Bridging the Digital Divide – The Politics of an Integrated Difference, or the Mere Loss of Identity?

The Internet provides, according to Nakamura’s analysis in Where Do You Want to Go Today?, an opportunity to escape the world of difference and diversity. Does the internet create the opportunity to transcend space, or merely an illusion? Although it may appear that the geographic divide can be bridged by ICTs the reality is quite different. The false premise of the liberation brought forth by technology is often taken to be a truth. Can the defining characteristics of an individual be entirely removed from the online discourses? Most certainly not. In my opinion, carrying out an online discussion in lieu of a live one, would be similar to the exercise of tasting something blind folded, but the specifically constructed tastes or gender characteristics would still exist and be recognizable.

It is assumed that all are the same on the Internet, but are they?! Language and expression became indicative of one’s individuality in the absence of the physical traits. But, do people wish to be melted into a pool of identical cerebellums? While it may provide an opportunity to unite and assimilate all, the Internet almost seems to provide an escape from the actual understanding of the real interaction with cultural diversity, providing the escape exit from reality while also complexly addressing issues relevant to reality. While there seemed to be no distinction, no identity, online individuals sought to differentiate themselves from others through language use and group memberships. 

Categories were made not to count, but it is the same categories that formerly challenged and lead to the improvement of the democratic ideal through their ability to challenge, disrupt and disturb the status quo; without them, many advancements and understandings would never have happened. Was there a sense in the promotion of the apparent diversity, while seeking to mask and create a collective?  Or has this occurred merely in an attempt to integrate the people into a system of power that is more manageable for the political and economical powers? The new form of categorization provides tools for strategic marketing, permitting for the  direct reach of the customers sought and the successful spread of capitalism.

The Internet provides the right tools to bridge the illusory divide, but in reality creates an assimilation of the difference that persists within the parts but is complexly integrated into the whole and ignored altogether.