Internet Memes

You can find so many things on the Internet that make fun of the Internet.  It's great.  I think Carr would appreciate a lot of these images because they support his ideas.  However, I think it is important to take a closer look at some of these "memes" and think about them.  If the Internet didn't exist, would we find distraction elsewhere?  (All images have been taken from tumblr.com)

It’s true. Realistically, talking to someone you are quite fond of seems much more appealing than working on an assignment.  In this case, I don’t think the Internet is to blame for the problem, though.  My parents grew up in the ‘50s and said they spent hours on the phone; that was their biggest distraction.  The Internet is just another form of communication.

I do very much believe time spent on the Internet can interfere with exercising. It takes a lot of motivation for some people to hit the gym or go for a run (myself included at times).  Browsing the Web may just seem more convenient.  Maybe you tell yourself, “I’ll search exercising routines for the next time I go,” and continue to say the same thing each time you plan to go the gym. I’ve fallen in this trap myself.  However, once again, I don’t think the Internet is the only thing that could distract us from going to the gym.  I’m sure if we didn’t have computers, we would find another excuse.

For some people, the Internet may actually be impacting school, relationships, work, etc. Game addiction is a real thing, and I am sure Internet addiction is real, as well.  I do not think this implies we must blame the Internet for this, though.  Anyone could become addicted to anything.  Although Internet may result in addiction, it doesn’t mean it’s “bad.”  We have to know our limits; we have to know when to sign off for the night. 

Since the Internet doesn’t require much effort to use, I am on the computer before I go to bed.  Does it simulate my mind? Absolutely.  Do I have a tough time getting to sleep? Absolutely.  I’m sure TV could do the same thing, though.  Supposedly, young adults have a faulty circadian clock, which controls sleep cycles. 

Yes, yes, yes, and yes again.  Sometimes, I’ll be talking to a friend on some sort of online chat. When I say “Ah, I need to go,” sometimes he/she will respond with, “but I just need to tell you one more thing." Somehow, one more thing can mean fifty more things. Computers do seem to have a "voice" at times.  Once again, we must recognize our limits.