Here's why I am thinking about turning off the internet in my home.

[ulli]

My hunch is that you are about to have a major breakthrough and could figure out any moment
how you can use the Internet in a most creative and effective way.
The kind of creativity that would give you a sense of fulfillment and also benefit other people big-time.

This kind of anticipation can bring forth shadowy fears....as if an excuse is needed not to go ahead.

And what fear is greater than the one that reminds us of a time in our past
where we were totally engulfed and became powerless?

You do not have to become a victim of Internet addiction just because you have passion in you.
There is a difference between passion and addiction.
Find yourself, then BE yourself, then BLAST the universe with what you've got, and have a blast yourself.

And then USE the greatest tool of self expression that has ever been invented, namely the Internet.

[Lettherebelight]

Posted by kingmonkey (here)
I think the word addiction gets banded around a lot these days, and along with the word comes a lot of negative connotations ; shame, powerlessness , recovery, it's a disease etc.

I think it's up to you to decide if it's a problem or not. Like my wise grandma used to say , " too much of ANY thing is a problem".

Don't be too hard on yourself, I would say probably 90% of ppl here spend too much time on the Internet. Remembering that 67% of statistics are made up on the spot. I know if I was not reading the Internet I would be reading something else.....he'll my parents used to joke that I'd even run to the door to pick the junk mail up so I could read it. For me it's just information, and information is just another perception into the world around me.

Having said all that bout finding balance in all that we do. And maybe you have recognised a potential problem.

One other alternative to cutting yourself off completely is installing a parental control type software that can restrict usage to a prescribed amount of time a day. I just did a quick google search and there seems to be a few pieces of software that do this.

Many a cogent point here, King. I laughed at your folk's joking about you reading the junk mail. And I am sure your Grandmother had it right in saying too much of anything can lead to problems. I agree that 'addiction' is just a word.

Everyone has unique circumstances regarding schedules, commitments and responsibilities. So we will all manage ourselves accordingly. For myself, a bi-weekly drop-in would probably be enough, as I am not contributing on or starting major threads currently.

But I thank Midnight for his honesty in starting this thread, it has brought up a lot of good points, and a reminder to myself of how precious our time is. The gift of our time is no small thing. I have benefitted from so many people's knowledge here, so thanks to everyone who participates on this forum, and beware of those who would steal your precious time.

Well wishes to all.

[jagman]

Good for you midnight. This cyber world is not reality.

[Lettherebelight]

Agreed Jagman, but at the same time, the people of this forum are very real indeed. Their contributions leave definite imprints on our minds.

Like I said, I feel greatly enriched by individuals here, without ever having met them. One case in point, is our Avalon friend, Jorr Llundstrom. There is a definite beauty in the association to be found here.

It's just a question of balance...for me, anyway.

[lookbeyond]

What an informative post and useful way of looking at things- thanks write4change

[jackovesk]

I have an 'Addiction in uncovering the Truth' and that is the Only reason I'm on the internet..!

[peace]

what a refreshingly open and honest thread.

and some unsolicited advice which you can take or not:
it sounds like you could use some time away, with a schedule that you don't deviate from for your internet usage when you return.

the fact you feel it's bad/overwhelming for YOU is enough.

define things you 'need' to look up, say daily, and check them. be very honest with YOURSELF on the need. don't worry about others and their opinions (Mine included).

look at it like titration off medication (ha!!): cut back a little per day, a little more the next week, see if you can make it a day, another, and so on.

the internet is a magnificent tool that will probably save us all one day, be a rallying point if needed when things go haywire, and can be used for so much good. i'm not talking conspiratorial. just that it will be utilized more than it's current form now and it's a tool civilizations before us didn't have.

it can also be a place where people do have too much usage and relationships, physical health and emotional energy can be detrimentally affected. and don't think for a second that it can't be something one becomes addicted to. anyone can become addicted to anything.

it sounds like you have support from family. utilize it if you think this is something you need to back off on. wouldn't hurt to try, at least.

my main thought is: everyone else is connected. if there's something i NEED to know, it will get to me, somehow, from someone (whether i know them or not) at some point.

[ghostrider]

sometimes I deny myself something I want to remind my brain who is running who. . schedule a net hour once a day , and then turn the pc off.