It’s destined to happen time and time again as both technology and culture progress. That’s right folks, I’m talking about computers and the Internet.

At home and in class, I hear nothing but bad-mouthing those who choose to make today’s “magic box” their window into the outside world.

The Internet is possibly one of the greatest creations in the history of our species. With it we are able to share information and interact with people who we normally would not have the chance to communicate with in our everyday lives.

The Internet is the true realization of the long-held American ideal of a melting pot where people of all cultures, religions, creeds, etc. could be in peace. And it’s true. The Internet has given me the ability to talk to people without the constraints of what people refer to as “real life.”

I can talk to my friend Jhan in China without racking up a huge phone bill or spending thousands of dollars to fly there. I can flirt with a cute friend named Marci in South Carolina without the fear of being sued for sexual harassment. I can even get information on my favorite video games without buying lots of magazines or traveling to large cities.

The Internet is both a shield and a communicator. We can say what’s in our hearts without fear of reprisal (for the most part). I use Napster to obtain music that isn’t readily available in my town. We can watch television shows that have been off the air for many years with special programs like Real Player. We can even listen to sporting events not being covered by local television and radio networks.

I practically live in front of my computer and you know what? I’m happy! I have many friends all over the United States and in other countries.

I scoff at those who consider computers and the Internet to be just as big a cultural destroyer as they thought television was. It just goes to show that no matter the invention there will always be those lunatics and fools who believe it to be the end of society as we know it.

I’d suggest actually experiencing everything the Internet has to offer before condemning it.