Conscious Minds has created a quirky and humorous new project to celebrate the iTunes launch of its acclaimed Instagram-focused documentary 'Social Animals.' Created in partnership with GIST, 'As Seen On Instagram' vending machines turn standard, user-based Instagram behaviors into absurd ready-to-purchase products, ranging from '1,000 likes' and a 'Sliding into DMs package' to a 'Thumb Spa' for your scrolling finger, and 'Hashtag 8-Balls.'
According to Social Animals Director/Conscious Minds Partner Jonathan Ignatius Green, the vending machines offer a satirical yet fitting connection to the actual film, which takes a captivating, brutally honest look at three teenagers whose lives have been permanently affected by their Instagram account. "One of the things that struck us while making this film is how there is actually very little difference between how and why teenagers and adults use Instagram," Green explained. "This may be due to the human need to share and communicate, but also because this platform encourages our more adolescent impulses - evaluating our self-worth based on the amount of attention, adoration and even envy we receive from our peers. This impulse to see ourselves as brands is what the ASOIG is playfully critiquing. It's a fun way to encourage reflection about how we use this platform, which is exactly the purpose of Social Animals itself."
All proceeds from the ASOIG vending machine and the online store will go to non-profit Reboot & Recover, an organization dedicated to building awareness and treatments around issues of digital addictions and mental health.
Photos: Courtesy of Conscious Minds