Writer Proves You Can Survive Without the Internet for a Year - GoFuckYourself.com

Heath · 05-04-2013, 09:07 AM

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/tec...7#.UYJ24KKG0xu

Quote:

Did you really do it? Did you really avoid all parts of the Internet for a year?
Yes, with one exception. I was at the library trying to look for a book and I pulled up the card catalog and it turned out to be a website. I did inadvertently click a link, but as soon as I realized my mistake, I fled.

But yes, I avoided looking at people's screens all the time. Even when people tried to show me Instagrams on their phones I always looked away. I didn't use the Internet for a year.

What was the hardest part about it?
It was really easy to not load a browser or use apps and keep WiFi off, but when people tried to show me things -- funny YouTube videos or Instagrams -- it just felt really selfish of me. They wanted to show me something -- they weren't doing the experiment -- and it felt rude of me. They just wanted to share something with me, and I felt rude. That was hard.

When we talked earlier, you were finding out about other ways to communicate: the phone, telephone books, snail mail, etc. How did you get around not using the Internet?
A lot of those practical things never really became an issue. I went to the library a lot, but they don't really have books at the library anymore; they just have computers mostly now. I got a lot of letters but I never really got into the groove of sending letters. And then I used 411 a lot instead of the phonebook. I mostly just asked people questions. I really did learn you can get lots of great information from asking real people.

What did you want to accomplish in this year? Did you feel like it was a success?
I wanted to read a lot and educate myself. But then it evolved into an experiment where I could learn something about the Internet. I didn't really succeed, but I learned a lot. I got some reading done and some writing done, but I am not a transformed person.

What are you looking forward to seeing the most once you connect?
I want to see the big things I missed this year, the Internet culture that I missed. I also missed the people and connecting with them online.

Aside for business, could you go a year without the internet?

ErectMedia · 05-04-2013, 09:09 AM

fuck no

Sly · 05-04-2013, 09:12 AM

Could you go a year without electricity? Yes, but what's the point?

The Internet enhances my life. Some people allow it to pollute their life. Those people, even without the Internet, will simply find something else to pollute their life.

Use tools wisely and you'll be just fine.

helterskelter808 · 05-04-2013, 09:29 AM

I survived for quite a few years without the internet, before I heard of it and got online.

The Heron · 05-04-2013, 09:37 AM

Not much of a 'tech writer' if he's not online

fitzmulti · 05-04-2013, 09:40 AM

No. He may have proven that HE could do without the internet for a year.

05-04-2013, 09:09 AM	#2
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05-04-2013, 09:12 AM	#3
Sly Let's do some business! Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 31,319	Could you go a year without electricity? Yes, but what's the point? The Internet enhances my life. Some people allow it to pollute their life. Those people, even without the Internet, will simply find something else to pollute their life. Use tools wisely and you'll be just fine. __________________ Vacares - Web Hosting, Domains, O365, Security & More - Paxum and BTC Accepted Windows VPS now available - 3 months free for GFY members - 3 slots available Great for TSS, Nifty Stats, remote work, virtual assistants, etc. Click here for more details.

05-04-2013, 09:40 AM	#6
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05-04-2013, 09:29 AM	#4
helterskelter808 So Fucking Banned Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 3,405	I survived for quite a few years without the internet, before I heard of it and got online.

05-04-2013, 09:37 AM	#5
The Heron Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,487	Not much of a 'tech writer' if he's not online