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up in a digital civilization
Duty, the idea of pain is learned from the cries and blood of the enemy or angry birds they shoot down in video games. In the digital world, one can assume multiple identities, be aggressive without being reprimanded or feeling guilty, communicate asynchronously, enjoy life as if it were a game, and treat passage of time as something one can rewind or restart. Interactions have become transactions and loyalty is replaced by deals in the digital age. The irony of the situation is that the age of internet has created both opportunities and challenges for political leaders who use the relatively easy reach and transparency of the Internet to acquire political power by inspiring, inciting and mobilizing the imagination of masses, but once they attain power, they become uncomfortable with the free expression on the Internet. Governments worldwide (including those posing to be torch bearers of democracy) are establishing laws to curb transparency and free expression on the Internet and track dissenters and whistle blowers, down so they do not blow the lid off their misdeeds or galvanize mass action against establishment. Where will it all lead? I believe we are in that phase of digital civilization that corresponds with barbarian age of human civilization. There were fewer rules, people acted more often on impulses than reflections or rational thinking, relationship between man and a woman was driven more by lust than long term commitment. People are constrained only by possibilities in the digital space than by values. Over time civilized society evolved through building of social rules and institutions. I believe the digital space will soon be going through a transformation to a more civilized society that will combine the reach and participatory nature of the Internet with the restraint and values of human society.