Published on 12, July, 2020
Was the world better without it?
I love the 'information superhighway' as it was once known for information and connection.
I grew up having to walk to libraries (using microfiche or books) or read newspapers and magazines if I could afford them, for my information, especially current affairs.
TV was sometimes available but the limited channels gave a narrower bias than these days.
I was dependent on 'experts' like doctors for diagnoses (or the occasional book written by these 'experts').
A lot of walking around shops to be done too (which of course the internet is killing).
There was also the option to ask people questions and try to sift their sometimes dubious replies.
However, it facilitates crimes to a rather horrendous level.
It also isolates people and childhood appears to have drastically changed because of it.
What do others think?
Yes and no! Like so many things - it’s not binary. I think the way it connects autistic people on here for example is so wonderful. I adore YouTube. Having said that personally I feel fortunate to have had my childhood in a pre-internet age - it was simpler and I had time to daydream and play outside in nature so much. The internet is a mixed blessing. Also - I now feel I would really struggle if I ‘lost’ access to the internet- I feel a bit dependent on it. So that’s an issue, because it’s not entirely in our control to always have access to it. I’m very glad to also have access to the books on my shelves - in case one day I can only access those and not the internet. And it definitely steals so much of my time! And keeps me up late at night!