Having observed the previous arguments, I have come to the opinion that some people have grown blind to their own independance.
Look at how agressive some people are in defending the internet as a complete and total requirement for life. The internet is a marvelous tool, a fantastic avenue of communication, a wonderful vehicle for free thought and an unmatched method of distribution. However, is it not the bedrock of human exprience and knowledge that makes it such a valuable resource? If not for all the other experiences that people have, away from the internet and before it, would the network on which the information travels be of any real use?
The internet does have great significance, but only because of what we give to it. If we become too dependant on it as the only way of getting, storing or sharing information, I think that we devalue the human ability to learn, adapt and create.