Computer Cold Turkey

Think about it. Could you quit using your computer for any extending period of time? I don’t think I could, or more accurately stated, I don’t believe I would.

Maybe you own a online business for making money and the thought isn’t even remotely possible. Probably your regular job requires it, whose doesn’t anymore? What I’m speaking of is your free time. There has been a massive shift away from the television to spending time online, IMO. Connectivity with the rest of the world (email, news, social sites, movies, etc.) has increased my computer time, and I suspect without checking the facts, yours, too. It’s just too easy to get what you are looking for with just a few clicks. For example, I could check the online usage facts with a quick Google search, but why bother as you can do that, too, if you’re interested.

So with the assumption that you are similarly addicted to your computer usage as I am, does it bother you? It does me to some extent. So far it’s not been enough for me to reduce my usage for any length of time. I’ve gone days or weeks where I’ve cut way back. Sometimes consciously and sometimes not. Whenever I travel to the Philippines, for example, I naturally use the computer a lot less. That’s a result of the travel and of spending more time with people and attractions. Other times, I just don’t have much free time, so there is a natural reduction in usage.

Reducing my time online shouldn’t be that difficult in and of itself. One doesn’t need to check email as often as we do, save for work. Social networks are great for those that have the time, but for the most part they aren’t necessary. Writing articles on blog is again a luxury and not too many people are going to notice if I haven’t written in awhile. That may not be true for some of the professionals, but let’s be honest, most of us are writing to appease ourselves or potentially our wallet. There is a definitely a difference between the perceived need and want.

Some tasks, like the airline reservations I made for my son’s upcoming visit last week, have transferred to an online function that is just simply faster and easier. I could call in, and wait on hold for a decent amount of time, or I can get online and have it done in minutes. These types of things would be hard to give up. I do most of my shopping online. It is faster, allows me better pricing, and most importantly gives me buying information that I couldn’t get anywhere else. Still this isn’t a requirement but a luxury.

Even As I write this article, I wonder why I am compelled to do so. It’s nice outside. Kind of an early spring day here in the Northwest. Sunshine that we haven’t seen too much of the last few months. Why don’t I get out and do something outside instead of pounding at the keyboard? I think it’s because I’ve slowly migrated from my other interests and no longer know what else to do other than chores. When the chores are done, my relaxation is to get on the computer. That’s my downtime, which in reality isn’t most of the time.

Ironically, you can even find out how to battle computer addiction, you guessed it, right on the internet. I suspect there is going to be a rebellion against all this in a future generation. You see signs of it even now. For most of us, I feel the answer is the same with anything else, balance and moderation is usually good enough. Recognition of any overindulgence is the first step in taking care of it.

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