Explore a thought-provoking media art project that automates flat searching in Berlin while challenging automation narratives and power dynamics in online platforms. Delve into the "Wohnungsbot" (flat-bot) created by artist Clemens Schöll, which not only streamlines the apartment hunting process but also questions who should have the power to automate and how. Examine the broader implications of automation in society, including its impact on labor, power struggles, and public perception. Reflect on the potential for public automation and the role of technology in addressing social issues like housing shortages. Consider the historical context of automation and its current state, where institutions and companies dominate the field. Engage with the artist's critique of dehumanizing automated processes and contemplate the responsibility of code writers in shaping these tensions. This conference talk from the 36C3 event offers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, art, and social issues in the context of Berlin's housing market. Read more