Program Title: Social Impacts of the Virtual World - Richard Smith
Description: The possibilities of the virtual world seem endless and technology is constantly providing us with tools that touch every aspect of our lives.
To some, this is a blessing while others wonder what all the fuss is about. Are we becoming irreversibly dependent on the web and is this a good or bad thing? Increasingly, our virtual lives are intersecting with our real lives, which some fear causes isolation where others see freedom and community building. Is virtual communication making us better global and local citizens or are we sacrificing face-to-face
encounters for virtual networking? Do we know if virtual relationships last? And for those less economically and socially advantaged, does the internet provide them with a vehicle and voice or result in further exclusion?

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Featured Speakers/Guests: Dr. Richard Smith
Associate Director, School of Communication
Simon Fraser University

Dr. Smith is a Professor in SFU’s School of Communication and director of the University’s Centre for Policy Research on Science and Technology. Dr. Smith’s research focus is social inclusion (and exclusion) brought on by the introduction of new media. he has an ongoing interest in technology for education, privacy and surveillance in public spaces, online communities and the wireless information society. Dr. Smith is also examining issues like addictive on-line games, new communication technology in the home, open source software and social activism, and information technology in support of first nations development and tele-health.

Credits: Recorded and edited by Hoon

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