Dear Ben:
You messaged me today to tell me you were quitting the internet. You sent a link to your explanation, and that was it. You’re done. Wow. I’ve heard this sentiment from a few people lately, and I’m amused by it. It’s as if the internet has failed you in some way, so you’re dumping it. Whereas I think the whole point is that it is what you make it. Somehow, people seem to have decided that we’ve reached the limit of our potential online, and it’s all been a big disappointment. Maybe these are the people who too easily confuse interacting online with real life. Maybe they’ve met too many individuals who aren’t what they seemed to be. Maybe they’re tired of waiting for porn videos to download, and just want to go back to the comfort of VHS instead. Who knows? It’s true that once you’ve been online for a long time, the novelty wears off. I know I hardly ever read anything on the web anymore except for my friends’ sites. I don’t have the time. But I rely on web-based services and my email like I do air and water. I shop, I bank, I keep my schedule, I communicate, I work. While I’m writing an email, I can be doing twenty other things at the same time, and I don’t even have to be wearing pants while I do it. While I’m on the phone, I can pretty much only clutch a tiny electronic device to my head, and maybe wander around the house. Or drive, although people aren’t even so thrilled about that anymore. The internet is about convenience and communication, and it frees up more time to do other things. Like go out with friends. And exercise. And learn. If it’s taking up every free moment of your time, then maybe you’re doing something wrong. Best of all, it’s my goddamn soapbox when I need it. So I think I’ll be sticking around for a while. Hi there!Jenni