An Australian plant fed via Facebook has given proof to
the adage "killing with kindness", with its fans on the site
literally loving it to death, researchers said.
A real plant called "Meet Eater" is watered when Facebook users
become fans and post on its wall, in an interactive project at
Queensland state library that aims to explore the emotions involved
in using social media.
Creator Bashkim Isai said he had wanted to see whether people
could care enough about a plant seen on Facebook to keep it alive,
and had been overwhelmed by the response.
Since its unveiling two months ago, Isai said Meet Eater had
attracted more than 5,000 fans from across the world -- including a
five-fold spike in the past fortnight -- literally drowning it with
love.
"We found that it's been over-loved, it's actually died two
times from having too much stimulation, which is an interesting
outcome for us," said Isai, a Queensland University student in
interactive design.
Visitors to its Facebook page can watch live footage of Meet
Eater, now in its third incarnation. They are invited to boost its
water rations by becoming a fan, or can give Meet Eater a squirt of
water by writing on its wall.
"There have been some people who are very proactive with the
plant's engagement who maintain conversations with the plant over
some weeks," he told AFP.
"But there are a very large number of people who just come on
there, say hello and then do nothing more, they don't really have
an interest in continuing."
People are able to feed the plant by visiting the project at the
Queensland library and literally stroking its fronds or soil, which
Isai said would prompt it to "croon and purr" through a sound box.
It weeps if left too long without attention.
Isai, 22, said Meet Eater's third incarnation was a "much more
water tolerant" plant species and he had adjusted the automatic
programme to lower the water levels.
He said the research showed meaningful connections could be made
online, but also some "needs and responses" could not be met via
computers.