How Culture Jamming is Changing in 2022: 5 Examples

Culture jamming is a form of activism that involves using various media and communication channels to subvert or challenge dominant cultural narratives and practices. Over the years, culture jamming has evolved and adapted to new social and political realities, as well as to emerging technological and artistic trends. In 2022, we are witnessing some new and exciting examples of culture jamming that are shaking up our assumptions and expectations. Here are five examples:

1. NFT Culture Jamming – Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have become a hot topic in the art world, as digital and crypto artists create and sell unique tokens of their work. However, some activists and culture jammers are using NFTs to satirize the hype and exclusivity of the art market. For example, the collective DisNOVation has created a series of “Invisible NFTs”, which are simply blank white squares that people can buy and trade as a way to critique the value and authenticity of NFTs.

2. Deepfakes for Social Justice – Deepfakes, or manipulated videos and images that use powerful AI algorithms, have been a source of concern due to their potential to spread disinformation and fake news. However, some activists and artists are using deepfakes to create powerful messages of social justice and empathy. For instance, the project “Invisible Narratives” uses deepfakes to re-imagine historical moments and icons with marginalized voices and perspectives.

3. Meme Warfare – Memes, or viral internet images and videos that often blend humor and politics, have been a key part of culture jamming for years. However, in 2022 we are seeing more organized and strategic uses of memes as a form of political and social influence. The group “Meme War Veteran” uses memes to mobilize support for environmental causes and climate activism, while “Disinformation Lab” creates viral memes to challenge authoritarian regimes and propaganda.

4. Incognito Activism – Sometimes, the most effective culture jamming relies on staying undercover or anonymous. In 2022, we are seeing more creative and risky forms of incognito activism, such as “Reverse Graffiti” (cleaning dirt and grime off of public surfaces to form messages and images), “Hacktivism” (using hacking techniques to expose corporate or government abuses), and “Guerrilla Gardening” (illegally planting flowers and plants in urban spaces to beautify and reclaim them).

5. Decentralized Culture Jamming – Finally, with the rise of blockchain and decentralization, culture jamming is also finding new forms of organization and distribution. The platform “Hic et Nunc” allows any artist to create and sell NFTs without intermediaries or gatekeepers, while “The Baffler” magazine is experimenting with a decentralized publishing model that bypasses traditional media conglomerates and censorship.

These are just a few examples of how culture jamming is transforming and evolving in 2022. By using new technologies, creative strategies, and collective actions, culture jammers are challenging the status quo and imagining new futures for art, politics, and society.