A recent story in Wired News presents an interesting take on where all the new gizmos and gadgets that have hit the markets recently will take people in the future. Frankly, I find the thought that we're all going to become insensitive, self-centered recluses to be a little ludicrous and pessimistic; then again, I like my music on shuffle, my newsfeeds, and my timesavers that allow me to see or hear what I want, when I want it.

Though the context of cybersex aside, I found this quote to really hit home on a few things:

Yet anyone who participates regularly in an online community -- sexual or otherwise -- knows the strength of the relationships that develop.

This is so true, and one of those things that I wonder if anybody else has noticed. Apparently they have. There's something about hanging around and chatting with people that you've never met before and share obscure talents and interests with that develops some strong bonds. It's really weird, and hard to explain to anyone who's never experienced the effect.

Just for laughs, I'll throw in a comment on one of those "related stories" that are linked at the bottom of the article (you guess).

I should have known that the best cyber occurs in games: MUDs, MUCKs and MMORPGs, oh my.

With my observations from the topside at one of the best, I'll say that though I can't really judge on quality, it certain to hell does appear... often enough. Dodge and run. And if you're looking for it, well, then that's a different story.