Mediated Presence: An Heideggerian inquiry into the perception of presence on WhatsApp

Abstract

The smartphone is often used as a tool to connect and communicate with someone who is physically absent. In these exchanges, the phone is used to create a sense of ‘presence’ of the person on the other side of the line. This thesis deals with the question of how this type of presence is constituted by the instant messaging application WhatsApp. It uses Heidegger’s understanding of presence which can be understood as a nearing: that which comes forward (articulates) from the intersection of time (the interplay between future and past that creates the presence) and the nearing-distancing as a structure of concern. Heideggerian theory is both critical of modern (media) technology’s capability of producing a true ‘nearing’ as well as allows an opportunity for it. This begs the question whether WhatsApp, following Heideggerian theory, is capable of such a ‘true nearing’ and, if not, what else comes in place? In this thesis WhatsApp is analyzed, using the method of the hermeneutic circle, whether it allows for this understanding of presence. This is followed by an analysis of WhatsApp’s capabilities for producing a true nearing, which is subsequently followed by an analysis of what the consequences of this entails.