Could you quit technology for a year? A day? An hour?? Why do we use the Internet? Personally, I use the Internet for everything. I use it for school, work, entertainment, and communication. Is this a bad thing?
In Paul Miller’s TED Talk: Quitting the Internet for One Year, Miller discusses the advantages of quitting the Internet completely. Miller says quitting the Internet was a great thing because it allowed him so much opportunity. It opened Paul’s schedule so he could spend more time with his loved ones and increase his creativity. However, Miller brings up BOREDOM. While Miller did have extra time, he had way to much and was completely bored. When this state hit, he would just play video games. One thing I really took from this TED Talk is getting rid of technology is almost inevitable. While Miller did get rid of social medias and computer Internet, he did play video games. Video games are technology. We are surrounded by technology. Can we use to much? Yes, but it is all about controlling yourself and not letting technology consume your life.
The next thing I viewed was an article by Leo Babauta. The article is called Simplify the Internet and is a great read. Babauta gives great advice on how simplify your Internet use. Unlike Miller, Babauta is not saying to give up the Internet but to reduce the amount of websites you use. My favorite tips were about how to simplify Email. My Email is crazy because of how much spam and useless mail I get. Most of these Emails come from stores that I gave my Email to. Unless you are a hardcore coupon person, DO NOT DO THIS! These people will not leave you alone with coupons! It wouldn’t be so bad if I was into coupons but I’m not. I wish I could get rid of them but I have so many now, I don’t have time.
The last thing I looked at was What Happens When Teens Try to Disconnect From Tech For Three Days by Katrina Schwartz. I really like this experiment and I think it is awesome that these teens can see how dependent some are on the Internet. The main thing I want to discuss is the conclusion of the experiment. One student said not using the Internet made them more creative with their time. However, another student felt very insecure without his phone. He describes that he would ride the bus home late and there was no one to talk to so he would just sit there.
In conclusion, I think the amount of technology you use is based on the kind of person you are. If you think it is a problem or it is interfering with your human interaction or health, lay off the technology! If you don’t think it is a problem, keep doing what you are doing!
Until next time,
-Rachel
Rachel's Mind 
I so need to take to heart those tips for simplifying the Internet for myself. I have a similar problem with my email: so much junk that sometimes important emails get buried until I find time to clean out everything. SIGH.
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Don’t worry, I have the same problem in email!
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I do sometimes think that everything I use tech for is a little overwhelming, I use it two write my articles for the newspaper, my blog, my homework—etc. The list goes on and on. I know I have been a bit too long on the internet when my husband asks me to go check cows or get out of the house!
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I agree that it can be overwhelming at times. Almost 90% of my day involves technology.
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