Unfolded before us is such a cartoon as straightforwardly yet insightfully depicted. Numerous people, of both sexes, at various ages, and from all walks of life, are surfing online in separate cubicles that are woven into a gigantic web. With the caption “Internet, near or far”, the cartoon obviously intends to convey to us this message: Internet may draw us inches near, but could also set us oceans apart.

　　Undoubtedly the Web has offered us tremendous convenience, e.g. highly efficient communication. Thanks to social networking websites like FaceBook, coupled with instant messengers like MSN, we now have the privilege of getting and staying in touch with others with but a few clicks. In this sense, we are brought much closer in the virtual world.

　　For all the observed merits, Internet is by no means without its limitations. Overindulgence in online communication is one such case. It’s not uncommon that some people may chat with total strangers online for hours, but may refuse to talk to their families or friends face to face for even a minute. Sadly, the Web has made these addicts isolated islands in the real world.

　　Considering all these, it is advisable that we take a rational attitude towards the issue and take prompt initiatives to counterbalance the negative effects concerned. The media, for instance, needs to promote the awareness of healthy lifestyle among the so called netizens. Meanwhile, those Internet addicts are advised to get actively involved in real-world communication. Just as what the cartoon connotes, we may be connected by the web, but we are not supposed to be confined within it.