In this age of computers, the Internet, instant messaging, cellular phones, text messaging (sms), I wonder if there would be any reason for us not to be able to connect?
It is a trend for people to find love through electronic means. They keep in touch through these means, too. Parents keep tabs on their children through technology.
Though so many parents are skeptical and even wary about technology, I am all for it. Sure Net Nannies might not have caught on, as kids nowadays have ways to get around these controls, but I believe in the power of knowledge, I believe in what technology can do to progress individuals, organizations, and even nations.
It’s funny how we used to watch movies back in the ancient 90s, of teenagers raking in the big bucks because of the Internet. It’s amazing how they actually do so now.
Have you heard of Gary Brolsma? The Numa Numa guy? He had recorded a webcam video of himself dancing and lip-synching to the song Dragostea din tei by Moldovan pop group O-Zone. He broadcast this video on Newgrounds on December 10, 2004, and since then, he has become an Internet phenomenon: getting interviewed on Good Morning America, among others. He was tapped by Discovery Channel to endorse their program National Body Challenge. Rocketboom also did an episode on him.
I could only imagine how much he makes. At 21, he is famous the world over, with kids from America to Europe to Asia raving about him, people posting his videos all over their social networking profiles, copying him on YouTube (due to a contest they held on his original video), people of all ages just raving about him, and girls asking him to marry them.
The Internet is indeed viral, and it has catapulted a then-unknown teen to stardom. But back to our original train of thought. With this connectivity that we have, we have untold power in our hands. I repeat, it has brought a teen to such fame that aspiring celebrities would be green with envy of. I cannot even imagine how strong Gary’s influence on other kids actually is.
Like any other thing that has the potential for good or evil, the Internet, communication, and connectivity is like a Ring of Power. It would be phenomenal for good in the right hands, but it would be ominous if left in evil hands. Good thing Frodo had Samwise.