Define Aura/Cyber Aura

Walter Benjamin’s essay, titled Illuminations, deals with two important ideas in relation to the way in which society values a work of art. Today, however, it is conceivable to include much more than simply art in this idea. Therefore, I suggest that the term “goods” be substituted due to its vague and all-encompassing nature.

Benjamin begins his essay putting forth the idea that in the age of reproduction, goods lose their uniqueness. Aside from the one true original, no good holds the same uniqueness as the first. This element, one of importance and appreciation, is lost when multiple copies are created—and it is this element that is the “aura”. As Benjamin puts it, “that which withers in the age of mechanical reproduction is the aura of the work of art”. (221)

Therefore, with this knowledge, we are able to coin a new term, “Cyber Aura”. Based on Benjamin’s work, we are able to define Cyber Aura as the way by which cyberspace/the Internet furthers our loss of originality. Mass consumption takes place in cyberspace, and therefore, according to a class lecture, we lose the uniqueness of the “here and now”, individuality, and authenticity.

Works Cited:

Benjamin, Walter. Illuminations. “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” New York: Schocken Books, 1968. Print.