In a commentary that accompanies his film Powaqqatsi, Godfrey Reggio says, to paraphrase him, that the world is a unit that is held together by its web of diversity.

This is a problematic thesis for those who see the Internet (and by extension technology in general) as a unifying force and one that allows for unparalleled empathy across national, racial, and economic boundaries.

While we haven't been afraid to shine a light at the downside of technology, or its misuse, Reggio's view highlights a problem that goes deeper than technology's side effects. Technology works according to standards, and accordingly we find it standardizing ways of life around the globe. Homogeneity is a necessary part of technology's makeup.

The degree to which this is true, technology is therefore - lin ight of Reggio's comment - a threat to what makes the world the world.

Note that there are important evolutionary connotations in Reggio's claim, as well, for a lack of diversity is inherently dangerous to the survival of species and ecosystems.