Séamus Duffy is a video artist from Meath, Ireland. He has exhibited in various IADT student shows, such as Perceived Dimensions at IMMA (2018), Making the Intangible Tangible at the United Arts Club (2019) and High Heart at Pallas Projects/Studios (2021). Duffy works with a range of media, including photography, video, 3D modelling and audio. His video works explore how human group behaviour is affected by the internet, specifically the herd mentality and its relationship with targeted online content.
My videos explore human behaviour in the age of the internet, focusing on the herd mentality phenomenon.
Herd mentality occurs when individuals fail to recognise that they are being emotionally influenced by a majority and this is especially evident online. I am interested in the inner workings of the internet, such as algorithms that are designed to boost screen-time and interactions with devices and services and how this can lead to a definitive change in one's views and values. This technology can act as a catalyst, helping to intensify extreme behaviour outside of the online space and potentially contributing to a progressively more violent environment. Ultimately my work explores how technology that keeps us connected also has the potential to do the very opposite. While staying politically neutral, my intention is to shine a light on the fact that we are all influenced to some degree by this phenomenon and ignoring it can be dangerous.