Broadband/Online Shopping

[Symphony]

Retail sales statistic just released, 2002 percent of all retail sales online 14%.

For 2003, percent of online sales risen to 20%.

That means now one fifth of all shopping is done via Net.

But the big number is, going from 14 to 20%, represents a 6/14, or a 43 percent increase over last year's online sales.

With the aid of broadband, more and more people are demanding, and getting what they want, via Internet.

Might we turn this the opposite way, then, and ask, Are we then becoming more dependent on cyberspace?  More reliant?

If we are, and we are more "dependent" on the Net, what would happen then if you're no longer able, or even "allowed", to access the Net you've become accustomed to--unless, of course,you agree to do certain things in order to maintain that "free access"?

Is this a fair question?

[nChrist]

Oklahoma Howdy to Symphony,

That is an interesting question. I'm sure it would effect different people in different ways. I've never done any on-line shopping, mainly because I don't have any money.  

My wife has used the Internet to buy wedding and baby shower type gifts, and they did make it pretty easy and practical. The old way was to pick a store in town and the bride selecting things to put on a table with her name on it. Several stores do that a lot, and I didn't realize until recently that the same thing is being done on the Internet. This is very practical for relatives and friends who are a long distance away and may not be able to go look at the bride's table. The prices were reasonable, and it was full service with shipping, cards, etc. I'm sure there are many other examples.

I use the Internet for Christians Unite, my web page, and research of primarily Christian topics. Yes, I like the convenience and the huge number of massive resources. I have a house full of books, but I would miss the research capabilities of the Internet.

You said:

If we are, and we are more "dependent" on the Net, what would happen then if you're no longer able, or even "allowed", to access the Net you've become accustomed to--unless, of course,you agree to do certain things in order to maintain that "free access"?

Is this a fair question?

Yes, I think it is fair to say that many people have become dependent in one way or another with the Internet. You suggest that now we are dependent that additional strings may be attached in the future. I haven't read anything about this, and I'm curious what you think may happen in the future.

Love In Christ,
Tom
 

[Symphony]

Hi.  Thanks, bep.

I was just thinking, as our familiarity with "everything digital" only increases, what the payoff is going to be, as compared with the risk.

As the payoff only increases(the ease, the efficiency, the practicallity of it, as you point out), it would seem to become second nature to us--especially to the younger folk, who would know no other kind of life.

The "risk", then,  would become less and less apparent.  The risk, or the question that, is something happening to us, in our way of thinking, or doing things, that we aren't even aware of?

Even to the point that there would be a very natural tendency to deny that there even is any "risk", the benefits being so apparent and real.

In the increasing name of efficiency, security and practicallity, is it possible for cyberspace effectively to "own" us, without us even realizing it--especially those who now are literally being born into it?

[nChrist]

Oklahoma Howdy to Symphony,

Brother, I think that I see what you are saying. To a certain extent, I guess one could say that cyberspace owns them. I've always seen a huge difference between good and evil on the Internet and off the Internet. An off-line example might involve being partially owned by a bar or club. On-line examples of evil would be enormous. However, with or without the Internet, some folks are going to be partially or wholly owned by alcohol, drugs, and other evil.

There are a lot of good things available on the Internet, but there is also just about every evil in existence available. I would never turn a child loose on the Internet, even with one of those Net Nanny programs. The temptation would always be there to see or do something you shouldn't do.

Does this involve part of your thinking, or are you talking about a more general addiction to the Internet, not necessarily involving evil?

Love In Christ,
Tom

[JudgeNot]

BEP says:

I would never turn a child loose on the Internet, even with one of those Net Nanny programs.

AMEN!  Just like you would never turn a child loose in an automobile, or in a liquor store, or in a mall, or in Wall Mart!

Cooler heads must prevail.  God gave us brains.  God gave us hearts. God expects us to use those hearts & brains to prevail over evil.  He has a plan for both those that do and that don't use what He has given us in His expected way.
 

[Symphony]

Yes, bep, more general Net--that just the whole cyberspace concept generally will become ultimately nefarious--if nothing else, due to our dependence, and the ease it creates, on it.

All of our typical life functions that were bricks and mortar are now gradually becoming cyber-oriented...


--beyond the "good use'" that JudgeNot and you imply to the Net(understandably)...?