From: utzoo!decvax!minow
Newsgroups: net.misc
Title: Re: Hacking/addiction
Article-I.D.: decvax.214
Posted: Sun May 16 18:23:44 1982
Received: Mon May 17 00:36:49 1982
References: utcsrgv.354

When I was in college, there weren't any readily available computers,
so I was addicted to WPGU (carrier-current student radio), the University
theatre, and duplicate bridge.  I have friends who are addicted to
computer hacking, juggling, bicycling ("can't see you this weekend, I'm
riding 60 miles to get in shape for July), nuclear disarmament,
dungeon and dragons, and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Certainly, in some cases, it is a means of shutting oneself out from
society.  In others, it is only one facet of an otherwise well-integrated
personality.  But if someone is facing a personal crisis and seeks
a hiding place, computer hacking is probably a better choice than, say
alkahol.

The impersonality of computer communication has some advantages, too.
We don't know each other's color, religion, or physical handicaps.
If we start "pen-pal" friendsips, we can discuss innermost feelings
with the same sense of distance that one would find in the confessional.

Martin Minow
decvax!minow