PROMISES Efficiency at a price

Indeed computers have made us faster and more efficient, but at what price?

1. Work never ends: no separation between office and home

2. Travel never starts: all modes of transportation are now moving offices

3. Our children live in constant danger: contacts made on the Internet can be problematic

4. We stay indoors: computer offerings are holding us captive

5. Rumours run rampant: Information, gossip and lies can be spread unchecked

6. Journalistic standards crumble: the speed with which computer rumours travel means that journalist must move faster, with less effort being put into checking facts

7. Main Street disappears: With the ability to shop on-line, we no longer have to leave the house

8. Attention spans evaporate: Because we expect information to be transmitted instantly our patience is razor-thin.

9. Identity at risk: Computer hacks can assume your identity

10. Privacy is gone: All computer-related work and communications can be monitored

11. Pornography is almost unavoidable: One mistyped entry can yield a porno site

12. Nobody gets bored anymore: Out of boredom comes invention, creativity, conversation

From Happy Birthday, PC, by Mitch Albom, August 27th 2001