Web users obsessively scroll through images online but –art museum attendance is low…
I think that fewer and fewer people are choosing to visit museums is a very sad reality. Thanks to today’s advancements in technology, there is no need to physically leave your house to see something new and exciting. I do think that the ease of technology does have many benefits, but it is also taking away from real-life experiences. Our experiences can define our perception, and without those experiences, our perception of reality could be different than it would be if we did have those experiences. Museums create a special atmosphere for thought and discussion. Yes, those thoughts and discussions can exist outside of museums, but it not the same. Our generation is becoming more and more chronically online, which will be detrimental to our mental health, awareness, and knowledge as a generation. Social spaces such as museums are meant to be filled with people, not online chat rooms. Along with technology, I also think that the pandemic has produced a wave of recluses. Even today many people don’t want to leave the comfort of their homes, afraid of what they might find. I also think the pandemic had a lot to do with more people becoming chronically online, for many they enjoyed having a reason not to leave the house. I also think Western culture has much to do with fewer people visiting art museums. Our generation has always been taught to go to school and work, and appreciating art isn’t widely taught in households. In today’s world, we put so much stress on getting a “proper” education, which typically does not include room for art or creativity. Art museums also get a bad rap. I was always told that art museums, and museums in general are boring, which is not a fair description. I think this mindset that our parents have held also transfers to the child. The way we treat art now directly translates to future generations. Art museums are a safe space to experience and think about the pieces displayed fully, however, many people do not feel that way. I think that this is a bad trend, however, I do think that going to social and art spaces like art museums will make a comeback. Most of our generation is starting to realize some of the negative effects of being chronically online, so I think those who realize this will make an effort to experience things.
I agree with what you said here. I also wrote my post about this phenomenon and believe that the pandemic and technology have had a negative effect on museum attendance. I think what you said about Western culture is interesting. It’s something I didn’t think about when writing my post, but I believe you made a good point here. I also enjoyed reading about your feelings towards art museums.