Web 2.0

So I've neglected my life on the Internet, sorta. I've neglected Web 2.0, or so the newspaper says. And moreover, apparently America has too.

Most of us don't text message from our cellphones, don't maintain a web log or a web site, don't visit chat rooms, and don't instant-message each other. For some reason we're not participating in most of the activities for which we are equipped.

We are a lonely nation, wired to the teeth but unable—or unwilling—to connect. But goddamn if we aren't spoiled.

I've just upgraded my cellphone for the first time in several years and I'm a little embarrassed by the Motorola RAZR that's coming my way. It's far too sleek and advanced. "Shame on us," I think. "There are children dying in Africa for this." And then I remember I'm an American. For a small price I've got something that could put Dr. McCoy's tricorder to shame—except for the plasma-ray healing capabilities, I suppose—and I'm supposed to hardly care less.

Welcome to Web 2.0.