E49 Virginia Heffernan: The Internet As Art

I've read books and think pieces about the internet but none have come close to describing the web's awesome yet terrifying power as well as Magic And Loss by Virginia Heffernan. Heffernan, who has been described as "...one of the mothers of the internet.", views the web as a massive work of art favouring speed, wit, and versatility. Virginia's work sidesteps the cliches rife in analysis of online life (decreased attention spans, trolls, obsession with appearance, etc) by taking a highly original, and at times searingly personal, account of the web's rules, aesthertics, and values. Some of the topics covered in our conversation were; The recent US election and the role social media may have played in it's outcome. The fact that the web is now a part of our humanity, an expression of it, rather than merely an addendum to it. How virtual reality may create a deeper desire for real-world experience. A lot of what we think os as new, isn't; self-portraits, memes, pithy wisdom, the use of symbols to express ideas etc. The hipster revolt. How hard it is keeping up with young people in whatsapp groups. Virginia tells us some of her favourite internet things and places. It was great talking to Virginia and I hope to have her back on the show soon. You can check the full episode notes out at inspireland podcast. Enjoy the show, Dave