>It depends on what it's used for. But at the very least, it can promote computer literacy and typing.

come on hon, you know the most rabid net users can be very computer illerate. As for typing, well I type about 75 a minute now...I don't think the average user white, black, or otherwise) types at that speed. Its a skill that useful but I'm not sure how critical it is - guess it depends on what you're talking about. In terms of employment, it can be an asset if developed along with other more critical skills.

>Personally, I think it's (internet) a lot
>like a cell phone. You don't need one, but
>when you have it, you realize how useful it is.
>(I"m cell phone free, though).

True. Though, I'm finding that my cell is as much of a shackle as it is an asset - especially at work.
>
>That might be plausible, but seemlingly black folks take to any
>technological invention within their means. > PSX, Video games, Cellulars, TV's, DVD's, 2 way pagers,...IE,
>I see the net more like the next gadget and
>not a social experiment.

Computers & the net aren't used like any of the other gadgets you listed. Computers (especially in the lower price ranges) are stationary - unlike cells/pagers. They aren't social gathering points - like a tv/dvd/video game in the living room. Computers & the net require a different type of interaction, dont ya think.
>
>>Most people don't roam the >net in groups, its an
>>individual pursuit.
>
>I would say that we as Af. Americans don't always operate
>in groups as a choice. But that's a diff convo for a different time.

I think we do, but less & less as time goes on.

>The killer app for the net is e-mail. Everything else
>comes in a distant 2nd.

True, its one aspect of the net that I use all the time..but then I'm dealing with that quantity over quality thing.

>Am I, online since 93, the anomaly, or the norm?

Your an anomaly...definetly.
>
>I would rather have my folks have to deal with discretion
>over those matters, as opposed to not having the decision
>to make.

true but aren't we using our discretion in this area or do you believe that most of us just don't know better. When I didn't have the internet, i couldn't wait to get it, now sometimes I wish I didn't have it.

>Some of the dot.coms weren't even
>businesses.

LOL...word.

>It "kills" productivity? If I wasn't online, I'd be wasting
>time doing something else. (I actually wouldn't have this
>job were it not for the net).

I wouldn't have mine either. But many business in the new media industry are notoriously wasteful with unproductive workers. Right now the entire industry is on shaky foundation, and I think more layoffs are on the way.

>Tech solutions, and social hacks can stop that.

The government is hiring the hacks. The brightest "criminals" will always come up with new ways to skin a cat but most users wouldn't have the capacity to break into Fort Knox or the capacity to stop government/corporate intrusion & monitoring.

>But is this an actual concern of folks you know?

Yeah, well atleast a lot of them my Godbody brethren. But I think they articulate concerns that a lot of us have.