After reading the first chapter in An Introduction to Cybercultures and New Media, I feel as though I have a greater understanding of the term “cybercultures.” Pramod K. Nayar is the author of this book, and currently teaches in the English Department at the University of Hyderabad, India. He has written multiple books on different aspects of culture, such as reading culture and politics.

Pramod K Nayar
Source: The Hindu

The following book was written in 2010 so the data that is given is fairly recent. This first chapter called ‘”Reading” Cybercultures’ goes into detail about cyberculture in general and the many issues and benefits that occur when studying cyberculture. I have never read any of Nayar’s work, but this chapter was an easy read and kept me engaged. I never understood what cyberculture consisted of and how it is defined, but now I have a greater understanding of what it is and its importance. One of the main points he focuses on is that many people tend to falsify their identity and this has been a criticism of cyberspace, especially when dealing with pedophiliacs and other unwelcomed guests. Also, another point is that there is no concrete cyberculture. Cyberculture differs among developed and developing nations, different classes in a particular society, and among general users due to the nature or quality of Internet use.

In this chapter, I was particularly interested in the section that talked about the digital divide that occurs as ICT’s continue to expand. Although I am quite satisfied as to where the U.S. and my current region is currently standing with cyberculture, it displeases me knowing that others have such a big disadvantage when dealing with Internet access. As our society is constantly relying on the help of the Internet to guide us in everyday tasks, this makes me wonder how other nations are able to “survive” without convenient access to Internet, as I am typing this blog on my MacBook Pro with wireless Internet. It is crazy to know that:

“Africa has 14.7 percent of the world’s population and constitutes 3.5 percent of the world’s total Internet use,” and, “North America has 69 percent Internet penetration, even though it has only 5.1 percent of the world’s population” (9).

These numbers are very shocking and discomforting. This digital divide continues to increase because of the lack of care that people have towards those in Africa and their access to Internet. Many people may assume that those who lack it may be used to it, but this should not be taken lightly and brushed off.

In general, this excerpt by Nayar was interesting to read and enlightening. However, I wish the author talked about the negative aspects of cyberculture towards health and wellbeing. As I am a Public Health Sciences and a Psychobiology double major, I have a passion for overall health and prevention. There are many inclinations about the increase of Internet world having a connection with the decreasing health and lack of exercise among the general population.

Also, there are many ways in which different nations incorporate cyberculture into daily lives. This may be covered in upcoming chapters, but if not it would be important to talk about the impact of cyberculture among different countries and how and why its expansion arose.

Ch.1- “Reading” Cybercultures