The last part of BBC2′s, Virtual Revolution, examines how the web, and social networking especially, has changed our relationships. Titled, ‘Homo Interneticus?’, the episode contemplates the extent to which the web enriches or distorts humanity.

The series’ first episode’s somewhat forced comments about connecting and collaborating on a different level than ever before are presented again but are now given some flesh to their bones. The interviewees raise an array of interesting points that take the episode further in unravelling its arguments.

While experts and key figures in the development of the web argue their points, the viewers are also compelled to form their own views of the issues. Does being constantly online lead us to have unreal ideas of friendship or of life without consequences? Or has the web enabled us to engage and share information with each other and made our lives better?

Interesting points are made, for example, when bringing the huge educational success of South Korea, the most connected nation in the world, to the agenda. Even Bill Gates gives us his first original thought of the whole series. “I asked questions when I was young. Now my son will ask the same questions and be able to search for the answers – and then ask more questions.”

The debate is occasionally brought to life with delightful examples such as a fast-food chain proving a point about the illusive nature of online friends. A free burger was offered to anyone who would get rid of ten of their Facebook friends. It turned out that a single whopper was more important to hundreds of thousands of users than ten of their so-called ‘friends’.

The thoughts of 1960s media visionary Marshall McLuhan’s provide one of the highlights of the episode. As the web is being compared to an exciting city as well as a coffee shop that brings people with different backgrounds together, McLuhan’s arguments about a global village are suddenly incredibly current again.

The series ends on a slightly clichéd note, exclaiming “This is only the beginning”, but there’s no denying that Virtual Revolution has raised some interesting points, sparking a lively debate on the subject.

As the web is likely to be the single most important development in the modern world, it has definitely been worthwhile to stop and think about the journey so far.

Watch the fourth episode on BBC iPlayer

Visit the programme website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/virtualrevolution/