Overview of the Activity’s Impact
The “Mapping Your Cultural Identity” series was a remarkable endeavor. Conducting three different tests at various locations and scenarios, we engaged over 40 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, nationalities, regions, and identities. The concept of “AI drawing” served as a unique attraction, drawing curious individuals to our intervention. The simplicity of the initial setup, coupled with the quick AI drawing process, allowed for an efficient and engaging experience. This innovative approach successfully attracted a diverse group of participants, facilitating the collection of valuable data and feedback.
Learning to use AI tools for artistic creation was a novel experience for me, integrating technology with creative expression. The significant participation in this activity underscored the popularity and relevance of the fusion between art and technology in contemporary culture. This response not only validated the project’s appeal but also highlighted the potential for continued exploration and application of this concept.
Creating a Comfortable and Trusting Environment
Based on expert recommendations, I endeavored to create a free, comfortable, and trusting environment for the participants. Displaying previously generated colorful and intriguing personal maps not only piqued public interest but also conveyed the event’s creativity and safety. Engaging in conversations with participants about their chosen cities, regions, personal cultural symbols, favorite colors, and artistic styles was enlightening. These interactions encouraged participants to reflect on their cultural identities while broadening my understanding of diverse cultures, religions, and the importance of embracing multiculturalism.
Choosing varied locations for displaying the works and inviting participants marked a journey out of my comfort zone. While the public area of CSM represented a familiar setting, engaging with passersby at the accommodation’s hub and near the London Eye was a leap into the unknown. This venture outside my comfort zone was both challenging and rewarding. The curiosity and approval of the participants towards my project were affirming, and personally, it represented significant progress in my ability to engage with diverse audiences.
Participant Engagement and AI Limitations
Involving participants in the activity, I set clear expectations regarding the AI’s capabilities and limitations, citing relevant academic references. I advised them not to expect a perfect replication of their cultural maps by AI but to look forward to the surprises it could offer. The AI-generated maps were often stunning, particularly in depicting religious symbols (like crescents), Chinese elements, and famous architectures. However, it struggled with less known localities and specific foods. This highlighted the benefits and drawbacks of using AI in such projects, showcasing its potential in artistic representation while acknowledging its constraints in detailed interpretation.
According to Tai (2020), “Artificial intelligence (AI), known by some as the industrial revolution (IR) 4.0, is going to change not only the way we do things, how we relate to others, but also what we know about ourselves.” The results generated by AI may trigger individuals to think deeply about their own cultural identity. Comparing the output of the AI to a person’s internal cognition can promote a deeper understanding and critical reflection on one’s own cultural identity. At the same time, the technical limitations of AI may result in it not fully accurately reflection the personal cultural identity. The misunderstanding and errors can affect an individual’s understanding of their cultural identity sometimes.
Reference:
Tai, M.C.-T. (2020). The impact of artificial intelligence on human society and bioethics. Tzu Chi Medical Journal, [online] 32(4), pp.339–343. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_71_20.
Digital Community Building and Instagram Engagement
The creation of an Instagram account for the activity aimed to establish a digital community concept. However, the follower count remained modest, which I attribute to a missed opportunity in integrating the registration process with the Instagram follow action. The use of separate QR codes for registration and account following, along with some participants manually providing their information, likely contributed to the low conversion to Instagram followers. This gap in digital engagement was a learning point. It highlighted the importance of streamlining processes for effective online community building. In future projects, ensuring a seamless connection between physical participation and digital engagement will be crucial to foster a more robust and active online community. This experience has provided valuable insights into the dynamics of digital community engagement and the strategies needed to enhance online participation in line with the project’s objectives.
Conclusion
In summary, the “Mapping Your Cultural Identity” series was a journey of discovery, innovation, and learning. It was a testament to the power of technology in bridging cultural gaps and the importance of creating inclusive, engaging experiences. The series not only provided insights into diverse cultural identities but also highlighted the significance and limitations of AI in artistic and cultural explorations. This reflection has been an invaluable part of my learning curve, offering perspectives that will undoubtedly shape my future projects.