The dictionary definition of "Media" is the means of communication, as radio and television, newspapers, and magazines, that reach or influence people widely. It is the plural form of the word "medium." Which is the channel in which you communicate something. The media was initially a wonderful thing. It provided news to people everyday through the paper and news stations on television. It provided them with information that was extremely useful to everyday people. Now the media has been abused to bring not only information and news but advertising, celebrity drama, and brainwashing. In no way do I think that the media is a bad thing, but I do think that in many cases its not used to its potential in a productive way.
I think that Lasn makes a good point when he says that our emotions have become emoticons. We often express ourselves through them more than through physical signals that can only be detected in person. But I'm somewhat confused on what he means when he said that our authenticity has become fractured into multiple identities. Does he mean that we put on our "public face" and act a certain way when around people in person and a different face when communicating through impersonal means such as a text message? Any ideas guys?
I think that the virtual world that gamers often enjoy has a high level of value, meaning, and significance for sure. They play the game because they have fun when they play and it means something to them. Eventually they may be playing because of addiction. But for many, it never reaches that extreme, its merely a hobby they enjoy. That being said, I do not believe that those "synthetic" worlds that many enjoy are "real"worlds.
The very end of the video Second Skin when one commentator states that "gaming is just like watching football or working on a car all night long," really struck me. To many of us, this world is completely foreign but that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it. It is just another hobby that people take part in. Of course, some of the people from the video have health problems due to an addiction to the game, but that is another story. I feel, at least from our discussions in class, that many people associate a negative stigma with gaming and I don't think that its really fair.
I think you are right my first look at the video second skin I was pretty disgusted. I came home and watched the second half so I could see the whole story because I truly was shocked by it. I even reached out to see if my friends were gammer’s . I found out a few were and asked them questions. It hit me too when the guy at the end said it’s like a hobby. People do get in to their hobbies, spend money and can get obsessed. I just don’t feel like it’s a real interaction its fantasy its role playing. At least what I saw on second skin the WOW gammer’s. I think most of the characters in the film had gone a little far out there. I think yes can you play video games but to be your primary social outlet it’s not healthy in my opinion. I also find it interesting that the gammer’s see the game as “real world”. Have we forgotten the game is virtual.
ReplyDeleteTo go off of what nicole said about "have we forgotten the game is virual?" I can honestly say that sometimes you do forget. For me its books instead of video games. For example, I just read Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks this summer and at the end I was bawling my eyes out because I felt like I was there with the character. That I was living their life with them. Its an outlet from the stresses of reality. I do agree that it can be a problem in excess, like when it interferes with your life but sometimes you just need that escape. Im a huge Harry Potter nerd and there have been some days when I have been reading those books from age 9-19 where I wished that Hogwarts was real. when you talk about putting on a "public face" I totally believe that it is true. I had a friend in high school who would only tell you if he was upset or argue with you only if it was over the computer. He felt safer doing it, like no one could touch him. People do feel safer over the internet.
ReplyDeleteI agree that gaming can just be a hobby if done in moderation, but from watching Second Skin the people that it featured just made me angry. I disagree with gaming being like working on a car or watching a football game. Working on a car involves physical movement and involves a thought process, a football game eventually ends and sends you on your way. These gamers don't stop for hours on end and sometimes even days. I don't think it is a healthy habit mentally or physically if your world revolves around something that isn't even real.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your opinions guys! I see your points of view and you make legitimate arguments for all of them. I also think it is tough to say when it is okay and when it is too much.
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