In the Dutch Webwereld, I read that Internet is more becoming a subsitute for personal contact. And Dutch people seem to score highest in Europe on this. Well, I don't know how personal this contact is, because the example given next is about electronic banking. Before Internet banking I didn't have much personal contact with my bank; I withdrew money from an ATM, placed my signature on a bill for paying and complained by writing a letter. I never saw anyone from the bank. Exept from withdrawing the money, I now do this via Internet. What a world-shocking change of behaviour.
I do see a change in behaviour when it comes to sending cards or calling friends on the phone: I send an e-mail now. And they do the same. Maybe I'm just lazy and most of my friends now have kids so are tired and I don't want to disturb them. But the question is: do I miss the long telephone calls and funny letters? Sometimes yes, but I on the other hand like some efficiency as well. Sounds like wanting to go "back to the good old times, when everything was different". Don't think so.
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