As the information age expands, the most acute problem will not be information overload, but the gap between those individuals who can function in the information society and those who cannot. The haves of the computer society will be those who know the capabilities and limits of the technology. The have nots will be those who fear to know, refuse to know, or do not have the ability to learn. A judicious application of interpersonal communication principles can help anyone deal with the computer revolution in a productive and beneficial manner. For example, the role of goals and values is central to effective interpersonal interactions. People must feel as well as think. The computer can only help with cognitive activities and should be considered a tool, nothing more. Beyond extolling the virtues of a good course in interpersonal communication along with courses in computer and computer literacy, the speech communication professional needs to address at least three other issues of concern to the entire profession. Of paramount importance is a position on "communicating" with computers. Speech communication must lead the fight for greater accuracy of expression when describing computer activities as well as person/computer activities. Second, they must take the lead in stressing the importance of person-to-person contact in order to remain human. Finally, they must emphasize the fact that computers lack emotion and are incapable of replicating human feelings. (HOD)