Social Media Doesn't Have To Be Toxic

Visual Conversation at dada.nyc

Online social networks have the potential to create powerful social movements: think the Arab Spring, Black Lives Matter or MeToo. However, certain aspects of social media contribute to growing social problems, from bullying to alienation, to fake news, and to the radicalization of ideological positions, among other issues.

Social media has created a culture in which amounts of "likes" or upvotes are more important than the quality of content, in which having a high number of followers turns people into influencers with no substance or proven expertise, and in which superficial connections are equivalent to social proof. People in social media are constantly selling themselves as products. Young people have to compete and perform in the virtual social arena, which oftentimes leads to depression and social anxiety. Trolls proliferate, and bigotry is amplified.

Visual Conversation at dada.nyc

Creating a social network that encourages healthy engagement and defies toxic behaviors is a monumental challenge. At DADA.nyc we have thought really hard about how to create an environment that fosters true collaboration. DADA has been designed to reward contribution to the community above all. We define contribution as investing time, skills and effort to engage with, and create value for the community through art.

Every design and voice decision in DADA has been made to discourage competition and self-promotion, and to encourage collaboration, creative expression, diversity, inclusion, and freedom. There are no resumes, no influencers, no reputation, no ego. All that matters is the drawings. When people post a drawing, they show vulnerability and honesty, and when someone else takes their time to respond, it feels like a gift. The result is pure beauty, delight, and magic.

Visual Conversation at dada.nyc

We envision DADA as a self-sustaining community where anyone can be an artist, anyone who finds delight and value in art can participate in a meaningful creative experience, and artists have a guaranteed basic income.

Next: Our Values. Stay Tuned!