Cyberspace
Cyberspace: ‘A new universe, a parallel universe created and sustained by the crowds computers and communication lines. A world in which the global traffic of knowledge, secrets, measurements, indicators, entertainment and alter-human agency takes on form: sights, sounds, presence never seen on the surface of the earth, blossoming in a vast electronic nights.’ Michael Benedikt.
Cyberspace is often related to an imaginary world in which everything within is considered 'not real'. However, cyberspace is infact an authentic, perceptional space made up of computer bases, hardware, modes, telephone line, electric cables and humans. (Angleman, S. 2000) As claimed by Valtersson, Cyberspace is a globally newtworked, computer-sustained, compueter-accessed and computer-generated, multidimensional, artificial or 'virtual reality'. In this reality, to which every computer is a window, seen or heard objects are neither physical nor necessarily, representations of phpysical objects but are, rather, in form, character and action made up of data, of pure information. (Valtersson, M. 2004)
Cyberspace is a social construction which enables humans across the world to engage in various activities including Virtual_Communities, email, message boards and much more. Essentially, cyberspace is the electronic world where information is stored, transferred, and recieved. (Alberta: 2004) Virtual_ Identities, online friendships, online relationships and intimacy online can also be formed through cyberspace.
Many events are also made possible through the use of cyberspace. Virtual birthdays, weddings and anniversaries are all possible through cyberspace, all the while connecting users worldwide. As Randall Farmer states in regards to cyberspace, A place where people, regardless of location or hardware, or purpose can get together in a participatory experience to conduct business, socialise or have a good game of Space Combat. (Angleman, S: 2000)
However, while cyberspace has a number of positive aspects, it is important to recognise the dangers that are associated with the technology. These include:
(Mizrach:2004)
There is also a belief amongst users that cyberspace is an extension of their self, mind and personality.
Reference
Angleman, S. (2000) What does it mean to dwell in Cyberspcae and why do we go there? [Online] Available: http://www.jnly.com/Literary/Illusions/TheoryResearchPaperIndex.html [Accessed: 22/10/2004]]
Mizrach, S. (2004) What’s virtual about virtual culture? [Online] Available: http://www.fiu.edu/~mizrachs/virtual-enthnog.html Accessed: 28/10/2004
Valtersson, M. (2004) Virtual Communities [Online] Available: http://www.informatik.umu.se/valter.html Accessed: 22/10/2004
Belinda Gatz 15:41, 28 Oct 2004 (EST)
