How the Internet is a black hole that sucks it's victims into isolationism

The Cyber Hole

For many of us, the Internet is a powerful tool used for research, exchanging files and trading music, or sometimes it is viewed only as just one more bill to pay at the end of the month. For a growing minority, however, the Net is becoming a social magnet, sucking its victims away from real life. For these people, the Internet is almost a second chance at a so-called "failed social life." The Net is a rapidly growing social pit that lures people away from actual human contact, and, in some cases, even promotes the spread of hate; thus, damaging social relations.

What can the Internet provide to its users? Well, perhaps a better question would be, "What can the Internet not provide to its users?" The Net is almost all-inclusive. Any type of entertainment: movies, books, games... all of these can be provided online. Sounds, pictures, and even programs that let users take "virtual tours" of remote destinations are available.

This NeXT Computer was used by Sir Tim Berners-Lee...

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Almost everything can be supplemented on the Net, and therein lies the problem. Despite the obvious physical aspects of being on a computer all day, such as increased weight, decreased stamina, an unkempt appearance, the Internet robs its users of actual human contact. The ability to see, touch, hear, and have the senses emerged in a plethora of impulses cannot be found on any computer or anywhere on the Internet. But how did the Internet become the man-eating dragon that it is?

Conceived to develop Allied battle strategies during World War II, the Net has had a detailed history (Diamond, Bates np). The Internet was further developed during the Cold War in the 1960's (Borden np). From 1961 to 1964, J.C.R Licklider, Leonard Kleinrock, and Lawrence Roberts of MIT worked to design a computer network that...