noSurf - noInternet in an internet age

[Mysterie]

i have been thinking a bit about my internet habits recently, how long i spend doing mindless surfing, how long i spend watching youtube videos simply to kill boredom, how often i am tempted to watch porn if i am using the computer in my room a lot (don't really want to debate the ethics of porn in this thread though). i've used the internet for anywhere between 1-8 hours a day for 10 years, probably about 2 or 3 on average i think. i think that maybe the reason why i am so anxious in social interaction is because i was addicted to a video game for about 5 years from the age of 11-16, i used to set my alarm for 3am and play until i had to go to school, then get home and play until i had to go to bed. surely those years are fundamental for learning how to socialise with others and form and keep relationships, which doesn't come naturally any more (i could make friends in junior school).

it struck me while i was swimming at the pool yesterday after reading this blog post (a guy talking about having no internet in his home). i realised why do i need the internet at home?? i study electronic music at uni, but they have internet at uni, and at cafes, the library etc. i accomplish basically nothing productive at home on the internet. the author uses an analogy comparing having a huge bag of sweets at home, and having the internet at home. its hard to resist the allure of endless treats if you have an addictive personality. he talks about making a list of things that he wants to look on the internet, and then he can go to an internet cafe and actually be productive by looking at the things he thought of. even taking 30 minutes once a week to just goof off to treat yourself if you need an incentive to look forward to, but it has to be planned and not spiral into internet abuse again.

i brought it up to my mom and she totally agreed with me, my wish is to get rid of the internet in my house completely, but my dad almost lost it when i told him about it. it reminded me of my reaction when they threw away my drugs, scales, weed, grinders on numerous occasions on the past. he is truly addicted to the internet, but is in total denial about it, so atm we have compromised on removing the wireless, so i wont have access in my room.

so. i'm curious if anyone else here has had a similar feeling about internet having a negative impact on personal wellbeing, and if you have tried (or would consider) not having the internet at home? what was the affect it had on you? did you become more productive?

 

[24:35]

ime it's good for you bro.

I went w/o
a computer 4 a
coupla years
+ I rate the results.

 

[421]

I need to get on this bandwagon too. Or at least use it less. It's not like I'm doing anything useful. Reading music forums and bs like that. :D It's not really a way for an adult to spend his days now is it? And well bluelight... need to cut down on this place.

 

[Mysterie]

lifes too short i think, i was reminded earlier today of a saying that an ass is a donkey carrying books around. aka there's no point knowing something if you don't practice it.

 

[flyhighk]

The internet is kinda similar to a pharmaceutical drug, using it can be beneficial, but abusing it is, generally, very detrimental to one's physical and mental health

 

[Maya]

^yep. I have recently cut off some time on internet surfing and got more things done. The work over time i had been putting on has also added to this as I am exhausted after goin to gym after work.

 

[spacejunk]

ime it's good for you bro.

I went w/o
a computer 4 a
coupla years
+ I rate the results.

Agreed

TV too.

 

[Foreigner]

I've found that my internet usage generally tapers down during the summer and during times when there's a lot of activity in my life. Once the winter time comes and everyone's indoors, I'm on it all the time.

Mostly... I'm lonely and not everyone is available to hang out and do stuff, so I turn to the net. Don't know what else to say about it.