Does the Internet Bring with it a New Understanding of Man?

The View of Man among Proponents of the Digital Culture

Abstract

This paper puts forth some reflections on the impact of the Internet upon understanding the human being, or rather upon the nature of the human being (bolje: upon human nature) at the time of web communication. An overview is presented of research done up to the present time on the impact of computers and the Internet upon understanding man. A critical review is given on six of the most frequently mentioned tenets on understanding man in a digital culture: man is, primarily, mind; the body is not important; distinctions between people do not exist; we can change ourselves; we and the computer become alike, and the computer is our refuge. The author concludes that proponents of the digital culture accept the dualism of the mind and body and ascribe unlimited possiblities and freedoms to man in the virtual world of the Internet. The main characteristic of persons addicted to the virtual world of computers is a combination of cravings for security, immateriality, and the possibility of changing one's identity. The paper warns of the drawbacks and perils of such an understanding of man.