Steve Martens seems hell-bent on stressing the negative aspects of what is a valuable and changing resource in our multimedia society.

The Internet is a savior to those of us who are extremely shy or, in my case, strapped with a mental disorder for a lifetime that hinders my social capabilities.

No longer do we have to be judged by how we look or how socially inept we may be. We can carry on an intelligent, fun conversation without worries.

I help run a chat line called Vineyard, and I do hear a lot of compliments on how it’s so neat to talk with people across the country or on the other side of the globe.

The Internet is a valuable resource in numerous ways. For those who are without cable, or even the whole TV, check on CNN, ESPN, Channel 8 or whatever for news.

Do some research in the Library of Congress or a university’s database. For those of us in Towers, checking the Parks Library online to see if a book is on the shelf sure beats walking there to find out it isn’t!

As long as you’re using reputable sources, not someone’s personal page of Indonesian Head Hunters and Abnormal Psychology, it adds a whole new dimension to research.

For those with a credit card, the internet is comparable to a mall the size of Neptune. Obviously, if one shops from the reputable establishments, banks the same way, this saves a lot of hassle in dealing with operators, ignorant clerks, stuffy salesmen and rude tellers.

Also, what better way to truly reach a global economy? For a relatively small sum of money, an American business can probably double its sales by conducting business in cyberspace.

Good for our economy? I would like to think so.

As I revel in Rush’s “2112” CD, note that society can’t remain the same forever.

Accept change as it comes. In the meantime, while you take delight in your ignorance and despise people who are so-called “internet addicts,” remember that these people are happy with what they do, as am I.

Isn’t that what life is about anyway?

That’s not something you need to take with a grain of salt either.

Rob Zerwekh

Sophomore

Meteorology