I read about a man who went offline for a whole year in order to find out what the internet had "done" to him, following the hypothesis that the internet is a negative factor in people's lives. What was interesting was that he discovered he was just as messed up, if not more, without the internet. For the first several months he was more productive and even lost weight, but soon he turned to other destructive habits like not leaving the house and playing too many video games. He was just as antisocial, wrote less, and in the end found that his life was actually better with the internet, because as he says, that's where the people are.
We haven't had internet here at the house, or cable, for over a month now. I just gave my phone to my brother because I don't have the money (or desire) to pay for it anymore. So we're all a little cut off, and me especially. But I'm still able to use the internet a couple of times a week at a coffee shop or friend's house (like right now). Unlike this guy, I think that we're all doing a lot better off without the internet. But like I said, I still use it, I just have to leave the house. I think this is a better "middle path" than cutting yourself off completely. Diego isn't glued to his DS watching mind-melting Spongebob all day (instead watching better PBS type cartoons), I've finished two books this week, and in general we're all spending more time together going out and playing games here at home. I couldn't NOT have the internet, if only just for my online class, which I'll be taking 3 more of in the fall. Going out for the internet makes me have to choose what is really the most important. I have a time limit, because of Julian, so I don't want to be gone for more than two hours. It's enough to check my emails, download a few articles to read later on Evernote, and download my classwork for the week. If I've got extra time I update Facebook with a couple pictures or post something to my blog. I haven't watched a single Youtube video since this has started. That was my biggest time waster. I would sit for hours watching hair and makeup tutorials or mommy vlogs, especially when I was eating. It's the biggest thing I'm jonesing for but also the best thing for me to get rid of.
Plus, going out for internet has some other perks. I have an excuse to get some Starbucks, which I always enjoy ;) Also I just get out of the house which is especially important after having a baby so I don't become a shut-in. We're also clearly saving money by not paying for internet at home, but that's probably outbalanced by the frappuccinos... oops!
