A Response to a Main Counter Argument

Sandy Hardmeier published an article online about the internet (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/community/columns/technologyinternet.mspx) in 2005. She speaks about the increase in the internet and how that has benefited people. She specifically mentions the aspect of staying in touch-involving digital cameras and the internet. She explains the lengthy process people used to go through just to send a letter to friends or family. People would have to put it in the mail and pay postage and the letter would not arrive instantly, and then if the sender wanted to include photos, he or she would have to develop the film which takes time and then send it off. With the use of the internet and digital cameras, people can keep in touch instantly-no more waiting for hours or days, etc. Life is instant with the internet. She wrote about handy online programs that have sprung up regarding the use of digital cameras: EasyShare Gallery, Google's Picassa, and the Photo Gallery on MSN Spaces. Now granted this article was written a few years ago and the hottest programs and newest uses of the internet may not be these photo applications today, but the idea is still the same that the internet has so many options. And once again, I counter the hype the excitement that goes along with all these options. I am not saying that all internet should be done away with, but I am saying that some things should be eliminated or slowed down or only available but not pressured to use most, or all, of these constantly increasing online media programs. The pressure is great to be connected and literate in all forms of the internet. Maybe postage was slow...but too much technology on the internet takes away from more genuine and thoughtful contact with others. Some may consider internet technology just something to do now when you're bored or just because you feel like you have to. Sometimes too much technology and too many options to do much of the same thing, can be too much.