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“The Secret Lives of Numbers” [2002]

Golan LEVIN

“The Secret Lives of Numbers”

Outline

This work collects the use frequency and the patterns of the numbers from 1 through 100,000 over the web, and presents the statistics as a dynamic interface. By dragging a mouse, we can see how the use patterns of numbers reflect our society, culture and history.
Our world is composed of numbers. We tend to handle numbers as inorganic objects without paying them much attention. However, when we statistically analyze and visualize the use of numbers based on huge amounts of data, the world looks different. Based on the decadal system, deriving from our ten fingers, this work statistically collects integers from 1 through 100,000 that have appeared on the web after 1997, classifies them according to popularity, and displays the results, in order to show that the numbers reflect history, social phenomena and human behaviors, and that a usage pattern is determined somewhat inevitably. This work also searches and displays phrases and existing proper nouns that are associated with these numbers. Please try and see the patterns and secrets hidden in the numbers.

You can experience the online version of the work.
The Secret Lives of Numbers

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