The Web embodies the dual nature of contemporary social phenomena. Duality means that many contemporary social phenomena are not experienced in a simple, unitary, fashion, but as two, often contradictory, parts. Thus, for example, the Web is experienced as both a liberator (it can liberate people from the confines of traditional time and space) and tyrant (it can be addictive, encouraging compulsive behavior and alienation). It is both constructed (people build Web sites, participate in discussion groups, and shape the way the Web evolves, etc.) and constructor (the Web changes the way we interact and the way in which we construct and experience phenomena--including ourselves).
Computer viruses and hackers also illustrate the duality of the Web. On the one hand, hackers routinely indulge in seemingly malicious destructive activity, while on the other hand, they actively promote the free flow of information. They are reflexively coupled to the world they oppose--the more they hack and create viruses, they more people try to protect themselves and their information. As a result, an ecology has developed in which antivirus and security software programmers become dependent on the hackers, the parasites, for their existence--the parasites have their parasites.
Consider the phenomena of avatars used in MOOs and GMUKs. Avatars1 typically refer to pictures (photos, drawings, and cartoons) or graphical objects that people use to represent themselves in cyberhabitats. They can be swapped or modified at will and, in some cases, even stolen. For the point of this discussion, it is interesting to observe that they both reveal and conceal. They can selectively amplify or hide an aspect of a person's character, as well as allow a person to gain experiences outside his or her everyday self.
Finally, most Web sites exemplify pastiche. Styles and themes are borrowed (literally--HTML and JavaScript are routinely lifted from other sites) and mixed freely. Spoof sites, which parody other (typically mainstream) sites, are common (e.g., there are many spoof, irreverent "Spice Girl" sites).
- 瀏覽次數：1390
