When two human beings get together, they're co-present, there is built into it a certain responsibility we have for each other, and when people are co-present in family relationships and other relationships, that responsibility is there. You can't just turn off a person. On the Internet, you can.

The quote “When two human beings get together, they're co-present, there is built into it a certain responsibility we have for each other, and when people are co-present in family relationships and other relationships, that responsibility is there. You can't just turn off a person. On the Internet, you can” by Neil Postman highlights the difference between real-life human interaction and digital communication. Postman emphasizes that physical presence, or co-presence, naturally creates a sense of responsibility and accountability between people, especially in family relationships and other close connections. The keywords—co-present, responsibility, family relationships, and the Internet—capture the contrast between tangible human engagement and the detachment allowed by digital interactions.

The origin of this quote comes from Neil Postman, a cultural critic, media theorist, and author best known for works like “Amusing Ourselves to Death” and “Technopoly”. Postman was deeply concerned with how technology and media shape human behavior and relationships. This statement reflects his critical view of the Internet and digital communication, highlighting how online interactions lack the emotional and moral weight of face-to-face encounters, where ignoring or “turning off” a person is not possible.

The quote also conveys a warning about the erosion of human accountability in the digital age. In family and in-person relationships, being physically present requires listening, empathy, and responsiveness, reinforcing social bonds and moral obligations. Online, however, detachment is easy, and people can ignore, block, or disengage without the same emotional consequence, weakening the depth and authenticity of connections.

Ultimately, Postman’s words serve as a reflection on technology’s impact on human connection and family life. He reminds us that true relationships are grounded in presence, responsibility, and care, qualities that are harder to maintain in digital spaces. His insight encourages mindful engagement with both technology and real-life interactions, so that family bonds and human responsibilities are not diminished by the convenience of virtual communication.