Electronic connectivity isn’t all that great, warns computer guru at NJIT talk

“Although sophisticated electronics gadgets are making the world appear smaller, distance should not die,” said computer guru Darl Kolb earlier this week at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Kolb, a visiting professor from the University of Auckland Business School, New Zealand, championed redefining the notion of distance as the electronic world changes lives. UPS Information Services, Mahwah, funded the lecture series sponsored by NJIT’s College of Computing Sciences.

“Certainly, technological connectivity has increased exponentially in the last few decades,” Kolb told the audience. “And, this connectivity has rendered the perception that distance as a phenomenon is diminishing.”

But technical connectivity has its limitations and barriers, he warned. It is unevenly distributed and it doesn’t always work well. And despite the availability of this highly connected world, people must continue to treat the concept of distance seriously. . “Improvements in communication technology cannot completely overcome human needs for personal space, privacy and disconnections from others,” Kolb said.

How to accomplish this task? Redefine distance.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 23 Jun 2005
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