The electronic revolution has changed the way we do business, and even the way we communicate: telephones, radios, television &c. George Ritzer poignantly states that the modern means of consumption would be impossible without the computer (and electronics.) Hand held scanning machines given to kids at Toys 'R Us ``wander down the aisles zapping the bar codes on toys that catch their fancy.''[9, p. 31] While a central computer keeps a database of the child's selection for their Christmas wishlist. The infomercial and Home Shopping Network or QVC rely heavily on both the telephone, for people to call in their orders, and the television, to advertise the items.
Technology like the computer, and distributed networks like the Internet facilitate communications between two people, many to one, one to many, and many to many. Companies like America On-Line, Prodigy, and Compuserve make it extremely easy for the individual, knowing nothing about computers, to get on the Internet and start browsing the web. Technology has allowed for us to clone sheep, transfer money from one account to another in seconds, or talk to astronauts. We can safeguard our home while away on vacations through wireless security systems; enter our cars without keys; and even travel throughout the campus of modern universities without loosing connection to the Internet. These are just some of the facets of technology: to the unnerving eye it sounds enticing.