We've looked at Smartphone Addition before and I wonder if it all comes down to addiction to the internet. Certainly, the last thing I ever do is to actually make and receive calls on my smartphone.
This insightful video interview with Stephen Fry introduces a wonderful comparison with the internet and a large city: you want to explore, you could well find yourself in some dark alleys but soon you'll discover culture and more. And, like any good city, the internet is a mess and by using it you become a citizen of it making the internet as good and as bad as humanity, says Fry.
Stephen Fry said he could not live without the internet and I'm sure he's not the only one. (I can hear those calls of, "Me too!") Not only for the frivolous stuff but because it is the fastest way to distribute news across the globe. When an Editor clicks 'Publish' the information is online instantly and available to everyone with internet access around the world. That's not the world's entire population but it's still a large number and what gets read online often gets discussed offline so the stories continue to be passed on.
Someone who did try some internet 'cold turkey' was Jim Stolze (see a video of his presentation at TED University) for his project about internet usage and happiness and, thankfully, his research has shown that internet users are happier than those who don't go online. He had some good tips such as relying on social filters rather than search engines to bring you the answers you're looking for. Literally, ask a question to real people who have very likely asked the same question before and therefore know a real answer. I have to agree that the nice people on twitter have answered any question I've ever thrown at them whether it was checking the weather in a specific location, recipe advice, shopping tips, gardening… really, anything.
The internet is a necessity to many freelance or location-independent professionals who need to connect with colleagues across the world while not actually having to take a round the world trip every day. Also working from home online can mean you don't ever talk to another adult so the internet brings your friends to you (while you can sit at home in your pyjamas).
On the downside this can mean when your home broadband breaks down it can leave you feeling cut off from the outside world although, of course, you could just actually go outside. Yeah, I'm not rushing there either.
On the downside this can mean when your home broadband breaks down it can leave you feeling cut off from the outside world although, of course, you could just actually go outside. Yeah, I'm not rushing there either.
You can check if you're addicted to the internet with this quick online test and there is advice from an American Workplace Productivity and Leadership Coach (yes, that role is not made up) on how to stop being an email addict.
There's no need to live without the internet as it should enhance your life and not rule it. Remember, we're happier than those who don't log on so let's leave them to their unhappy ways and enjoy our supportive online community.
There's no need to live without the internet as it should enhance your life and not rule it. Remember, we're happier than those who don't log on so let's leave them to their unhappy ways and enjoy our supportive online community.
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