how we model proximity (& hence relevance) has shifted from physical to digital space, the latter of which has many more dimensions & consequently degrees of freedom
being in a more "open" space, relatively, makes us feel agoraphobic, there being many more directions to watch
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RT @IntractableLion
@pee_zombie @CurrentCitizen Dunbar slots for experiential reality
https://twitter.com/IntractableLion/status/1409355143124971522
in a wide open field, you have a few well-defined headings to monitor for threats; we instinctively know how to orient ourselves, subconsciously monitor our surroundings continuously
digital space breaks these assumptions; we need to learn how to orient & observe all over again
scifi stories often ask us to imagine the protagonists suddenly thrust into 4D space, employing all sorts of linguistic contortions to convey the fundamental weirdness thereof
but we're already familiar with a higher dimensional space much closer to home, one we inhabit daily
perhaps we should be a bit easier on those who find themselves deeply disoriented in the digital realm, feeling lost, confused, unable to find their bearings; all of their being was optimized for a lower dimensionality
minds suited for digital space are, in many ways, transhuman