Exchanges in Real Spaces & Virtual Spaces

SPACES & EXCHANGES - 

Exchanges in  Real Spaces & Virtual Spaces

These two cartoons might illustrate the following 'key issue' ('problématique'):

 How far is the boundary between real and virtual spaces  becoming increasingly blurred nowadays?

Study each of the following documents along the following lines:
1. Description
2.Meaning
3. Conclusion: LINK WITH NOTION = KEY ISSUE 

To be published before Friday 03/04 3 pm

DOC.1

   Ace Computers, by Harvey Schwadron

At first sight, the cartoon's scene seems to be located in the street. There's a computer shop in the foreground : "Ace Computers". Next to it, there's a man walking by, reading the store's advertisement. The billboard is aimed at Eco-tourists, trying to persuade them that staying home, visiting "exotic travel websites" does zero harm to the environment.

Furthermore, Harvey Schwardon wants us to interpret this cartoon, reflecting on the problem of boundaries between virtual and real spaces. Virtual spaces have lately been as present as real spaces. For example, we can get a bank account from our phone, or we get informed on the internet instead of reading an encyclopaedia. Also, we learn more from our friends by looking at their social media, instead of starting a conversation with them. This cartoon criticizes the comfort we have obtained with virtual spaces. We no longer get interested in making the effort of going outside and take a look at the world, because we can find out all about it in the Internet.
In conclusion, Ace Computers is an example of virtual spaces getting too involved in real spaces. It can destroy real exchanges, like traveling, in this context. This is due to the comfort that virtual life provides us. However, we are aware of how lucky we are to have this technology, that keeps us connected, even when corona virus makes us stay at home.

DOC.2

Working From Home, by Mark Dubovsky

Moving on, Mark Dubovsky illustrates Working From Home. The cartoon shows two office desktops, where we can observe a video call between two co-workers. Greg claims to be working from home, as the other character seems to be doing as well.

Next up, this cartoon interprets how times have changed. The empty office evokes how there's no longer need of it, due to our capacity to work from home thanks to today's technology. It is interesting to note how Greg is wearing a cap. Indeed, in a work environment, it is common to get intimidated by someone wearing caps, for it is seen as rude. However, at home, we are free, and can work as we want. It is then fair to say that this cartoon also depicts the comfort that technology has given us.

To conclude, virtual spaces have changed our way of life. Many people can work from home today. This allows them to create their own work environment. They can get more inspired. However, like everything, there is a downside to this. Some real exchanges disappear, like traveling from home to the office. What's more, workers end up in a way of isolation, because they no longer have to communicate with co-workers.