Mediated Nature
Phagamys orthodon |
Mediated Nature
We do not question whether the things that happen on radio or television have actually occurred. The fact that we can confront them mentally through electronics is sufficient for us to know that they exist... (Les Levine)For the many people who live in media rich societies, losing touch with the condition of the biosphere is easy. The frenetic production and distribution of information, constantly amplified and accelerated, is stealing nature's thunder. With the transformation of media technology, an altered perceptual condition has emerged. Although much information is produced and exchanged concerning environmental problems, the use of Internet databases to interpret the condition of the planet is problematic. The constant duplication of digital imagery blurs the status of the things pictured. And there is no guarantee that things made visible by the expanding Internet database continue to exist offline. In a state of confused distraction, the natural world is difficult to recognize. Priorities have shifted. The shadow play of media has become more like primary experience. Focus has shifted from the classification of genus and species to the branding of GenusSpecies.com. NOVUS.EXTINCTUS traces the transition away from the taxonomy of natural things and towards the new taxonomy of online phenomena. The new naming protocol does not index physical plants and animals, it references Internet addresses. Not things but places -- domains. As attention is directed ever more towards these online virtual places, the flora and fauna that the old naming system classified are disappearing. Quietly. [ Next ] |