Cyberhood vs. Neighborhood

In John Perry Barlow's Cyberhood vs. Neighborhood, Barlow writes of virtual communities in terms of how closely they can relate to real communities. Does a community is the virtual reality actually exist, and if so, how? He states that many people find links or shared virtual communities as a means to get out there, so to speak. many people share their feelings, thoughts, ambitions, etc to a wide array of none other than strangers and claim it is easier to do so than in reality - face to face. He claims he feels as if it's a new local of human community. People are fearless to login and dig into their true identites and feelings on a "body" with no arms, legs, or torso.

However he goes on to describe how his enthusiasm for this world has slowly decreased. With the exception of e-mail, he claims the whole internet community scene is missing something. He states that the breath and spirit from community and human interaction is msising from this world wide virtual reality. Where's the tone, body language, or beauty? None of that exists in such a world. Diversity is essential to a well rounded community and with the virtual ones seeming to take over, diversity and difference seems to be lacking.

Finally, Barlow concludes that it doesn't really amtter at all. In 10 years we're all going to communicate via e-mail or IM or blog, ironically. Maybe when we're all together in cyberspace we can recreate "human spirit and connectivity" again, and then maybe reinstate it to the next big thing. I mean, going to cyberspace allows us to stay where we are while exploring the rest of the world, right? Maybe worlds will just kepe being created inside and outside of 'reality.'