topic Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else? in Among Friends

Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

SeaMaiden — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 13:03:29 GMT

Our Wi-Fi router died on Saturday....so we decided to switch from 25 years of dsl centurylink internet over to xfinty cable internet. We went to Best Buy and purchased a new router/ modem for cable... called Xfinity and switched over ....DH spent hours trying to hook the new equipment up...talking to CS on phone....etc. was NOT EASY...and he is pretty darn smart....FINALLY everything's working. Yea!👏👏👏

The two days plus on no internet was very traumatic for me...made me realize how addicted. I am to my IPad and computer...and my daily routine incompassing using them thoughout the day. Almost embarrassed to admit it...DH said I was VERY CRABBY😄 I told him, that if I was offered 1 million dollars 🤑for never using my iPad or computer again....I would opt to NOT take the Million dollars....

THAT is pretty sad.....😳

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

goldensrbest — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 12:57:13 GMT

I think there are many of us that are .

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

Carmie — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:48:15 GMT

I admit that I am on the internet more than I should be, but during the summer months, I go without service for weeks while at our summer place.

If it is not available, I adjust. I have had internet service longer than most people. I bought my first IBM computer in January, 1992. Back then I had to connect through my land line.

No one could call me after that. I was hooked.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

SloopJohnB — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 13:03:56 GMT

I think that many, if not most of us, are. Just by the pure fact that we are online reading and responding to these posts. It's pretty much a fact of life nowadays for us.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

Harpa — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 13:11:45 GMT

I wouldn't say addicted, but I am dependent on it. Especially since I teach on line classes. Even with face-to-face classes, tests and teaching materials are all out there, as is all of their records.

It's just a whole 'nother ball game.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

jlkz — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 13:16:05 GMT

@SeaMaiden

I don't know if addicted is the best way to describe your condition.

Once used, the internet connection brings the ability to touch our lives in so many ways:

ease of getting things done without spending a lot of time and errand running;

communicating quickly even if the other person isn't readily available to take the message;

researching information in order to make a decision; completing an education requirement for graduation / certification;

learning a new skill;

improving and expanding cooking ability;

relaxation / entertainment.

The ability to utilize the internet has embedded itself into our daily lives for good or worse. It is how you use it that determines addiction. Bottom-line question: what are you using the internet to avoid doing ? If nothing, then I don't see an addiction.

There are certain things I do at different times of the day that are internet enabled. Once done, then I go about my normal activities that aren't internet-dependent.

As I age, I will probably use it more to accomplish tasks that I can no longer do: grocery shopping, driving etc.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

Carolina925 — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 13:28:21 GMT

I don't think you're alone, I surely am dependent on it. I cut my cable a couple years ago and use Roku to watch TV, so am lost without it, especially in times of inclement weather where I need to get alerts. I also listen to my music being streamed all day long. The house can get very quiet when internet is down. My internet provider has just switched and I have intermittent periods where it goes out. When I turn on my computer in the morning and see there's no service, it makes me feel a lot worse than it should. I'm not happy that I'm dependent on it...but I am!

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

Another new name Sue — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 13:50:33 GMT

@jlkz very good and thoughtful post.

In addition, the Internet is a lifeline for people stuck at home for whatever reason as I was with an injury years ago. And for caregivers who can't get out much. I email with such a neighbor several times a day. It's a lifesaver for her. It made me feel connected with the world and I couldn't go out.

Can you imagine the last three years without the Internet?

I spend a lot of time on it, but I also spend a lot of time cooking, cleaning, exercising, running errands and more. My friend made a New Year's resolution to stop so much screen time, but I'm not making that one!

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

CAcableGirl2 — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 13:59:21 GMT

You are not alone. I am on the computer 90% of the time I'm at work and then another 30% of the time that I'm at home.

I really need to cut down on my screen time and be more active.

My DIL had "a day without cell phones" and my son commented that he really didn't miss it. Even more then computers, people are attached to their phones. Its just so convenient when needing information, directions, pricing, etc.

