How the Internet has Improved My Life:
1. Blogging: AKA, Getting Published Without Going Through a Publisher. This was a game-changer. When I started my blog in 2010, I was trying (in vain!) to get a writing/editing job. Blogging seemed like the perfect way for me to get my work out there...and it didn't even have to be good. It's nice to have the instant feedback (and ego-stroking) that blogging provides. An extra bonus is the accountability of having a blog--it means that for the most part, I write more often than I would otherwise. Blogging also forces me to quiet my nasty inner critic, and just press publish already! Blog posts don't have to be perfect, and no one is grading me (I think...haha).
2. Connection/Social Outlet: Let's be real for a second: as a SAHM, I relish the opportunity to have adult interaction. Engaging with others on Facebook provides some much needed intellectual stimulation. Facebook allows me to view updates on my family and friends from far and wide. I've also enjoyed the camaraderie of Facebook groups, like my Yin Natural group. Those ladies have become like semi-sisters, in that they give amazing feedback on what looks great, and helpful suggestions for what could make an outfit better. It's neat to feel connected with people from all over the world.
3. Access to Information: How cool is it that if I have a question...any question, I can find an answer to it almost instantly? I am always amazed that no matter how obscure my question is, Google always has an answer.
4. Instant Entertainment: It still boggles my mind that like #3, I can just type in my favorite song, a scene from an obscure movie or TV show, and like magic, it appears!
And now for how the Internet has diminished my life:
1. Less Journaling/Writing Just For Me: Ah, the days before blogging, when I would write my little heart out, and no one had to see! I have found that I journal less often (but write for my blog more regularly). I rarely write poetry these days, and never write fiction or short stories anymore. It's hard to get motivated when I know that no one will ever read it.
2. Fragmentation of Communication: More communication is not necessarily better. Said another way, quantity is not the same thing as quality. I used to exchange letters with my long-distance friends, now I trade texts and Facebook comments and likes. I was talking with a friend the other day about how bad we both are at keeping in touch. We're friends on Facebook, so we can look at each other's pictures and Facebook posts, and feel connected and caught up. But the reality is that we haven't really talked to each other for more than a year. The depth just isn't there anymore.
3. Lack of Contemplation/Silence: I am an introverted, contemplative person by nature. But, I also really like people and communication. Since I got a smartphone a few years ago, the siren call of communication has almost drowned out any opportunity for contemplation. How can I escape to silence when the whole world is at my fingertips? This past week, at Andy's family cabin, was so refreshing because I had no cell service. For days, my phone was on airplane mode. I didn't feel compelled to check it, because there would be nothing to check. I felt calmer, and freer. Yesterday, I left my phone in the house, while I was watching Mr. D play outside. As I sat there, listening to airplanes fly overhead and Mr. D chattering "Pane! Pane!" as he pointed to the sky, I rediscovered that feeling I had had at the cabin. All I had to do was forget my phone, and I was transported to my own private island. I need these moments of quiet. I think we all do.
4. Increased Procrastination/Distraction/Wasted Time: This is similar to the last one. I can while away hours on my phone. Precious time that could be spent in so many more life-giving ways. I've written a few times about how technology can zap my creativity, and prevent me from being fully present.
Every once in awhile, I will catch Mr. D looking at me, looking at my phone. And my heart breaks a little. I'm not advocating for throwing away my smartphone (although I've considered that). But I know that I need to be very discerning in my use of it, especially around those I love. I don't ever want Andy or Mr. D to feel like I care more about the world inside my phone, than I do about what's going on right here, with them. I want them to feel like they are enough to captivate my attention. Because they are.
Every now and then I think it's important for me to evaluate my use of technology. It's been said that technology is a good servant, and a bad master. I've experienced both the benefits and drawbacks of having access to the internet. Lately, I have allowed technology to have the upper hand. I want to return to a proper use of the gift of technology, and discipline myself to rely on it less. So I can get back to this little guy, who is growing up so fast.
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| Little boy loves to slide. |
My list was far from exhaustive. Join the conversation: How has the Internet changed your life--for better or worse?
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