Virtual Family: Forms and Functions

Anna Vladimirovna Artamonova

doi:10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s4p572

Abstract

In this paper we study possibility of identifying a new type of relations - virtual family. A definition of virtual is put forward, there are described its functions and causes which make each type of virtual come into existence. The development of social and technological (virtual) environment changes man’s needs and thus transforms meaning and essence of ascribing to new functions. We also suggest taking into account the image of family created in science, public opinion and mass media as a type of virtual relationship. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s4p572

Highlights

We live in the age of rapid technological development when such notions as «IT-technology", "cyberspace", "virtual reality", "virtual" have become quite common
The virtual family can be treated as a special kind of human relations that imitates family relations, as, these relations, being virtual, do not really exist
We can consider the following formations as the virtual family: 1) "the image of the family" in science and public opinion – it is the Virtual created by a researcher or a society to name a certain state of the family or to prove his conception, 2) "the psychological / social" virtual family – it is the Virtual in which a union which is not officially registered or not accepted by a society, or a family which is falling apart, are considered a family by those people who are involved in these relations, 3) "the technological / computer" virtual family – it is the Virtual which exists thanks to virtual reality, social networks, communication software and computer games

Summary

Introduction

We live in the age of rapid technological development when such notions as «IT-technology", "cyberspace", "virtual reality", "virtual" have become quite common. The notion of "virtuality" denotes an object or a state that does not exist in reality but may come into existence under certain conditions (Ruzavin, 2010). These conditions were created by computer and technological revolution for functioning of virtual reality. Virtual reality is a new way of existence of many phenomena and objects. The image of the real world is virtual by nature but a virtual image can not exist on its own, independently of reality that makes its existence possible. Plunging into virtual reality created by technology, man can lose a sense of objective reality and immerse himself in experiencing totally new sensations. The Virtual is always perceived as going beyond the borders of usual life (Virtual approach to the problem of man, 2001)

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Conclusion