From DeFault to DeSign: Symbols, Memes, Acronyms, Emojis, & Other Visual Cues Across Time

Abstract

This chapter explores the wild and wonderful visual world of iconic imagery including current day memes, acronyms, emojis and other common forms of visual communication. The study reviews a range of visual examples and their meanings beginning with the Renaissance through to futures and asks the questions Does imagery have an effect on reality? Can imagery be engineered to have a desired effect on futures? Data collection involves archetypal imagery that has appeared in the past, its meaning and influence on societies to the present-day explosion of optical bombardment through social media, screens and advertising, and their impact and influence on current culture. The data includes a look at conscientious, principled futures generated imagery and its possible connection to the creation of futures. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) provides a comparative methodology for this investigation though enabling a comprehensive understanding of various possible interpretations of an image’s intention and perception based on analysis of graphic symbology. It does this in the form of a series of scenarios developed from the CLA. Analysis within the CLAs is sometimes aided by artificial intelligence. This is done by asking questions in ChatGPT and expanding/consolidating and/or chopping/changing the responses. From a surface peek at visual data to the depths of underlying meaning within the collective human psyche this analysis seeks to provide a provocative poke at our everyday overlooking of these day-to-day visual assaults. The study aims to offer refreshing insights into the power of an image and its ability to possibly affect thinking, feeling and action across the continuum of time into futures and what this may mean in this current pivotal era of consciousness.