hile the traditional headscarves and dress worn at Kebangsaan University in Bangi, Malaysia, are required by their Muslim faith, the women behind these modest coverings are not shy about exploring the outside world. In a society where both government and religion have traditionally set strict limits on cultural influences from the West, the Internet has become a Pandora's box -- a place of unknown wonder. And for these students there is no turning back. It is a popular and effective conduit for learning and ideas, but it also provides unprecedented access to questionable foreign values.

One of the most popular destinations for the Malaysian women is Hollywood Online, where, on February 8, they searched for images of universal heartthrob Brad Pitt. Though the women ended up with second choice Matthew Modine, the photo of the shirtless actor was enough to bring embarrassed smiles to their faces. The modest coverings of the devout remain in place, but through the Internet these women have uncovered a world no longer hidden from their inquisitive eyes.