In this computer-oriented era, people can do practically everything while still at home. They can do their shopping online, pay bills online, chat online and even work online. In the light of this phenomenon, many fear that this way of tackling things might lead to social isolation, and further to the loss of men's ability to co-exist with one another in society. Personally, however, I don't agree with this view, and it is my firm belief that not only will the Internet bring the world closer together, it will enable men to co-exist better—in the cyberspace, a worldwide community.
First, unsurprisingly, computers and modems have transformed the world into a global village. Messages are sent instantly around the world via the Internet; a bargain is made between a gentleman in Russia and a lady in Argentina; and students studying abroad send voice mails to their loved ones at home, again by using the computer. Indeed, in this fast-paced world, it is impossible to conduct every social contact in a face-to-face manner. Therefore, it is only too natural that efficient online communication is partly taking the place of the time-consuming personal encounter. And why not? This online way of life has helped people on this planet to communicate better, and the fear that people could become isolated from each other in the virtual world is groundless.
At the same time, even if the Internet ensures better social communication, actual social contact is still necessary: Not all business can be handled online, and perfect good will can not be achieved while the parties concerned are far apart. As a matter of fact, the Internet has made people realize the need for contact in actual social settings. Furthermore, communication in the cyberspace and that in the actual world can be complementary to each other-- each shining more brilliantly in the other's company. Sometimes it is fast and efficient to communicate online, while at other times people find it better to communicate in the actual world. Given this, people's ability to co-exist with one another has actually been enhanced, I would say, in this IT era.
In conclusion, the computer and the Internet have brought human relations closer than ever before. To better adapt to this high-tech world, one should master the basic skills of the computer, for one' own sake as well as for the sake of a better and happier co-existence with others.