Life in the Network

I liked the Kevin Bacon comic strip :) I also have had similar experiences to what you discussed in your post, with courtship-ish type situations. And by no means can texting replace face to face communication, but it is a nice utility from time to time.
Also, the language erosion issue is scary, but I guess, as a younger person, I'm a bit in doubt as to the ability of technology to completely replace the written word and great literature. Now, I'm sure your post wasn't as "The End Is Near" as I am taking it, but you know, Latin was once a spoken language, and now we have almost no one left with even an inkling of an idea of how to speak it. I'm sure the old-timers of the old-time were quite sad to see it go but here we are with our Shakespeares and later our David Sedaris(s) and our Chuck Palahniuk(s)...we just won't know will we? ha, sorry for the rant. thanks for the post.

I enjoy how you have used how technology has changed "Kevin Bacon's Life". It is quite entertaining. Also, where are those pictures from? I hope that books never disappear there is just so much to a book that we would miss from full online conversion.

I agree with you that eliminating books is definitely not a good idea. People have used paper and written books for centuries and that has created a sort of bond between the written word and mankind. I can't imagine a world without books. Reading an article online, for me, personally, is not the same are reading it on hard copy. I feel like it's more tangible and I can take it with me wherever I want. I personally feel that books are more efficient than e-books because I'm not limited by my wireless connection and laptop's physical attributes.

I don't think the "traditions of print literacy" will be replaced - at least in our lifetime. If anything, it may become a novelty and then probably trendy (everything seems to go in cycles). When I stop by Barnes&Noble, Borders, or any other bookstore, they are always busy and people buy books. I think there are lots of people who like, or love, a physical book.

While I agree that text messaging has increased exponentially within the past 2 years... I still must say that I absolutely hate it! sorry...I just had to say that :) In response to your opposition to completely eliminating books in the future... I also share your concerns. However, I think that as things change, society will find it much more accessible and efficient to simply carry some "screen" on them at all times that has the ability to access any printed materials, and then some.

Great idea putting up thought bubbles. Very funny! My wife and I also text each other occasionally if we're both at work or busy. It's a nice way to hear from someone.

I also agree with you on the book comment. Even though all of this technology is coming out, whats going to happen in 100 years when it is out of date and no one can access it. So much of our history will be gone. I dont know if they have already come out with it, but didn't apple create a computer solely for the purpose of downloading books? Rumor had gone around about that. Also, one has to take into consideration the effects that the computer screen can do to your eyes. I would never be able to "read" a WHOLE book online.

i hrt u doesn't mean I heart you?
Dammit.