In lecture last week (I think last Monday) Professor K. was talking about the development of relationships through online entities.
Social Media like facebook or myspace are rapidly growing and the populations that use these tools are changing as well. Both of the sites were created as socially networking sites: to maintain relationships, rejuvinate them, or create new ones. I know that I personally, did not join either of those sites to make new friends, but some do. For instance, my cousin met someone on myspace, and then the relationship developed and they were perfect for each other. It came as no surprise to the family when they got married this past summer.
But, in their relationship, while they may have met online, they went on dates and met each others families. They interacted offline!
In lecture Professor K. was talking about the ability to have virtual dates; to be able to choose where you want your avatars to meet, and to make them interact based on what you or the person you are on a date with creates as dialogue. It was at that point that I began to worry. Why would someone need to use an avatar? What is the point? Do you not have time to leave your computer and go meet someone for dinner? I guess the thing is: if you are too nervous to go on a first date in reality, what makes you think you will be less nervous when you actually meet that person face to face?
The speaker this morning on Geocaching said that he had 10-15 avatars. Why? Why would need more than one?
When avatars are brought into play, I really begin to wonder of identity. I understand that people want a bit of privacy, but past a certain point I wonder if there is a misrepresentation of the original identity.
Which in turn, makes me wonder, what do they really have to hide that they need 35 avatars?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Avatars provide an alternate identity - not who you are, but who you might be.
ReplyDeleteYes, but isn't that a strange thing? Why do people need so many alternate identities. I realize that you might want one or two to protect your identity, yourself, and your family. But, as the numbers grow, doesn't it become overkill?
ReplyDeleteThis is a universal human trait, to wish to adopt alternative identities, to improve one's own identity, to play with one's identity (hair length and style, tats, piercings and other mutilations. It's much easier to develop an avatar on a computer than bind one's feet, of influence neck growth by encircling with successive rings.
ReplyDelete