Writing in/of/through the ether

Remediation and the Self

The Remediated Self and the Virtual Self can best be described in terms of cinema versus theater. The remediated self is controlled by the medium and forced to observe what it is shown. In the same way directors choose how to frame a shot or focus on specific elements of a scene. In the theater a person is free to focus his attention on whatever aspect of the play he chooses. The main character may be giving an important monologue, but anyone in the audience can choose to look at details of the set or someone moving slightly in the background. The virtual self is more in control of what to experience. The networked self is a combination of being influenced by hypermediate and transparent forces. Sometimes multiple forms are necessary to achieve the desired effect. It is because some forms of medium may be necessary to help the person get to a point where they can become remediated into their new environment.

posted by Anonymous @ 10:23 AM