I was very intrigued by the concepts brought forth by companies instituting operations such as NetLab to "explore the potential for online experimental laboratories." While this does seem like an effective way to do research with the masses of the population rather than a handful, it also worries me. Discovering that there may be potential to perform new experiments, with larger groups, which will, in turn, yield more accurate results is an extremely futuristic way of learning how to proceed into a digital age. However, I fear we may be losing our ability to interact without the use of a computer. While the generation of new LARP's continues to grow, the population is losing their sense of face-to-face interaction. Communicating with one another via electronic devices may be quicker and more efficient, but I also feel it does not give off the same sense of authenticity and honesty as meeting with one in person. In the conclusion of your essay, very good points were brought up in regards to human challenges of 'self' and 'identity.' Our inability to fully relate our emotional relationships via online virtual environments may be taking away the communication capabilities that were previously being strengthened in preceding generations.
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