I read an interesting article in San Francisco Chronicle Magazine called Wired for Life, which looked at concerns over how much time young people are spending plugged in via computers, cell phones, text messages, blogs, video games and web-based communities. Even though it was focused on school kids, I found it to be a thought-provoking article for anyone who spends a fair amount of time online.
The Gates website was down for a while last Friday. I happened to be taking sessions at The Gates that day. We received quite a few calls letting us know that the site wasn't working. One man seemed genuinely put out by this. Perhaps feeling like he wasn't getting his fix? ;-) I mean, it's not like we make vast changes on it from day to day.
I admit that at times I worry that some of my followers may be hooked on the computer. Hey I've been guilty myself of getting sucked into the Matrix. As with all things from which we derive pleasure -- whether it be computers, food, sex, shopping, gambling, drugs or even exercise -- moderation is key.
From conversations with "old school" dommes, I know that the internet has profoundly changed professional domination. I also know that my comfort and proficiency in this brave new world has been to my advantage. Moderation can sometimes be a challenge when one sees a direct correlation between the amount of time spent online and the level of interest in sessions, especially during the early stages of building one's stable of slaves.
Thankfully, I have been well sought out for some time now and can therefore spend less time plugged in. It feels good to be able to get away from that glowing screen. After all, a Mistress shouldn't be a slave to anyone or anything, including her computer!
Yet in the big picture, I think all this interactivity is a good thing. When I was growing up I spent hours and hours watching television. I absorbed a lot of crap, but also found myself rebelling against stupid messages about womanhood, beauty and romance.
TV is basically a one-way street, which like all old media is frustratingly ineffective as a true platform for debate and change. There's very limited avenues for viewers to participate in the creative process. So having the youth of today blogging, sharing music and playing games together doesn't seem so bad in comparison.
Actually, the most disconcerting part of this Chronicle article was the writer's detailing of all the junk food these kids were eating while online. Cans of pringles, high-caffeine sodas and candy. Now that is depressing!