Introduction
Asako Shinagawa's paper on "Cyberspace and Mind: Identifying Some Characteristics of Virtual Reality: Netizen and Citizen Relationships" done in generation 5, 1997, describes a computer world known as cyberspace. In this world, we take up new identities known as the "netizen" that embodies cyberspace as a second home. Our first identity which is in the real, physical world is known as the "citizen." This paper will hopefully shed some light on these new concepts of cyberspace and living this dual life.Virtual Reality and its Relation to the Mind
Virtual reality is basically a computer generated environment that appears real to our senses. This virtual reality is created in a world known as cyberspace that embodies characteristics similar to that of the human mind. Cyberspace does not contain any physical properties nor does it have any limit for accumulating thoughts and feelings. Therefore, the more interactions involved in cyberspace, the bigger it gets.When we interact in cyberspace, we must consider the concept of "dualism." This concept describes us of having two identities. One identity exists as a citizen of the physical world and the other as a netizen in cyberspace. It is with these two identities that we are able to exist in both the physical world as well as in cyberspace. The concepts of dualism and cyberspace were new to me so I did not really comprehend the idea that cyberspace was a separate world. I was taken back on the idea that I could have two identities existing in two different places. I never really looked at cyberspace as a virtual reality where I could interact with new people and share ideas. I just thought of cyberspace as one big library and nothing more. Now that I have a more in depth look at cyberspace I agree that we live in two separate worlds and see the benefits of having this netizen identity. More doors have been opened for people to express their feeling and emotions. Cyberspace has also created a new environment for people to interact besides the mall, movies, and cafes.
This new information is highly relevant to our class because the information we each submit will be posted on the web, so it is important that we understand the basis of cyberspace. It is also important for us to begin to "surf the web" and be able to freely express new ideas and opinions with others.
Commural Mind
The idea behind the "commural mind" is based upon the idea that we can let our minds roam freely in cyberspace to any location that we are interested in exploring. These locations or home pages need to be created though, which brings us back to the issue of dualism. We make a home page in the physical world by using physical properties but we experience the home page while we are in cyberspace. This creation of a home page allows for other netizens to interact and contribute to the expansion of cyberspace.This idea of being able to let my mind roam freely in cyberspace gave me sense of how limitless cyberspace really was and the possible interactions that could take place while in cyberspace. I like the idea of being free, and being able to go anywhere I wanted to go without having restrictions or guidelines to follow.
Since part of this course requires us to make a home page this information is very relevant. By creating a home page, we are creating a virtual reality for ourselves and for other netizens to contribute, share and discuss idea's, thoughts and feelings.
Hypertext Navigation
The creation of hypertext links is a important way to interact with other netizens. It informs other that you are interested in their idea's and have creative idea's of your own. It also allows you to introduce yourself to someone new with common interests and be able to express feelings and ideas. Creating these links on other people's home pages is a excellent way to talk and interact with people with the same ideas you may have. If we did not have these links I think that the progress of cyberspace would be hindered and there would not be much interactions amongst netizens. There would also be a lot of confusion because all the information would not be linked together, but rather dispersed in random arrangement.Since we are presenting our material on the web, we want the information to be available for everyone. Hopefully other netizens will create links to our pages and comment on what we are presenting and give us some new information as well. This reciprocal relationship would be ideal, and would help in the expansion of cyberspace.
Forming Virtual Reality
Having a virtual identity is a unique experience in that you are not bound by any social norms or any stereotypes. There are no gender, race, or SES bias that would make your comments less important than other peoples comments. No one has a unfair advantage over anyone else which creates a environment in which people feel comfortable in expressing their ideas and emotions. In this environment you can act anyway you want and do not have to feel the ashamed for your ideas or thoughts.I really like this idea of being able to share your opinions and emotions in a world free of stereotypes and social norms. It not only make you feel more comfortable, but it make everyone feel more comfortable. It also allows people to express their true feelings and not just what everyone else is saying just because they are scared of being ridiculed for their opinions. This is a important aspect in our class because we want to create a environment where other people feel comfortable in expressing themselves whether it is by complimenting or criticizing our work.
Netizen vs. Citizen
By comparing a netizen with a citizen we can clearly see the differences between the two. One is bound in cyberspace the other in a physical world. The netizen on one hand, can be anyone you want to become while the citizen has restrictions depending on your education or SES. Clearly though, we can see we have created two separate identities for ourselves. I think this creation or expansion of ourselves can be seen as a healthy outlet to express feeling and emotions. We must remember though that we have to actively participate in cyberspace to reap the benefits of having a dual identity. If we are not doing anything to help expand cyberspace our netizen does not really exist. We cannot be merely browsers of the web but must take the initiative and create home pages and links to help further expand cyberspace.Since our class requires us to become active netizens it is important for us to constantly expand cyberspace and not just watch others do all the work.
Questions and Answers
Professor James What advantages are there in communication/interacting with virtual strangers?
The advantages of communicating with a virtual stranger is that there are no social barriers that would impose on the conversation. There would be no stereotypes that would cause people to become uneasy or hesitant to express their true feelings. The conversations would represent fresh ideas because there would be no restrictions on what was said and no social norms to restrict and limit the content of the conversation.
