William Gibson, the guy who coined the term, "cyberspace," thinks that the Net is a waste of time. It is a "global medium" that gives us "the opportunity to waste time." What do you think? If you agree, what are you doing on yahoo answers right now?
2007-09-10 11:08:52 · 13 answers · asked by greengo 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Sitting here wondering why you are here. I believe you may be taking Gibson out of context just a bit. I believe he may feel that the Internet is a great tool but most people just use it to waste time and don't take advantage of it properly. For most people being on the Internet is kind of like using their own brain - they only use about 1/10th of it. Pax- C
2007-09-10 11:47:56 · answer #1 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The exact Gibson quote is:
"I did avoid the Internet, but only until the advent of the Web turned it into such a magnificent opportunity to waste time that I could no longer resist"
http://www.williamgibsonbooks.com/source/source.asp
So he doesn't seem to think the Net is a waste of time.
But since we are in Philosophy, let's ask ourselves, what is a waste of time? Who decides what activities are wasteful and what activities are not?
Some people think that the world/galaxy/universe/reality will eventually end. When it does, my view, which applies to me, is that whatever I regret having done, was a waste of time.
Do I regret Yahoo answers? Only when I spend my time giving a well thought out and researched answer and I get no feedback.
Ultimately each individual must decide what is or is not a waste of time for him or her. I suspect if you really cross examine Mr. Gibson, he would say that entertainment is necessary for a rich, full life, and that the Web is his entertainment.
So, should someone ask it, a good question is: Do you think entertainment is a waste of time?
2007-09-10 12:03:48 · answer #2 · answered by intension 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As a researcher I have mixed feelings. On one hand Mr. Gibson is correct, it can be a waste of time. If you go to 5 search engines looking for a subject, you will get the same reference to the same sites. Sometimes it takes time to find the source you may be looking for. But again, it beats going to 5 seperate cities with a "good" library to find the same information. One good thing about the "net" is the connecting information (links). If you can't find your information in one place you have several directions to go in order to do so. In addition, if you are bored, you can always find something that interest you. Apparently Mr. Gibson lacks either the "fun gene" or the time to really explore the opportunities the net offers.
As to your last comment, hopefully contributing to knowledge and enlightenment.
Dr. Tommy Skelton
2007-09-10 11:32:35 · answer #3 · answered by tskelton155 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
look at all of us here at yahoo answers so absoultely!lol, but at least we have FUN doing it. I think he's right AND wrong. along the internet reflecting the superficiality and vapidness of generation x and those that came after it it's also invaluable to those who use it properly. no longer can governments repress information and control people with their agendas. information is no longer restricted to location; anyone, anyone can get any piece of information wherever it's stored.
the internet is also invaluable in that it let's people participate in history. look at the london train bombings where we got live feeds from people there ahead of reporters and reporters using it in THEIR stories! it's also made us conscious for the need for privacy, in cases of celebrity harassment and issues like police cameras in public. while Gibson's cynicism has merit what the net encourages negatively it contributes much more. peace!
2007-09-10 11:25:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bless his heart. He probably meant that in the nicest way possible, and is more than likely echoing every parents wish that their children leave the dang computer alone for a change, go out and learn how to play ball, or take a hike, a real hike.
Sometimes we get misquoted out of context.
I have learned a lot more in the internet than years of reading textbooks. Access to more information is amazing, thank you all in case I havent said it again and again for posting great information on your webpages.
Whatever it is, news, facts, rumors, pictures. Wow, we all enjoy it. The world is smaller, the world is my neighbor, it is our "spaceship", a roundish orb where we all share living space, all creatures great and small.
As for your last question, I do Yahoo answers in between work. I get access to all your genius replies *g*
2007-09-10 11:29:56 · answer #5 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Internet is merely a tool.
If there was no Internet, I have no doubt people will find other ways to waste time instead of working.
2007-09-10 11:39:23 · answer #6 · answered by Ashamed2beHuman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont agree, it is all in what /how you use it, sure you could be playing games all day, or other activities on the net that didnt enrich your life (not saying game playing is bad, just it can be overused)
most anything can be a positive or a negative, its all in how you use it, apply it to your life, balance it with the rest of your life
as to yahoo answers, i have learned alot on here, researched subjects i never knew about, rethought some of my opinions, and also learned how to clearly express some of my opinions
2007-09-10 11:26:43 · answer #7 · answered by dlin333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the internet makes a lot of things easier and wasting time is one of them. It is here to stay. C. :)!!
2007-09-10 11:23:55 · answer #8 · answered by Charlie Kicksass 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a good question!
2016-08-24 15:22:34 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i waste a lot of my time on it.
2007-09-10 11:22:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