Virtual Communities - Conclusion

Conclusion
Many argue for or against Virtual Communities. In researching this essay many of the articles I read, sites I reviewed and books I scanned were either for or against virtual communities. It began to seem like a great debate. When I see this happen about this or any other subject I always wonder - "If it works, why not just let it be?" Why do we always feel the need to analyze what people do or why? If virtual communities work and fill a void or need for those who frequent or join them, why not just let them be? In this day and age where we promote freedom of speech, etc. why do we feel the need to regulate or analyze yet another venue that provides these freedoms? No matter what in life there will always be some for and some opposed. One should not be quick to judge a lifestyle because it is new or different. Virtual Communities are actually not that new and in some ways perhaps not that different anymore.

The Future
Are futuristic movies of people who go no where, but have been everywhere that far fetched? Are the woes and perils portrayed by these movies a real possibility if we lock ourselves i a room to communicate? Yes the world as we know it will change because of technology and in particular CMC. But how far it goes depends on us stepping from behind our computers to take a stand.
While the Internet is a wonderful tool I do not advocate it as a replacement for any real life, but a compliment. For example, I may look up a health problem on the net, but I will consult a real life doctor for a resolution.
Will virtual communities ever completely replace real life. I surely hope not! For me the answer is no. I enjoy them for what they are, but nothing can ever replace real life. For example this past weekend, I actually shut down my computer for 5 days while my husband and I went on a trip to watch the NHRA Prolong Northwest National Drag Races in Seattle, WA. No computers, no virtual communities just the fumes, the noise and the excitement that only real life experience of being there can give you.