Indirectly, Howard Rheingold has reinforced every notion I have about using the internet to escape reality. I say indirectly because he is arguing quite the opposite of what I am about to go into, but the points he uses make my argument more solid. I will be focusing on the beginning of the introduction as in typical Rheingold fashion the argument becomes extremely diluted and repetitive. Rheingold talks about his experiences on the WELL network (Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link) and all the different people he has met on the site. Here’s my beef, as I have voiced several times in class already, these are random people that I have heard time and time again referred to as “friends.” Not once did Rheingold refer to any of these online people as his friends rather he called them “invisible friends,” meaning they aren’t there. He continues on by saying, “I had contended with these [invisible friends], shot the invisible breeze around the electronic water cooler, shared alliances and formed bonds, fallen off my chair laughing with them, become livid with anger at some of them. But there wasn’t a recognizable face in the house. I had never seen them before.” Sounds like times one would have with their friends while hanging out, the major difference is that in real life, you actually share experiences with each other; you can go out and do things with each other. Using Rheingold, I will show why these interactions are not normal behavior for any human.
A common abbreviation found on the WELL is IRL, which stands for In Real Life. Now, this argument of using the internet to escape ones reality has been shot down several times in class, but here it is in plain writing. Rheingold’s admitting it, anyone who has ever used the abbreviation is admitting it and our professor has admitted it without even knowing it. Creating an alternative identity on the internet is a pathetic way to escape ones reality. Not only does this kind of interaction take up a lot of your time, but it limits you to be sitting in front of your computer. While sitting on your computer, you’re missing out on everything that your natural reality offers you. Exercise, intercourse and nature are a few that come to mind as I think about the things I could be doing with my “real-life” instead of creating a fake life I’m more comfortable in. I’m not saying that an open exchange of information is a bad thing; I actually think that it is a great medium to exchange information. I find it weird that there are people who have to make friends on the internet because they can’t do it in real-life. This is a very harsh criticism and I’m sure that it will face a lot of opposition, but living a duel-life doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense to me. If you are not comfortable with your own reality, why take the time to create another one? Why don’t you work on the reality you currently live in so you don’t feel like you have to start over online.
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4 comments:
You are very blunt when it comes to this topic, and while I do agree with many points you made I also think you need to be a little bit more open minded when it comes to this topic. Whether anyone likes it or not, this internet trend will not go away and will only increase so we almost just need to accept it. I agree with you on the fact that human and nature interaction are the best. It is sad to think that people live their lives through computers, but that is their choice. If this world is to become better we do need to work on our personal relationships off the internet. Overall, I agree with you and like the points you make but it wouldn't hurt to be a little bit more open minded.
Matt, you just started blogging like you mean it. Though I don't agree with some of your ideas, you are now blogging not like this is a stupid assignment, but rather, there's some stake in this.
hahaha thats funny because I actually felt like I was on a mission with these blogs, they just take time I guess
Ok, so I see what you mean about it being a waste to create a new identity online when you already have one in real life. But think about how many people wish they had a clean slate. If they have to fix or work on their identity in real life they have to deal with so much baggage. When you go online and create a new identity you literally have a clean slate. You can be whatever you want. Whether you agree with this act or not, you have to acknowledge that it is easier to start over instead of fixing a long problem.
I agree that it is weird and I'm not keen on changing my identity and also that people should try and relate to others IRL. However, some really can't and have issues with public appearances. Todays world has made it easier for people who are shy. They can talk to people online. It may not be healthy, but its reality.
Do you think there are ways for those people with social issues to make friends instead of going online? And don't just say they should get over the shyness because some people can't help but being awkward and timid.
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