I have been doing a lot of thinking today about how much time I spend sitting in front of a computer. With all of the social networking and online research that I do, I really don't venture out into the "real world" as often as I did when I was a younger man.
Being cooped up inside was like being in a prison back then. There was whole world outside to explore, and I was bound and determined to see and do "everything!"
And I did my share of experimenting. Well, probably less than my share because I'm pretty conservative by nature, and I have probably exceeded my expectations for experiencing what a normal person during an average lifespan should enjoy.
Now I seem content exploring from my kitchen table, relying on others to do the real living for me and patiently awaut for them to transmit their results to me via the Internet. It seems to be a satisfactory arrangement but it got me to thinking...
Has the entire world changed to this virtual way of experience, or is it just my tired and worn out body succumbing to old age and taking the easy way out?
Maybe I should go outside and see if I'm wrong?
Nah, it's too hot today. Maybe I'll consider doing it again in a few weeks when it's cooler!
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Richard,
It hasn't replaced anything for me, but it certainly has expanded the scope of my exploration.
Rich
Rich...
I just don't get out much anymore ... but I have been on this dang computer kick for about 30 years now. I think that it's a passing fad though. lol
I am thinking the same thoughts myself but pretty sure I will wait until it is cooler to go outside.
When I took my first look at the Internet in 1994, I said to folks, "This will change the world".
The world is still changing and it's getting smaller and smaller as the Internet brings more and more of it into my view.
All things considered, I have no regrets.
Of course, "they don't let me out much anymore" since many rely on my Internet presence. However, it's a trade-off I'll take.
As the world gets smaller, my view grows daily.
Richard, I think the world is changing. The other day I heard where children need to take vitamin D because they don't play enough outside to absorb it from the sun. Are they too busy playing inside on the computer? Maybe!
Richard,
I am thinking that the answer to the question, "Has the entire world changed to this virtual way of experience, or is it just my tired and worn out body succumbing to old age and taking the easy way out?", is really simple, the world hasn't changed all that much you are just wiser and have found a less exhaustive way to check it all out.
Richard, great post! It is true, I do not go outside nearly as much. The heat is killer! (That's my excuse this week). Add onto that skin cancer, poor air quality, and I think you get part of the reason people are inside much more often.
Add onto that HEY you can play TENNIS inside! How about GOLF? Fabulous! We do live in this virtual world so much of the time that I think the lines get blurred!!!!
Hi Richard,
Great post! And I agree with you. I think the computer has kept a lot of people inside, and has changed the world for many into a 'virtual' experience. But in their own way, I think TV, cell phones, video games, etc. are all doing the same thing.
Richard, Sometimes I do not want to look at this computer... I spend so much time on it. Great post.
It's a balancing act for sure! I am very active and social with my friends (offline) and still work a ton (offline) but sometimes (like last night) I get drawn in. I love facebook and how I can stay in touch with my family and get goofy with my sisters!
Edward...
OK so it's not just me! lol
Lenn...
Sometimes I think that we are related! ;)
Michael...
Now that would seem to indicate that there is some truth this this "virtual world" thing. Thanks for sharing that tidbit of info!
Don...
So you're saying that it IS because I am old? lol
Marney...
Those are EXCELLENT rationalizations. I think I'll use them if you don't mind! LOL and thanks.
Michael...
Wow, the "TV" comment is excellent ... seems like I heard THAT argument ... from my parents... 45 years ago! Very insightful, thanks.
I don't think you're alone in this observation, Richard. But what used to require us to read the newspaper, scour the files at the library, talk to neighbors ... now requires a few keystrokes and a click of the mouse. It's a wonderful progression in some ways ---- but scary as all get out in others.
Great thought provoking post. Thanks!
Hey Richard -- Interesting reflections. I just learned how to build my own firepit online last night, but I will be building the real deal in a month or so. I'm guessing this will allow me to spend more time outside, and learning how to build it online was an easy impetus. I have two kids who keep me busy outside, but perhaps when one gets older, the external motivations aren't there by default?
