electric dreams
Leave it to China to to launch an experimental program to cure web addicts. The youngsters at the summer camp would be treated for depression, fear, unwillingness to interact with others, panic and agitation. For a condition that was originally conceived as an elaborate hoax, Internet Addiction has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Judging from my reaction when I had trouble signing on this evening, I may be another statistic. But I think I have my cyber hobby under control. Granted, I was not an early adopter of this digital lifestyle. Although I have been on-line for the past decade, I only recently purchased myself a Dell Desktop. Prior to this investment, I checked my e-mail from my AOL-TV, a service that allowed you to “surf the net” on your television screen. But the pace and graphics were comparable to the Atari Home Video Game, but without the cool kitsch factor. After that device became obsolete, I made occasional visits to the Internet in public places and paid by the hour. So how did it get to the point where I had a breakdown when I was unable to log on tonight. It is true I have always had an addictive personality. Perhaps this might be a phase that might pass like my penchant for import singles or designer ensembles. But I think there is more to my fascination with this technology than that. I feel as if there is a mountain of knowledge that I have yet to acquire. I think this thirst for information propels me to expand my mind, preferably with a high-speed connection. Besides any wisdom I might acquire, I use my keyboard as my primary communication tool. I am probably the last man standing in this city without a cell phone. And more often than not, I cannot be bothered to answer my land line. But this is not about my impulsive nature. I am hooked on the instant gratification of it all. In a New York minute, I can explore my deep dark fantasy life without having to deal with the logistics of the “real world” At the click of a mouse, I can research and connect with like-minded individuals who share my enthusiasm. The source of my web dependency remains a mystery, but this video is spooky in its ability to predict the future. This song tells of a subsequent society when human beings are totally reliant on their microchip machines. Who knew the Pearson family was psychic?
