Hi!  In GT we've done some research on Roger Ebert, a man who lives a very different life than most human beings due to his inability to speak, eat, or drink.  Ebert had to have his jaw removed because of cancer, which caused him to be mainly confined to a computer as a way of communication and a tube that feeds him.  We read some articles that relate to Ebert and his story, on the topic of loneliness and being human. You can access these articles here:


Article 1
Article 2
Article 3


Being "Fully Human" Online:


I understand how people can feel more human on the internet than in "real life."  On the internet, those who you interact with don't necessarily know who you are, so they can't judge you by your appearance, disabilities, or anything.  People tend to feel more secure on the internet because all that is seen is their true thoughts, and no more.  


All the Lonely People: 


While I've never been particularly attached to the internet, I see how others see it as some sort of safe place where they can spill at all of their emotions and not be judged or treated wrongly based on first impressions.  Those who are not physically capable of everything may be regarded as stupid, or incapable of deep thought, but on the internet they are not required to reveal any details about themselves and may be taken seriously.  The internet may also serve as a way of "trying out" thoughts that may have remained unspoken previously.  People who are lonely find safety and comfort in connecting with others via the internet.  It sounds crazy, but it is the reality of modern culture and regardless of it is the right way to find comfort, it is a source of friendship and acceptance for many who otherwise would have been closed off.


A meeting of solitudes:


Ebert seems to regard loneliness as something that causes deep depression in people and as something that should be paid attention more to in society.  He draws a parallel between being lonely and being an alcoholic, which is interesting, because so much attention is given to alcoholics and their problems and barely any public attention is given to the lonely.  I don't think that being "lonely" is necessarily a negative thing, and one can certainly be alone but not lonely.  I'm not completely sure how to put my thoughts into words on this topic, but I also want to point out that I understand why certain people can become lonely, and I don't think they should be discredited for being in that situation.  It's not always easy for everyone to go out and make friends, and it is not meant for everyone's personality.  Ebert seems to want to cure the loneliness epidemic that has gone on for such a long time now.  


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I've definitely felt lonely before.  Plenty of times, actually.  While I rarely feel alone in my family, I often feel like others don't like being around me, or like they don't even notice or care when I'm not there.  I'm okay with this.  I'm not really a pushy, "out-there" person, and I don't like to feel so exposed to the world that everyone is watching my every move.  I prefer not to broadcast everything I say and do, so that there is value to my words instead of them being something that is vomited out rather than something others can think about and hold onto.  Sometimes I do come out of my shell, but I wish I didn't.  I'd like to be quiet all the time.  It's a terrible feeling to sit at a lunch table alone, feeling like nobody really values your presence in the cafeteria.  But I've come to a point where I'm content with it.  I don't need the attention to always be fixated on me, and if this means keeping to myself I'd prefer to be all by my lonesome.  I don't really use the internet as a safe place to inform, socialize or communicate, but I do recognize the benefits it can hold for those who prefer this.  I think the internet is actually isolating us from each other, and destroying the personal relationships we once were able to have with each other.  I know that this perspective is not one I share with many people nowadays, but I would much prefer to have a conversation with someone in person than to chat with them online, and I feel like communication with other human beings is essential to the development of society.  If we talk to each other, we must work together instead of each individually pouring out our own thoughts to our own personal webpage.  The internet is definitely a helpful tool; I cannot deny that.  But it is growing into something that is diminishing human relationships that are beneficial and necessary.