Hi Richard ~ You raise an excellent and important point. I have been really bothered by this in terms of what it means for our society going forward. The internet is fine for quick and easy access to some information but plenty is left out - it's a small fraction of what's out there if you actually need to do research (I shudder at the idea that everything can be found online because it's absolutely not so) and it's no subsitute for actual interaction and experience.
I particularly worry about kids being placated with online experiences rather than real world exploration - if I had kids there would be no computers - or electronic games or TV for that matter - until high school - and then it would have its place rather than be a constant companion.
I also lament the fact that so many of us walk around with a phone stuck at our ear - missing everything around us - and talking about what for goodness sake?!
Funny - blogging has actually got me out doing things and visiting places that I never took the time for before. That being said it does take hours that had to come from something else - at this point it's picking up the house, sleeping, and some reading that's been replaced - I don't think I could do this if I didn't live alone.
Glad this was featured! Food for thought before breakfast!
Liz
Richard-this summer this skin of my mine seen sunlight for the first time in a few years..the outside world is there for the taking..its beautiful..its awesome to experience and today I have a very different outlook at life. I love my computer...and the comfort of home but I realized I need more of the human to human interraction...meaning being face to face! These are great thoughts and very true for many..my hubby would be happy if it were he and his computer...for me...I need people around me..in front of me and beside me..and although I can get that right in front of my computer...its the smile I need to see...the warmth I need to feel and a handshake I need to experience!
Judi...
It is strange how much time we spend looking at the screen! THX
Renee...
I spend most of my FaceBook time playing games ... it is addictive, but fun! Thanks.
Carol...
Sometimes I miss searching through those deed books at the courthouse! THX
Do it Richard...break away and you won't have have that icky cooped up feeling. Of course it goes without saying, take your camera with you!
...go outside? Maybe when the weather is cooler. I have air conditioning and computers so I'm ok for now. :o)
"But tomorrow may rain so . . . I'll follow the sun."
There is a marked change in outlook and personality when one spends too much time online. Life becomes too inverted, too compressed. Equilibrium is necessary.
I want my clients and colleagues to know I am well balanced. And that means on frequent occasion, stepping away from the computer and getting out into public -- and nature.
Richard,
At least you are being proactively thoughtful in this post about how you are using this "tool"... its a tool, not a substitute for life. The effectiveness of the tool is dependent on the individual's expertise in applying it.
Scary for me is the internet/media are filters for many --- they view their world and form their judgements (solely) from the standpoint of these filters.. ie I know people whose won't believe anything past what "snopes" reports ... if its not on snopes no further investigation is required -- it must not be true; or, the poll I read where an unbelievable percentage of 20-25 yr olds (68%? 78%? -- I forget the exact number reported) relied on the "The Daily Show" as their primary NEWS source --- not entertainment, NEWS! Or that 90 some % of college freshman could not make a bed with two "flat" sheets ... unless they had at least one with sewn-in corners for a bottom sheet --- they couldn't figure it out, and sat down to wait. Or UPS recently built a new training center for their drivers that had experience stations ... trainees had to have a training format that they experienced or "walked through the steps" because they were unable to assimilate and apply the information from getting instruction in a classroom/lecture setting -- the younger generation needed a simulation (computer or othewise) to understand the information and apply it in practice. From that standpoint ... I find it very scary.
I think that online "exploration" allows us to meet up with people that live too far away to have regular face time with. There are definately benefits to being able to connect with your neighbor and someone that lives many miles away.
Turn the machine off...tuck away the mouse, head to the great outdoors ..camera in hand. That will keep you energized, sane, content. You have radiation poisoning from too many electrons from the LCD. You'll be fine with some killer coffee and some sleep. Hiking Baxter Park brings me around, gets my head screwed on straight again.
Interesting post Richard. Like you I spend A LOT of time in front of my computer and yes it enriches your life in many ways, but takes away from it in others. The question is to find a balance - and although I'm very disciplined about other facets of my life, that is something I struggle with.
