I had come across this video when it was initially released, but came across it again recently. The video is pretty long but I would advise watching it as it is very reflective. However, I will cover some of the main quotes and points in this post.
This video explores Paul Miller's journey after he completely unplugs from the internet on the 30th of April 2012, after that he succeeds in staying of the internet for an entire year. The reasons why he wanted to leave the internet are the following:
"It didn't really work"
What realistically happened is the following:
“When I stopped seeing my life in the context of "I don't use the internet," the offline existence became mundane, and the worst sides of myself began to emerge.”
"So the moral choices aren't very different without the internet"
Paul Miller's journey is an interesting one and puts a lot of things into perspective. We tend to put a lot of blame on the internet and how it distracts us from work, outdoor activities and relationships. But as explored in this video, it is human nature to lose motivation, to be lazy and do simple and boring things in our lives. Regardless of being online or offline.
Obviously, there are situations where the internet is hindering social scenarios, many of us have a tendency to just look at our phones while we are out with friends, and this should not be done. However that should come out of our own will. Not having the internet around will not stop us from being lazy. Plus the internet brings about so many new friendships across the global and more importantly helps us keep in touch with those close to us who may live too far away that even a phone call would be too expensive.
Paul Miller ends his article in a very insightful way which sums up my thoughts perfectly. It may not always be the best thing to happen to our social skills, but it has brought about too much greatness to be shot down, which is why we continue to use it all the time.
“When I return to the internet, I might not use it well. I might waste time, or get distracted, or click on all the wrong links. I won't have as much time to read or introspect or write the great American sci-fi novel.
But at least I'll be connected”
This video explores Paul Miller's journey after he completely unplugs from the internet on the 30th of April 2012, after that he succeeds in staying of the internet for an entire year. The reasons why he wanted to leave the internet are the following:
- He felt that he was losing touch with his real life relationships
- He wanted to enjoy the reality of life; he wanted to write, read, go for bike reads - to enjoy his surroundings
- He wanted to see if staying offline would motivate him to do more and potentially lead to a 'better Paul Miller'
"It didn't really work"
What realistically happened is the following:
- He wasn't feeling in-sync with the human race
- He couldn't keep in touch as often as he wanted to with friends and family who lived far away since he didn't have Skype.
- Realisation that loneliness and boredom from the internet is instructional; problems are much more internal than external
“When I stopped seeing my life in the context of "I don't use the internet," the offline existence became mundane, and the worst sides of myself began to emerge.”
"So the moral choices aren't very different without the internet"
Paul Miller's journey is an interesting one and puts a lot of things into perspective. We tend to put a lot of blame on the internet and how it distracts us from work, outdoor activities and relationships. But as explored in this video, it is human nature to lose motivation, to be lazy and do simple and boring things in our lives. Regardless of being online or offline.
Obviously, there are situations where the internet is hindering social scenarios, many of us have a tendency to just look at our phones while we are out with friends, and this should not be done. However that should come out of our own will. Not having the internet around will not stop us from being lazy. Plus the internet brings about so many new friendships across the global and more importantly helps us keep in touch with those close to us who may live too far away that even a phone call would be too expensive.
Paul Miller ends his article in a very insightful way which sums up my thoughts perfectly. It may not always be the best thing to happen to our social skills, but it has brought about too much greatness to be shot down, which is why we continue to use it all the time.
“When I return to the internet, I might not use it well. I might waste time, or get distracted, or click on all the wrong links. I won't have as much time to read or introspect or write the great American sci-fi novel.
But at least I'll be connected”
References and Sources Used:
MILLER, P., 2013. I'm Still Here: Back Online After a Year Without the Internet. http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/1/4279674/im-still-here-back-online-after-a-year-without-the-internet
MILLER, P., 2013. I'm Still Here: Back Online After a Year Without the Internet. http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/1/4279674/im-still-here-back-online-after-a-year-without-the-internet