31 December 2024
Not too long ago, I dramatically reduced the amount of time I spent on my
smartphone by disabling my YouTube history, deleting all my social media
apps, and removing any games or apps that wasted my time. For someone who
lives in a somewhat isolated area, this was probably not a good idea. Those
apps provided me with a sense of community. It wasn't real, but that didn't
matter when it comes to one's need to connect with other people --even on a
superficial level.
As I implied above, I have no close friends nearby. I also do not share the
same interests as those who I work with, or those that live nearby. And
honestly, I have very little desire to form bonds over fishing, hunting,
and snowmobiling.
This leaves me with a little bit of a situation. Unplugging has left me
feeling better, without having my interests being manipulated by an
algorithm, and not being overburden with everything that's being gossiped
over on the mainstream. But that sense of connection to something more than
myself, which I thought I could live without, is leaving a void inside of
me.
I'm not completely out ideas, yet. I was hoping to be more productive with
my time, read more, and engage myself in more creative projects. All I've
been doing is binge watching movies to soak up the time. Imagine that. If I
want to get something out of my time, I need to put some effort into it.
Who knew? I have some ideas of what I need to do, and I'm very aware I need
to find a way to connect with other people --wherever they may be. It's
an ongoing project.
I would not suggest to anyone to follow my example. A more conservative
approach would probably be better, by limiting certain things in their
lives that causes them distress. I, for some reason, like punishing myself,
and I have no intentions to allow myself some leniency with the smartphone
apps. I know who I, and I know how easy it is for me to backslide on
commitments. I'll figure out a solution to this "crisis."
Until then, have a Happy New Years.
~j
--------------------------------------------------------
=> Ctrl-C.club page This content has been proxied by September (ba2dc).Proxy Information
text/gemini