Do I think it has anything to do with age? No, I don't. I'm glad I don't have to raise children in this environment, because I think it would be hard to find the balance there. I'm not big on denying children access to things, I prefer to teach sensible living, which is why I have very well balanced sons. I'm not a "do as I say and not as I do" kind of person and what I "do" right now is not something I would wish to pass on...Fortunately I don't have grandchildren yet, so I have time to work on that!
I am fortunate, I suppose, I don't find myself missing anything by doing "this". I go online at the times I used to watch TV or read magazines. I make a point of going out as much as I used to. I like to go in the office and get the latest, face to face. It's manageable for me and I love the associates in the "box" as much as in real life, as they say!
Richard: I get cabin fever if I don't get out and about at least once per day. I can't spend an entire day in the house, no matter if there is a computer involved. I love the social networking, but it is no substitute for face to face interaction with real live people.
Richard, you must get out a bit, you have the photos to prove it! I try to balance, but it is hard for sure. When I get home after a long day I am tired, so on goes the laptop and the TV. Life for me has changed over the past few months, but it is my camera that gets me out and exploring!
I think it's a combination of everything. We are getting older, the world changes and we have to change with it. I liked the was it was....not the way it is.
My grandmother always used to say...."everything in moderation!" The kids of today don't know about moderation. They want everything and they want it now... Sad to say, I think they've missed the good things that we were taught.
Patricia Aulson/portsmouth nh real estate
Richard, the computer is definitely addictive! I have to balance my time. Today I'm taking a break and going on AR early, but I am on the computer much of the day for business anyway.
Sharon
Richard - Old age, no! We embrace of what technology and the world wide web has to offer. My first experience of the Internet was in 1995 and since then I have embraced the information I retrieve at my fingertips in a millisecond. I love to get out to meet folks and socialize but most of my work and research is done with the help of the Internet - I don't feel that I'm a prisoner of my home.
Richard - I'm like you...way too much time spent indoors! When I stay out of the office and go see people, I am reminded of what I a missing!
Ricvhard:
Very thought provking. Like most here, I spend far more tim ein front of the monitor that I used to. Adn given what we can learn, see, adn explore on-line I see this as a major benefit in some ways. As a tremendous time saver.
On the other hand not experiencing the real world as much is not such a benefit, and I'm thankful that blogging and photography has actually encouraged more real world exploration than I might otherwise have done. While technology has simplified so many things, it has, at the same time, created a dependence. I suspect that will only continue.
Jeff
I remember being allowed 1 hr of television per day- That sounds reasonable, but in practice can be tough. Now you factor in computer time (social) and its virtually impossible. I know people who have tossed their TVs and become very productive. Now that I can watch MLB and Netflix on my computer, I might be able to tear myself away.
Get out into the world my friend, it's still there and it's just waiting for you to join it. I spend time working on the Internet as well, but sometimes you have to toss down that laptop and see what reality has to offer. Sometimes it sucks, but sometimes it's a thing of wonder. You can avoid the pain of loss if you never play the game, but you don't get to taste the victory either.
Richard, I have been thinking how much time you live in the virtual world too, and now that you yourself are starting to notice it I am worried about you. At least the dentist world is out there for you. Limit your time with virtual.
At least you don't spend hours upon hours playing video games like...some people I know.
My friend I would NEVER, EVER, EVEN CONSIDER calling the Enforcer old. Just remember that I didn't say HINT AT. LOL
It's just too flippin' hot outside right now, Richard. I live in a place where you have to plan your day by 9am or else suffer the heat that hits in excess of 110 degrees most of the summer days. :) Even swimming pools feel like bathtubs. But, you can't resist the lake. It's definitely the place to be. We tend to be more outdoor people here in Lake Havasu anyway.
Richard, I know how you feel. My old falling apart body is perfectly happy experiencing the world through my computer. In most cases I have "been there done that" anyway. Now I just want to be left alone!!!
I do feel we as a whole spend way too much time behind our computers or on our smart phones.
I'm right there with you buddy... and yes, the world has changed, and we have slowed down some, but the good news is technology has opened up the world to us... we can experience places, cultures and ideas that we might not have otherwise been exposed to.
