Isn't basic conditioning the point the artist is attempting to make? I interpreted the project as pointing out that social media uses fundamentally similar reward mechanisms as we use in training animals
Yes, and I'm saying I'm finding his point weak. It is a old and well know experiment and the social-media-is-a-skinnerbox talking point is as old as social media. I find the selfie angle tacked on without adding or illuminating the subject further. The work doesn't work for me. But I appreciate the cute rat photos.
It's like saying "people have been painting realistic portraits of women for centuries, Leonardo, and this one doesn't add anything or illuminate the subject of portrait-taking further. Still, I appreciate her ambiguous smile."