The rise of the avatar: Virtual dimensions of ‘the human’ in nursing science

Abstract

In this theory article, we discuss the virtual dimensions of the human, the avatar, in relation to ontological assumptions within nursing science. Assumptions in nursing science promote a ‘wholistic’ perspective of the human in terms of body, mind and spirit in relation to the environment. However, due to the enhanced technological development and the invention of cyberspace, we pose the critical question of whether the virtual dimension of identity really implicates a ‘wholistic’ view of human kindness or if this has been neglected. Furthermore, we suggest an ontological understanding that grasps new dimensions of humanity. In the article, we discuss the virtual dimensions of the human in relation to ontological assumptions within nursing science under the three headings of The techno-self and virtual identities, Techno-therapy and cyber nursing, and Becoming homo technicus. Due to these reflections, this article contributes to the debate on a postmodern understanding of human living conditions in society. We suggest further theoretical discussions to explore the conceptual and theoretical levels of nursing knowledge as new realities of human existence are introduced in the field. The transition into the digital age of the Internet, with the existence of cyborgs and avatars, is an ontological and epistemological challenge for nursing science that needs to be further investigated.

The digital generation and nursing robotics: A netnographic study about nursing care robots posted on social media

“…Some authors have claimed that in the near future, robots could replace human labor, including nurses (Flemming, ; Parks, ). In line with this speculation comes the idea that the robots serving as companions for nurses in healthcare settings also transform the human experience to the extent where the need to address cyborg existences becomes important in all matters of human life, including nursing and caring (Metzler et al., ; Salzmann‐Erikson & Eriksson, ). The various kinds of robots that are emerging as shown in these images suggest robots are moving into many areas of human life, especially in roles of nursing and caring.…”

“…It is important to recognize that technology as a field might include broader opportunities for knowledge than just on specific technical devices. Haraway (2004Haraway ( , 2008 argues that embracing technology also means embracing an opportunity to emancipate ourselves from some of the epistemological consequences of "natural- We are entering a postmodern era, where the vast digitalization of health-care in everyday life and in health institutions means paradigmatic changes for nursing in relation to technology as well as in other areas (Campbell, 2011;Metzler, Lewis, & Pope, 2016;Monteiro, 2016;Salzmann-Erikson & Eriksson, 2015). For example, the utilization of smart phones, tablets and computers with social media programs, the online availability of medical journals, SMS, e-mail, cameras and GPS functions in health-care give opportunities for people to take action to optimize their health (Lupton, 2012).…”

“…The digital generation's entrance into the labor market, together with overall social changes, create paradigmatic shifts in many areas, including nursing knowledge. Therefore, the interest in technological and digital aspects of caring/nursing is likely to increase (Salzmann-Erikson & Eriksson, 2015).…”

“…We are entering a postmodern era, where the vast digitalization of health‐care in everyday life and in health institutions means paradigmatic changes for nursing in relation to technology as well as in other areas (Campbell, ; Metzler, Lewis, & Pope, ; Monteiro, ; Salzmann‐Erikson & Eriksson, ). For example, the utilization of smart phones, tablets and computers with social media programs, the online availability of medical journals, SMS, e‐mail, cameras and GPS functions in health‐care give opportunities for people to take action to optimize their health (Lupton, ).…”

A New Epistemology of Nursing: A Post-Human Care?

“…The concept of metaphoric cyborgs refers to connections between human bodies, machines and computer systems which are not permanent or irreversible and can be easily disabled (Hayles, 1999). The digitalization of the body in health care poses other challenges to nursing, including the acknowledgement of digital care as a nursing intervention (cyber nursing) or of the fact that holistic care incorporates the concept of techno-Self and virtual identities (Salzmann-Erikson & Eriksson, 2015). Nursing care digital platforms are a sociotechnical system that expresses a particular way of understanding both disease and care, narrowed down to the domain of information networks and systems of response (expected to be quick and effective) to standardized symptoms.…”