Born-Again Internet Junkie

I think I have always been an Internet junkie. There is just something completely addictive about having all this information and these creative resources right at your fingertips. I wonder sometimes if artists are more susceptible to the addiction of the net, because it gives an effective outlet for positive (and sometimes negative) feedback. Whatever the reason, I've been addicted for years. I've been able to successfully manage my addiction quite well, even though my husband might disagree at times. Then came our move to our new place, and then the news that we would NOT be able to have an Internet connection, or even regular phone line, for an indefinite amount of time. I do NOT know how I managed. I especially don't know how I managed for over a year! I think possibly my house was cleaner though...

SO after a year long absence, I am back. Here comes the 'born-again' part. I thought I'd just be hooked back up, surf all my regular sites, and it would be like I never left. I was wrong. I don't know if it was the year away that changed me, or that somehow the Internet evolved a bit in my absence. Whatever happened, things do NOT feel the same. Sure I am chatting again with some old friends, made a few new ones, but its not like it was. I'm trying to put my finger on why. The 'net seems cooler to me now.

I don't think I'm imagining it, its not something that is easily explainable. Either I have somehow unconsciously distanced myself, or the Internet as I once knew it has changed, and not for the better. Suddenly my friends list on Facebook is at around 100 people, yet I only communicate with like 10% of it! The list of people on my message board has hit over 400, yet I only seem to know a few dozen people. And don't get me started on the kinds of things people SAY on the Internet now, even THAT has somehow changed. Again, not a good change. WHY do I need to know about sex quizzes that my 16yr old niece takes on Facebook? How in the world did my stepson get himself booted off of the net (by his mom) for videotaping himself lighting a skateboard on fire (and of course posting it).

Then there are the crude and indecent comments posted on sites like 'texts from last night'. Heck, even Twitter, which I still don't fully understand, has its fair share of incredibly selfish and cruel people. For example, last night, 'getwellmiley' was a trending topic, so I clicked on it. Not only did I find out she had a cold, but people were leaving messages like "Good, I hope you die" and "Just a cold, you're a retard, go to hell" WHAT is all THAT about, this girl, even though famous, is just a teen for gosh sakes.

So I have learned something, in becoming a born-again Internet junkie. Yes cyberspace is a wonderful resource, and I'm glad to have it back. However, just because you have a million opportunities online to tell it like it is, does NOT mean you should. I've decided that being somewhat anonymous gives certain people a Superman complex, and this IS NOT by any means a great thing. Are we, as a society, distancing ourselves by our reliance on the net? Come stalk me on Facebook and let me know!