Difference between revisions of "Cybernaut"
From Internet User Guide
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− | A | + | A cybernaut is an astronaut of [[cyberspace]]. |
− | A Cybernaut is generally someone who is at ease within Internet [[ | + | A Cybernaut is generally someone who is at ease within Internet [[forum]]s, [[online game]] communities, [[virtual world]]s such as [[Second Life]], and other fantasy or role-playing worlds, without necessarily being highly familiar with the history and technologies of the web. |
− | The online [[ | + | The online [[identity]] of the cybernaut will often be ambiguous or multiple. The Cybernaut's [[username]] is seldom their real name, and is usually a pseudonym or "virtual identity" which hides their [[real life]] identity. This façade of anonymity or [[pseudonymity]] provides a feeling of liberty which easily crosses over into irresponsible behavior such as [[Flame War]]s or [[griefing]]. |
==Related Terms== | ==Related Terms== | ||
− | The term | + | The term cybernaut was formed from the earlier word [[Internaut]], by replacing the first syllables with those of the word [[Cybernetics]]. The [http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-internaut.htm wisegeek] website makes a subtle distinction between the two terms, which is primarily generational: |
*An [[Internaut]] is someone who took a hand in building the Internet or witnessed its growth, and who is highly familiar with the history of the web and its technologies | *An [[Internaut]] is someone who took a hand in building the Internet or witnessed its growth, and who is highly familiar with the history of the web and its technologies | ||
*A Cybernaut is someone who grew up with the Internet, and who inhabits [[Cyberspace]] as a native | *A Cybernaut is someone who grew up with the Internet, and who inhabits [[Cyberspace]] as a native |