Our Virtual World: The Transformation of Work, Play and Life Via Technology - Softcover

Zigurs, Ilze

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1878289926 ISBN 13: 9781878289926

Publisher: Igi Global, 2015

Synopsis

Since the dawn of civilization, new technologies-from the plow to the locomotive to the computer-have transformed human lives. These changes have often been for the better, but occasionally also for the worse. No matter what consequence, these changes have always been irrevocable and pervasive. Today's new technologies, from the well-connected computer to the digital communication infrastructure, are not exception. They are dramatically changing the way we work, play and live. The central theme of Our Virtual World: The Transformation of Work, Play and Life via Technology is the interplay of the ubiquity of the virtual environment and our evolving interactions in this changed context.

About this title

About the Author

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From the Back Cover

"This book is full of gems from collected and collective experts in the field, with academic credibility that addresses and extremely important set of issues that will profoundly affect life in the 21st century." -Doug Vogel, City University of Hong Kong, China

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

A recent commercial for wireless telephone service depicts a family having dinner together, making phone calls to one another at the table as well as to a child upstairs in his room. We expect that some people react to that commercial with enthusiasm, praising the increased ease with which family members can communicate. Others, however, are likely to be horrified at the intrusion of technology into the personal space of what is an increasingly rare family gathering. That dilemma is at the heart of Our Virtual World. Is technology a friend or foe? How can we make sure it is more friendly and useful than it is intrusive and even frightening? One thing we do know: the increasing virtualization of everyday interaction-whether at work, play, or life-is something that we all must face, and an awareness of the tradeoffs is the first step to managing them. Many people wonder and worry about our virtual world. What will technology bring? How has it already changed our lives? What has it done and what will it do to our children? What will the workplace look like even a few short years from now? Will human interaction be completely replaced by computers? These are only a few of the questions that are on people's minds, and these questions reflect the topics that are explored in this book.

We began this project because we were intrigued by the magnitude and breadth of change that technology was bringing every day, in so many ways and to so many places. We wanted to explore those changes, in straightforward language and in a format that anyone could read, understand and enjoy. Our goal and rallying cry for this book was that it be "eminently readable." We believe that we and our colleagues have met that goal, and hope that our readers agree.

The diversity of authorship in the book's chapters ensures that many different points of view are presented about the important questions surrounding work, play and life in our virtual world. Our authors come from a variety of disciplines and places, as can be seen from their biographical sketches and from the chapters themselves. Some chapters describe studies that the authors have conducted on an aspect of our virtual world while other chapters are based on their ongoing experiences in the virtual world. Regardless of methodology, all of the chapters are written in a straightforward, easily readable style that is jargon-free and accessible to all.

We see many different audiences for the book. Casual readers will find provocative ideas to think about and apply to their own worlds, giving them a broader sense of what they might expect from technology. Students and teachers can use the book for courses in business, social sciences, and the humanities, concentrating on whatever perspective is appropriate for them. Policy makers will find issues that need their care and attention, as the virtual world increasingly challenges our traditional ways of dealing with one another. We hope that all our readers enjoy the diversity of viewpoints and the depth of analysis presented in these chapters.

Edition details

• Publisher: Igi Global
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1878289926
• ISBN 13: 9781878289926
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250
• Editor: Chidambaram Laku