The Internet... savior to the homebound or enabler to the social misfits?
When the internet first came about I was thrilled at the prospect for all it could be and yet I had concerns for the socially awkward and thought this might be an enabler for them to not seek out real live human contact if they could reasonably substitute online relationships. I can see it both ways.
Now the net is decades old I'm still of 2 minds about it. I love it and yet I've noticed that I spend less and less time with IRL people as my internet relationships grow. For me it's so much easier to engage and disengage with people online than in real life.
IRL: you have to bathe, dress, leave the house, be subject to others expectations of how long and what that contact is. Even sometimes be subjected to others you may not want to contact (parties or visitors) Physical contact (hugs & kisses).
Online: you can drink/eat privately while communicating, be in your jams or nothing, watch tv or listen to music, you only have contact with just the ones you want, no driving, no weather. No physical contact.
What do you think?
1
Enjoy being online again!
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7 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I don't think much about it..... that's what I think
IamNobody
Level 8
Jan 28, 2019
1
lol yeah...sometimes my brain explodes with too much stuff from the internet... lol
@thinktwice I just use it..... Like to keep it simple when I can ?
Yes, how many of us have the time, ability, or resources to have discussion groups with like-minded people in the real world? Maybe when I retire some day! I kind of envy those old guys and ladies at the breakfast places, sitting around just talking and connecting. I can talk about some topics at work with my co-workers...but there's a policy against talking about politics and religion. I can speak openly with my family when I visit them...but we don't live in the same town. Personally, in my situation, I think the internet has been such a great way to communicate with secular minded people...to avoid the discomfort of 'coming out' about atheism to people that I associate with...but who aren't likely to become my close friends. Online conversations take the place of the coffee shop cafes I picture in my head that intellectuals and college kids hang out in and talk about meaningful subjects. And of course I get the chance to edit and think about my comments before I submit them..it's not a free-for-all conversation where everyone interrupts everyone else or loses track of what they meant to say before the conversation moves along to something else!
mojo5501
Level 7
Jan 28, 2019
1
i think it is both and there is nothing inherently wrong with either. i don't spend less time with people irl than i did before the internet; it is possible i spend more. in fact, i go to an adult daycare center with my alzheimer's-afflicted guy, thrice a week, and that's more social contact than i had before. i found that center online! when i was able to go to poetry readings, i found those online. the internet is a blessing for me.
g
genessa
Level 8
Jan 28, 2019
1
I think the bad side of the internet is the proliferation of lies and conspiracy theories. People can get in their own little bubble of like-minded believers, and get way off track and far from reality. But just using it as an easier form of communication and connecting, like you do, and like I do, is generally a good thing.
Tomfoolery33
Level 9
Jan 28, 2019
0
I like doing both...I like learning about how others live and think and have access to all sorts of ideas and topics on the internet...I can then take these and have meaningful things to discuss with IRL friends and family that I have known for years...
I use the internet to broaden or shore up my views and values...share fun jokes or pictures...
It has made me less shy when I do meet people IRL because I am keeping up with topics, know terminology and what is on the minds of people younger and different than me...I am braver to add to the conversation...
and, I have found out it is ok to go out in public in yoga pants...
...
thinktwice
Level 8
Jan 28, 2019
1
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
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