Progress is a wonderful thing to behold and to be a part of. Twenty years ago or so, few of us would have dreamed of how tightly connected we would become by way of an obscure little thing called the Internet. Yes, a lot of change can occur in such a relatively short span of time.

Today we can make use of a myriad assortment of devices to converse, shop, learn, and – yes – order that jumbo pizza with extra anchovies. The information age has changed the way we do things in so many ways. But is it also changing us? If so, is it for the better?

Social scientists and sundry pundits can debate that question endlessly. What we can be sure of is that the information age is here to stay, and it will grow even faster and larger.

Recent discussion over the pros and cons of municipal funding of cost-free WiFi zones – specifically in Somerville public parks – has raised a few questions, as well as eyebrows in certain segments of the community.

Proponents argue that it is the thing to do to keep up with the times, and that it will provide a needed service to the community. Others feel that the expense of such programs cannot be justified considering the many urgent needs that the city faces while so many budgetary constraints are currently in place.

Another point of view involves the free market concerns of Internet service providers. In a recovering economy, do we really want to offer something free of cost that would otherwise generate revenue for related industries?

Most curious perhaps, is the notion that such a service is needed in our public parks. The places where we play with our children, enjoy a little bird song, and stop once in awhile to smell the flowers.

Maybe just for a short time we can put away our high-tech gizmos and simply enjoy our surroundings. Or is that done any more?