"Hybrid spaces merge the physical and the digital in a social environment..." (p.759)
A Hybrid space is simply put in place to categorize the fuzzyness inbetween the fine lines of physical space and the digital space. Since there is such a debate over, when do you cross over from physical space like typing, to digital space like the words posted on the internet for all to see? This is the Hybrid Space.
Ishii figured he could "bridge the gap between cyberspace and phusical environment by making digital information (bits) tangible" (p.760) Basically everything done on a computer whether it be typing or downloading, is stored in byte wide information, and each byte consists of 8 'bits'. So Ishii said that if we can understand what every bit is telling us, and not just drawing conclusions from the overall picture, then that would make the digital aspect more physical...arguing the mobility of the digital world now is a huge step in percieving the digital realm as a more physical part of our lives. Manovich created an augmented space generated by video suveillance, recording the physical into the digital, cellspace, where satellites relay information to GPS units hauled around by physical beings/objects, and by static screens in the windows displaying information to whomever walks by.
We have integrated the internet with our live so much we don't even perceive it as getting onto the internet to look something up rather as a serch engine that is already there, waiting to be used whenever we want. Younger people today have started to rely on their cell phones as a means to do everything; it is their lifeline, always connected to the internet. That is how they stay connected to everyone, that is how they navigate via GPS, that is how they purchase movies tickets or tell their DVR to record a show because they are going to be late.
What this essay comes down to is defining a hybrid reality. Going along with the hybrid space, a hybrid reality defines specific points in time where one is consumed in the phisical, and digital space at the same time. Since we have to have a phisical space, reality, and a digital space, reality, and we can't figure out how to seperate the two, now we have the hybrid space, reality which is the meshing of the two.
A majority of the population in technologically advanced countries experiences the hybrid reality every day, usually multiple times a day probably without even thinking about it other than transfurring, imputing, creating, etc. information and going on with their lives.
On a semi-side note:
The digital divide will eventually be forced shut due to technology being integrated into everyone's daily lives as a social standard. And anyone who falls behind will be left behind because the World isn't going to wait for everone, thus leaving a gaping chasm between those with, and those without. That is kindof contradictory, so to make it clear the digital divide will be forced shut for people who live in say, America. But countries who fall behind like the in the middle East or Africa will be left behind.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Your line "fuzzyness inbetween the fine lines of physical space and the digital space" rings in me because I just listened to a friend's church sermon talking about "transition" and the space between leaving the unclean area into the inner core of where God exists in the old temples. Maybe instead of us being the X generation, and being as connected as we all think, maybe it's more a transition that we are all in. A point in history were we are human using technology more than technology truly integrated into our lives. Kind of scary if you think how much we USE tech compared to how mush tech will use us in the future. Then maybe reality will be the blur and the virtual will become real.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts that we don’t even perceive the internet as being so integrated. I find Hybrid space as a constant as the Land sat satellite or Google Earth is always watching us, beaming images across the internet 24/7. We in turn are accessing the internet to watch Google earth to watch others but we can’t see ourselves although someone else can. The lines are fuzzy. At the same time we are entering the digital world. I also believe those (as you pointed out) who fail to make the jump with technology will be left behind with repercussions.
ReplyDeleteMostly good - wanted to hear more _you_ after the summary. Extended example.
ReplyDeleteSince not all of you (on Team Gibson) have an email in your profile to contact you with, I will post on each of the blogs to let you know my selection of Blog Assignment #4. I will write on William Gibson "Count Zero".
ReplyDeleteI will be writing on Burnt Chrome -Gibson
ReplyDeleteWhile lengthy in summary, the vernacular that you utilized seemed more directed at repeating what the author was stating in the article.
ReplyDeleteYour "side note" section, albeit "concise", did bring up a valid point regarding digital divide and it's contrary notions of closure. I believe that you are correct in your assumptions regarding the world not waiting for anyone (contrary to democratic beliefs - "No child left behind" ring any bells).
While I'm not a Darwinist at heart the thoughts of "Survival of the Fittest" come to mind. Those who know what's going on and stay abreast of the technology are the ones who will survive and leave those that don't behind.