# Digital Dichotomy Photography Pieter Hugo's 'Permanent Error' Depicts Tech Waste in Ghana By Meghan Young | Published 2010-11-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/permanent-error References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2010/11/permanent-error-the-other-side-of-technological-progress-pics.html) & [pieterhugo](http://www.pieterhugo.com/selected-work/permanent-error/) The digital divide is clearly depicted in the 'Permanent Error' [photo series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1) by Pieter Hugo. Hugo captures the [locals in Ghana](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-identity) foraging for usable metal pieces in what looks like an [electronic graveyard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pape). Yet apart from the juxtaposition of place and objects, this series also reveals the fragility of technology and information. See more images from the 'Permanent Error' shoot by Pieter Hugo above. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Digital Divide:** The 'Permanent Error' series highlights the inequality in access to technology and the disparity in its disposal, opening opportunities for innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide. - **E-waste Management:** The photos shed light on the environmental impact of technology waste, creating opportunities for disruption through sustainable e-waste management solutions. - **Tech Fragility:** The fragility of technology and information showcased in the series prompts opportunities for disruptive innovation focused on increased durability and data resilience. ### Where This Applies - **Technology Manufacturing:** The 'Permanent Error' series raises the need for disruptive innovation in technology manufacturing to address the issues of waste, inequality, and durability highlighted in the photographs. - **Environmental Sustainability:** The photos provide an impetus for disruptive innovation in the field of environmental sustainability, particularly in the area of e-waste management and recycling. - **Digital Inclusion:** The 'Permanent Error' series presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the digital inclusion sector, aiming to bridge the digital divide by making technology more accessible to underserved communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Digital-Themed Glitchy Visual Wallpapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glitch-wallpaper.md) - [Imperfect Photography Celebrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nonnas-cam.md) - [Reusable Disposable Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flashback.md) - [Interactive E-Waste Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cash-for-trash.md) - [Travel Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-within-the-detour.md) - [Pixelated Photographed Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southern-trees.md) - [Digital Expo Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/after-utopia.md) - [Paper-Made Dissolvable E-Waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pape.md)