Endless trolling forces shutdown of New York to Dublin ‘portal’

The art project connecting Manhattan and Dublin through livestreaming devices has taken a turn for the unexpected as it has been plagued by trolling and drunken antics. Twin sculptures equipped with cameras and large screens were installed in each city last week with the intention of fostering unity and cultural exchange.

Despite the organizers’ decision not to include audio feeds to emphasize non-verbal communication, the project quickly became a platform for mischief and inappropriate behavior. Social media was flooded with videos of people twerking, making lewd gestures, and even sniffing suspicious substances in front of the screens.

While some attempts at cultural exchange were made, such as an Irish woman showcasing river-dancing and New Yorkers displaying signs of affection towards Dublin, the majority of interactions devolved into crude and offensive displays. From twerking to holding up offensive symbols like swastikas and images related to tragic events like 9/11, the project quickly spiraled out of control.

After five days of escalating trolling, the screens were eventually turned off and guarded by law enforcement. It remains unclear if the project will be reactivated or if it has been permanently shut down due to the inappropriate behavior exhibited by participants.

The project, initiated by The Portal, aimed to bridge borders and differences through art and technology. However, the outcome serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in fostering unity and respect in a digital age where trolling and inappropriate behavior can quickly overshadow positive intentions.