Synthetic Messenger
Synthetic Messenger is a botnet project designed for STRP Festival 2021. Botnets are a network of computers (‘bots’) infected by malicious software that is directed by one controller computer. It is typically referred to in a negative connotation. In this case, it is being used for the greater good. The project runs a botnet that uses 100 bots to artificially drive traffic for climate change news with advertisement clicks. Each bot that visits an article will click on every advert available on the webpage.
Livestream of one of the clicking bots in action
Ad-supported websites have to consider what the audience choose to click and read in order to reach the majority with their ads. Articles online with more ad presence and visitors will generate greater revenue. The botnet takes advantage of this system prevalent in journalism online (‘clickbait’). By redirecting mass-traffic, globally significant news – climate change – can generate enough presence online with increased article output.
Online website and data of the bots activity
Due to the complex or overwhelming appearance of climate change, it is a topic that is not often engaged with online. Synthetic Messenger attempts to dislodge the challenge of this discussion. The project was one of many featured at the online STRP Festival ‘All of Us’, which explores the role of art and technology in the future and find new ways to connect. Synthetic Messenger was designed by Tega Brain and Sam Lavigne, a duo of designer-engineers.
You can read and explore details about the project here
or watch an archive of the performance here.
Why this matters
The botnet is a tactful method to manipulate digital systems in order to promote the right things and also makes clear how promotions can be manipulated. Using a ‘cyberpunk’ approach to climate engineering makes the topic of climate change accessible to all. More discussions and prevalence in media allow it to be easily approached and explainable to the greater public. The project takes matters into the designer’s hands, creating a new solution with tech and activism.