Ephemerality and persistence exist together in our digital universe. On one hand we are deeply attached to the notion of permanence, durability, and collection as a way to keep what we hold sacred safe. However, the permanent nature of our digital archive threatens our ability to control our private digital content. Through its temporality and impermanence, ephemeral digital content serves as a mechanism for regaining control over our digital selves. Designed ephemerality has the potential to create safe environments that encourage user contribution and participation while centering us “in the now.” Consequently, ephemeral digital environments allow us to act and interact more freely as social creatures in the digital realm without the burden of permanence.
Ephemerality is control
