Ok. I just remembered something I forgot to mention
concerning the "deception" theory. I guess everybody creates his/her own
opinion or even image of how the person on the other side of the computer screen
is like. And (this is sorta psychological here) I think most people just imagine
their friends to be what they themselves want their friends to be. (This
phenomenon also exists in real life, but I guess the fact of "hiding" behind a
computer screen makes it even easier for people to create certain images of
people they talk to on the net. And count out the part about sending pictures
with e-mail. What I mean by "image" is the basic idea that represents a person
and his/her character, not that much the visual aspects, i.e. the looks - not
that visual aspects ever had to do with character, anyhow).
So, this adds up to the "illusionary and deceitful"
nature of virtuality.
I think it also has to do with senses (dahhhh! what
am I talking about the whole time??) ok. so let me rephrase that: it has to do
with senses as I've already mentioned. I mean let me just come back to your
statement (which I so much liked btw): <<We are "talking", with our
hands/eyes. We are "seeing" what was just "touched" in. You
are percieving me touching with my hands and making words you may
understand. Since i can't hear you. Also, I can't see you. So I am blind in a
way to see who i'm communicating with.>> (btw, sorry about being so
obsessed with this one quote of yours, but I sincerely like it)
See, here are the senses that are excluded from the
electronic communication and if that doesn't limit our ability of perception of
reality, then what does?
Plus, look at it this way: we thought about the
deeper reality which is not perceptible with our 5 senses, so what about the
virtual reality then? That would make it an inferior reality to
the "normal" reality in respect of orientation. But I think the real
problem consists of the mixture of those two realities, because most of the
times I get the impression that people are not fully aware that this kind
of communication is another level of reality - they rather seem to be
stuck with the idea that it somehow is the "real"/ "normal" reality which is just not the
case. And they won't realize it until something happens to them that makes them
realize it. Hope you're getting me here(?)
So, this is where my skepticism originates
from. Maybe I'm the one being paranoid here. Maybe people that just enjoy the
virtual reality with common sense (as in not involving themselves too much) are
on the right track. But this is how I feel (I think I've mentioned it like
thousand times).
Coming back to the virtual friends
issue. I would like to say something like: But I
know you're different, I know you're a decent guy.. but I can't say it, simply
bacause of the fact that I don't know. On the other hand, I DO
(like hell) enjoy talking to you, because of what you say and what this
shows about your character (even if it's just a tiny bit of it).
So, please don't feel offended!!!! That's the last
thing I would like to be accused of.
later
Ewa