The “Collective Unconscious of Mankind” October 2, 2007

The chat log that was most interesting to me was the Reality and Identity Group 3. They brought up a lot of points in their conversation that were very intriguing and worth mentioning. One of the statements that really grabbed me was Be Smith’s reference to the internet as the “collective unconscious of mankind”. This could not be more true. From my own interpretation, he is basically saying that when we post things online we do it almost unconsciously, without a thought or care that other people may be reading them. We use the internet (mostly blogging) as a digital diary where we can let our opinions, beliefs, fears, and even deepest secrets seep into another world; a dangerous world where everything is at stake, up front, and ultimately, permanent. This is similar to papers we hand in to professors expressing our beliefs on a particular topic. However, it is very very different in the sense that only the professors will be reading that paper, whereas online their will be more people perusing through our thoughts.

The group goes on to discuss how people tend to share things on the internet that they wouldn’t usually say. They feel safer because they aren’t in direct contact with the people they are communicating with. With the internet, we are communicating with the whole world; anyone and everyone. That, to us, sounds OK because “everyone” is doing it and that is where the “collective” part of Be Smith’s comment fits in. The internet is basically everyone’s diary. So, having said this, when we look at things like authorship a question arises of who is the true author. In some sense, we are all authors, publishing stories that are stocked in a global, digital library where not even a library card needs to be swiped or a dime needs to be spent in order to review someone else’s work. Ultimately, considering the openness off the internet, it is important that we become more conscious of what we are posting on certain cites, considering it is impossible for it to be completely erased. It isn’t like a written diary where you can write your entry, lock it with a key, and keep that key safe; in reality, the diaries we contribute to on the internet are forever and indefinitely open.      -Amanda

                                                                                          

A look at Second Life October 2, 2007

I took a look at Second Life as Lisa mentioned in her blog.  I find it to be very interesting. I tried to set up an account but was unsuccessful. The virtual world has a lot to offer. It seems, from what I could tell, to create a world of possible unrealistic happiness. Which is good. Some of us need an escape from the real world from time to time.  Although I don’t understand every aspect of what’s going on there, I think I’d be interested in participating in this world.  It’s like being involved in a video game where you get to decide, create and manage your own life.  Like I always say, use common sense when it involves identities of others. It should be easier to be more protective of yourself in thist type of enviornment because you know going in that everyone involved is living a life of deception. Petisa

Our Identities October 2, 2007

Watching the video on identity with Dick Clarence Hart was enlightening. He defines idendy as “Who you are.” I never thought about it  the way he describes the many aspects of who we are.  Most of the time when we think about identity  we think in terms of – Name, date of birth, place of birth, address, sex, Social security number, and drivers’ license. In this video, he proves that identity is much more. It involves our likes, dislikes, relationships and activities. In our class discussions  there’s a lot to be said about people hiding their true identities.  We watched as lonelygirl deceived the world about her true identity.  In the MUDs people lie about who they are using all types of character names. In class people even felt secure about talking about or saying things that they ordinarily wouldn’t say in person.Hart’s Identity 2.0 is just another step into the future of technology. It sounds as if it could be beneficial for security purposes. At the same time it could also take away from the fun of just being free to express oneself. People have to use common sense when they are corresponding with strangers or conducting business. Who knows, maybe one day there will be sites that collect your  DNA or uses, retina/voice  recognition or even …… …collects fingerprints?   petisa