What is it about a computer that makes it a single activity? At least in the eyes of my family, that is what being on the computer is. Not only is it a single activity, it is considered a form of play, akin to watching TV, playing video games, listening to an iPod, etc. For the most part when my wife and son do go on the computer, it is usually is for a limited purpose. Even still they use the computer for more than one task. My wife reads the NY Times, does online shopping, and checks her e-mail. She does all the research and planning for any family trips. My son is usually on the Internet checking up on some game forum connected with a Nintendo game he is playing on his Wii or DS. He also goes on to interact with others to make card trades for games he is playing. He will go on just to play some online game or video clip that he’s heard about.  He even periodically uses the word processor for homework and the Internet to do research that he has for school.

When I go on the computer I have any number of hats to wear. Continue reading On the computer again?…