justing.net

Internet Fast

By Justin G. on 25JUN02MON

I am reporting back from my phone fast / internet sabbath, which was a success in several ways. Also iPad. I also put the iPad away and didn’t open it from Friday to Monday. It was an opportunity to notice how I was interacting with the internet by taking it away, and I’m glad I did it. I plan to do it again next weekend.

Some things that I noticed:

1. It was both a relief and presence, like making a new habit, to not turn to the internet or my phone so often. I formed space, and if there was something I wanted to look up, I wrote it down for later.¹
2. I allowed myself texting (fine), and phone calls (didn’t receive any), and YouTube. YT was interesting, some things felt not internet at all. A drawing lecture by a university instructor. Another video felt very internet and I resolved not to watch that type of material on the weekends again. I’d rather be bored.
3. In the morning, instead of reading my morning edition RSS feeds, I read a magazine. It was a breath of fresh air. It was curated, it was edited, it was just it’s own thing. Not relentlessly trying to get me to keep reading or consuming or otherwise steal my brain right out of my head.
4. It occurred to me to prioritize internet use like I only get one hour per day. I’m not likely to actually limit myself like that this week, but I could see it happening after a few detox weekends.

The internet has become such a tar pit. There is still good stuff there too, but it’s all mixed up with the less good stuff. Spending less time on it was good. You should try it.

Maybe next time I’ll disentangle the whole phone vs internet thing.

To Reply: Email me when you get back on the internet.