Internet for Grownups

The term "Digital Divide" is used to describe the inequity between the Internet have and have-nots, between rich and poor, rural and urban. But it can also be used to describe the generation gap between the kids who are increasingly creating cyberspace, and the adults--especially older ones--struggling to learn the new technology. Using the trademarked (and goofy) "for Dummies" humor, host John Levine (who co-authored Internet for Dummies) leads an ensemble cast through common questions regarding the online experience. The use of this style of humor is intended to make the subject matter less intimidating, but some (myself included) sometimes find it distracts from the message. The producers do make good use of segment sidebars to illustrate real world Internet power, such as the rancher who researched a great grandfather rumored to be a Civil War blockade-runner; the story of how e-mail helped a group of neighbors organize to get more clout from their city government; and a look at how a couple used their web site to keep in touch with family and friends during a year-long world tour. By the end of the video, however, I was a little weary of watching how the Internet was "empowering" an affluent user group, while overlooking the medium's equalizing power for older Americans who are less fortunate. Sure to be popular, this is recommended, with some reservations. Aud: P (C. Block)