Today I’m having a philosophical moment and playing devil’s advocate 
Thoughts and comments welcome.
While we rush to embrace the wonders of the internet, it may be time to consider where we’re going with it. Do we control it, or does it control us? I would feel quite lost without access to the worldwide web now, but I’m concerned about the amount of cyber-babble and electronic white noise to which we are all increasingly subjected. The brain needs periods of quiet to rejuvenate and for creative thought to percolate. Are we reaching the point where virtual life is overtaking real life, to the detriment of our ability to relate to actual people? Are we in fact, to quote Pink Floyd, becomingly comfortably numb? These concerns are more and more becoming a subject for debate as scientific research appears to validate them. Here’s a thought-provoking article on the subject of brain overload by “Times” journalist John Naish, called ‘Warning: Brain Overload“
And on a lighter note, Bill Ralston shares his concerns in the latest issue of the “NZ Listener” (June 13-19, 2009). Those of the baby-boomer generation will relate to this article; for once I’m actually in sympathy with Bill Ralston – chalk it up! Please note that the full article will not be made available online until 4 July.
Cheers, Anne McFadgen
