Dave Rupert articulated something in “Priority of idle hands” that’s been growing in my subconscious for years:
I had a small, intrusive realization the other day that computers and the internet are probably bad for me […] This is hard to accept because a lot of my work, hobbies, education, entertainment, news, communities, and curiosities are all on the internet. I love the internet, it’s a big part of who I am today
Hard same. I love computers and the internet. Always have. I feel lucky to have grown up in the late 90’s / early 00’s where I was exposed to the fascination, excitement, and imagination of PCs, the internet, and then “mobile”. What a time to make websites!
Simultaneously, I’ve seen how computers and the internet are a two-edged sword for me: I’ve cut out many great opportunities with them, but I’ve also cut myself a lot (and continue to).
Per Dave’s comments, I have this feeling somewhere inside of me that the internet and computers don’t necessarily align in support my own, personal perspective of what a life well lived is for me. My excitement and draw to them also often leave me with a feeling of “I took that too far.” I still haven’t figured out a completely healthy balance (but I’m also doing ok).
Dave comes up with a priority of constituencies to deal with his own realization. I like his. Might steal it. But I also think I need to adapt it, make it my own — but I don’t know what that looks like yet.
To be honest, I don't think I was ready to confront any of this but reading Dave’s blog forced it out of my subconscious and into the open, so now I gotta deal.
Thanks Dave.