Are you hearing a lot about universal health coverage? Welcome to the 21st century, when "guaranteed universal access" will be the keywords that win a presidency.

Yet, as people gradually become more accustomed to the idea of the "infoway," the concept is already experiencing a backlash. At Harvard, the location of laptop computers can spur enough controversy to generate two Crimson articles. Many remain defiant in their e-mail virginity.

And finally the Clipper chip has garnered the attention of the full public with coverage in such mainstream media as the New York Times or Time magazine. No longer is the information superhighway an object to be buried in the science section, or relegated to articles in trade magazines like Macweek or PC World.

The new technology is making waves, and creating controversy. As society is made more aware of the new advances made by the industry, it also becomes more aware of the dangers involved. For there is definitely a price to be paid.

Backlash incidents prove that the public is not yet willing to give up the old ways and embrace a new technology with open arms. While the vision of better things to come gives promise, the hype and aura surrounding something "new" should not be glibly swallowed without thought.

Issues such as the Clipper chip show that with all its attributes, the information highway still possesses many drawbacks. Who is willing to give up their privacy for new gadgets? The government has an obligation to retreat on its Clipper stance, while slowing down on its infoway hype blitz.

While politicians try to glaze the public's eyes with exciting promises, it should not be forgotten that new cannot always be equated with better.