The selfless companion

In an age where screen-based experiences intertwine more and more seamlessly with the tangible world, our daily existence requires the navigation of a complex mixture of interactions that blur the lines between the physical and the digital. As we stand at the precipice of technological evolution, where digital experiences redefine the parameters of our existence, it feels important to delve into the challenges that are brought to light by our dual citizenship in the physical and digital worlds. In this context, where the digital and physical realms are not mere counterparts but extensions of our multifaceted existence, the selfless companion seeks to highlight the gap between technology as a tool and technology as a partner through self-care and mindfulness.

A commission for the "I login, therefore I am" exhibit at Treehouse NDSM in the summer of 2024. The selfless companion inverts the traditional care dynamic established by the original Tamagotchi, proposing a physical device that is designed to nurture the well-being of its human counterpart, instead of the other way around. This idea revisits the nostalgic digital companion, the Tamagotchi, under a contemporary light, reflecting on how the evolution of technology shifts the care dynamics between humans and digital entities. This device is rooted in the observation that computers and smartphones have become omnipresent companions, offering a multitude of functions aimed at capturing data and enhancing human life & connection. However, our relationship with these technologies often comes at the cost of increased screen time and digital dependency, raising concerns over its impact on mental and physical health and general well-being. This device serves as a tangible reminder of the need for balance and self-care in the digital era. It is a device that is designed to facilitate moments of disconnection from the digital world and reconnection with one's self. It doesn't seek to sense, read or determine how its human is feeling. Instead it asks that they do this for themselves, marking an important distinction that if we continue to let digital devices tell us how we feel, we will get worse and worse at knowing how to do this ourselves. Through gentle reminders and guided exercises, it serves to foster mindfulness, promoting a healthier balance between screen-based being and real-life (well-)being. Take 2 minutes to run through a re-interpretation of the breathing exercise below…