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Made in us
Calculating Commissar




pontiac, michigan; usa

I'm kind of curious how it'd work out if I just had no internet, tv, possibly radio and absolutely purge anything political and just take a week or two with bare essentials like phone but only to call people.

My closest experience was leaving a warhammer forum and things got so toxic I feel infinitely better leaving.

Have any of you tried and if so how'd you feel after.

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Made in it
Waaagh! Ork Warboss




Italy

I already use my phone only to call/text people... and to get discounts from the supermarket .

I also stopped using social networks long ago, but I was never "addicted" in the first place.

 
   
Made in se
Longtime Dakkanaut




It would probably work pretty well, do give it a try. What do you lose out on by doing it, anyway? If it turns out to be worse then you know that, at least.
   
Made in au
Grizzled Space Wolves Great Wolf





I find the problem is that these days too many of my friends only communicate by internet, and since my area has been locked down for bloody ages I can't see people anyway (not like I did a lot beforehand, but some human contact is necessary for sanity).

I do go out of my way to tell the various platforms that I don't want to hear every bloody news story and opinion piece about covid and politics though.

   
Made in us
Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!






I've moderated my exposure to the modern world for years. I use a dumbphone and only read online forums & News from "serious" journalistic entities such as BBC etc. Signal is the only messaging app I use.

I've long felt it is in our best interests as "users" of computerized networks to take responsibility of the choices we make in the networks which expose us to the outside world. Too much noise and we lose the ability to concentrate deeply, to be creative, and to express clear thinking.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2021/10/08 11:54:39


 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Honestly? I don’t think I could.

I live hundreds of miles away from my family, and have done for most of my life. My social circle all have full time jobs and/or kids, so even a few quiet drinkypoos needs organising and arranging. More so as we’re spread over a few towns now.

To just be able to stick a message over to them, and if they’re free turn that into a conversation and catch up is great.

Given the past couple of years, what with Lockdown and Remote Working, if it wasn’t for social media and the internet, I’d have gone completely insane. No contact. Limited to terrestrial TV and my disc collection.

   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

I tend to avoid the news in general anyway, sure I pick up on the odd major event now and then ,but in general I avoid most mass-media news because I generally find that 90% of it is not just depressing/sad news but also things that either don't directly affect me, or if they do they are things I have no ability to influence (at least not without making it a major part of my life to deal with).

I see no need to burden myself with the sadness and problems of the world when most of the time it will just form idle chatter fodder.



I very much use the net, but I try to keep it on my terms. Eg I have a really rubbishy phone (pay as you go and all) that doesn't do all the online stuff; its purely there for making calls. I also carry a watch and generally use it to check the time on rather than the phone - again I'm not checking apps or messengers or emails every 5 seconds. If I had work that required it I'd do it for work alone.

I do have a tablet for essential apps and chances are at some stage I'll have to get a "smart phone", but again I'd be using it on my terms.



I actually find it a little strange when its break time at a job and everyone is eyeing their phones rather than chatting with each other. I understand it, but at the same time it just feels strange. Or to be having a chat and then they turn, look at their phone and go silent as they thumb through messages.




I don't think, unless you already live an offline life, that its good to go cold-turkey in general. A lot of businesses, banks, shops and general information runs through the net now and whilst you can access a lot offline; its more of a hassle; can sometimes take a long time and for some things might require a lot of driving around (ergo burning fuel) to find places that "might" have what you are after etc...





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Made in ca
Pustulating Plague Priest






Good on you if you wish to limit your exposure to screens. I hope it goes well.

Had some difficulty on my end, since my hobbies are mostly reliant on some kind of technology (programming, ebooks/pdfs, etc.). If your intent is to cut off these things for a while, you might want to think about how to go about your business without turning to your phone or other electronic device. That in and of itself can be an activity that does not require technology.

If your intent is to deal with negativity and toxicity in the news, your local library might have some (paper) books on how to digest the news and check its accuracy at absolutely no cost. If I can make a shameless personal recommendation, a certain bloke named Epictetus might be particularly useful for dealing with negativity in general.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/08 14:14:29


Faithful... Enlightened... Ambitious... Brethren... WE NEED A NEW DRIVER! THIS ONE IS DEAD!  
   
Made in us
Calculating Commissar




pontiac, michigan; usa

Maybe i should just limit my social media and news watching. Also drama channels suck and i'm really hating them now.

I think watching Bob Ross on Twitch or even watching people enjoy something is better.

If i go up to northern Michigan it's likely i'll be in a much more calming area with infrequent internet use which means best i have is hobbies or outdoor activity. I realize i hate the outdoors but i might need the sun so as not to look like a vampire and at least going on walks could help.

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Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

I think that sounds like some sensible moves; not going to the extreme of coldturkey but adjusting your habits and doing some outdoor hobby stuff. I think that's a very positive approach as you're not punishing yourself, you're rather just finding some new outlets that replace without the same mental pressure of forcing yourself offline.

And yeah its good to do a clear out of things like cookies and then watch some different programs on youtube or twitch and such and engage with different things. If you spend ages on places like youtube looking at certain kinds of video, the way the net works it just shows you more and more and more of the same. So clear out and focus on some more positive stuff.

A Blog in Miniature

3D Printing, hobbying and model fun! 
   
Made in ca
Regular Dakkanaut



Canada

 flamingkillamajig wrote:
Maybe i should just limit my social media and news watching.


