In response to
Apples and Oranges
There’s a problem with discussing and debating how we can develop equivalent real and online public spaces. It’s that one is in the real world and the other is in place that is, of necessity, dependent on service providers and other support entities to exist.
A public park does require support — from taxes, from maintenance staff. However, beyond that, it’s there to be used by anyone who chooses to walk into it. A public library likewise is available so long as it’s open. There are no admission fees, no special equipment required to enter. It can be housed in any building large enough.
That simply can’t be replicated in a virtual setting, because getting online means having a service provider, having special infrastructure through which that service can be provided, having the necessary hardware and software to connect with that service. Already, access is limited.
If one enters a public park to meet others and plan a demonstration, it’s not likely anyone will be spying on the group with long-range laser microphones or other technology unless one or more of the party is already under scrutiny. Park-goers don’t wear scarves with their names, addresses, phone numbers and relevant keywords embroidered on them that might alert authorities.
That can’t be said for the virtual world, where everything leaves a footprint unless one works hard to erase it; and even that is likely to draw attention simply because it looks suspicious. The same way someone walking into a park wearing a floor-length hooded cloak and a ski mask would look suspicious.
The virtual world is a fantastic place that has already broken down barriers of borders and culture and many if not all of the factors that used to divide people. However, it sometimes seems as though too many expect it to somehow achieve a reality equivalent to the physical world. It can’t. So, instead of trying to figure out how to create truly private spaces online, perhaps we should focus that energy on how we can use both realities to complement each other.
