There are many similarities between cyberspace and religion. While there are severe differences, the similarites cannot be ignored.
Cyberspace is a difficult concept to grasp and every professionals definition will be different. The same goes for religion. There is no right or wrong definition. Two Christians will likely have similar, but not exactly the same definitions of what religion is. Furthermore, a Christian and a Muselim will likely have a larger differentiated view on religion. While everyone thinks they know what it means, when it comes to putting it in words, or better yet, in writing, it becomes an almost impossible task.
'Cyberspace is a way that people have tried to understand the internet' (Stockwell 2011) and religion is a way that people continue to try to understand life. What is the point of the internet?...What is the point of life? Are cyberspace and religion the simple answers to these complex questions?
The gaming world in cyberspace is dominant and over the years there has been much controversy as to whether it is dangerous for gamers who get hooked. There have been proven scenerios where gamers can no longer differentiate between their virtual world and their reality and have harmed themselves and others. Depending on the different views of religion, some people surround themselves completely with their chosen religion and make it their reality, while others think of it a theory, an idea, a virtual world which they allow themselves into when a tragedy strikes or good fortunes have arrived.
Both cyberspace and religion are very real in today's society. What causes everyone to have a different explanation for them is that people allow and restrict themselves as to how much they believe and make it their reality.
Reference:
Stephen Stockwell - Lecture Notes 2011 Week 4
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