Spaces - Digital Society - Health
Spaces - Digital Society - Health
Frontier: Virtual
Spaces in the
Digital Society
Digital Society and Virtual Spaces
• Physical space influences virtual space through the availability of resources and infrastructure.
• Virtual space can impact physical space by shaping behaviors and preferences.
• Physical space can affect health through factors such as air quality and access to nature.
• Virtual space can impact health through factors such as sedentary behavior and social isolation.
• The interaction between physical and virtual spaces can have both positive and negative effects on health.
How do information and digital objects circulate through digital society
in term of health?
• Physical Borders
• Traditionally defined by geographical features and political agreements
• Used to regulate the movement of people, goods, and diseases
• Can still impact health in terms of controlling the spread of infectious diseases
• Political Borders
• Defined by political boundaries and agreements between nations
• Can impact access to healthcare, resources, and information
• In a digital society, information and resources can transcend political borders
• Digital Society
• Characterized by the interconnectedness of people and information through digital technologies
• Digital platforms and networks can facilitate the spread of health information and resources
• Physical and political borders may have less significance in terms of health in a digital society
Real spaces usually have borders and laws connected to them – how is
this changing in virtual spaces in terms of health?
• Virtual spaces do not have physical borders or laws, allowing for greater freedom and flexibility in terms of health.
• The lack of physical boundaries in virtual spaces can lead to issues such as addiction, social isolation, and mental
health challenges.
• Virtual spaces can provide opportunities for people to explore and engage in activities that may not be possible in
their physical environment, promoting creativity and well-being.
• The blurring of boundaries between real and virtual spaces raises questions about privacy, security, and ethical
considerations in the digital society.
• Regulations and policies need to be developed to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by
virtual spaces in terms of health.
Physical spaces usually have borders that restrict access and create
divides – are digital divides the same or different to physical borders in
term of health?
Similarities Differences
• Both physical borders and digital divides can create • Physical borders are tangible and can be physically
barriers and restrict access to resources. crossed, while digital divides are intangible and
• Both can contribute to inequalities in health require access to technology.
outcomes. • Physical borders are often defined by geographic
boundaries, while digital divides can be based on
factors such as internet access, digital literacy, and
affordability.
• Physical borders can have direct impacts on physical
health, such as access to healthcare services, while
digital divides can impact mental health and access
to online healthcare resources.
How do digital systems and technologies affect how we experience
specific spaces and locations in term of health?
• Advantages • Disadvantages
• Reduced physical clutter and space requirements • Lack of physical interaction and sensory experience
• Easy access and organization of virtual objects • Potential for increased sedentary behavior and
• Flexibility in customization and personalization decreased physical activity
• Potential for increased productivity and efficiency • Risk of over-reliance on virtual spaces and
detachment from physical reality
• Potential for negative impacts on mental health and
social connections
Regulating Virtual Spaces in terms of Health