Confessions Of An Internet Addict
Hi, my name’s Rodlie, and I’m addicted to the internet.
Specifically, I’m addicted to information.
I know this probably sounds melodramatic. But I think I may have an issue. I don’t know what it’s like to be addicted to cigarettes. I tried a Newport cigarette when I was 14. I took two puffs and coughed for five minutes. Not a pleasant experience. I don’t know what it’s like to have withdrawal symptoms from nicotine. I took a swig from a can of beer when I was younger. I still don’t understand the attraction to something that tastes so bad.
Never done drugs. Any. Ever.
But I do know what it’s like to have an itchy iPhone finger. To have a sense that I have to log on and catch some news or read a blog, or review the latest tweets cause I might have missed something good. Sometimes while I’m brushing my teeth I’ll pick up my iPhone and catch some news. Or I’ll pick up a Time mag and scan an article or two.
It’s hard for me to sit still without consuming some kind of information.
I’ve been thinking about it for the last few days, and I don’t think this is normal. And I don’t think this is good. The very fact that I’m writing this post probably gives credence and evidence to that. So I’m not quite sure what to think about it. But I know I need to pray about. And I think I need to take some kind of tech fast. Rhett Smith wrote this great post on internet addiction and I started to wonder a little.
I don’t know how that would work out, as I need this stuff for work: email, phone, internet, etc. But I feel that I need to separate myself some from it. Perhaps no Facebook or Twitter for a few days. And please don’t get the wrong impression. It’s not that I sit around for hours on Facebook or twitter. I probably spend a total of 20 min a day between the both of them. But something doesn’t feel right.
Not sure if you have any suggestions for a tech fast. I’ve honestly never taken one before. Let me know what if you have a recommendations.
Thanks.
[image by ilponydipezza]
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here's what i need to do: leave my phone at home (if anyone has an emergency call 911), take my bible and go be alone with Jesus for a whole day! no preping for anything, no phone calls, no emails, no internet, no watching t.v., no news, the world will survive without me knowing what's happening, just one thing! tell me wife where i'll be
…my friend i understand…the underlying of this is we need more of JESUS! thanks for the reminder…
Rodlie, Been there and still have to remind myself to get away from the laptop. I actually cut off the internet from my house and only used the internet at the church office. I will admit that it was inconvenient at times, but when I was home I was 'home'. I got an iPhone and if there is anything I need to check, I go there and since the iPhone isn't as quick as the regular internet I don't bother going on there unless I need to. Have I survived? Yes, Sometimes I pick up a wi-fi signal at my house and I use it, but I can't depend on that. Thanks for sharing your "addiction".
its 3am, my family's fast asleep, and i'm online. i (think) i'm addicted.
I need to do that and will do that in Sept. I feel like my soul needs that. Just a Bible and a notebook and nature.
Wow….that's hard-core. I commend you on that. I think I would go through serious "withdrawals" and possibly panic…..that would be cool to do, though!
hehe..yeah, Sara…I think you might be. Welcome. So are you ok with that, or would you like to try to do something about it?