The entrance to the “Clickbait” at exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
The latest exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a physical representation of how we use the internet — and how the internet uses us.
“Clickbait: A digital obsession” explores digital literacy through play, breaking down complex topics like facial recognition and data mining into approachable activities for visitors as young as 8 years old.
Before visitors can step foot into the exhibit, they have to consent to being recorded, as the experience involves cameras nearly every step of the way. Touch screen stations throughout the exhibit prompt digital interaction through profile building, quizzes and mini-games. While visitors engage with the bright lights and lively animations, the exhibit collects data from the answers they give and the movements they make.
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The Museum’s Vice President of Education, Nicole Temple, says that all exhibit data is stored on a local server that gets wiped at the end of each day. So, as she puts it, “what happens in Clickbait stays in Clickbait.”
The exhibit acts as a safe space to explore while learning about some of the risks of the internet, so participants can make informed decisions when out in the real world.
“The pace of technology is increasing so much that it’s happening faster than we are able to pay attention to or keep up with,” Temple told Houston Public Media. “So part of this is giving people a little bit of an opportunity to peek behind the curtain and increase that information.”
An installation within HMNS’s “Clickbait” exhibit. (Photo Credit: Sophia Jozwiak/Houston Public Media)
An installation within HMNS’s “Clickbait” exhibit explores Artificial Intelligence. (Photo Credit: Sophia Jozwiak/Houston Public Media)
A mini game within HMNS’s “Clickbait” exhibit. (Photo Credit: Sophia Jozwiak/Houston Public Media)
The walls of HMNS’s “Clickbait” exhibit feature factoids about technology and the internet. (Photo Credit: Sophia Jozwiak/Houston Public Media)
“Clickbait” requires a Special Exhibition Ticket, which costs $35 for adults and $27 for children, or $20 for members of all ages. Special Exhibition Tickets also include access to the museum’s Permanent Exhibition Halls.
The exhibit is located on Level 2 of the Museum’s main campus, and is on view now through January 2027.