Prescribed text

[den]

Herman Tavani - "Ethics and Technology"

Tavani constantly uses the term "Cyber" when referring to computer-related and digital issues. "Cyberethics," "cyberrelated" and "cyberissues" are some of the more common buzzwords.

How to write eloquently and still sound like a twonk.

Comments

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

I dislike the impression that the Internet is not a part of this world, and is exempt from the usual rules, ethics and behaviours. The internet is very much an artifact of this world and exists here, and it should be subject to the same rules of a civilized society.

For instance, the kiddies of Portal Of Hamsters do not take pen to paper and physically post their scribblings to their targets. Why do they feel it's okay to do that on the 'net? The "It's only text" argument doesn't wash with me. Newspapers are only text. Television is just phosphor-dots on a screen. They follow established rules of civilisation. What makes the internet different? How do the PoH kids justify their actions?

A virtual world is one created digitally to emulate The Real World, with the same feedback, to create the feeling that it is real. Feedback loops are what cybernetics is. Virtual ridicule, virtual abuse and virtual hate are not different from the "real" thing.

So, yeah, I agree with you. Calling something "cyber" gives the impression that it is less real and therefore not connected to the real world. It's like saying a river isn't a part of the land it flows through.