Computers and web cams are taking communication to levels only imagined in sci-fi novels.

One of the most incredible inventions I've ever come across is
the web cam and its process of video conferencing. This is just
so futuristic I can't believe they really exist and are readily
available to anyone with the Internet, speakers, and the right
software. I'm not absolutely sure but doesn't this spell the end
of telephones? Now we can have conversations with people on the
other side of the world, and see their face moving as we hear
them speaking live.

Picture this: You're an Antarctic explorer on a solo journey in
the middle of the ice and snow on your way to the South Pole.
The only living creatures around are the slippery penguins
sliding around having fun. You're in your special tent keeping
safe from the intense wind from the blizzard outside. As you
boil up water on your portable stove you flip open your laptop
(with battery recharger, broadband Internet, and in-built
speakers) and connect with your family back in Russia. You can
see their smiles as you hear them speak. What a magical
connection!

Another great aspect of video conferencing is the fact that you
can communicate with whole groups of people at once either
through networking a group of computers or by form of broadcast.
This is a huge step forward for both companies and for schools.
I've heard corporations have saved a lot of money and time, and
students are enjoying learning this way much more than from a
textbook. Informed people can talk to classes and help them
learn, where otherwise they wouldn't be able to because of time
and distance restrictions. This is also a bonus for children who
have different learning styles. E.G. The more visual types who
understand better when they can see what they're working with.

Feasibly, a surgeon in Japan could watch an operation in
Australia and even ask the doctor in progress questions about
procedures. It's obvious that video conferencing will both help
humans evolve further through the sharing of knowledge as well
as keep loved ones more connected when they are far from home.

A lot of people who are either fascinated or obsessed with sex
will also tell you about the benefits of this technology for
their voyeuristic purposes, but I'm not going to go there.
Science Fiction has once again turned to reality, and I hope we
can truly make the most of this invention created by humans who
wish to make society a better place.

About the author:
By Jesse S. Somer M6.Net http://www.m6.net Jesse Somer is a
simple human being sharing his newfound knowledge about the
changing world we live, which is being achieved through the
power of the Internet.