John Barlow encoded a very well, witty work of "A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace". This 5th entry will be my afterthoughts on this utmost confident work on Cyberspace. Got your cyberglasses ready? Here we go!
To be frank, it was a real pleasure reading this article. It wasn't a big POW to the face w/ jargon terms flying around zapping us. It was more of a dialogue. A dialogue play of Actor A - Cyberspace and Actor B - Meatspace.
Meatspace. What in the network is that! This unique sounding term actually refers to the real, physical world we live in. In other words, it is the non-virtual world. Tongue-in-cheek term isn't it? I kinda like it heh!
I thought meatspace was very clever. Ever if we are "human", we are still animals composed of meat and bones. I like that meat sounds like meet so meatspace would be where meat could actually meet each other. Personally, I do not believe I was fearfully made and I'm sure I will be respected for my beliefs. -- Steve
Meatspace is a great term. I've always said that cannibalism is funny. -- Cliff Smith
So basically, in a nutshell, once upon a time, Cyberspace stood up & confronted Meatspace in the face!
The story of Cyberspace & Meatspace
Cyberspace: Ho-hum! Your bones & meat world bore me to my nodes! You're bounded by ludicrous rules. Such boundaries, BAH! There's no equality, what a shame! What's the point of living!
Meatspace: B-b-but...
Cyberspace: No buts! You manipulate powers in all the wrong ways, you know nothing of power! Nothing! Everything is governed by you & you only! Where's the people's say in issues?! You're unfit to be on the top!
Meatspace: W-w-wait...
Cyberspace: What is there to wait? While you wait, my world here is becoming way advanced than you are. Look at us, cultures are developing, indifferent ethics are assembling, codes are being placed in orders, all in the name of Internet! Wait? Why wait? Waiting is only for fools!
Meatspace: I didn't meant it like that...
Cyberspace: Save it. Just look, look at the condition in my world! The transactions, the connections between people, the thoughts being generated! Look & learn!
Meatspace: W-w-what are you s-s-saying...
Cyberspace: What do you mean what am I saying! You don't understand English? We. All. Have. Our. Own. Identities. Virtually. We are gonna dominate the universe!
Meatspace: N-n-no you're not!
Cyberspace: WE ARE GONNA DOMINATE THE UNIVERSE! *Virtual roar*
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Pardon for the rather weak & lame script. *Awkward laugh* This isn't Scriptwriting class after all, we'll save more story telling for another day shall we? From the (terrible) script, we can see the points clearly on the (proud) differences of Cyberspace & Meatspace.
Look around, we're bounded by rules aren't we? You miss a day, you get a parking ticket. You say something wrong, you get locked up. You speed b/c you desperately need the loo, you get a hefty fine. You think, "Life sucks!" It does sucks a little being encumbered by invisible yet powerful master puppeteers. Do we even get any chance to voice out or the very least, squeak?
In contrast to Meatspace, Cyberspace isn't bounded w/ big boys who controls people like Sesame Street. In Cyberspace, everyone is equal. We go on about our virtual lives happily, the way we want it to, w/o being restricted. Everything goes on smoothly, there isn't any hassle. You are happy, I'm happy, everyone is happy!
Cyber-rules at its best!
Of course, a set of rules & procedures are needed to exercise a fully utilize virtual world. We're talking about they way things are run in the Cyberworld. We have our own slang, jargon, acronyms! "Whatchu doing? I'm learning abt the Cyberworld & it rocks 4eva!"
Though, one (ahem, me actually) may not communicate in such way in reality but at least they understand the Cyberspace communication. We understand the secret code, yo! One more advanced feature of the Cyberworld is...
Wait for it.
Seriously, wait for it.
It's coming!
TADAAAAAAAAAA!
Our friendly, jiffy BBF in the Cyberworld, Google! With Google, we don't have to laboriously go through all the hassle to find just a small petty information like, "How much is a Cadbury chocolate bar in UK?" Asking questions & getting answers have never been this easier!
Why, hello there, Internet? What's your culture?
Heads up Kpop Culture, Internet culture is here to aid you in your dominance across the world! The Internet culture provides a hyperreality platform anywhere we go. With just a swipe on our iPad screen, we're connected to the Cyberworld!
W/ everyone having such potential opportunities connecting easily to the Web, information can be shared & received on the go! Bollywood cultures & Jpop culture can further spread their wings to different part of the world! Say, Hallyu!
*Cues Wonder Girls' Nobody*
Love At The First Sight
Whoa, slow down Romeo! We all also know how Ewan McGregor feels towards his wife.
"I got married because I fell in love with this woman." - Ewan McGregor
Human beings can establish a deep connection in a physical and material element. That being said, so can Cyberspace. Cyberspace can create a powerful though invisible connection not only to one person, but to a jungle of virtual members!
Reaching people from faraway countries are no longer a problem. Deeper connections are formed at the speed of light! New connections are built even quicker than you can say your full name!
In Cyberspace, we see connection not in the sense of Chuck as an individual in a relationship to the individual Blair. Here, we see relationships collectively. It's more important to know the connections of everyone as a whole to another group of people, and not just a one to one basis.
Avatar, The New Human
We're looking at metamorphosis here. The step by step changes & modifications. All these can be done easily & frequently. Admit it, how many times have you changed your profile picture in your FB? I admit, I do quite frequently, whenever I find one that pleases me.
Changing our data to create the ideal identity we want. Want to be treated differently? Switch your gender profile. Want to be funky & cool? Change your profile name. Want to be perceived as a joker? Edit your 'About Me'.
