Journal Entry 1

In the opening pages of Dreyfus' book, we are introduced to the effects of technology and the arguments that are made on those effects. Dreyfus questions whether or not the internet hinders us from human interactions and the physical friendships that we need. Internet friendships cannot fully replace physical interaction between people. He also goes on to question whether or not we even need our bodies, or if they are actually just holding us back a spiritual and intellectual freedom. Are we starting to live a cyber life?

The internet is considered perfect because it is so easily accessible and has so many purposes. Among those purposes, the user can interact virtually with friends online and can also have the ability to make friends with someone possibly across the world, a friendship that could probably not take place otherwise. Yet, I don't see these features as important and vital to our everyday existence. As far as friendships go, virtually you cannot truly connect or feel what the other person means or feels. A virtual relationship can only go so far, whereas a physical interaction, you can learn so much just by watching mannerisms and listening to the tone of a person's voice. Online, we are not involved in the same day-to-day interactions that are needed to base a relationship on; in a virtual relationship we are limited to the amount of interaction and the friendship is ultimately hindered.
Chapter one focuses on how the internet has changed particular things such as browsing for a book at the library. Hyperlinks turn 'browsing' into 'surfing.' With browsing, you must physically go find a book, and read through the material of that book in order to find what you are looking for. Surfing brings all the information to you and lets you dig through the immense amount of searches to find what you need. This idea also brings up the thought that too much isn't always good. Many people think that the more hits you receive, the more information you have, yet, not all of your results are good information. Dreyfus uses the analogy of comparing the use of a search engine to trying to find someone in New York based on a very vague description; it's close to impossible to find exactly what you need on a search engine by typing in only a few words into the search box.
I believe that I agree with Dreyfus. The interent promotes disembodied interaction, but I believe that that can only go so far, and then you will need the physical interaction. The internet may be considered the "essence of technology," but it still has plenty of improvements before it can be considered the 'essence of living.'