virtual mortality.

The internet is one of the most multifunctional apparatuses in the world. It is used by nearly everyone on Earth, but for completely different reasons. For some, it is a library – full of the sagely knowledge and advice; facts and figures. For others, it is a shopping mall with everything you could ever hope to purchase – antiques, clothing, computers, medicines. For most, however, the internet is a form of communication – a way of keeping in touch with old friends, making new ones and starting possible longterm relationships. The number of social networking sites is immense and practically innumerable. On top of them, there are the dating websites aimed at the lonely hearts of the world, who for some reason or another find it difficult to find partners in the real world. The internet becomes the meeting place for many singles hoping to meet that one person who will turn their worlds upside down and rock them to their core – in the good way, of course.

However, it is argued that the internet – rather than bringing people together – is creating a gulf between humans. Absorbed into this cyberspace, people are less and less likely to make face2face contact with each other, choosing instead to just instant message or email. Extended to the dating world, it is argued that people are forging unsustainable relationships, fueled by inaccurate intepretations of self and invalid descriptions. In other words, people are falling for a fictional character. It’s easy to lie on the here. There isn’t the eye contact to reveal any discrepancies between fact and fiction. Photos are easily edited and even copied. All in the attempt to make oneself appear better than what one might actually be. Unfortunately, this glorified Frankenstein can’t live forever, and eventually the mask must be removed. Our mortality goes beyond what we experience first hand – it spills into everything that we do. So why go to the effort of giving birth to this imaginary You, which must die a shameful death and leave the real you scarred and embarrassed? Be brave, be human, be You.