Michael a typical American, stays home on workdays. He plugs into his personal
computer terminal in order to connect with the office. After work he puts on his
headphones, watches a movie on his home video recorder or plays baseball on the
computer. On many days, michael doesn't talk to any other human beings, and he
doesn't see any people except the ones on television. Michael is imaginary, but his
lifestyle is very possible. The inventions of modern technology seem to be cutting
US off from contact with our fellow human being
     The world of business is one area which technology is isolating. US experts say,
for example, that many people will soon be able to work at home. With access(接通)
to a large central computer, employees such as office clerks, insurance agents and
accountants could do their jobs at display terminals in their own homes. They would
never have to actually see the people they're dealing with. In addition, the way
employees are paid will change. Workers' salaries will be automatically paid into
their bankaccounts (账户 ) , makingpaper checks unnecessary. No workers will
stand in line to receive their pay or cash their checks. Personal banking will change,
too. Customers will deal with machines to put in or take out money from their accounts.
     Another area that technology is changing is entertainment. Music,for instance,was
once a group experience. People listened to music at concert halls or in small social
gatherings. For many people now however, music is an individual experience. Walking
along the street or sitting in their living rooms, they wear headphones to build a wall
of music around them. Movie entertainment is changing, too. Movies used to be social
events. Now, fewer people are going out to see a movie. Many more are choosing to
wait for a film to appear on television or are borrowing videotapes to watch at home.
Instead of laughing with others, viewers watch movies in their own living rooms.