The concept of what is virtual has changed since the inception of computers and other communication devices. Today you can communicate with almost anyone, anywhere without even leaving your house. Today it is almost impossible to go anywhere without seeing "virtual technology". But with each new advancement, more and more people are getting left behind.
Virtual is "Existing or resulting in essence or effect though not in actual fact, form, or name" (Definition). One example is instant messaging. Although people are having a conversation between one another it is a virtual one because a real conversation is not actually taking place. Some people like the advantages of virtual technology because it is quicker and more convenient than older means of communication. Others like it because it can be done on the go or in the comfort of their own house.
Some examples of virtual technology are cell phones, instant messaging, two-way pagers, personal data assistants(PDA), and computers. Students, professionals, and people with busy lifestyles prefer these means of communications because they offer quicker and more efficient ways to connect to other people and to get information. Today you can get movie times, stock prices, email and weather reports on your cell phone. Need to see if your plane is on time? Just go to the company's website on your phone and get the status. Need to see if your package arrived to the place you sent it to? You can track the package during delivery by using the company's software and receive confirmation of when it was received. Just a few years ago these tasks would have taken much longer or not have been possible at all. Today all of these and much more can be done in just a few minutes or less.
With the increase in technology there has been a growing gap between people who have and use the latest technology and those who choose to refrain from technological advancement.