It was, and remains an interesting experiment. An interactive design student, Bashkim Isai, at Queensland University in Australia has set up a plant named Meet Eater that thrives on social interaction. Specifically, whenever the plant gets a wall post, a like rating, or a new friend on Facebook, it gets watered. Unfortunately, the plant was too popular on Facebook and Meet Eater II died from overwatering thanks to an outpouring of Facebook 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. “There have been some people who are very proactive with the plant’s engagement who maintain conversations with the plant over some weeks, 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.”
The plant was loved to death by the Internet. As strange as that may seem for a place full of trolls and arguments and anonymous bashing, it’s nice to see that there’s still some love and care out there, just waiting for an anonymous outlet. Of course, the plant might have been getting wall posts from trolls attacking it for its stupid green greenery, but I guess attention is attention and food is food.
Meet Eater III is already in place, and has been chosen for its ability to withstand overwatering.
Tags: Meet Eater, Facebook plant killed by kindness, Bashkim Isai, Queensland, Australia, plant controlled by Facebook killed, plant overwatered by Facebook fans, plant watered by Facebook responses, unusual experiments, Queensland University
