Leiden University Student Repository

Heesakkers, Johannes (2019)

De virtuele verschuiving

Bachelor thesis | Wijsbegeerte (BA)

This essay discusses the process of virtualization and the increasing virtualization of social contact. More understanding of this topic is important because the effects of virtualization on human interactions are easily overlooked. First, Lévy’s definition of virtualization is presented to emphasize its liberating advantages. Then, Baricco’s conception of the ‘barbaric mutation’, which I think shows quite some similarities with virtualization, is introduced to elaborate on the disadvantages of this development. Dating-application Tinder is used as a case study to better understand and value these pros and cons. This ultimately leads to the idea that the virtualization of social interactions will increase, and I argue that we should be watchful for the diminuition of primary experience and a decrease in purposiveness.

Virtual

Social Media

Social Contact

Tinder

Lévy

Baricco

Author

Heesakkers, Johannes

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Filosofie van mens, techniek en cultuur

Supervisors

Sleutels, Jan

ECTS Credits

10

Language

nl