Underlying argument - absence-in-presence.

One more argument throughout that I don't think gets enough text time is the idea of absence-in-presence. In "The very well connected: Friending, bonding and community in the digital age," absence-in-presence is described as being somewhere virtually while you are physically somewhere else. (Watkins, 2009, p. 48) This notion was present throughout the The Circle, as the main focus of the book was the implementation of transparency and surveillance cameras throughout society. Mae is absent but present in her everyday life as she is present in a virtual live feed of her life to whomever is streaming her cast. This argument, unlike the others I believe is somewhat positive. While the other themes of the book are invasion of privacy and technology being detrimental, this idea brings some hope. I think the notion of being able to be somewhere virtually, when there may be physical obstacles is one of the most prominent advances of technology. This capability gives the ability to people with impeding disabilities the opportunity to see things they may never have had the chance.

In The Circle, when the new project to implement cameras into public spaces and have people wear live camera feeds around their neck is introduced, this absence in presence idea is represented. One of the example cameras shows a hiker at the top of Machu Picchu. This is a prime example of how such technology has power to be positive. Someone with a physical disability may have never been able to see such a sight. However, the technology and the idea of absence-in-presence provides this inspiring opportunity.

Works Cited

S. Craig Watkins, "The very well connected: Friending, bonding and community in the digital age," The Young and the Digital (2009).