Connected

IN THE FUTURE, people will become more and more like websites.

You can already see this happening. We are usually wired for text, voice or image messages (several devices, usually). We are able to connect more and more randomly with people and also more selectively.

Eventually, it will be logical to physiologically implant some of these devices. Carrying things around is annoying.

We will have strange blue or red or multi-colored rather-L.E.D.-like glows: a genetic engineering modification which uses the bioluminescent enzyme luciferase--the same substance fireflies use. (Thank you Human Genome Project!) Luciferase activation will be mediated by microchips under our bellies programmed to "fire up" when someone we desire is close...nights in the club district downtown will be beautiful with human fireflies feeling connections towards other. These lovers will have programmed compatible information into their somatic desire systems.

This will be so much better than trying to sniff out pheromones or make good eye contact across a crowded room filled with distracting (if pleasant) soundwaves.

And when love blooms there will not be the anachronistic, painful stumbling towards an appropriate and nuanced and sincere protestation of eternal commitment.

The warm lambent glow under the skin will say it all: "I love you."

And when love dies there will be no anachronistic, painful stumbling towards an appropriate and nuanced and sincere confession that you are killing me, you're drowning me, you're holding me under the water and just watching the bubbles escape my mouth and nose in a silent scream. And you don't even care.

The cold lambent glow under the skin will say it all: "Fuck off or die."

Surely you have realized by now that streamlining is the banner under which the future marches.

Slowpokes, dwellers and mourners might want to consider some other itinerary.