Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Virtual World vs. The Real World
"The Internet is the thing that has kept me sane," he told me. "I live
constantly in fear. I can't be my true self. My mom complains: 'I can see
you becoming more detached from us. You're always spending time on the computer.' But the Internet is my refuge."Jeffrey is able to use these communities as a way to communicate and share
his ideas/thoughts with others who are have similar ideas and feelings. Having the ability to to be a part of this world, Jeff has no reason to hesitate on being who he really is. He is able to meet others that claim to have the same interests. He is also able to explore the different communities which may suit his interests such as the gay online community in his case.Unfortunately not all people that are found in these virtual communities are real. Some choose to use these places as a way to be something they are not, just for fun. Although this may be the case in many situations, it also provides those who cant be themselves in real life with a place to go where they feel welcomed and wanted.
The Internet and these "virtual communities" allow people to be whomever they want to. It allows them to explore without exposing them to criticism or judgment but at the same time you never know if others in the virtual community have the feelings or views they claim or are just pretending. The virtual world is a complicated place, not unlike the real world but instead of interacting with an actual human being you are interacting with someone hidden behind their computer.
So, we can't count on people to tell the truth or represent themselves honestly. Is that really different than the real world? You seem to be emphasizing the "hidden," secretive nature of these virtual communities. Yes, we should be careful, but aren't the benefits more important?
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