An Old Fashioned Prejudice - Case Study Example

“More Human than Human” Is the distinction between real-virtual simply an old-fashioned prejudice? We are all living in a computer world what with the digital migration and everything being linked to the internet. What this means is that majority of the time people are spending on digital simulations and not in reality. They do not notice the difference with their everyday reality and this is perfect indication that virtual and reality cannot be separated and admitting their differences is actually an old fashioned prejudice. Take an example of people wanting to build houses or offices. They meet with architects and no longer rely on miniature models of the planned building but rather the whole project is done through a simulation program. The owners are able to view the building on a three dimensional angle and even be able to make adjustments in sizes and colors until they are fully satisfied. All these are done virtually but it feels so much like real life that people do not notice the difference. There was an existing difference between virtual and reality but as the computer programs and technology keep advancing and becoming more and more complicated, so does the line between reality and virtual. It becomes so complicated to an extent that it blurs and people cannot pinpoint what the difference is and hence finally accepting there is no difference at all. The only people who are allowed to still live in the old fashioned prejudice of the existing differences between the two are those whose lives still revolve around analog technology and are yet to cross over such as some people in the rural parts of Africa. Another example that seals the deal further is how car making companies have come up with programs where people are able to customize their cars through special computer simulations. The car is made by the individual how they want it to be and this is also three dimensional. The final result is the exact replica of the customized simulation sealing any existing differences. Is there something to be said for authenticity, or originary experience? The virtual programs are very authentic as they are the true creations depicting the creativity of computer geniuses. They may not be considered originals as compared to the real thing as they are not really originals but they quite resemble it. Some may argue about the authenticity because of the supernatural and exemplary ability the virtual programs and simulations such as robots may be having. This is a point to be argued more so between those who insist the existing difference between virtual and reality. However, they are authentic in their own way because even though they are not reality, they are real in their own way and original in the sense that they were the only ones made that way. Take for example the robotic animals. They may not appear to be real but they do all things a pet dog does with its owner and even more. They can play, take a walk, and bark when they sense trouble and even sleep like regular dogs. This indicates that they are authentic and not a forgery. Things that are not authentic or originals tend to have their own faults and not exactly similar to the originals. If the virtual programs and creation were not authentic or original in nature, the dog for example would not be able to bark exactly like a real dog or take a walk with the owner among other things it does that are similar to the real dog. Virtual creations that have more powers or ability to carry out extraordinary activities are in no way related to the issue of authenticity or originality. It is however a matter or creativity and imagination which are enabled by the virtual creators who are the owners of these virtual designs. Do you think this is right? I believe the explanation about the reality being objective is very true. This explains the difference between people who believe that there is a difference between what is virtual and real and those who do not. Those who believe there is a difference view reality as being what is tangible and natural rather than what is computer generated and connected with wires and electric currents. The objectivity would also explain why some people have been resistant to adopt or believe in these virtual creations and simulation programs despite their advancement in technology and the better work they do compared to the real objects, human and projects. It also explains the slowness in using of the programs despite their existence in the market in some developed nations which can afford them. Even though I believe that reality is an objective matter, I do not believe it is external. If it was external, people would not be hesitant to try the virtual programs as they would feel it does not threaten them as much as they think now. However, if it was an internal aspect, it would explain perfectly the issue on the ground about belief and adoption of virtual simulations. I however believe that as the technology advances at the rate it is advancing, virtual programs will continue to increase in the market replacing or assisting humans in their day to day activities and other machineries. At this point, people will have no alternative other than to adopt them and believe in them. When that time comes, it will mean that there will not be any opposes or those second guessing the authenticity and originary of the virtual programs and simulations. Do you think it is a worthy goal to pursue? Pursuing virtual reality is a worthy goal. This is because the technology is steadily progressing and has no limitation. It will continue with its rapid expansion leading even better virtual programs and simulations being made and which will actually be of assistance to the human beings. The fact that these virtual creations are more humans than the human beings in terms of strength, speed and ability leads to the need to have them in our midst (Blascovich and Bailenson 105). People will need these simulations such as the robots to be doing the heavy lifting in factories without the need for machines. With the machineries gone or their number reduced because of the robotics at work, there will be little use of fuel which has not only become expensive but is rapidly decreasing. Pollution will also be reduced as the virtual creations are clean. Life will be much easier for people with the unlimited possibilities and promises the virtual reality programs are bringing. Defense and security will be handled perfectly without any loss of life in wars like is the case now. The only harm will be the malfunctioning robots which can simply be corrected by change of software. The integration of the virtual programs into reality has already begun in the world and people at some point in the future will have no other way other than to accept them. What I think is however hindering people from acceptance of the virtual reality is the traditions and the fear of change. People are afraid that the programs will change their lives in a negative way such as eliminating them from their workplaces or controlling their freedom. This is brought about by the supernatural abilities the virtual programs have been seen to possess such as ability to read minds or change faces and bodies. They are afraid what this will do to the generation of human beings in the long run. They cannot be blamed for these thoughts as they have been instilled in them by the same sci-fi movies and programs that have been used to advocate for them. What is needed for people to accept and believe in the virtual reality is giving them proper facts and informs them of the prospects of refining them even further and according to the requirements of the people. Work Cited Blascovich, Jim and Jeremy Bailenson. Infinity Reality. New York: HarperCollins, 2011. Read More