Technology has undoubtedly changed the way college students live, learn and communicate. On campus, more and more students have something next to one of their ears. Usually the little something is either white iPod headphones or a cell phone. While technology has revolutionized the way students communicate, listen to music, do their homework and study – making these activities easier and quicker – technology has also detracted from the college experience. For this college generation, technology often serves more as a social function rather than a means to obtain information or learning. How many times a day do you check your e-mail? AOL claims that average users check e-mail at least five times each day. Do you know a student who has not tried Facebook, MySpace, Xanga, or an instant messaging program? “Facebook Me,” a new catchphrase across college campuses, is what some students say to potential friends. While these Internet services give students an opportunity to “type” with people they might not have met otherwise, these forms of technology make students withdraw socially. It takes less effort to send an IM than it does to walk over to visit a friend. At the same time, those without the latest gadget often feel deprived. Why? Some people cannot satisfy their social needs without some form of technology. Technology is a large part of the learning process at DU, especially because of the laptop requirement. My mom once asked me if I had ever searched through the stacks at the library. I have not. How many times have you gone to the library for class research? The library is essentially a “cybrary” because of the extensive resources available online. Instead of taking detailed course notes on paper, students can type notes on their laptops or print PowerPoints from Blackboard. Technology is becoming a way for some students to hide. In some of my classes, I’ve had more in-depth Blackboard “conversations” than real conversations. If you have a question for a professor, do you send an e-mail or go to see the professors during office hours? Many use technology to “speak” because it is easier for them to do so. It’s impersonal, removed from direct eye contact. Isn’t some element of “humanity” lost in e-mail and instant messaging?In Generation X Goes to College, author Peter Sacks suggests that technology has weakened the oral, written and social skills that make students dynamic and developed. Some corporate recruiters have complained that recent graduates cannot present themselves as eloquently as graduates did in the past. Many students rely on spelling and grammar checks when writing papers. DU now has a writing program to boost writing skills of students. Students know what their friends are doing based on their IM away messages.I do not mean to sound cynical about technology on college campuses because it has played an essential role in my education. It has allowed me to stay in contact with people. I have a hard time imagining life without technology. At the same time, I worry that the “wires” of technology are disconnecting us from other important areas and enveloping us in a cocoon.