Inexpert dealing with technology may have decisive impact on technology users. Commonly accessible technology is generally considered to be easy to manage. The user who believes so, however, makes himself/herself subject to processes which he/she is not able to conceive.

A technically unchallenging replacement of an e-mail sender’s name by the name of the recipient may serve as a good example. After receiving the e-mail, the recipient assumes that the e-mail is written and sent by himself/herself. He/she reads it and becomes perplexed about whether it is, indeed, his/her own message or, perhaps, someone else’s. The user does not know how to handle a situation never before experienced. Disturbed, he/she tries to protect his/her own ego against a potential threat.

The message asks a question written in a particular way so that it seems that the recipient addresses himself/herself. Thus, while reading, the recipient, unwittingly, actually puts the question to himself/herself. A peculiar moment occurs in which a strange text becomes our own thought, when something outer becomes inner.

Our private space is violated by e-mail communication precisely because an e-mail address is something we consider our very own, personal. More, the user feels violated for he/she is already attached to technology (via virtual communication) and regards it as a part of his/her self. The uneasiness that takes place when reading strange – one’s own e-mail is a situation that can lead us to deeper reflection on to what extent technology has become a part of who we are.

Now, in case you have any questions I would be happy to try to clarify my views in an open discussion.

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