Online Identity

In class we discussed online identity as being an emacipatory media space where people can post and share things that they might not in real life.  It’s way for people to freely post and find people who share the same interests.

I found a current event on Digg.com that has to do with Internet immersion and plugging into the online world. The article talks about William Gibson and his book Neuromancer, where the Internet plugs directly into a persons brain, and how people would be interested in this if it were possible. People would love to be able to totally immerse themselves into a virtual world that they love, such as Harry Potter or Star Trek.  In the article it says that while the Internet began as a way to exchange information it has also become a host of many virtual fantasy worlds. It goes on to say that maybe in the future it will be possible to have Internet to brain interaction. For some people that may be a very pleasing idea. Those who enjoy the virtual world would be able to create their own online identity that is different from the life they lead in the real world.

This relates to what we discussed in class about creating an online identity.  Right now people are free to create all different kinds of online identities whether it is through blogs, chat rooms, fan sites and more.  But there are limitations; you cannot totally immerse yourself all the time in the virtual world.  People still have their reflexive and ascribed identities; the way people see them in the real world and how they see themselves.  This article is interesting because it is about just being able to connect right to the Internet and the virtual world, and if this were possible maybe people would feel totally free and not worry about how other people see them.  Even though this obviously is not possible right now it just goes to show how technology is increasing along with ways of communicating.  

With all the different virtual worlds on the Internet people are able to interact more with others that they share similar interests with. Also being anonymous allows people to share more of how they really feel. Communicating over the Internet is only growing, so maybe something like brain to Internet connection could be possible in the future.