This generation has no idea on how it used to be without cell phones and computers.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

CatsyCline — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:27:43 GMT

@SeaMaiden you could just use your phone when there's a blip. whenever i went and stayed at my Mom's house i just used my phone. Mom never would have internet. Didnt understand the need for it.

we had an engineer neighbor in the early '80s who used dial-up for work when we had bad snowstorms.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

ScrapHappy — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:52:19 GMT

I am on my phone or computer a lot when I'm home. I was just on a week long cruise and didn't want to pay the almost $400 for their internet package so we all went without. I must say, I did very good and I actually didn't miss it.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

Shanus — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:01:05 GMT

I remember when there was a "threat" of these forums ceasing to exist. Many of us were devastated.

I have my routine of checking in here drinking my morning coffee and if possible during the day to see what's happening especially in the beauty forum.

We just were able to get Google Fiber after much digging in our area. It seems faster and reliable.

I do enjoy listening to music on You Tube while I relax or following recipes on Pinterest. I'd say Pinterest and YT are my weakness.

My IPAD travels with me and I "hook up" in my hotel room for an hour before bed. Yes, I know the "light" isn't great to induce sleep, but I like to catch up on news and local weather.

Biggie is I do most of shopping online.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

justashopper — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:15:11 GMT

Haha! I would take the million dollars, no question. LOL

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

Foxxee — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:28:51 GMT

I think the internet is one of the most important inventions, right up there with electricity and telephones.

Think about how it is used...banking, library, news source, education, shopping including groceries, entertainment, health care, how to repair something, how-to for many things.

It brings us all together where in the past we had no access other than the telephone to people throughout the country. Think about it. We are talking to people here from other states, learning about what they think. We can access other countries as well on other websites.

The internet is remarkable!

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

SeaMaiden — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:55:14 GMT

@CatsyCline wrote:
@SeaMaiden you could just use your phone when there's a blip. whenever i went and stayed at my Mom's house i just used my phone. Mom never would have internet. Didnt understand the need for it.

we had an engineer neighbor in the early '80s who used dial-up for work when we had bad snowstorms.

@CatsyCline yes, I used my DH's cell phone as I do not have a smart phone... just do not enjoy the smart phone... screen it too small. I like my big ipad screen and computer screen... bigger buttons

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

Icegoddess — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 17:13:49 GMT

Yes, I am addicted to both the internet and my computer. I'm with you @SeaMaiden about using the internet on my phone. I only do it if I have to.

Several years ago I upgraded phones specifically because my Dad was ill and he didn't have internet and the hospital's internet blocked a lot of sites. So, I got a phone that would act as wifi. I guess that's standard now, but not at the time.

Before Christmas, I ended up buying a new computer because my older one was having some issues. I could've taken it in for service, but I figured I would be without a computer for several days, and since it was an older model I took the plunge. I still took my older computer in and it's been over a week and I still don't have it back yet, so I'm really happy to have the new one. I do have plans for the old one, at least for awhile, after I get it back, and it will have a new keyboard which will make it more sellable if I do decide to get rid of it. Many of the keys had been worn off, so it was good that I'm a touch typist and didn't need to actually look at the keys to find letters.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

CelticCrafter — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:32:31 GMT

If we don't have an internet/wi-fi connection we don't get television.

I could get by without the computer but not the television.

We got rid of cable and stream everything now.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

chrystaltree — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:38:16 GMT

I think most people are like that. Access to the internet is a necessity now. We depend on it for so much.

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

Stormygirl — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:54:15 GMT

Until last year we had no cell phone service in my area living rurally. We had 1 main computer with satellite was all. Bought my first cellphone this past year but I’m used to not having one and often forget it’s here lol. Admit is nice to have in case of emergency though but I’m not addicted ……yet lol

Re: Addiction to the internet connection…any one else?

shoppingless — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 01:57:12 GMT

Yes, for sure. Recently was warned that my internet would likely be down for part of a day so I quickly downloaded a bunch of Netflix shows, just so I'd have something to watch just in case.