The machines are being linked, the links are improving and more people use them. The computer technological advances alone mean nothing in and of themselves within the whole framework of human affairs. This technology is inherently neither good nor evil. We must never forget that a computer or even a computer network is a mere tool. The Internet will be used for both good and bad and mostly for the gray area in between.
Most human creations are relative as to perceptions.
I think one thing, while the people working for the insurance company probably think another. On a probably good side, we have a method of sending out information and connecting the mass population. This will partially be used for entertainment. Take a walk in a large city some evening. Is it truly a vast wasteland or has it met the original idea of a great tool for democracy.