Welcome to this
map of lost connections

This interactive network visualisation explores how algorithmic systems and typical social-media interfaces shape our digital experiences. The map seeks to challenge the passive, linear, and filtered 'feed' by reimagining social media as a collective, interconnected network. A map that zooms out from our filter bubbles and revalues the early ideals of the internet: decentralised access, connection, exploration, surprise, and a fertile ground for digital serendipity. Algorithmic forces do not favour connection, let's change that.

Each pink node represents an algorithmic category, each person represents a social media user. The lines connect users to their favorite algorithmic categories. You're invited to navigate through the space, explore other bubbles and uncover overlooked or hidden areas now visible through the map.

Disclaimers

The data used in this visualisation is based on real people. For research purposes all names and real data were changed to fictional input.

Images used in the fictional 'feed' were generated using a self-trained AI tool, trained with my own drawings, the prompts were image-prompts from real Instagram-images.

All captions and mentions of real individuals or institutions is purely fictional.

Designed and built by Emma Caers as part of the Master’s thesis in Visual Arts (Media and Information Design) at Luca School of Arts (2025).