Although statistics are lacking on these kinds of occurrences, evidence suggests that their numbers are even greater than physical assaults. Often these kinds of acts are warning signs and precursors of worse things to come. The origin of the trend is multifaceted and includes economic, social and organizational causes. The economy of the approaching millennium has radically changed from what it was even a decade ago. Virtually every worker, even the fast food checkout cashier, must now master some high tech gadget.
Ranchers keep track of cattle with spreadsheets to stay ahead of their competitors.
Stocks, bonds and Christmas presents are bought on-line. Accounts are debited automatically. The combination of computers, the Internet, e-mail, satellite TV, pagers, cell phones, and a new electronic marvel nearly every day provides instant access to worldwide information. The information age advances knowledge and the gross national product, but it has its disadvantages. Instant communications and cyberspace make skill requirements and information overload unprecedented.