That's probably all you need to do

This message was edited 6 times. Last update was at 2021/10/09 06:58:15


Old World Prediction: The Empire will have stupid Clockwork Paragon Warsuits and Mecha Horses 
   
Made in au
Regular Dakkanaut



Tallarook, Victoria, Australia

Its not the tech its the people behind it
   
Made in us
Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!






 Overread wrote:

...
I don't think, unless you already live an offline life, that its good to go cold-turkey in general. A lot of businesses, banks, shops and general information runs through the net now and whilst you can access a lot offline; its more of a hassle; can sometimes take a long time and for some things might require a lot of driving around (ergo burning fuel) to find places that "might" have what you are after etc...


That sounds a bit suspicious to me, as in, its a bit too close to the often parroted narrative I hear people resorting to as an excuse to keep sticking to their online habits. IMHO much of it might end up being imagined FOMO, therefore I recommend trying it IRL before discounting it as a viable alternative.

Or are you talking about not using online services at all, regardless of client device? That's becoming impossible I'm afraid, banking etc basic sociecty infrastructure (bus tickets etc) have elvoved to a state where you will be cut off from certain basic functions. I don't see any problem with using online services for purely functional things, such as reserving a doctor's appointment, handling banking duties, GPS etc, using those will not fill anyone's head with redundant noise too easily. For most of those things, you do not need to own a smartphone either, you can even use internet cafes / public library terminals in a stretch.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2021/10/09 10:54:49


 
   
Made in us
Humming Great Unclean One of Nurgle






I've taken a week off before, it was nice. Obviously still had my phone for people to call/text and still checked my email so if anything serious came up I would know. It was a good 'vacation' of sorts and I'd reccomend it to others though obviously the experience is very subjective.

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I chose an avatar I feel best represents the quality of my post history.

I try to view Warhammer as more of a toolbox with examples than fully complete games. 
   
Made in us
Battlefield Tourist




MN (Currently in WY)

I have, and it is good.

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Made in gb
Fresh-Faced New User





Thanks for the info dude
   
Made in gb
Highlord with a Blackstone Fortress






Adrift within the vortex of my imagination.

I do not own a mobile phone anymore and I find it liberating.

n'oublie jamais - It appears I now have to highlight this again.

It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. By the juice of the brew my thoughts aquire speed, my mind becomes strained, the strain becomes a warning. It is by tea alone I set my mind in motion. 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





Denison, Iowa

I only got a smart phone 6 months ago, and relied on a dumb slider phone before that. Why? Because I loved being able to fit my phone in my pocket. I loved that it didn't have an exposed touchscreen to crack. It had a battery that would go 14 days between recharges. In 2015 I got five of them, new, on ebay for $45 for my wife and I to share. I literally forgot to take my last one out of my pocket before taking the kids swimming. I was more worried about lost texts than the phone itself.

One of my life goals is to eventually make a rustic weekend retreat cabin somewhere that is almost off-grid. No cable, no internet. Just fishing, hunting, fire pit, and a mid-sized TV with an antenna and Blueray player for occasional relaxation.
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






I think it’s like anything meant to be a bit of fun which can become problematic.

For instance, computer games are ultimately pretty harmless. But, if you’re staying up into the wee small hours playing, you might need to dial it back (especially if it starts interfering with your other life commitments, whatever they may be to you).

Booze? Kinda the same. Whilst I suspect most people drink more than is recommended, Problem Drinking is again when it takes greater priority. This is something I’ve been working on. I no longer got to the pub on a weekday, unless I’m doing the Thursday quiz.

Social Media? If it’s a constant distraction, and impinges on your aforementioned other daily commitments, it’s time to dial it back and get more in control.

Social Media is of course the baby of that bunch. It’s still pretty new as such things go. Whilst I’m glad I grew up entirely without it, I think kids who have or are growing up with its presence might be better off for it. Certainly the online world offers a wealth of benefits. You just need to learn about the pitfalls (data security, privacy settings, how to parse the vast amount of information) and go in eyes open.

For example? My mate’s eldest is quite active online, doing stuff like Roblox and that. My mate is fully aware of the pitfalls and dangers (we never truly know who is on the other keyboard). Simple solution? Private servers. When the girls and their friends are online, he’s there, with their knowledge and consent, just keeping an eye on it. The digital equivalent of parents in the street taking turns to keep an eye on the kids playing.

Kid is quite happy with that arrangement, and the other parents are likewise grateful. Because as adults, we’re (hopefully!) a bit more adept at spotting oddness of behaviour etc.

We also see this in the Conspiracpshere (an interest of mine). Basically, it’s fairly unusual for a young person to get caught up in them. By no means unheard of, but they’re a minority demographic within conspiracy theories. That’s not to say the kids are by default smarter than older folk. They’re just more used to checking out claims, because they’ve been taught that’s what the inter webs is for at school. It’s a skill that’s just been part of their education. It’s also entirely possible that their young minds are less Set In Their Ways, and so simply less invested in finding support for whichever view.

   
Made in in
[MOD]
Otiose in a Niche






Hyderabad, India

For me the Internet is like eating candy for dinner every day.

It's not bad in and off itself, but the instant access to ANYTHING you want is too tempting.

Mostly I do stuff like go on business trips with "only" my phone and laptop leaving the tablet with its infinite videos and games behind.

 
   
 
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