Why "Bad" Things Are Everywhere Now

Summary

In a thought-provoking video, the speaker contrasts traditional ideals of perfection in advertising and technology with the emerging appreciation for imperfection in content creation. Highlighting examples from Nike's successful yet imperfect ads to the rise of raw, unpolished social media aesthetics, the narrative argues that as technology commodifies perfection, imperfections become more valuable. The discussion touches on how this shift reflects our humanity, urging us to embrace our flaws rather than strive for unattainable perfection. Ultimately, it suggests that being authentic and relatable in a polished world is what truly resonates with audiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The shift from polished perfection in media to celebrating imperfection reflects changing societal values.
• 🤔 Technology has commoditized perfection, making it easy and accessible, leading to a decline in its perceived value.
• 🎥 Casey Neistat's ad for Nike demonstrates that authenticity can resonate more than high-budget, flawless productions.
• 💻 The term 'computer' once referred to human calculators; now, it's synonymous with machines that handle complex tasks effortlessly.
• 📚 Educators are adapting their grading methods, with some valuing grammatical errors as signs of genuine human effort.
• 🍗 Companies like KFC are embracing an imperfect aesthetic in their marketing, showcasing quirky and unconventional content.
• 📷 There's a growing desire for imperfect photos, with vintage cameras that capture flaws becoming increasingly popular.
• 🎨 Major tech companies are incorporating human elements into their designs, moving away from strict standards of perfection.
• ✉️ Informal, humanized communication in the corporate world is more engaging than overly formal or polished emails.
• 🎶 Embracing imperfections can lead to creativity and authenticity, as seen in art and music where mistakes can inspire new ideas.

Q & A

Why did Casey Neistat's Nike ad become iconic despite being technically imperfect?

Casey Neistat's Nike ad became iconic because it showcased authenticity and human imperfection. Unlike traditional ads with high production values, the ad's grainy footage, basic editing, and minimal VFX gave it a real, unpolished feel that resonated with viewers, making it stand out.

What role did technology play in the shift from valuing perfection to embracing imperfection?

Technology has made achieving perfection easier, and in doing so, has devalued the importance of perfect content. Tools like spreadsheets, professional video editing software, and AI-powered writing have made tasks that once required precision almost trivial, leading society to now appreciate imperfection as it feels more human and authentic.

How did the role of 'computers' change over time according to the script?

Originally, 'computers' were human workers responsible for complex calculations, and perfection was necessary in their work to avoid catastrophic errors. Over time, technology evolved, and computers replaced humans in these tasks, making perfection easier to achieve but less valuable.

Why does the script suggest that imperfections are now more valuable than perfection?

Imperfections have become more valuable because they reflect the humanity behind the content. As technology has commoditized perfection, people now value the 'realness' of imperfections, which makes content more relatable and authentic.

What is the significance of KFC's social media content being imperfect, according to the video?

KFC's social media content, which features nonsensical and imperfect videos, works well because it stands out from the typical polished corporate content. The unrefined, authentic style resonates with users, showing that even large brands can embrace imperfections for greater engagement.

How does the rise of platforms like Verse reflect the shift towards imperfect aesthetics?

Platforms like Verse encourage users to create boards that are unorganized, messy, and visually imperfect. This reflects a larger cultural shift where messy, imperfect aesthetics are embraced as more genuine and relatable, rather than the sterile, polished designs of the past.

Why are cheap digital cameras from the 2000s gaining popularity again?

Cheap digital cameras from the 2000s are gaining popularity because they recreate the imperfections of older film photography, such as grainy images and blurriness. In a world where perfect photos can be easily captured with smartphones, people are now seeking these imperfections for a more nostalgic and authentic feel.

What does the Fuji X100 V camera reveal about the current trend in photography?

The Fuji X100 V camera is designed to add imperfections like grain and tint to photos, reflecting the current trend in photography where imperfections are sought after. This camera's ability to replicate older, less-than-perfect film photography shows that people value authenticity over technical perfection.

How does the design language of Google's Material You reflect a shift toward imperfection?

Google's Material You design language embraces imperfection by allowing users to customize the colors of their interface based on their wallpapers, resulting in unique, sometimes mismatched color combinations. This move reflects a broader trend of accepting personal and visual imperfections in tech design.

How does the script connect the idea of imperfection to Star Wars?

The script connects imperfection to Star Wars by explaining how the franchise’s aesthetic of worn-down, imperfect spaceships and environments made the universe feel more real and lived-in. This contrasts with other sci-fi universes that prioritize clean, perfect designs, showing that imperfection can create a deeper connection with audiences.