Are you done zapping yet?

Question

Do you remember when you used to watch TV just for the sake of it (if you ever did) and then started zapping through the programs, because there really wasn't anything worth watching?
My guess is that people are in communities like Y!A for the same reason: They have no idea what to do with their time.
I mean, of course, there are positive aspects to it, e.g. you are active in contrast to watching TV. But it is still far away from LIFE.

So my actual question is:
Do we still know at all what to do with our time?

If the internet broke down for a week, what would all those chatting, answering, downloading people do? Is it easy for you to make plans for the weekend, even if it's going to rain?
What does tradition mean in that regard? Was there more to do, let's say 50 or 100 years ago? Do we still have a life in that sense, or are we just lost within science fiction that became real, meaning that we do things because they can be done, but not because they make any good sense?

Is that an alarm signal for us of being overwhelmed by all the "new stuff"? And if it is, can you imagine any way for human kind to regain interest in real life, away from distraction, away from ignorance? What would real life be then? Or is this real life already?

Answer 1

what an observation. this question digs deep into the soul of our society. do you really want to know the answers to these questions. some of which are pretty obvious of course.
it's totally a given that a large part of our society are what i would call media drones, be it tv, or internet, it becomes a way of life and effects you accordingly. for better or for worse, i suppose it's different for everyone.

Answer 2

Do we still know what to do with our time.

I'll answer for myself and my family - definitely yes. yes, the internet is nice, it allows for a lot of things but we often live without it. It's one of the reasons likely why I don't hold a top contributor badge, because I am not and cannot be on here every day.

Was there more to do 50 years ago? No, just different. 100 years ago, definitely - ever tried cooking over a wood stove, cleaning a house, doing laundry without all the modern technology we have today, or even 50 years ago? There was plenty to do just to survive. And for the rich, there were plenty of social activities to do.

Who's we, BTW? Got a gerbil with you? I'm just waiting for other science fiction to become reality, like nanotechnology for medical use, and transporters - that would make my business even easier - just pop in a transporter with my stuff rather than drive several days across country.

I come online when I don't CHOOSE to do anything else, to have fun, to enjoy myself. Some days, some weeks, the internet is a bigger part of my life than others. Sometimes, I don't go near it for months at a time. It all depends on what is happening in my life and how I'm choosing to spend my time.

Answer 3

For me, this is as real as I can afford and can physically do.
I'm retired and handicapped. I had to sell my car a few years ago because I had a brain anuerism and the surgery left some bad side affects. My daughter comes over to take me swimming and my son takes me to church and out to restaurants. I get a really big charge out of going shopping at the supermarket because they have those battery operated carts. You get your joy where you can. I had 68 years of being a wife,mother and nurse. Now I'm enjoying having a life filled with my grandchildren and great grandchildren. I attended a family wedding last week and had a great time. I look upon the internet as a great diversion. It's cheap and legal and so far-not fattening. Beats bingo with the girls.

Answer 4

zap

Answer 5

I am procrastinating.