From: utzoo!laura
Newsgroups: net.misc
Title: Re: computer addiction? 
Article-I.D.: utzoo.2156
Posted: Fri Jun 11 05:57:43 1982
Received: Fri Jun 11 05:57:43 1982
References: eiss.341 

	Hmmm.  Anybody want to tell us where alienation begins and independence
ends?  It seems to me that the argument goes "computer addiciton/children's
electronic toys ---> alienation" --- but I cant help but think that some 
alienation is very good for some people.  I dont know of a single intelligent
person who never felt that "maybe there is something wrong with me" at some
stage in his/her life.  Public school provides too much of an opportunity for
a bright child to realize that by virtue of being superior to the "average
child" that teachers are taught to aim for, he cannot help but feel
some alienation.  Yes, and it is a sad fact that if you are bright you
are going to be stuck with this for as long as you live, so you might as
well get on with it.    Alienation often breeds independence; surely one
does not want a race of apathetic, friendly sheep with traditional personal
attatchments???

Alienation is one of those wonderful catch words which pschologists and
amateur psychologists love to toss at people as a sop to the fact that
for some reason or another they are "socially unacceptable" (another
favorite).  What most peole need is to be told that "X is why you are
alienated", "X has some benefits of course, or you wouldnt indulge in it
now", --- now go away and make your own decision.  There have
been times when I thought that had I been stupid I would not be as
unhappy as I am now (nearly all of grade school, in fact) but I am not
trading my head in for anything.  

While it is all very fine to have compassion for one's fellow man, I think
that as long as he is not committing a crime, he should be left alone in
peace -- he may not exactly approve of the activities of the do-gooder,
either.  

laura creighton
decvax!utzoo!laura

p.s.	Hmm -- now if you make computer addicition a crime, you had better
	be pretty sure how you can nail me.  I play about 14 hours of
	rogue a week ...am I suspect??  Oh, but then I dont watch any
	television...and most people watch more than 14 hours per week
	am I safe?...do I have to log my computer playing time in somewhere
	so that big brother can check???  I have friends who have no interest
	in science at all -- does *that* free me ....just that I have friends
	is that good enough.......

laura