The Myth of Presence. The Immediacy of Representation in Cyberspace (original) (raw)

How is the effectiveness of a representation defined? It lies in its ability to make present that which is not, to ensure the illusion of a presence. A representation is only effective if it is able to convince a subject interpreting signs – a reader, a spectator or a witness – that something is starting to appear, something that has nothing to do with her, something that seems to possess its own dynamic, a relative autonomy and an undeniable transparency whose primary effect is the impression of a significant permanence. Digital media are said to give rise to representations and effects of presence of an unsurpassed power. It is the myth of presence. I wish to explore this myth of presence that the digital brings to life. First, I will examine how digital media fulfil certain promises of the myth, thereby ensuring their credibility; and secondly, I will focus on their deconstruction to show their share of illusions. To do this, I will use a hypermedia work, entitled Adam’s Cam. Thi...