Further evidence of our alienation from the natural world --
Boston Globe EDITORIAL
Wired weary
January 30, 2005
PEOPLE LIVING in a wired culture can get tense if they have to unplug.
That's why California and Michigan are making high-speed Internet access
available in recreation areas--a move that would seem to run counter to
the whole point of recreation.
But ''getting away from it all" often means taking it all along, in
sport utility vehicles or campers. The list includes televisions, boom
boxes, satellite dishes, cellphones, gas grills, and even portable
privies. So, the reasoning goes, who could object to a tiny, electronic
box placed in a snack bar or ranger station to allow people fast access
to the Web?
''Technology is already there," said Roy Stearns, deputy director of
California parks, in a phone interview, referring to the beeps, rings,
canned sitcom laughter, and blaring music that have invaded public
campgrounds. He noted that using a laptop to quickly check e-mail or
surf the Net ''is no more obtrusive than sitting at a picnic table
reading a book."
California has provided the high-speed wireless Internet access --
called 'WiFi" -- at San Elijo State Beach near San Diego, and is
planning to have the technology in 84 more parks by summer. Michigan has
wired five state parks, as well as public marinas, welcome centers, and
rest areas.
Rest? It's a vanishing concept. Kurt Weiss, communications director for
Michigan's information technology department, said the state is
responding to public demand. He said that the two most requested
improvements in recreation areas have been WiFi and cable television
access.
Cable? Do they expect heat lamps and room service too? The state isn't
installing cable, but one wonders if it could become as common as
mosquito repellent--and if laptops will one day be tapping out e-mail
messages from wilderness trails, sounding like so many mechanical
creatures. There are no plans to take WiFi beyond campgrounds and common
areas, but if the public pushes for more, will public officials be able
to deny what is popularly viewed as ''progress"?
Jessica Nunez, press spokeswoman for SBC Communications Inc.--the San
Antonio company that is wiring the Michigan and California sites--said
the access would enable people to e-mail vacation photos back home while
still on vacation. She added that being able to check office e-mail
anywhere allows people more freedom.
But are people really free if they're always reachable?
California officials say the Internet access is the 2005 version of the
campsite pay phone--but that phone was there primarily for emergencies,
not a daily, or hourly, data dump.
People may praise the convenience. But they might come home more rested
if they embraced more inconvenience.