I once imagined a cyber-dependent future not too distantly-fetched when isolation and incarceration for certain crimes, under certain circumstances, would be enforced by denying personal access to the internet.  Instead of locking the person in jail, they would be locked out of all  e-accounts.  Instead of “home arrest” they would suffer “internet exile.”

I now imagine a cyber-dependent future even less distantly-fetched, in fact practically imminent, when isolation and incarceration for certain crimes, under certain circumstances, will be enforced by mandating compulsory personal interaction only on the internet.  Instead of locking the person in jail, they will be required to remain online and blog their criminal admission and contrition incessantly.  Instead of “home arrest”  they will be monitored by an implanted microchip and drugged until they are  “xanga-obsessed.”

I’m really sorry if this speculation upsets you.  I know how much we all love Xanga.  Yes, truly sorry even to bother with such  a silly Orwellian conjecture.  Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. x1000. x10,000. (Is that enough?  No??!!)  Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.   (Is that enough yet?  ARgggh!!)   Sorry. Sorry. Sorry….