Viral_Video_Counter_Strike

The viral video “counter strike in real” captured the attention of millions of viewers around the world because of its simply put, humorous approach of bringing a digital reality into our world. Besides its comical qualities, this video also relates to our “born digital” reading and discussion in class. Most everyone who plays counterstrike portrays their own identity in virtual space not only by their selection of character, but through their avatar and personal graffiti to spray. A digitally networked medium allows participants in the game to create clan’s or groups and play strictly as a team, which can be considered a network society. Castell defines a network society as being one who’s social structure is made of networks powered by microelectronics-based and communication technologies. It relates to the Medias relationship to identity through characterizing players as either terrorists or counter-terrorists. Counter strike is also a great example of a Flexible, timeless network where you can go around road blocks and maintain a goal and it would not matter if your teammate is in a different time-zone. A simple internet connection can put you into your virtual “gaming” reality where you decide who you are and communicate from your computer information about yourself that can make you someone you would want to be in real life. This video itself is also humorous portrayal of the confusion of reality, such of that in the movie “Extenze2” we watched in class. If everything is simply a conception and nothing is material, it would be very difficult to differentiate between what is real and what is virtual. The reason I feel this viral video received millions of views is because of its humorous simplicity and how people of all ages who play counter-strike can recognize the sound effects and automated comments from the game and relate to it. It also provides a moment of escapism from reality, just to laugh at the video and its minor details, then pass it onto a friend. I used to play counter-strike and a friend of mine emailed me this video, knowing I would most probably find it funny.

-William Mnatsakanyan

The viral video “counter strike in real” captured the attention of millions of viewers around the world because of its simply put, humorous approach of bringing a digital reality into our world. Besides its comical qualities, this video also relates to our “born digital” reading and discussion in class. Most everyone who plays counterstrike portrays their own identity in virtual space not only by their selection of character, but through their avatar and personal graffiti to spray. A digitally networked medium allows participants in the game to create clan’s or groups and play strictly as a team, which can be considered a network society. Castell defines a network society as being one who’s social structure is made of networks powered by microelectronics-based and communication technologies. It relates to the Medias relationship to identity through characterizing players as either terrorists or counter-terrorists. Counter strike is also a great example of a Flexible, timeless network where you can go around road blocks and maintain a goal and it would not matter if your teammate is in a different time-zone. A simple internet connection can put you into your virtual “gaming” reality where you decide who you are and communicate from your computer information about yourself that can make you someone you would want to be in real life. This video itself is also humorous portrayal of the confusion of reality, such of that in the movie “Extenze2” we watched in class. If everything is simply a conception and nothing is material, it would be very difficult to differentiate between what is real and what is virtual. The reason I feel this viral video received millions of views is because of its humorous simplicity and how people of all ages who play counter-strike can recognize the sound effects and automated comments from the game and relate to it. It also provides a moment of escapism from reality, just to laugh at the video and its minor details, then pass it onto a friend. I used to play counter-strike and a friend of mine emailed me this video, knowing I would most probably find it funny.