I once said to my bro that the problem with the internets, as a pastime, is that it's open-ended. If you pick up a book to read, you're given an *out* every chapter, and if questions occur to you as you read (Where was Dickens born anyway? What does this word mean exactly? I need to see a map of this area.) you won't usually follow up on them, because you want to get on with the story, and it's too much bother.
Maybe if you have a gazillion cable channels, TV can be similar to the nets--or with the increasing abilities to choose when to view something. But otherwise, TV has built in limits. You don't control the programming.
But the nets just goes onnnn and onnnn and onnnn.
I've been researching for my book, but I'm loathe to turn on my laptop to check out a fact, or read up on someone. Because I know I'll check my email, and my dad will forward me an article that pisses me off, and not only do I need to respond but I have to back myself up with info, so the googling begins, but googling always leads to more googling because side stories catch my eye, etc.
I don't consider it a waste of time--I learn lots--but it's maybe a Misdirection of time. I need one of those child protectors that stops you from going to certain sites.
1 comment:
yup .... I think we've entered an era of too much choice - too many decisions. It becomes fatiguing and a new way. Info overload - possibilities overload...
I don't believe humans are made to be alone - far from it. And I believe we are created to make choices for a reason. But it's possible to have too much of both.
I think that's part of why I'm searching for an "escape pod" - a simple small inexpensive camper van that gives me a safety valve to escape to the woods when I need to and just be alone with no nets, no phones, no tv... and just one good book.
And hear the trees and smell the forest and see the water and sleep when the sun goes down and awaken when the sun comes up.
And then head back to "civilization" for a few more days before escaping again...
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