Sci Fi for the Next Millenium? (Bonus Blog)

Thirty years ago, the world wide web was a subject of science fiction, some all-knowing being that stored and retrieved endless amounts of information and which connected everyone across the world, perhaps even throughout the galaxy. Today, most of that outrageous fan fiction has come to pass (minus the galaxy part), and yet, we have not yet reached a status quo. Internet content is constantly being added, removed, or edited, resulting in an ever-evolving tool that has a great deal of social utility, but may also cause some public detriment. The internet, in this constant state of upheaval, still has some defining characteristics that will always hold.
No matter how many interactive features the internet adopts (text, voice, facebook walls, videoconferencing, etc.), it will never match the richness of the face-to-face communication experience. This will result in those who feel inept in face to face social situations and those suffering from loneliness and depression using a medium with fewer cues to try to selectively self present themselves. Upon positive feedback from this approach, behavioral conditioning may eventually lead to problematic internet usage. Futhermore, there will always be marketing schemes to hook internet users onto a given site, game, etc. This will further lead to problematic usage that rivals some of the addictions of Halo or Everquest on their gamers.
On the other hand, due to reduced cues, digital deception will no doubt be a permanent factor in the online world. Emails asking you to confirm your bank account pin number or convincing you that a rich widow in Britain has left you as the executor of her estate are rampant, and likely to continue. Furthermore, misrepresentation of age, sex, or location in online chat rooms will continue as a manifestation of curiosity or the human inclination to role-play.

In highlighting the “public good” aspect of the internet, as the web does become more interactive and a hub for people of diverse backgrounds and interests, those with similar issues and interests will no doubt continue to band together in special interest groups or support sites. Support will continue due to the individualizing effect of the net on problem solving. In a crowded room, one is less likely to help an individual (figuring that someone else will do it) than if you were the only other person there. With the internet, you don’t know if that message calling out for help is being overlooked by all other internet users and so you are inclined to provide some help yourself. Furthermore, with the removal of physical barriers to communication, it is easier to find that special someone on the other side of the world who shares your interest in Japanese toilet seats or Pretty Princess Wedding Cakes.

Furthermore, the internet will always have a leviathan of sorts, even if it is composed of all of its users. There must be social norms in place that cannot be violated without public ostracization or punishment. A tool of such great power must be kept in check by someone, if not everyone.

The social networking phenomenon will probably also continue, although perhaps at a less extreme extent. Now that its new, it probably has a lot more appeal than it will in a decade or so, although people will probably go on occasionally for information gathering purposes or to stay in touch as we society globalizes.

One issue that will need to be addressed before social networking can continue, however, is the harvesting and sale of personal information to potential employers or any other interested party. In order to not deter users from networking online, this potential threat must be removed.

One aspect I think this class could further address is the psychology of ethics online. Why do people feel abhorrence for stealing a CD from a store while they feel less responsibility or threat at illegally downloading songs/movies/software? I feel this would be an interesting field to explore in more detail.