Doug describes how he is able to split his mind and take on different personas in different chat windows online, engaging in different conversations and activities simultaneously. Turkle notes that children today see computers as able to think and have personality, where adults may still hesitate at the idea of computers having consciousness. On the internet, people can experiment with constructing and reconstructing their identities in ways that characterize postmodern life. Turkle sees virtual spaces as having the potential to be a "raft" or "ladder" that allows one to grow and become more self-aware, though not a complete substitute for reality.

1. Cultural Identities postmodernism brought down to (virtual) earth

3. MUDS

5. Mind-space: Fantasy and Imagination

6. Culture of calculation/culture of simulation Opaque Transparent/with depth Non-linear Hierarchical Fluid Logical Decentred Linear Postmodernist Modernist

7. Culture of calculation/culture of simulation Computers can extend a physical presence Computers can extend a person’s intellect Characterised by complexity and decentring. Intelligence cannot be programmed in but emerges through interaction. Centralised structures and programmed rules Products to paint, draw, fly in cockpits Limited to typing commands 1990s (Postmodernist) 1980s (modernist)

8. Are we living life on the screen or in the screen?

15. Virtual Identities?

16. Virtual Selves?