“200 on ‘Wise Dan’!”

“Dave, what are you doing? I’m passing ‘Fair Bet’ and I see your bike, and I’m like concerned it might be stolen because you said you were going down Tesco to check the community board for jobs, and I find you in here. What’s that money – £200? That’s not our holiday money I’ve been saving is it? You’re broke Dave, what are doing in here? You’re not gambling are you? What did I tell you Dave… get that money back now! What do you mean you can’t?! Dave you loser, are you saying you’ve just put all my savings on a freaking horse?! What the f **k Dave, you’re out of control…get out of my face; I don’t care if it f**king comes in – you’re insane – truly nuts!”

Die Pod International™

I wasn’t personally thinking about suicide, but I was thinking about it’s place in contemporary western society and came to the conclusion that it still is, very much a taboo. I find it interesting that so may things are commodified these days, including the privilege of fertility science and (increasingly) our ability (for some) to chose pre-destined birth patterns for potential children- the opposite holds true with the denial of life.

I’m thinking about the idea of commodifying suicide for the iPod generation; technology driven suicide which is as easy as pressing a button, or swiping a screen. If the science of fertility is developing year on year, then on balance, it’s reasonable to see technology developing ways to die.

I am not advocating, nor do I encourage any forms of suicide. This tragic act is a painful reality for millions of survivors and relatives around the globe each year; I am just exploring it’s concept in relation to technology and the future.