Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Communication--Technological innovations; Self; Virtual reality;
Abstract
Am I Virtually Me? Virtual Reality and the Self is a theoretical discussion that examines the consequences of using Virtual Reality technology. Virtual Reality is examined as a communication medium. The theoretical foundations for this examination include Marshall McLuhan's medium theory and George Mead's Symbolic Interactionism. Drawing upon these theories, which include concepts such as consciousness, mind and self, the focus of this examination is individual expenence. A theoretical argument is constructed which views Virtual Reality as a simulation of consciousness and details two different virtual-selves which arise by using Virtual Reality technology. These virtual-selves are "the pseudo-self' and "the hyper-self" One implication of these different forms of self is the transformation of the complete-self The ability to provide environments which lead to the development of different forms of self may lead to correcting role-taking errors or could induce new mental disorders. Political implications of virtual-selves and self transformation is perceived as leading to tyranny. This study provides certain beginning principles for a theory of Virtual Reality. With technological advancements occurring faster than ever, it is important to develop theoretical understandings which can be used to examine technology as it progresses.
Year of Submission
1997
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Department of Communication Studies
First Advisor
Shing-Ling Sarina Chen
Second Advisor
Ronnie Bankston
Third Advisor
Joyce Chen
Date Original
1997
Object Description
1 PDF file (67 leaves)
Copyright
©1997 Douglas J. Frederick
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Frederick, Douglas J., "Am I Virtually Me?: Virtual Reality and the Self" (1997). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 2668.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/2668
Comments
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