On the up side, the Net offers ways to learn and connect with each other that are new and exciting. However, the down side is that for those who merely sit, point and click, real human connection is passing them by. Porno sites are the Web's biggest lure. An estimated 2 million people are addicted to them. It is exciting to pretend to be any one you choose, or to act-out your every fantasy, alone in the dark.
Studies indicate that many web surfers prefer surfing to sex.
Not surprisingly, attributes of gender played out in cyberspace parallel the stereotypes men and women have in our society. Men tend to seek out dominance and sexual fantasy on-line, while women tend to seek out romance, friendship and support through their relationships formed in chat rooms. The same gender differences appear to influence the underlying reasons for Internet addiction. The paradox is that there is an increase of virtual Internet addiction groups and chat rooms, which keeps people on-line as they seek their cure. I am concerned about the false sense of communication Webbers can get.