The Body and the Screen
Theories of Internet Spectatorship
By Michele White

In the Body and Screen, Michele White indicates the hidden messages presented in the form of the websites. Comparing the hidden message of the form of the websites much the same as discussing what is the message of the vodka advertisement. According to the author, “Internet and computer spectator” and the term “spectatorship” also indicates a commitment to employing theory in order to understand texts and an interest in developing hybrid critical model in order to understand certain internet settings.
The author uses the parallel of films critique, where films scholars such as Mary Doane, Christian Metz, and Laura Mulvey, provide the analysis of internet spectatorship with an emphasis on feminism psychoanalytic theory.
In most instances, how the website is presented indicates certain values, stereotyping, and reemphasizing what the society in general already holds. This continuum of portraying the hidden message is what creates the spectatorship.
With respect to virtual places, many artists emerge from this field as a voice in the net. For example, Samyn’s The Fire from the Sea virtual and 3D effects guide the spectator experience through the computer game maze. His art work forces the spectator to engage in the full participation of programming like effect. The spectator is limited to clicking rather than rolling the apparatus.
Are these limitations a failure in itself? Well, let’s look at how does the spectator engage in such an unfriendly atmosphere? According to the author, the “Net art quotes and performs failure while keeping a precarious relationship with functionality” and “the aesthetic of failure will continue to become more stylistic” this indicates a challenge for the spectator to continue to participate in an open and critical approach.