Assessment Item 3 - Long Essay

Question - The idea of the internet as cyberspace has been a part of our contemporary culture for some time, particularly in the popular medium of film. But is the concept of cyberspace still relevant to our contemporary society? Discuss with reference to your own experience of contemporary media.

In today’s day and age, the approaches to communication and person-to-person interaction have been transformed significantly. No longer must an individual remain restricted to a single form of technology that may limit their social and networking capabilities. What we are talking about is something that is famous, and notorious. Its concepts have sparked countless additions and ideas into popular culture. Films and movies have been manifested through its numerous persona's. People interact with it. People talk about it. People are addicted to it. It dominates over us like a God; feuds have been fought over it and its teachings have rallied mass supporters. Without it, some would question the point of ‘social existence’. The idea of internet cyberspace co-existing within contemporary culture is undoubtedly present and growing at a spiralling rate. With this analogy, internet cyberspace incorporates a plethora of creativity and freedom that ultimately governs our social existence. In this essay, I will draw comparisons to my personal experiences of dealing with internet cyberspace interspersed with academic opinions and knowledge. I will furthermore undertake the necessary investigations to unravel the mysteries and addictions from various aspects of contemporary media and analyse its outcomes; creators and consumers.

Before I detail my personal experiences, one must understand the definitions of cyberspace. The origins of the word cyberspace were developed by “cyberpunk writer William Gibson” (http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/cybspace.html). He literally introduced the numerous ideas that surrounded cyberspace and the emerging technologies that were soon to engulf contemporary culture. Cyberspace essentially incorporates “personal computers, the Internet, computer graphics and virtual reality” (Whittaker, 2004, p4). The internet “is a strategic research site in which to study fundamental social processes” (Smith, Kollock, 1999, p4). It is literally a ‘utopia’, “an imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal” (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=utopia) in the sense of the sheer possibilities it possesses. Internet cyberspace’s sole purpose it to connect it’s users by any means necessary. This could potentially be through text messages sent through e-mail or IM (instant messaging) programmes, a video game with “multiplayer” accessibility, or even establishing an online profile for other users to access and comment upon. Some forms of ‘personal media’ (iPhone’s, iPod’s) encourage its buyers to access the internet from these devices to purchase games, ring tones and updates, to “use media technologies to create and share personal expressions through digital networks” (http://nms.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/10/5/683). Cyberspace exists in every possible medium. In contemporary culture it has become a necessity. As a famous quote by Nicholas Negroponte suggests, “This is just the beginning, the beginning of understanding that cyberspace has no limits, no boundaries.” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/nicholasne381691.html)

My experiences with interacting through the worlds of internet cyberspace are a long and varied one. With the Internet essentially accessible to the vast public in 1993, “[users] would benefit from information, support, resources… and connection” (Castells, 2003, p154). With the primitive line of home computers available in the early 90’s, it incorporated a simple OS (operating system) parallel to a basic user interface and most actions performed through DOS (Disk Operating System). I didn’t fully appreciate the world of cyberspace until the late 90’s. This period of time saw the introduction of e-mail and a handful of online gaming to compliment the internet’s networking bliss. It allowed users to experience a sense of variety. This online gaming trend established cults worldwide and continued to grow; in both popularity and the amount of games available. Online Role Playing Games (RPG’s) allows the player to create and customize their own ‘avatar’ (character in-game) and interact in worlds, often fiction/fantasy, which can quickly become an addictive approach to the way users can communicate with other players. IM programmes took a drastic leap forward sometime after the year 2000 with the addition of MSN messenger – an in-built application to Microsoft’s OS that allows users to connect and talk to others. Still existing today, the programme itself is updatable and will frequently introduce new features such as ‘webcam’ support and streaming media to another user. During this time the internet was regarded as a top priority as a means of sourcing information and media content. With ‘Youtube’ available from early 2005, anyone could upload videos onto a web page for the world to view. Youtube’s content ranges from “funny clips from TV, homemade blooper reels, goofy short films, musical performances, bite-sized serial dramas” (Biersdorfer, J. D., Pogue D., 2007, p174) and many others amongst literally thousands of videos. With the emergence of the ‘online profile’ phenomenon such as ‘Myspace’ and ‘Facebook’, the aspects that surrounded cyberspace was slowing beginning to transform into a plethora of user profiles. It engulfed the world of cyberspace and created a trend that almost every person you were to meet had a profile of some kind. People familiar with the ongoing ‘Twitter’ movement consists of small updates detailing “social statements, inquiries and answers, massively shared experiences, device state updates, news broadcasts, and announcements” (Makice, K., 2009, p3). Contemporary cyberspace ultimately consists of miniscule and trivial updates created by its users in today’s day and age. With this said, my preferences lie within the alternatives, which include gaming and streaming media as both a source of entertainment and connecting with others.

