Escape the Net

It is Sunday. I suggested to Eliana that we ditch our phones today. Even though it’s still morning, I already feel better. This is my first time writing in my journal in four months!

I still haven’t found the right balance with technology. I set boundaries and gradually let them slip. Maybe what I learn through this struggle can help others escape the prison of the net.

The “net” in “internet” is a fitting term. Once it catches you, it doesn’t let you go. It becomes harder to be present wherever you are.

There used to be one item for one purpose. When you wanted to take pictures, you used your camera. When you wanted to communicate with someone far away, you used your phone. Your work device was a computer that stayed in one place.

Now all of those things are on the same device, along with social media, AI, and notifications. You pick up your phone to take a picture and end up checking your email. You are driving down the road using your GPS when an important message comes in, and you are instantly distracted.

This instant access to communication and information has become normal. It is crazy to think that our society functioned just fine without it! When you wanted to learn something, you went to the library. When you got there, you could focus on what you came to learn.

I could go on and on, but I don’t think all of this is healthy.