If you're using “Double Bridge,” my “Chinese Star” won't be able to understand your message. If you're using  “Chinese Star” 2.97, and I'm still stuck on version 2.0, you'll be able to read what I've written, but I'll only see gibberish on my screen. We still can't effectively communicate in both directions.

        Online communication requires the same frequency.

        Human communication also requires the same frequency.

        This small, cold box makes people try their best to find out if friends with similar frequencies are on the other end of the line. The internet has opened up many possibilities. We can send emails, look up information, play games, make friends, and chat. Computers have become databases; people's working hours are no longer 9 to 5, and their workplaces are no longer limited to company offices. With the popularity of laptops, people can work anytime, anywhere.

       So, are modern people being trained to become workaholics? Will playing games lead to a decline in morality? Surveys show that pornographic websites have the highest online traffic, and people are addicted to them. Will modern society become morally corrupt? Is online chatting just pointless talk? Will making friends online lead to trouble?

      So, everywhere there is worry, cynicism, and criticism.

      Perhaps those online are confused; what about those offline?

    You might be surprised by how cool, detached and arrogant my tone is.

      I urge everyone not to stare blankly at that cold box, to stop treating computers and the internet as the root of all evil, and to stop relying on new legislation to restrict, filter, and ban them. Stop relying on new fences and new umbrellas. New technology allows us to extend to limitless regions; the ocean surrounding our island can no longer be a natural barrier.

    We're prepared and have accumulated resources in technology, knowledge, and wealth. But are we prepared and have we accumulated enough in terms of personality and social maturity?

        Do we have enough judgment? Do we have enough self-control? Do I know how to rationally arrange my schedule instead of drifting aimlessly? Are we willing to take responsibility for our explorations? Do we have enough tolerance for others' mistakes? Do we have enough respect for different opinions?

        If I'm a loyal viewer of Channel 8 dramas, and you prefer Channel 12's cultural programs, we can simply ignore each other. You don't need to criticize my lack of taste, and I don't need to retort that you're pretentious in your ivory tower. We shouldn't criticize Channel 8 dramas for being vulgar and sentimental. We should think about what factors have created such a market.

        If we still have dreams, and we hope that one day Channel 12's cultural programs will be loved by all Singaporeans, what we need to do is not simply legislate to ban Channel 8 dramas. We need to ask: What efforts have we made today to improve Singapore's cultural landscape?

      Whether you like it or not, the internet has spread everywhere. I must be frank with you: after becoming an online user, my circle of friends has been reorganized. Because I realize that I grew up in a pampered era, I have more choices, I'm allowed to have more expectations, and I expect high-quality, two-way communication.