Contemporary media and the content that surrounds internet cyberspace have created two distinct groups – creators and consumers. Look at it this way – think of contemporary media as an organism. With cyberspace analogising the role of a ‘God-like’ standing over the internet, the organism that is contemporary media ultimately feeds off consumers and grows by creators. In a nutshell, almost every user of internet cyberspace incorporates a bit of both of these factors. In relevance of this within our contemporary society, users are able to create their own profile; their own addition to the cyberspace. Targeting ‘Twitter’ as a prime example, people consume the techniques and approaches others have created in order to mimic their popularity. Users consume this content, whether it may be in the form of media, text or interaction, and are enticed create something of the same or better. People consume information for their own benefit; to further create and learn from what has been consumed. But what has been created can ultimately consume their lives - a result of online 'addiction'. And so the ‘life and death’ cycle that inhabits cyberspace continues through greater and more popular outlets of contemporary media, “Those who deserted MySpace… [for] Facebook” (http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=neo_cities) for instance, and will continue to grow and maintain itself as a vital aspect within contemporary culture.

A majority of people living around some aspect of technology is inevitable to have any relevance to cyberspace access. It has expanded and infiltrated almost every device conceivable, allowing it’s users to experience the sensation of cyberspace efficiently however they may choose to access it. With this said, internet cyberspace exists and thrives dominantly within our contemporary society. Conclusively, its impacts upon communication, networking and information have redefined contemporary media.


Bibliography


Castells, M., 2003, “The Internet galaxy: reflections on the Internet, business, and society”, Oxford University Press, p154

Makice, K., 2009, “Twitter API: Up and Running”, O’ Reilly Media Inc, p3

Biersdorfer, J. D., Pogue D., 2007, “iPod: The Missing Manual”, p174, O’ Reilly Media Inc., p174

Smith, M.A., Kollock, P., 1999, “Communities in Cyberspace”, Routledge, p4

Whittaker, J., 2004, “The Cyberspace Handbook”, Routledge, p4

http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=neo_cities

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/nicholasne381691.html

http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/cybspace.html

http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=utopia

http://nms.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/10/5/683

Nostalgia and New 'Comm - Lecture Overviews Part 8

Week 9 saw the ideas of 'CyberUtopia'. It is essentially a 'non-existent' form of the internet, allowing heaps of data to be sent to someone else rather quickly... that doesn't exist. What the dickens? It's like something out of 'The Matrix'. Maybe I just haven't grasped it properly... I'm not entirely sure. Several ideas such as forums and chat rooms were mentioned, with the ideas to freely distribute information across the internet (without paying for it) and promote free online services and such.

What I did have to laugh about was the mention of the dot com 'boom and bust' phase that ran from 1998 - 2001. I just like to reminisce upon the sheer amount of hysteria that engulfed the closing years of 1998 and 1999 with the whole 'Y2K' thing. I suppose I was too young to really care, though it is kind of hilarious once you think about it - the 'Y2K Switchover' that many businesses prepared on their computers with the cost of millions. That was about it really... I can't really remember what else that really caught my eye (no lecture notes on the databases...sneaky!). Now I just need to research a topic for my assignment.

Nostalgia and New 'Comm - Lecture Overviews Part 7

Week 8 saw the discussion of politics and eDemocracy. At first glance, it seems like an incredibly boring and bland topic. I know for sure that the sheer word 'politics' incites universal hatred. However, the Internet does provide as a unique tool as to promoting particular political agendas. Just makes me wonder... I wonder if Obama has a blog? SUBSCRIBE!

What seemed like most pointless 'blah' to me (excuse my anti-political ignorance), my ears caught the sound of the word 'cyberpunk'. I was keen to follow on. As an avid science fiction fanatic, it was an interesting concept linking 'cybernetics' and politics together... It was like putting a bear and a lion in the same room - unexpected outcomes ensured.

I can sort of see why I suppose. I think it's all coming back to the whole, 'corporate world = evil' thing when you honestly look into it. It tries to detail a strict variety of corporations attempting to capitalize upon it's technologies by employing it in humans... thus we become walking billboards as such. Well... that's just the way I look at it! I would also like to make note about the 'Matrix' being mentioned. A great example, too.

Now, if only they would make a [better] sequel to Revolutions, I will be happy!

Part 8 - Politics? Blehh...

Well, definitely the most monotonous of tasks...but oh well, every cloud has a silver lining I suppose! I spiced it up a bit with the help of a long lost, fake name...

1. http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/EPetitions_QLD/CurrentEPetitions.aspx?lIndex=1
Signed an e-petition against the '20% rego increase' for motor vehicles. Signed petition as 'Max Power'. I lol'd.

2. http://blogs.news.com.au/index.php/news/comments/barack_obama_and_the_nomination_what_happens_next_can_he_win/
Responded to a professional news blogger talking about Barack Obama. Name again was 'Max Power', located in 'Awesomeville'. I lol'd again. Comment was a simple, 'I agree!'.

3. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jNS7nblJSoZafIkA4Gwl3A13Od5QD9AQLPIO0
According to this, Barack Obama seems pretty busy with many, many diplomatic issues that need to be solved this week. He might need the help of 'Max Power'.

