Myths and Cyberbole

This article discusses cyberboles which are myths in the media and how these myths operate in the cyberspace. First, the author explains how new technology companies use phrases like “the end of television” and “the end of advertising,” in order to promote another product or technology. Based on unfounded claims, these myths of endism are often misleading and don’t actually take into account real evidence. Another way media has changed how we interact is through virtual communication. While some would argue that this form of communication is “fake” and is not real connection, this article supports the idea that virtual communication such as social networks and skype has paved the way for real emotional connections to be made. Virtual Reality is also brought up, as many people fear this fantasy it creates and the negative impact it could have on young people, a technological fear that began in the 60s. Another cyberbole is the fear of disappearing computer, and the idea of the internet being always on instead of being something consumers log on. This article claims that the transition to smaller monitors and hand held entertainment has created a certain unfamiliarity with the world.

This article reminds me of my parents. It’s funny to me how many of these online myths are bought into by the very people that claim the internet is all fake and we would be better off without it. My Mom is a pretty anxious person and for as long as I remember she has freaked out about articles she has read about the negative impact of social networking, and articles titled “Netflix is ending cable television.” As a kid I wasn’t allowed to watch Spongebob or have video games because she thought they would take me out of touch with reality. As I was reading this article it reminded me of how although in the media it can sometimes be difficult to tell what is fact to what is fiction, media illiteracy can cause fear and misunderstanding for older consumers living in a highly technologically advanced world. Although this pandemic has caused a lot of fear in the media, technology has paved the way of true connection for people around the world, and dispelled many of the fears surrounding virtual communication.

In the article, the author mentions how these cyberboles have shaped what people believe about technology. Specifically when discussing virtual reality or imaginary communities, people who lack knowledge on these forms of technology fear the idea of leaving their bodies, or inauthenticity of online communication. However, Kathrine Halyle’s argues, “with experiences created from digital information and patterns, human functionality expands because the parameters of the cognitive system it inhabits expand…It is not a question of leaving the body behind but rather of extending embodied awareness in highly specific, local and material ways.” When talking about online communities the author clarifies that imagined communities don’t make them inauthentic, they are just grounded in mental abstraction as opposed to physicality. Understanding these differences and myths in the media can create media literacy and encourage new ways of connection.