tethered-self
A new state of selfhood characterized by being simultaneously present and absent, physically in one place but mentally engaged elsewhere through technology.
4 chapters across 2 books
Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other (2011)Sherry Turkle
Chapter 8 of 'Alone Together' explores the evolution from early cyborgs at MIT, who were physically tethered to technology, to the ubiquitous presence of smartphones that keep us constantly connected. It examines how this always-on connectivity reshapes identity, social interactions, and the self, fostering feelings of enhancement and invincibility while simultaneously generating isolation and diminished expectations of human relationships. The chapter also discusses the paradox of being physically present yet mentally absent, as people increasingly prioritize virtual connections over immediate physical surroundings.
Chapter 8, "Always On," explores the complexities of constant connectivity through digital technologies, focusing on how being perpetually tethered to communication devices blurs the boundaries between being alone and being together. Turkle discusses the psychological and social consequences of multitasking, virtual relationships, and the erosion of attention, highlighting both the benefits and downsides of an always-on culture. The chapter also addresses issues such as virtual infidelity, the significance of weak social ties online, and the challenges of maintaining work-life boundaries in a mobile, connected world.
The Second Self (1984)Sherry Turkle
Chapter 8 of "The Second Self" explores the emergence and normalization of constant digital connectivity, exemplified by early 'cyborgs' at MIT who integrated technology into their bodies and lives. It discusses how this always-on state transforms identity, social relationships, and the experience of presence and absence, highlighting both the enhancements and isolations brought by networked life. The chapter also reflects on the cultural shift from physical communal spaces to tethered, individualized interactions mediated by mobile devices.
Chapter 8, "Always On," explores the complexities of constant connectivity enabled by digital technologies, focusing on how individuals navigate the blurred boundaries between being alone and together. Turkle discusses the psychological and social implications of being perpetually tethered through devices like cell phones and virtual environments, highlighting issues such as virtual infidelity, continuous partial attention, multitasking, and the challenges of maintaining distinct roles between work and personal life. The chapter also addresses the impact of these technologies on youth culture, social ties, and attention spans, drawing on various studies and theoretical perspectives.