Excessive reliance on online communication, however, can create physical isolation. The Net has given rise to electronic shut-ins, often young people who spend hours on end roaming from one newsgroup, Web site, mailing list and chat channel to another. These prospects, even if remote, are chilling. When machines take over, we lose our humanity. Even though we sometimes flame in disagreement and anger, communicating across political and racial borders can help us see and share our common humanity.
Balance is key.
Computers and the Net can open up bright new vistas into ourselves. But man does not live by silicon alone. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Philadelphia Newspapers Inc. is expressly prohibited.