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Cyber
Cities versus Human Interaction by Melyssa
Sprott
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The internet
is wonderful tool. You can do research, find chat rooms, play
games and join an online community or even several. The possibilities
are truly endless. The added anonymity makes the net even
more appealing. You can assume any personality that you want.
You can be your real self or a comic book character. You can
make friends to chat with, read books online… and matchmaking
services are all the rage. But is the internet becoming more
and more a substitute for live interpersonal communication?
Many people
seek downtime from real life on the net. Chat rooms and online
communities can offer reprieve from the stress of daily life.
After all, no one has to know who we really are. If they do,
why should we worry about it if they're hundreds (or more)
miles away? There are usually little or no repercussions if
you lose your temper with someone on the net. They may never
speak to you again. Big deal, right?
Wrong.
There are usually rules for the communities that we join…
I like to call them "netiquette". You know, anyone
who harasses, abuses, offends or otherwise harms another member
will be banned, and so on and so forth. I believe that even
though we are miles apart that shouldn't give any of us an
excuse to be unkind to one another. I was taught to treat
others the way that I want to be treated.
Can a
sense of community still be found in our cities and towns?
Do we know our neighbors? Does it matter anymore if we do?
I believe that in these times of violence, terrorism and war
many of us are becoming more cautious.
I personally
prefer the online community to real human interaction. However,
I do agree with experts: human interaction is necessary for
emotional and social development. When you need a shoulder
to cry on, there isn't much solace to be found in your keyboard.
Human touch can be emotionally healing. The net is not a good
substitute for good old fashioned human contact.
I leave
you with this friends: by all means, chat away in your chat
rooms and post away in your forums… but remember to say
"hi" to your next door neighbor and cherish the
people in your life that can offer you that shoulder you might
need to cry on.
Copyright
2003 by Melyssa Sprott - Managing Editor
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