The concept of absurdity from the perspective of Albert Camus; an examination of art, literature, and media

This study aims to examine the transformation of the concept of "absurdity" (absurd), which occupies a central place in Albert Camus' philosophy, in the fields of art, literature, and media. The study takes Camus's theory of the absurd as its theoretical framework and evaluates the concept's consciousness-raising function in classical texts and its appearance in contemporary digital culture in a comparative manner. The study adopts a qualitative research method and utilizes text analysis and comparative analysis techniques. In this context, Camus's understanding of the absurd is examined through Dadaist art practice, its representations in Camus's works The Stranger and The Myth of Sisyphus, and its reflections in the digital media ecosystem, particularly on the TikTok platform. Contemporary theoretical approaches discussing the dissolution of meaning in the digital age are also utilized. The findings reveal that the absurd in Camus's thought has a consciousness-forming function that directs the individual towards awareness and rebellion. However, it has been determined that in the current digital media environment, the absurd is neutralized within the culture of algorithmic repetition and speed, often transforming into a superficial performance element. This situation reveals that the concept of the absurd has evolved into a simulacral media practice, distancing itself from its historical critical and existential depth. In this respect, the study aims to establish a critical bridge between Camus' existentialist approach and contemporary digital culture dynamics by addressing the concept of the absurd from an interdisciplinary perspective.