Kedusha wrote on 19 Jan 2010 00:14:
silentbattle wrote on 18 Jan 2010 23:21:
especially considering the fact that there's a strong tzad to say that the internet is already assur me'ikur hadin (the same wya you're not allowed to take a shortcut past the ladies washing clothes), and the rabbanim are just informing you of that.
Such a shortcut would be permitted if the longer route is not practical (e.g. it's a much further distance). Similarly, trying to do research (and many other legitimate activities) offline would not be efficient.
Perhaps...but is this the same? Again, I'm not saying what halacha is, I'm just offering another perspective. We've kinda come to assume that internet is "normal," along with all sorts of things in our lives. Maybe it isn't?
If there was shortcut through a house of ill repute, and the other way was MUCH longer...which way do you go? The internet is far worse than a bunch of women washing clothes - a split second of giving in, and you're seeing more than elbows.
And is inefficient the same as "not practical?" Seems like lots of people managed to do research before the internet.