One of my students has posted a teaser concerning his year 3 essay concerning Networks. This is a work in progress but looks as if it will be promising:

‘The problem with communication… is the illusion that it has been accomplished.’

(George Bernard Shaw)

One would assume that a network, in effect a series of computers connected to one another, would offer only a limited number of functions. That one could share data, disribute information and so on. Yet with the rise of network non-places, there in lies an evolution, a cultural phenomenon which has slowly been encouraging a change in the way one would percieve the internet and indeed any network. The rise of concepts such as ‘myspace.com’ and ‘facebook.com’ have brought with them a trend, a fashion if you will. That an individual may feel so insecure in thier being that, it is found neccessary to describe, if not validate ones self in these non-places. The influence of being webwize has extended itself, through the need to be digital. To exists as flesh and bone, as well as inprint ones ‘digital representation’ in a non-place. One looses the concept and meaning of communication, in expressing a feeling, or statement in a public arena, for all to see. This may perhaps be for a greater sense of importance, as a statement of self. However it is percieved as both a new media and sociological development. It may well be that of a passing trend, or it may be the start of something bigger. The need to fulfil ones wants and desires as though it were a exhibition to others. This concept may be foriegn to some, but think about it the next time you are reading a posting, or a comment in a public space, ask yourslef, why is this here?, why would one choose such an open arena to display a message or pose a question? As a concept it intruges me, Your views may be posted below in the irony of this illusion.