The internet and our computers have certainly proved to be a commodity in the modern world. It has been an asset in business, for the health service and for education.
But sometimes it rather feels that there is no need to live away from our computer screens. We can talk to friends and loved ones online, shop online, write a diary (blog) online, work online, listen to music and watch DVDs all on the one computer.
So when do we know when to stop?
Virtual Relationships
Yesterday it was revealed on the BBC news, that a couple divorced after finding out her husband was having a virtual affair on an internet computer game, Second Life.
The "real" couple met in an internet chat room in 2003 and marriage followed. They shared interests including the virtual reality game which allows one to create their character or avatar and interact with other pretend characters.
Amy Taylor found her husband's avatar with a prostitute on the screen. David Pollard's marriage had ended.
In one sense I can understand Amy Taylor's fury. With so much of their lives entwined by computer scenery, how can you really differentiate the physical world from the virtual? And perhaps it also reveals an unappealing side to one's character. That is, if they enjoy going having sex with a prostitute in a game, then who knows, they might do it in real life if they had the chance.
Computer goodness
However the big increase in the number of households owning a computer and having access to internet has helped bring about a revolution in some areas of healthcare.
For example, the launch of websites allowing patients to share their experiences of illness. Patient and health sites which are widely known and trusted allow people to research diseases that would otherwise take a great deal more time and effort to find out about.
And whether you think games such as Second Life and Grand Theft Auto are good for you or not, is for you to decide, but personally I think they are a little too far beyond imagination.
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