We've been finding more time to spend outside away from the computer... it's all about balance.
Richard, that is today's challenge for sure. Screen time, outside time... I've been thinking about that myself lately. Yet, I love the virtual adventure that being online provides me... The biggest challenge for me has always been, "there's just not enough time!"
Richard, I have had much the same thoughts. While I am out showing property and attending meetings etc. I haven't been out rollerblading, walking, cycling like I used to do. I miss having a lazy day when I don't have to do anything...it seems between email and web 2.0 there is never a day off!
I had an awful thought, is the world getting bigger now that I have a 24 inch screen?
Yup . . . and then when you do venture out the courthouse incident occurs, ruining an otherwise perfectly nice day! Makes me want to crawl back into my hole too!
Yes, the world is shrinking, thank goodness there's still golf. Hooked up with a twosome this morning and one of them was, you guessed it, a real estate agent Lol...
Ha! I remember when kids came to school with bumps, bruises and tans....now when my nephew goes to school he has callouses on his thumbs and is white as a ghost. We have become a nation addicted to television, video games and computers.
I guess it comes down to what you want to do and having the discipline to carry it out. Do you really want to sit in front of the computer and live vicariously through others or do you want to live. It's your decision, no right or wrong way.
Richard,
Don't you wonder how people communicated or did business before the fax machine, cell phone, email, text messaging and the World Wide Web.
Richard, I couldn't agree with you more. I just replied to anothe posting about social networking and their use. I've always felt that the computer is just a tool and an enhancement to my business...not my complete business. I've seen other posts from people and wondered how can they do business if they spend all of their time on the computer? How do you go out and meet people if you play on the computer all day? Do your customers drop out of the sky? I was going to write a short blog about it. But then I thought better of it. As long as my competition is spending time in front of their computers they're not out their meeting and interacting with people...which pretty much leaves the field open to me. :-)
Richard,
Enjoy the weather!
In Toronto, it has rained every day for the last six weeks. We have absolutely crazy weather here right now. Never before have we come to the middle of august before summer started.
So, if you have nice weather.....enjoy..... otherwise, come up here and I'll take you out to lunch. We'll have to go inside, because no one can use the outdoor patios. All the seats are soaking wet. The sun pops out for 5 minutes, then it rains again.
Brian
You are getting old.... need to get out and experience life. You can sit by the computer when the bones really hurt
I think many of the youth today need to pry themselves away from their screens/cells and go outside to enjoy the gift we,ve been blessed with !!!
Virtual is ok, but realy life is a lot more exciting. I find at times, I have to remind myself to get outside and explore and enjoy!
I spend a lot of my time on the computer exploring in the evening when I probably wouldn't be out any way, given the kids, but I think getting outside more in the real world would be good for all of us.
Richard, I start in the morning reading my email and logging onto AR. Some days, I am on the computer tooooo long. I have to make myself turn off the computer and go outside.
Richard,
There was a time when your assistant sat in the office next to yours, not any more. The internet has revolutionized the way we do business we do not even have to travel to meetings they can be done online in your PJ's if you wish.
Good post very thought provoking!
Sharon
The LCD is a great conduit, but it isn't a replacement for the real world. I still love to get out and play...
Hi Richard. I would rather be outdoors so I schedule time... to get outside. I even schedule time when I read. It's so easy to want to watch TV or tinker around the computer. Sooo easy to get distracted.
We do spend much of our time in front of the computer screen and less and less in front of clients. We need to be aware of the impact of that decision.
Go sit in your beautiful yard under a tree, Richard. Your tactile senses will remind you why a screen doesn't compare!
Richard: Your posts are always insightful and I know the experience of communicating with others is rewarding. However, you may want to go out and hit a few tennis balls now and again. There is a whole world out there. Enjoy it.
I like reading your philosophical posts Richard. I think the whole social networking and electronic society is like anything else in life, it needs to be done in moderation. I feel sorry for those individuals who do not venture out much and actually interact face to face with people. It will be a sad world indeed when or if actual physical socializing becomes passe. Great post as always and best of luck to you.