“If second nature is something built by collective human labor to make a more habitable nature, “third nature” is something built by collective human endeavor to try to overcome the shortcomings of second nature.”
McKenzie Wark
McKenzie Wark’s concept of ‘third nature’ reveals the paradox of physical disconnection from the immediate, embodied experiences of first and second nature. Yet, within the realm of third nature, digital infrastructure offers new opportunities to address global challenges by mobilizing skilled labor across geographic boundaries. By digitally connecting skilled labor with the demands of distant industries (e.g., cloud-based BIM work in AEC), third nature theoretically addresses inefficiencies in global talent distribution, enabling expertise from different locales to flow freely to where it is most needed. This borderless workspace offers new hope for addressing complex issues that require international collaboration, such as climate change, health crises, and sustainable development. Yet, this solution also abstracts work from the social and cultural interactions that have historically grounded human labor.
However, third nature’s digital connectivity introduces a new level of isolation for the individual. While enabling remote contributions, it risks detaching workers from their immediate surroundings and diminishing face-to-face interactions, creating a phenomenon often termed “connected loneliness.” The omnipresence of work in a digital world blurs boundaries between personal and professional lives, leading to stress and anxiety as individuals struggle to “switch off.” Employers must recognize this shift and adapt by fostering a supportive digital environment that emphasizes mental well-being and work-life balance. Offering mental health resources, creating flexible schedules, and encouraging digital detox practices can help mitigate these challenges, allowing individuals to fully realize the benefits of third nature while maintaining personal well-being. In this way, third nature requires both workers and employers to redefine productivity, balancing global collaboration with the essential need for human connection.
