by Christian Benesch

Far from just a long awaited relief from endless troubles with cabling, "wireless" has become a synonym for independence. A term that not only describes the new networks that are becoming so popular, but also devices that can leave their base and be the permanent companion of the owner. They set him free of many prior restrictions. They let him move. They are there when needed to provide their calendars, task lists or the oc

 But yes, the "killer application" remains communication. Texts and calls and emails in there billions and the omnipresent internet. All is well in such a world of high revenues and new potential markets, but this new media, is as any, not devoid of problems. It causes fundamental changes in lifestyle, not always for the better. It increases productivity and wastes our time. It threatens fundamental ways of communication and surprisingly revives old ones. We revel in its potential for a truly open society but it conjures Big Brother as an aftertaste. It is a complex and by no means uncontroversial phenomenon that has run over us like a bulldozer.

More than ever the integrity and the responsibility of the individual is called for to make the most of this new independence while avoiding loosing oneself within it. It is a matter of being part of a network and not being caught in a net. This is the challenge and inspiration ahead of us.