Write a short analysis of an aspect of our culture
that is in some way Hyperreal.
Facebook is one of the largest growing and most well-known social networking websites of this generation. There's approximately 845 million worldwide monthly active users. Facebook users create an online profile where they can share photos, interests and personal updates with their friends. The website was launched in 2004 and what's really interesting is how it's evolved.
The concept of Facebook definitely plays with the idea of reality and the simulation of reality. What's become quite apparent is that many people create a hyper-self, almost like an extension of or a completely new identity. You'll find a person who, in reality, comes across as shy and yet on Facebook they're the complete opposite. People are able to pick and choose what photos people can view of them being selective on how they'll be percieved by their friends. People become reliant on the interaction and the approval of their companions. You can update your status to allow people to know where you are or what you're doing so in this sense you're creating an illusionary image of your lifestyle. Many users feel satisfaction in having a large number of 'friends' when in actual fact they may only talk to a small percentage of them.
Another aspect of Facebook that displays the concept of hyperreality is the way in which people view the idea of being 'sociable'. These days a lot of interaction between friends occurs on Facebook. It cuts off that direct communication as apposed to talking to someone in person or even over the phone. Although many people view Facebook in this sociable light, in actual fact, it's just a way of shaping and filtering how people want others to view their lives through creating a simulacrum.
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Interestingly Adbusters created the 'digital detox' campaign that occured April 2011:
http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/digitaldetox
The concept of Facebook definitely plays with the idea of reality and the simulation of reality. What's become quite apparent is that many people create a hyper-self, almost like an extension of or a completely new identity. You'll find a person who, in reality, comes across as shy and yet on Facebook they're the complete opposite. People are able to pick and choose what photos people can view of them being selective on how they'll be percieved by their friends. People become reliant on the interaction and the approval of their companions. You can update your status to allow people to know where you are or what you're doing so in this sense you're creating an illusionary image of your lifestyle. Many users feel satisfaction in having a large number of 'friends' when in actual fact they may only talk to a small percentage of them.
Another aspect of Facebook that displays the concept of hyperreality is the way in which people view the idea of being 'sociable'. These days a lot of interaction between friends occurs on Facebook. It cuts off that direct communication as apposed to talking to someone in person or even over the phone. Although many people view Facebook in this sociable light, in actual fact, it's just a way of shaping and filtering how people want others to view their lives through creating a simulacrum.
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Interestingly Adbusters created the 'digital detox' campaign that occured April 2011:
http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/digitaldetox
