Yes, we should all keep in mind that technology is the sole demesne of hyperbole.
I'm not impressed with "Zotti's" (aka the Straight Dope) conclusion here; he picks out one extreme statement, and essentially ignores the rest of the article, which is much more rational and measured than the SD's critique suggests.
I think we'd be better off reading
Epstein's article rather than the Straight Dope's "analysis."