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The Electronically Incarnated Human
The Electronically Incarnated Human

Author(s): Michał Ostrowicki
Subject(s): Media studies
Published by: Łódzkie Towarzystwo Naukowe

Summary/Abstract: The article concerns the description of various phenomena connected with identity, which human can be subjected to in the Net. Accordingly, the processes have been presented which take place mainly within 3D electronics environment. These environments possess an ability to cause a strong immersion, which „engages” human intentionality, and also provides possibility for self-creation. For a description of the phenomena of translocating human activity to the Net, two processes have been indicated: incorporation process, i.e. receiving of an electronic body, e.g. of avatar, and existential process, i.e. human involvement in electronic environment which exceeds the utilitarian aspect. Both processes lead to the state of electronic incarnation, which is not related to any cause of being in the electronics environments, and becomes an autonomous value. Electronic incarnation combines with cultural and anthropological aspects, and has reflection in electronic art. Interrelation between common everyday activity with Net, influences a range of human involvement in the electronic environment, i.e. sometimes changing a user into a participant of immaterial events. On the one hand, such processes reach deeper in human, and secondly, electronic worlds, such as Second Life, create possibilities for finding there spiritual values, emotional life, and the sphere of feelings. Human subjected to immersion can begin specific „journey”, starting in front of computer’s interface, and ending in the rising of electronic personality – finding oneself in the reality alternative to the physical world, in the electronic reality.

  • Issue Year: 2008
  • Issue No: 10
  • Page Range: 187-200
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: English