"Inside" takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic, during 2020 and 2021, so all of the technologies mentioned in the movie are in use currently. Furthermore, the movie is not in a fictional setting, so all of the described technologies are real and thus portrayed realistically. No new technologies are introduced, so it is difficult to make comparisons to other movies.
Below, each technology is linked to its place in the course wiki.
During the streaming bit, Burnham showcases a streamer playing a videogame [7]. Videogames are an electronic form of entertainment, games specifically, where a user has some degree of control for what occurs. Videogames are similar to movies, where they are a electronic form of entertainment, though, in a movie the viewer has no control of what occurs in it.
Internet & World Wide Web (1989)
Burnham has a song in the movie called "Welcome to the Internet" where he voices his thoughts on the internet [8]. The internet is the network of many devices and the world wide web is the means to surf through this large network, with web browsers, to access content [12]. Through the internet and world wide web, Burnham was able to publish this movie and the music within in, popular songs being "Welcome to the Internet" [8], "White Woman's Instagram" [2], and "How the World Works" [13]. The internet came after the ARPANET, and was able to be used for commercial and personal purposes in addition to the sharing of scientific documents that ARPANET provided.
Burnham refers to text messaging in his song "Sexting" [4]. Text messaging refers to instant messaging, usually on a smartphone. Texting is similar to email, though less formal. There are other forms of communication like the telegraph that texting is more convenient and accessible than.
Smartphones are devices that let people communicate electronically while also including features for ease of use and entertainment. Smartphones are referred to in the other technologies in the movie. FaceTime [1] and Instagram [2] are applications on smartphones. Burnham talks about people being distracted by their phones and how he does not want to know what they are watching [5] [6]. Smartphones are comparable to iPads and personal computers (PCs). An iPad is essentially just a smartphone with a larger display; it can perform the same functions. A smartphone also has a touchscreen display, which is uncommon for personal computers.
Burnham mentions iPads in "Welcome to the Internet". He speaks about how young children gain access to technology, specifically iPads [9]. iPads are tablets, devices similar to smartphones, however they are typically larger and usually focus more on utility and entertainment features.
Within "Inside", there is the song "FaceTime with my Mom (Tonight)" where Burnham sings about Face Timing with his mom during the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. FaceTime is a video chatting software developed for Apple devices. There exists other video chatting applications like Zoom, but FaceTime is intended more for personal use than professional use.
In the song "White Woman's Instagram," Burnham pretends to be a white woman that uses Instagram [2]. Instagram is "a free photo and video sharing app available on iPhone and Android" [10]. Instagram is a social media app like others, including Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook. These apps are all similar because they provide short-form content. They do have differences in how they deliver content, as Instagram also has an option for photos while TikTok focuses primarily on video content.
Burnham refers to streaming platforms like Twitch during the bit about the videogame where Burnham is locked in a room and repeatedly cries [7]. Streaming allows for content to be shared live to viewers, allowing for real time interactions between viewers and content creators. In the case of uploading prerecorded video content to a platform like YouTube, viewers miss out on the opportunity to speak to content creators in live time.
Social Media Algorithms (2016)
Burnham talks about the exploitation of the neurochemical processes in the brain employed by social media apps and the internet in general [3]. He also refers to how the internet can "interest you in everything all of the time" [11]. Essentially, he is talking about algorithms that present you with targeted content. Social media apps are unified by their use of algorithms that deliver targeted content to their users.
[1] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (11:10)
[2] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (20:28)
[3] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (30:18)
[4] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (31:49)
[5] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (45:00 - 46:38)
[6] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (49:45 - 50:00)
[7] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (51:20 - 53:31)
[8] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (00:56:40 - 01:02:00)
[9] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (59:27)
[10] About Instagram, https://help.instagram.com/424737657584573/?helpref=related_articles# (Instagram Help Center), (Accessed September 26, 2024)
[11] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (56:40)
[12] "A short history of the internet," (National Science and Media Museum, December 3, 2020), https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/short-history-internet , (Accessed September 26, 2024)
[13] "Inside" by Bo Burnham (14:03 - 18:15)