ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the extent to which Constant Nieuwenhuys' hope for collective play has been realized through the Internet, and the extent to which his premonition of violence has been fulfilled. By examining the way the Internet has altered culture, the chapter aims to stimulate dialogue on the role of play in the Digital Age. For Huizinga, play is an engaging activity that resides outside of work. Huizinga identifies activities that obstruct play with the terms 'false play' and 'puerilism'. To understand the relevance of play in both New Babylon and the Internet, it is illuminating to consider the historical context that gave rise to each. New Babylon was conceived in 1950s Europe while a generation of people were working to make sense of the trauma and disaster wrought by World War II. Social interactions have accelerated through the Internet, but this does not ensure the quality of those interactions.
