<p>I don't know enough about college life to discuss anything thoroughly but it seems like you're focusing on the academic part of school. The social parts are important too especially face-to-face interaction. Forum posting isn't the solution and neither is any internet communication since they don't allow for inflections or expressions which are necessary in the "real world." I, personally, hate the way everything is becoming so technology-based. Curling up with a book (made out of paper) is one of my favorite activities and I don't think it has the same zing as "curling up with my DigiReader." </p>
<p>I love your point about Western prolonged adolescence. It's so true. Which is why people are so quick to judge the early marriage ages in different cultures as being "gross." If you're treated like a fully competent adult @ 16, the next logical step might be marriage. (I'm not supporting child marriages btw----What I'm talking about goes to a certain extent.)</p>
<p>Oops, I went off on a tangent again. I guess notyet(a) was right.... :(</p>