…only for a day or two? Do you think it would be a bad thing? Would it be so awful to unplug from the Matrix that is the Internet by not checking your email, not logging onto Twitter or Facebook, not giving Google a second glance, and turning off the Blackberry? Have you ever thought about taking a break from the Internet and technology in order to give yourself a rest? Could there be a healing factor?
Recently, I came into contact with a woman who said that since she has banned the Internet from her life, she has been happier and healthier. So much so that she decided to get rid of her Internet in her home and no longer has a smartphone. She said unplugging was the best thing for her—and potentially, it could’ve saved her life.
This woman did not want to be identified on this website, but wanted me to blog about the topic of disconnecting from the Internet and technology to get in touch with one’s inner self. “I don’t miss the Internet one bit. When I was online, I was on edge, always waiting for that next email, that next text. Now, I don’t have to do that. If someone wants me, they can phone me on my house phone. Or they could stop being lazy and writer me a letter.”
I thought about this. Could I completely unplug from the Internet and from technology, even for a day or two? In October, I did a complete Internet ban and didn’t Tweet or Facebook for two weeks. I can tell you that even though it was weird, it was also kind of enlightening. She is right that when you unplug, you aren’t waiting for that next tweet or Facebook message or status update. Of course, I only survived doing this for two weeks. Once I logged back in, I was in hook, line, and sinker, and shortly afterwards, I began working on this very blog.
Why, if I unplugged from the Internet, I couldn’t blog or write! My message couldn’t be sent and my voice wouldn’t be heard, not in this form anyway. Unplugging from the Internet would mean my voice would go silent.
I personally think that a day or two without the Internet is a good thing. We all should take a short sabbatical every once in awhile so that we stay sharp, on our toes, and refocused. Sometimes the Internet waters can get murky and it can be time for withdrawal. Even for a few hours or so.
What do you think? Have you ever thought about unplugging from the Internet and technology? No iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, or Google? Sound off guys! I’d like to hear from you!
I was going to write about this. I'll be taking a trip and I'll basically be unplugged. I will have my blackberry but no internet connection to my laptop. I said I would finish writing my book I started 10 years ago!
I'm a blogger, I'm a writer, I like my voice to be heard. It's my outlet. One or two days and on occasion a week but forever? No not forever, I just couldn't do that.
You and I agree. I think unplugging for a day or two every so often is a therapeutic thing to do.
I've been thinking about doing this for a while. Like you and Afreshmusic, I'm a blogger and writer, and I feel my voice won't be heard if I unplugged for a really long time.
I felt so lost when my computer had a virus, and I also feel lost when I see the fail whale sometimes Lol. But I do plan to unplug fourth of July weekend; we'll so how that goes…I'll probably blog about it…Great question.
I would like to read your blog to get your take on it. I could unplug for a day or two. More than that would be a problem! LOL
1. I'd have to see you unplug to believe it. Wouldn't that involve surgery to get your crackberry removed from your hand? O_O … sounds expensive.
2. I do this all the time, it's how I stay sane (and by sane I mean in the most relatively crazy way possible without institutional involvement).
I never said I unplugged from my BB! LOL. Just from the Internet and social networking. My emails and personal contacts via texts were still being used. I hardly doubt, though, that I would be able to detach myself like that again for an extended period of time.