So the last discussion ended with some interesting speculations...
Growing up with certain technologies has changed our perception of reality significantly compared to that of the previous generations.
Some current video games digital technology are creating a virtual world which more and more people are incorporating into their daily lives. Public gatherings and even ceremonies such as marriage are occurring online through this new medium. Human social interaction is being drastically transformed by this wave of technology aimed at making life "easier" and creating a faster medium for communication. (check out second life, Millions of us and simulated reality)
There are some very positive aspects to this change. Ideas can be shared with a global audience and knowledge can be spread at a massive level much more rapidly.
When significant emotional experiences occur through a virtual medium, they are just as real to the individual than if they would have occurred through the physical world.
How are our social interactions changing and being redefined by digital technology? I would like to hear your opinions and insight on the topic. post some comments, or if you have a longer response you would like me to post, send me an email at wrodas@calpoly.edu
-and if you're interested in extreme futuristic theories, check out transhumanism and the links at the bottom of that article
2 comments:
A tool in today's society which was left out of the summary/discussion brought on by the question " How are our social interactions changing and being redefined by digital technology? " is the online networks created by us to house virtual relationships as friends, colleagues, and even lovers. Common online networks such as MySpace and Facebook allows users to meet other users without actually (meaning the traditional way) meeting. The digital world and the vision of online networks has increased our social interaction tremendously allowing friends to remain friends over the years without actually speaking or seeing each other. In addition, the permission of casual browsing into individuals’ profiles opens new doors which allow you to meet new people which in fact we have never REALLy met.Accordingly, the digital world has decreased our social interaction tremendously, in a physical context due to the convenience it offers...kinda makes you wonder if you'll ever go back to visit that childhood buddy if all you have to do is double click...I know i would go back and visit because i grew up playing outside and at the park or after school with my friends, but will my children do it? will there children do it? Growing up in a society that is changing and evolving to the digital world, as our/the future interacts more and more each day via the internet and video games linked to the internet you can't help but think how hard it is going to be in 50 years to just...step outside.
[t.nystrom]
I didn't realize we had ignored these service related online tools actually... You make a good point with myspace and facebook, but I think that they also make it easier to have superficial relationships with people you dont really know. Anybody that you randomly meet or interact with that has a facebook account will ask you to add them as a "friend" which is great for networking reasons, but also, in my opinion, means you probably wont ever go back and visit that person again unless you need something or a place to stay. It helps us expand our networks, but doesnt necessarily increase interaction... how often do you message the 200 people on your friend's list? it does help us keep in touch with those we care about though... which I appreciate very much.
Online dating has also changed the way people meet and interact. It eases the process of having to get someone to like you because you can send messages and choose to reply to them or not. You never have to face rejection physically, so it eases pressure for those socially anxious people and can be positive. But there are some negative aspects to that as well, aren't there? The whole beauty in meeting someone like you is getting out there and sharing some kind of experience by chance or something. Spontaneity is a beautiful thing that gets destroyed when you meet someone based on their interests on their webpage and how compatible they are to yours... [w.rodas]
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