The Internet is almost a reality unto itself. It holds within it the opportunity and information to rival that of the "real" world.
The Internet inundates most every aspect of our society. It appears that one cannot escape the influence of the Internet in any aspect of life as advertisements for the Internet can now be found on every form of media whether that be paper, billboards, television or radio. One can't even watch a sporting event without the Internet's grasp being felt as they provide logos on race cars, billboards in the outfield and host every halftime show available. Yes the Internet has now even reached such a status that your priest, pastor, or favorite tele-evangelist is covering it on Sunday.
Could it be that there is some truth that the Internet and those that tout it could in some way be affecting the lives of millions? As previously stated the advertising for the Internet is inescapable lest one is a monk or hermit. What does the future hold?
Let's use Bill Gates as an example. He wants the Internet in every home and in every room of your home. He wants you to have the Internet on your television, and on your computer, as well as on a slew of portable devices that range from PDA's to cell phones to Internet Appliances. He wants your microwave, refrigerator and your toaster connected to the net.
Now most people might expect that from Bill Gates as many people already consider him a greedy bully who wants everything and more. I hate to tell you but every other Silicon Valley company and even those abroad want the very same thing. It honestly doesn't end with Microsoft or even other big name companies as your local ISP, phone company and cable company are now in on the act.
How many of you have gotten friends or family members online? I imagine that most all of us have. In this respect the Internet is comparable to drugs. You won't see people at a party saying "Oh man you gotta try this Pepsi" yet with drugs everyone is encouraged to try this or that. Those people quite simply pressure others. Many do the very same when attempting to get others online.
I've known people that will go to the trouble of inviting others over to show them the "benefits" of the Internet. They try and sell getting connected to their friends and family and eventually they might even succeed.
How many of you know couples online? I don't mean just acquaintances but I mean actually know the people. In my experience I have found that the number one thing online couples fight about in their personal lives is the Internet.
The Internet permeates the lives of its users in a variety of ways that almost always lead to trouble. It could be porn sites, cybering in a chat room, or even the fact that priorities have changed in such a way as to place the Internet above others in their lives. The Internet, and specifically ones usage of it, can indeed ruin marriages and relationships.
Has your amount of time spent on the Internet increased since you first became "connected"? This is almost an invariable fact for most everyone on the Internet. People find themselves saying, "I just gotta check this" or "I'll only be five minutes". Those five minutes turn into an hour don't they? Like a drug you spend more and more time doing it.
How many people do you know that have gotten burnt out with the Internet? It could be that they grew tired of this or that with a chat group or news group. It could be that they have simply spread themselves too thin by taking on this project or that. As was seen in a recent article one WebTV user had gotten burnt out by maintaining a rather large site as well as by answering large amounts of email. That user is but one of what has become many.
Yes, the Internet can and does provide almost an endless amount of information. The thing is it also opens up so many doors that make our lives just that much more complicated and busy. WebTV users for example may start by learning how to put graphics or sound in their email. From there they may learn HTML and JavaScript. They may start designing pages, building custom chat interfaces, or maybe even building an entire site. Still others may help people and participate in a variety of forums.
The Internet and how we use it begins to take up more and more time. The amount of emails one receives seems to grow at an exponential rate. This is not meant to be accusatory nor to incite anger. This is meant to say that the Internet at its very core can be used as a tool but without a modicum of restraint can turn into the center of ones life.
Take a step back. Don't reply to every email or post you see. Actually watch some television on your television. Get outside and get some sun, enjoy your summer. The Internet will still be there. Ensure that your time on the Internet isn't taking away from those you love or care about.
The Internet may be a real and tangible thing but it cannot provide you "real" life. Make sure your priorities are in order and try not to become burnt out.
Happy surfing folks, but also have a happy life!
