Avatar

I just got hold of the Avatar DVD (finally.........!!!). I did see it the cinema in 3D but I think I was down with a flu then so I could hardly remember what I saw besides all the fighting and warring scenes towards the end. Anyone would be wide eyed with all the pyro works.

I am not going to blog about the show because most of you would have already seen it. The movie is definitely great with its plot and computer graphic works but the thing about the movie that captured my attention was the concept of a mind and body switch, taking you into another realm.

I can't help but see a great resemblance to what we are doing these days with the advent of the internet and the plethora of applications like Facebook, Friendster and a huge range of instant messengers. I mean we create our avatar using all these e-tools - we can have our own animated personification or even theme song. Some applications even let us lead our own e-lives build your own e-household, do e-groceries, have an e-pet.

My point is this, we dive deeper and deeper into this e-world and although the Internet does provide us with a humongous load of information when it comes to researching for even the simplest item to purchase, we cannot deny that the e-world can take us further and further away from our real world. Just like how the characters in the movie transfer their minds into a makeshift being to live in a different world. Isn't all too familiar?

I hate to admit it but I sometimes shy away from the real world and choose to dive into my own e-world, hiding behind an instant messenger to get to know people on the pretext it is more secure or comfortable when you are behind a blue screen hiding your facial expression. It funny how someone can be very friendly and talkative online and when you finally meet them in person you just get this blank silence not knowing how to communicate face to face. I am sure it happens because it happened to me once! When that happens, you know you have been hiding behind the online veil for too long. Behind the 'avatar' created with all the online social applications.

I am not saying that the internet has made us anti social but what I am trying to imply is that although socializing over a network can be extremely fun given that you are probably in an air conditioned room having a coffee while chatting and building your e-network, but most of us forget that there is also an e-barrier between you and the person you are communicating with.

Nothing beats face to face interactions especially when it comes to meetings. Don't believe me? Then try explaining why people find it easier to understand something when you explain to them face to face as opposed to explaining it over an e-mail?

Think about it....... =)