4. John Campbell (local), Julie Attwood (state), Arch Bevis (federal) and Max Power.

5. Couldn't quite find one for John Campbell. I found one for Max Power, though.

6. ^ See above answer

7. I read the lecture readings and found it quite interesting about how many people 'fight the system' as such and seem to regard democracy to something of...communism, I suppose. It really shows that in a free country, no one is really ever satisfied. Maybe its the fact that so much is available to us, we become greedy and want more, or want it better. I particularly liked the segment on hacking... not only a week ago, the Australian Gov't's website was hacked by the infamous 'Anonymous', often trolling around 4chan.org. [insert Max Power reference here]

ADAM'S BONUS ROUND!

Adam asks a good question: What do I think of the 'Clean-Feed?'
Rant initializing in
3
2
1...

About a year ago, I discovered that the Australian Gov't had plans to censor particular aspects of the Internet. I was outraged; its not like we have it bad enough with the lack of an R rating for videogames (Left 4 Dead 2 is banned from Australia as of last week...WHY??!!!!!).

I decided to let everyone know and sign an online petition that was going around at the time to reject this stupid idea. I did this on Myspace, and to my suprise, so many did NOT believe me. I was met with 'yea, right, not gonna happen' and many cried foul...

I don't belive its even remotely necessary for an Internet 'filter'. You see, it's politicians born like 2 generations ago that have no idea about the internet, let alone have the knowledge of how to operate a mouse and a keyboard. They recognize the internet as a child corrupting, taboo wielding, tool of the devil. I don't think they appreciate the true nature of the internet and reality; that you cannot change it along with the opinions of people. I believe that we have grown smarter through the knowledge obtained through the Internet. If they picture Australia as a child-friendly, circle skipping place, then they are awfully wrong. The internet is there as a tool of accessing anything. With people suppressed of certain content that the internet delivers, I believe that occurrences in crime will skyrocket to get 'their fix'.It has already met with outrage amongst many of the gaming committees and online forums. To be honest, I will be really surprised if they follow through with this. If they do, then its off to New Zealand for me!
...under the alias of Max Power.

Nostalgia and New 'Comm - Lecture Overviews Part 6

This week was all about free software and proprietary software (Microsfot, Apple). Creative Commons, responsible of creating and allowing 'free copyright' to construct most free software that is evident today. I found this lecture to be pretty relevant to my previous tutorial tasks, consisting of creating videos and slideshows with entirely our own non-copyright material.

It was an interesting connection that free software source code can be linked to as a recipe for creating your favourite food. Much like any recipe, there is much preparing and work to be done for it to be complete and, well... 'taste' great I suppose. Yea, not a good choice of words!

When you really think about it, should we be paying for operating systems? Many people, such as the man who created GNU (whose name has passed me for now) made a good point in a quote I remember, something like 'making operating systems like the old days when they were free'. Maybe people like Bill Gates saw just the right opportunity to capitalize upon the idea of selling his OS to people just when the public knew not much about it. Then again, there is a definite difference between proprietary software and the free kind; mostly experience and budget related. I guess you get what you pay for... I have been a keen Windows user for years now, way back when into the Windows '95 era with the DOS commands. I did install a special Linux onto my Ipod back in 2007 however, solely to play retro games like 'Doom' with no PC access. So I guess I could say I respect both forms of this software. I believe they all play a unique role in particular devices and technologies in some way or another.

Nostalgia and New 'Comm - Lecture Overviews Part 5

Week 6 had a great lecture with some interesting approaches to some popular movies. What I would like to make note of is the trailer remakes for the popular films, 'The Shining' and 'Mary Poppins'. Jack Nicholson's dark, seedy role was transformed into a satirical alternative that saw the numerous 'hijinks' and PG rated fun in the famous hotel (motel? I can't remember), and Mary Poppins was turned into some evil witch that prayed on innocent children. No real difference there. Zing!

I thought it was interesting when discussing how consumers can also become producers. Then again, I believe that is how at least 90% of entertainment is distributed and thought of. The connection was made in the lecture between 'Star Wars' and the numerous fan-films that have spawned under it's famous name. Somebody produces a film - somebody consumes the film's ideas - those consumers become producers and distribute their own spin on it. Once again, that can be said for a lot of films. Take for example all of these 'dance' movies - how many of them are there? Yea, wayyyy too many. Directors watch a particular dance film and believes they can do an as good, if not better, movie.

Big screen vs small 'screens of life' was also mentioned. It basically detailed the difference between cinema and 'personal media' such as iphones, ipods, etc, and how consuming 'personal media' is quickly growing.

Part 7 - The Fast and the 'Not-so-Insurance-covered'

By golly. This weeks tutorial task had to be the most fun to make. Essentially, our task required us to create a video that continued on from out previous one. I decided to go one step ahead with my 'car' theme.

What we have here is in-game footage from 'Burnout Paradise'. It is a racing game with some of the best, I repeat, the BEST crash physics ever created in a racing game! All footage was captured by me with the help of FRAPS. I themed the video with 'How not to drive a car' to try and ensure some hilarity. It was a great excuse to play this great game and use it for this weeks task.

Also, the footage may look a little choppy. It's because I had to ramp down the screen resolution quite a bit for FRAPS to render a smooth video. I still think it turned out fine though.