Nayer Ch. 1&2: A Second Dimension

When the Internet was introduced in the early 1990s, no one could predict how it would literally turn our worlds upside down. And then create a new one. It's true, our world's have become digitalized, personalized, and instant. We live in a world outside of the physical called Cyberspace.

Cyberspace has revolutionized how we invent ourselves. First impressions are no longer necessary and traveling for a face-to-face meeting is a hassle or a luxury depending on your mindset. Cyberspace has given us an entire world at our fingertips and venues that allow us to put ourselves out there via profiles, available to be researched upon our request. You can be whoever you want online.

Gaming sites like Second Life that really engage in the idea of an alternate virtual reality allow it's users to recreate themselves online physically with avatars and create a life for themselves complete with careers, neighborhoods, friends, and even romance.

Obviously, this game can be found entertaining but also dangerously addictive. People are given the opportunity to reinvent themselves and sometimes create a life that is better than their first life. With a life that can be lived online, that may be better than the one you are currently living, it's very possible to lose yourself in cyberspace. In fact, divorces have been filed over virtual affairs. For some, a cyber life is just as good, maybe better, than a physical life. 

Using a computer screen as your cover can empower it's users. The popular MTV show Catfish chronicles online relationships that have gone rogue ending in disappointment because one person was hiding who they actually are. 

Of course, creating an online identity can be much simpler than a profile. Something as easy and small as an email address can give you a reputation before a physical meeting. Let's test this theory out.

If an email came to your inbox from "juliannebray89@gmail.com" what would you think? 

VS.

If an email came to your inbox from "BlOnDiEbOoTy14@gmail.com" what would you think?

Logically thinking, juliannebray89 would receive more of your professional attention than blondiebooty14. However, that screen name does represent a part of your identity and represents your online presence. It's sending a message about your character. People other than you care about that. 

With an email address you can also sign up for social networking profiles. Sites like Xanga, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, Pinterest, Flickr, LinkedIn, YouTube, Digg, the list goes on and on, allow for a cyber relationship to either replace or supplement an actual relationship. 

Social Networking goes beyond the social aspect. It provides extra information for potential employers, can provide employment (aka YouTubers, Pro Bloggers), as well as reinvent how boy meets girl. We all know you're not in a legitimate relationship until you're "Facebook official."With these customizable changes available you can change people's perceptions of your lifestyle. Relationships can be instantaneous. With a few sweeps over a profile I can find out more about you than you're willing to admit in a first meeting conversation. 

The reason cyberspace is so attractive to us is that it is instant. With tools that can fit in any carrier you can imagine, from backpacks to purses to pockets, there is always a way for you to be plugged in and no excuse not to be.