Abstract:

Cyberspace and virtual reality are two topical concepts in new media studies. Among diverse discourses, Slavoj Žižek's critique of cyberspace is highly prominent. In constrast to the mainstream technological determinism, Žižek argues that the rise of cyberspace initiates an era characterized by "the retreat of big Other," and without the Other that functions as the Master to safeguard the norm for individual's actions. This ressesion of Master's function means, as Žižek claims in light of Lacanian psychoanalysis, that the subject will not be informed of what should be desired, and the subject is thus deprived of the access to effective choices. The subject now bears the "burden of choice" once born by the Other and falls into grip of what Lacan describes as "If there is no God, nothing is permitted at all."

Key words: Slavoj ?i?ek, cyberspace, psychoanalysis