I think that people have always had a feeling of inferiority towards computers. That is, until they crash and "erase" all of their hard work. People see computers as a machine, and machines perform tasks much faster and more efficiently than humans can. This feeling of inferiority still exists today, particularly amongst people from older generations, but it was more widespread in the past, when computers were still relatively new and people were still ignorant to the way that they worked.

        Over time, as this feeling of inferiority has slowly diminished, people have sought ways to use their computer as an ally, in order to gain something positive out of it's use. E-mail was one of the first things that I can remember that falls into this category, but things like napster, instant messaging, and online shopping also fit the bill. As time progresses, these tasks will only become more and more specialized. One thing today that is a sign of this upcoming specialization is a phenomenon known as "avitars"

        Avitars are alternate personas created online. Some of these personas may be a part of an online community, where people can go to meet new people or chat with friends. Other avitars may be used for online games with multiplayer features. In either case, the main thing about avitars is the fact that they're highly customizable; Everything from top to bottom, even personalities and personal information about your avitar. 

        People who have avitars generally use them on a regular basis, normally at least several times per week. Over time, people begin to associate themselves with these new personas, until they become a part of them, a part of their identity. In sherry Turkle's "Life on the Screen", she explores this phenomenon through MUDs, or multi user domains. She documents a college student who spends time on MUDs as four different characters (avitars in today's lingo), who also uses his computer for normal activities such as word processing and internet exploration. The student sees his time on computers as personal exploration within his own mind. Each MUD and his normal activities allow him to activate one part of himself, and deactivate another.

        Of course, MUDs are slightly outdated ("Life on the Screen" was written in 1995), but today the process has become even more intricate and specialized. Originally, MUD's were text-based "areas" where people went to interact with one another.  Not only are people exploring the depths of their own minds through these services, they can learn an astonishing amount about other people as well. What we get from these services, are personalities that are very "decentralized" and segmented. The constant evolution of computers has changed not only the way people view themselves and other, it has changed their feelings about what is necessary in order to have a healthy sociality and mentality. 

        I find the concept of avitars and online communities interesting because they still hold true to some of the earlier beliefs and feelings about computers. As I said earlier, people have always had some feeling of inferiority towards computers, but they also have had a feeling of inferiority towards each other. When the concepts of artificial intelligence and robotics began to advance, people looked towards computers for personal enhancement. Today we have things like Lasic eye surgery and specialized cosmetic procedures that utilize the power of computers for maximum efficiency and precision.

       But the idea of self enhancement through the use of computers and robotic is far more deeply rooted than simple cosmetics. Take a look at some science fiction novels and movies, namely William Gibson's "Neuromancer" and Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner". Both contained human/cyborg hybrids that were superior to humans in strength, speed, and intelligence. In "Neuromancer", these enhancements were available through purchase, similar to buying a new add-on for an action figure. In "Blade Runner", the enhancements were only available to non-humans, who often times turned out to be evil or destructive. Either way, Both of the works made a clear separation between the regular humans and the modified ones. The result was generally a feeling of inferiority. One group only has regular hands and fingers, the other can get "wolverine-like" razor blades that come out from in between their knuckles, that is, if they want them.

         Who know what types of enhancements will come along in the future? The world may not be insane enough yet for mental and super-human physical enhancements. But if our world were to deteriorate to the level of the world in "Blade Runner", I suppose it would be possible. All of these enhancements and avitars speak to one idea. Humans are getting bored with their everyday lives. Computers have evolved from a nuisance, to an ally in the quest for an escape from normalcy. There are so many options already available today. Imagine the possibilities with advanced virtual reality and computing.