Stephanie Kneissl and Max Lackner

Can we take back control of our scroll?

Social media is an integral part of our lives, an extension of ourselves, something we use without thinking. It’s a way that we connect, and share and gather information about the world around us. This online tool enables us to compare who we are based on likes and what we see. But who’s in charge of what we see? Or should we say ‘what’ is in charge? Social media is not neutral. It’s hugely biased and has its own agenda to keep us online, infinitely scrolling. Algorithms end up influencing our thoughts and opinions. It’s time to hijack and manipulate the algorithms across facebook, instagram and twitter.

Can you #StopTheAlgorithm?

Sadly Stop the Algorithm got homesick and had to leave the gallery early. But before it got on the plane, we took a video of it installed in MENTAL, so you’ll be able to see it in action and behold its brilliance.

Stephanie Kneissl is a designer based in Vienna. Her work explores the future and how the world is changing in the 21st century through technology and its impact on our rituals, habits and culture. She uses design as a tool to encourage conversations about topics ranging from social distancing, and new technologies to sex education. She studied Industrial Design at University of Applied Arts in Vienna, AT and Design School Kolding, DK. She exhibited and presented her work at The Photographers Gallery in London, Vienna Biennale, Istanbul Design Biennale, Pratt Institute at NY Jewellery Week, Schloss Hollenegg for Design and Vienna Design Week.

Max Lackner is a visual interaction designer at the design consultancy IDEO in San Francisco. Max's passion is exploring and imagining the many possible futures in order to raise awareness on today’s actions and their long-term effects through investigative research, immersive storytelling and experimentation. He studied Industrial Design at University of Applied Arts in Vienna, AT and Design Academy Eindhoven, NL. He exhibited his work at The Photographers Gallery in London, Vienna Biennale and Biennale Shanghai.