals to express intimate or controversial thoughts, creating a unique dynamic in digital exchanges. However, this also raises questions about consent and emotional vulnerability in fleeting, ephemeral interactions (Binns, 2018).
Research further explores how digital spaces simultaneously liberate and objectify individuals. While fostering new forms of connection, they often blur emotional boundaries and complicate agency (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). These insights inform the project's focus on the evolving landscape of intimacy and its nuanced portrayal of human connection in the digital era.
