Vaguely Inappropriate is a research project developed at the end of my Master Degree at the Royal College of Art in London.

The title Vaguely Inappropriate refers to the vague and murky definitions found in Instagram’s censorship guidelines, set to police and ban user-generated content that is deemed inappropriate. Through 3D text-based animations, the project engages with themes of intersectional feminist activism and digital networked culture. It critiques the unfair and biased policies that affect marginalized bodies and the self-expression of individuals on social platforms.

I was inspired by the work of Cat Frazier a graphic designer who creates ironic 3D text gifs that are reminiscent of the aesthetics of old Geocities websites.

The 90s screensaver aesthetic is used to reflect on the original purpose of the net as a democratising space during those years when Tumblr and other blogging platforms were places for networking and creative self-expression.

Emojis, Gifs, digital stickers, and AR face filters are integral tools to the current social experience of the net. In fact, many people use these tools to quickly communicate emotions and thoughts without using words.

I have created text animations that can be viewed online and offline: as videos, gifs, and stickers for Instagram, as printed postcards, and as an interactive physical installation.

The colourful text animations act as a collection of political and social commentary. They also include quotes and hashtags created by sex workers and pole dancers. The goal is to discuss more inclusive moderation policies and to create conversations on issues related to algorithmic bias, platform censorship, and discrimination.