Within most American families lies the boundless territory of the Internet. The limitless and ever-advancing possibilities have unlocked powerful new communication and socialization tools. Tools such as long-distance visual communication, the international circulation of personal thoughts, and massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) have all led to a closer yet more distant community of people. The silver lining can be attributed to the fact that younger generations seem more in tune with their international counterparts. Young people have the ability to communicate anonymously with others through various forums, mostly governed by a free speech policy. The anonymity of the Internet has created a community where social outcasts mix freely with others; a society where athletes can converse with geeks without fear of retaliation. This community frees people from the limitations of their flesh. However, technological advances have pushed society into the next dimension of communication and socialization which seemingly prevails over the traditional and more personal means of communication. The Internet, initially developed by researchers at MIT and UCLA, was initially intended to be a communication system between participating universities. Walt Howe, director of Babson College Libraries, explains that use of the system was limited to engineers, scientists, and those with complex knowledge of computer operating systems. Because of the complexity involved, many have attempted to create a more user-friendly system that could be adopted by home users. The most modern and easy-to-use system was first introduced around 1991 at the University of Minnesota as a tool for accessing files and information locally… middle of the paper… socializing happily face to face . The technological shield inhibits proxemics and makes it impossible for the communicator to see the involuntary bodily movements of their interlocutor, leaving a dislocated and artificial sensation. But the increase in online networking will lead to the atrophy of social skills. By increasing online networking, people will continue to experience life vicariously. Works Cited Hall, Edward T. "A System for the Notion of Proxemic Behavior." American Anthropologist: 65. Web. October 28, 2014. Howe, Walt. "A Brief History of the Internet." Walt Howe Home Page. Network. March 24, 2015. .Massik, Sonia and Solomon, Jack. “You-Topian Dreams: Myspace, Yourspace, and the Semiotics of Web 2.0.” 2014. 426-7.Simpson, Joanne Cavanaugh. “Multitasking state of mind”. 2006. Massik and Solomon. 469-71.