Month: January 2015

The Separation of Self

No Fun was an online social experiment which made use of a popular website called ‘Chat Roulette,’ where users from around the world are randomly paired up with another user via their webcam. Usually, while many of the pairings can end up inappropriate (naked body parts, vulgar language, inappropriate actions, etc.), this performance takes the shock factor to an entirely new level.

The reading, Cyborgs, by Steve Dixon, begins with a relevant quote from René Descartes: “I comprehend, by the faculty of judgment alone which is in the mind, what I believed I saw with my eyes.” In this video, the unknowing participants were able to visibly see and understand the suicide scene that was displayed before them. While some of them viewed it as a comical prank, some of the users did believe exactly what they saw, however, they chose to separate themselves from this virtual world (the 3rd dimension). Many of the users noticed the scenario, yet continued on with their lives and appeared almost indifferent to the disturbing image before them. As long as they remained behind their computer screens, there were no consequences, the scenario did not have to become a reality, and therefore, the user was not obligated to provide any sympathy.

This experiment opposes the theories presented by such works as The Big Kiss, which claims that intimacy and engagement can be experienced online. However, the clear lack of engagement and connection in this experiment battles such arguments. Yet, the theory reinforces such investigations as Hole-In-Space, which displays strangers, who are separated by an entire country (from New York to Los Angeles), flirting with each other. Their separation of self from the virtual world allows them to act as if they have no consequences and a superficial relationship with the person before them.

A Good Old Fashioned Alter Ego

Maybe I’m a little old fashioned, or maybe I’m just crazy.

My alter ego is based on the personality of an elderly woman. Although I may not be technologically challenged, I have an appreciation for old fashioned values. For example, I much prefer to write than type and hold a book rather than download it. Then again, I’m all for technological advances!

The Virtual Hole-In-Space

Hole-In-Space was an experiment that shocked the unsuspecting public one evening in 1980 in both New York City and Los Angeles. The life-size images that were displayed broke down the 2,800 miles of distance and linked complete strangers through the act of a virtual connection. Created by Kit Galloway and Sherrie Rabinowitz, this technology was revolutionary for its time and allowed innocent passerby to experience a conversation like never before in the “virtual space,” a term coined by Galloway and Rabinowitz.

In today’s technological society, these connections are regularly had over Skype, FaceTime, and other forms of virtual conversation. However, in 1980, Skype had not been invented and cellular texting was still a few years down the road. The ability to visually connect with an individual on the other side of the country was cutting-edge and irresistible.

Some may argue that face-to-face interaction is the most personal and intimate, and while they may be right, it does not detract from the intimacy that can be shared through virtual visual communication. For example, the work, The Big Kiss, by Annie Abrams shows us that despite a physical distance that is keeping two individuals apart, the connection that can be had through virtual visual communication can hold moments and feelings of intimacy and emotion.

This virtual space that is discussed in the Galloway and Rabinowitz reading, “Welcome to ‘Electronic Café International’: A Nice Place for Hot Coffee, Iced Tea, & Virtual Space,” just like the Hole-In-Space experiment, is able to break down barriers that previously appeared impossible. The emotions, vulnerability, intimacy and friendship that were previously reserved for face-to-face connection can effectively be shared through with virtual space.

‘Open Source as Culture/Culture as Open Source’ Reading Response

This article introduces a concept that I really appreciate; “Works of literature are just as much a product of society…as they are of an individual author” (Vladimir Hafstein). In the recent months, musical artist Sam Smith has been in a legal battle with Tom Petty for the 1989 hit song ‘I Won’t Back Down’ and the similarity it bares to the recent pop song by Sam Smith, ‘Stay With Me’. It is clear, even to the untrained ear, that the melodies are incredibly similar. Since then, Smith has admitted that he gains inspiration from many songs, similar to the majority of musical artists. It is in this way that the artwork does not solely belong to the artist, but to the greater society. By placing heavier importance on the work itself, rather than focusing on propriety issues, open source information and products can be productive and consist of a greater quality. The reality is: nothing is truly original; all great ideas must gain inspiration from somewhere, so then, who does it really belong to?