Hi List, In 1998 Annette Markham published "Life Online: Researching Real Experience in Virtual Space." One aspect of her study analyzed how people perceived the Internet as different forms of/or modes of experience. It was viewed as a tool, a place, or a state of being. The study was completed several years ago--before the development of broadband technologies and also the wide spread adoption of "Unlimited Use" always active Internet connections (no more dial up--no more jamming up phone lines, etc.). I am guessing that because of these technological developments more people are perceiving the Internet as a place or a state of being. Have there been any more recent studies along the same lines as Markham? Has the perception of the medium begun to change due to technological developments that have increased accessibility ? Thanks for your help--Happy Holidays, Chris ===== Christopher Helland My Web Space http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/~chelland/index.html Doctoral Candidate Centre for the Study of Religion University of Toronto __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com