I have dreamt of the idea of escaping the Internet many times. To live a life free from technology is a romantic surreal concept that I can only visualize through my imagination.
Ever since I developed the concept of social networking using computer networks back in 2002 on the “Beyond” site I had been a huge proponent of this concept. Back when only perverts and nerds used social networks I imagined an efficient means of communicating with software accommodating for the finer nuances of communication.
I once had a friend long ago in another life who one day logged off and with that disappeared for good. That was the nature of the network. I was always angry at this not because he left but because he left me behind.
The Internet is not a place for the weak willed or depressed. The Internet is a strong-minded woman with many nuanced stories and incredibly persuasive arguments. The only way to survive her presence is to take her up on her offer of another cup of tea and hope she tires of you as you have of her long ago.
We all understood that the Internet was an impersonal yet persuasive zone that we could not leave despite our desire to escape it. The concept of social networks was born with this idea that since we cannot leave this wasteland perhaps if it was infused with some personification by means of the masses then we could bear its imprisonment and possibly find our way back to the outside world.
The original problem of longing to escape the Internet was never addressed however for as the only means of freedom, the promise of the outside world, became assimilated into the Internet so was lost the only means of help getting out.
I realized then that I was the dimwitted when another of my close friends logged off for good. It has been a long time since I saw the AIM screen name flash across my screen. The domain was not renewed and is now used to sell spam. The pages are barren and the IRC channel is without her.
I am not angry this time but rather am happy for them to have the strength to escape it all. I wish I could do the same and do have my laundry list of excuses but the truth is that I am not ready for that. What would I do? Where would I go? This prison of mine is too comforting to risk leaving.
To escape the Internet remains one of those dreams that will have to be engaged one day to make progress in life. Until then I wish to say Hello and Good Luck to those that escaped the Internet.
If anyone can say it’s possible, it’s yours truly – and it’s beautiful. I quit cold turkey. Now it’s just me, Gmail and my RSS Feeds. Even a little break is nice to detox. “There is nothing like returning to a place unchanged, to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” -Nelson Mandela
You were a great member/blogger on AS Mr. Kreuz. Hope you’re doing well.
Kife
Hello and Good Luck to you Kife.
My biggest handicap is that I do this for a living so sitting 8 hours in front of the PC at work isn’t helping much. But then again its a crutch since I also spend a few more at home.