Tara Anthany If people can express themselves freely on the net, can that help them live this way in reality?
I think that people are to caught up with social norms and what is acceptable in society to truly express themselves without feeling scared or embarrassed. I think that there are still too many social barriers to overcome to give the same safe feeling as in cyberspace, where a individual can remain anonymous.
Sean Marrs What role does anonymity play in cyberspace?
Anonymity plays a big role in cyberspace because it allows people to feel safe in expressing their opinions, without being ridiculed. On the other hand, having everyone anonymous in cyberspace creates a world without responsibility. Anyone can become anyone and that creates a situation in which information on the web has to be carefully scrutinized before it can be taken as fact. People are beginning to take the information on the web for granted and not doing the proper research to obtain valid information.
Isabel Chang How similar is one's virtual self as compared to one's real self?
The only real difference between the two, is that the virtual self can be more expressive and opinionated because of the lack of stereotypes found in cyberspace.
Cindy Melo Do you have any restrictions about privacy on the internet? Personal information can be accessed by anyone in the world without prior consent. But where do we draw the line?
Protecting our personal information whether it's on the web or in the real world is very difficult. I think it is the risk we take to reap the benefits of the internet. Information is easily obtained through the DMV office as it is on the web.
Robby Solmssen Do you think cyberspace could aid in a clinic's effort in rehabilitating people with confidence problems?
I think this would be a good start in rehabilitating people because it puts aside all fears and barriers that are created by society. The patient could start slowing by interacting freely with various individuals and increase their interactions with others as they become more confident in their abilities. While with approach may not have the same benefits of physical contact, it is a good start.
Anthony Guerra Does dualism mean some people "role-play" in cyberspace?
I guess it does because no one knows who you are and you can basically do anything you want. It is just left to your imagination on what you want to do.
Lianne Allianic What kinds of fresh ideas and material could cyberspace present in relation to this course?
Since we are working on the internet, people all over the world can review our material and give us feedback. Different cultures have different ideals in handling certain situations which could give us some new insights to old problems.
Janice Kamm What is cyberspace?
Cyberspace is basically a computer generated environment where you can interact with people in a chat room, look up information, or visit someone's home page. Cyberspace does not have any boundaries so it can encompass a countless number of thoughts and feelings. Each new thought or feeling put down on a home page or a link, helps expand cyberspace.
Tomoko Seiwo What are some of the things we should be careful of while in a cyber net environment?
Basically you have to watch out for the same things you would watch out for in the physical world. You take the same risk going onto cyberspace as you would stepping out of your house every morning. You do not really know what to expect and you do not know what kinds of people you are going to encounter. All you can do is research the cites you want to visit and remember, "if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is."
Sandee Uyehara How is cyberspace related to the mind?
Cyberspace like the mind has a nonphysical existence which means there are no boundaries or limits for thoughts and feelings. Cyberspace, like the mind, can grow and carry vast amounts of information for others to see.
Lynne Faylogna Should there be any censorship in cyberspace?
With more children becoming users of the internet, I think it is necessary to censor information that may be unsuitable for a younger audience. Locks need to be made by certain cites to discourage younger viewers. But ultimately the responsibility rests in the hands of parents who should monitor their child's activities so that they are not viewing inappropriate materials.
Leena Eclavea How can emotional intelligence be applied in cyberspace?
When we venture off into cyberspace, we allow ourselves to become vulnerable for others to talk to us and to give us advise. It is through our rational judgment that allows us to interpret the information we are receiving carefully. We have to control our emotions even when we meet someone very special on the internet and logically examine the facts by using rational thinking. We cannot allow ourselves to become overwhelmed by our emotions but keep control by using rational thinking.
Kent Seo Because anything can be on the internet, how do we know what's valid or not?
I think it is the readers primary responsibility to carefully examine information on the web and not just take the information for face value. We the readers have to examine the cites where we are obtaining the information and determine whether these cites are reliable.
Amy Hayashida What are the two parts of dualism?
The two parts of dualism involve the "netizen" and the "citizen." The netizen is your actions while in cyberspace, whether it's surfing the web, or making links to someone's home page. The citizen on the other hand represents our physical self in the physical world.
My Reaction
I thought my presentation went very well. I was not as nervous as I thought I would be, and came prepared to class to discuss my topic. Everyone seemed to be paying attention and listening to what I had to say. Since this is a small class I was able to look at everyone either writing down question or making eye contact to me. I felt really comfortable in this environment and was pleased to see that people had interesting questions to ask me.Other Comparisons
I guess since I am one of the first one's to publish their reports in our class, I do not have anything to compare it with. What I did see was how hard it is to create a home page. This can be seen in my report with all the mistakes I have made. Hopefully, by studying the HTML handbook I will be able to improve my papers and my cit.Suggestions for Future Generations
I think that future generation should start discussion groups which would allow everyone to express their opinions and ideas. Being able to utilize the web is a must, and it important for everyone to become active participants of cyberspace| Navigation Table |