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So, is Cyberspace cooler or you rather stick back to Meatspace?
It's true that Cyberspace:
- Does offer an absence of high string authorities that we can speak & act freely
- Makes it so much easier to carry out inquiries with the rules & codes
- Has a cool & hip culture that we all want to be apart off
- Offers deep connections to endless people on the face of Earth
- Gives us a chance to be out of our zone, to be different
Seems like Cyberspace is overpowering Meatspace isn't it? But! There are some issues to be concerned about, as usual.
- For one, we are not governed by anyone that's true, but isn't that alarming? Won't people start going bonkers?
- Second, to the point of different codes & of Google, will Google will be making the human race lose its abilities to think?
- Third, will the Internet culture deteriorate us in reality?
- Fourth, connections are made available to everyone, but who are we really talking to?
- Lastly, how can we trust others in the virtual world when all the facts about ones can be changed through editing?
We know the benefits of Cyberspace, but what's the negative side about it?
Share a feedback to the issue, guys! :)
Hey Michelle, I like the way you structured the blog. Between there are many disadvantages of cyberspace and the one that comes to mind is, people lie about themselves a lot on the cyberspace, especially on the Dating Sites. There are many made up stories and photoshopped pictures because everyone trying to seem and look better than they already are. They groom and portray themselves more intellectual, successful and good-looking.
ReplyDeleteSome parents don’t realize the consequences of young children using internet without their guidance. When children are online, they can easily be trapped into something dangerous. For example, when they are actually chatting to a harmful person. The results are in many cases where children have been kidnaped for ransom, rape, and robbery. In addition, children can be easily exposed to inappropriate materials such as pornography online by mistake. This perhaps the biggest threat to children health mental.
Have great weekend!! :)
Hello Michelle! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your script! Great entertainment (in a good way) and it really shows how proud the cyberspace is and how weak the meatspace is in standing up to itself :)
I agree wholeheartedly with your statement on everyone being equal on the cyberspace. When we are logged onto the cyberspace, we are presented with all kinds of tools, information, and services that we can all use. The matter here now is how we are going to use it and why we are using it. Everyone has the same access to everything and it is very dependent on each and very individual to decide what we can do with it. The wonders of the cyberspace! :)
In respond to the issues of the cyberspace:
1. It's indeed alarming when people are being given too much freedom. There's a reason why laws and regulations are implemented in our real world. And I believe that these laws and regulations exist to maintain the balance of the society. The rich will not be TOO rich and the poor will not be TOO poor. I think the same ought to be implemented in the cyberspace as well. But of course, before that, the authorities need to understand ways to work out the digital world first before they start to control.
2. In my opinion, Google is making people to lose the passion in seeking for information. People are putting in less effort. The main reason would be the fact that we are able to obtain whatever we want easily and effortlessly through Google. Convenient, true. But we ought to learn that not everything presented on Google can be trusted. Google is merely presenting information it can gather from everywhere to us. It's still up to us to put in effort and find out the most credible source we can find through the sea of information.
3. I agree that Internet is influencing our lifestyles a lot. Everything is being migrated onto the Internet. We discuss our lessons through Facebook, and our assignments are to tweet and blog. Everything is online. And our virtual identity is indeed making us to be less confident with our true self in the real world, which is alarmingly dangerous. If we are too caught up with our virtual self, we might lose ourselves in the real world.
4. We are talking to a huge bunch of data :)
5. We can never trust. The best way to trust others is to see them personally.
Great post Michelle! Got me thinking :) Have a great weekend ahead!
Heya Meg! :)
ReplyDeleteI do agree on your point that we tend to "groom" ourselves by switching our profile pictures to a photoshopped picture! We have hopes in that when people view our profile, they'll see our appearance, and like us for it. In a way, you like the attention but in a way, it's like living in denial isn't it?
And it's also true that parents aren't watching what their kids are doing online. I mean, for us, we're adults now, so out parents basically put their faith and trust in what we do right? But parents should at least monitor the younglings these days since lil kids are all so advanced now!
Some parents even encourage the use of digital platforms to the kids. In a way they're trying to keep their kids updated or b/c they love their kids, they just have to pamper them. But from another POV, early expose to the virtual world is somewhat bad isn't it? I know some parents would buy an iPad for their 3 year olds. Can you believe that? Shocking indeed.
Thanks for the feedback Meg! :DD
Thank you Su Wern for the intensive feedback! :D
ReplyDelete"But of course, before that, the authorities need to understand ways to work out the digital world first before they start to control."
It's true that at some point of the time, we still do need some legislation in the Cyberspace, it's only natural. Someone to not conquer but to guide and lead us to maximum potential and not deteriorate the system.
But for those who are going to be our guardians or guidance, they need to, as you've mentioned, understand the whole concept of the laws first before implementing it. Extensive understanding and research needs to be carried out. What is the point when the regulations are carried out but to find some loopholes?
"In my opinion, Google is making people to lose the passion in seeking for information. People are putting in less effort."
This is absolute true. Google in some sense does provide us the information we need asap but then for little things which we can do ourselves it just makes us looks silly doesn't it? If this keeps building up, the human race will but nothing but lazy.
Some problems we can see to ourselves and we don't need Google to literally be the brain for us. We all have our brains. We should use them! The brain is as powerful as networks. We should not only appreciate the virtual world but our physical system too. :D
Great thinking Su Wern! :)) Appreciating this hee!