4 ms·
My father was an early adopter in home computers, dial-up internet, and IRC communities. While we weren’t poor, our lives weren’t exactly laden with many luxuri
by throwaway284534 5y ago
My father was an early adopter in home computers, dial-up internet, and IRC communities. While we weren’t poor, our lives weren’t exactly laden with many luxuries. My father saw computers as something to learn from and use as an advantage that other people in our income bracket didn’t have.
And so I grew up with the internet, chatting on forums, instant messengers, and even MMORPGs. Aside from a few friends from school, my social network was online. People like me who grew up in communities that didn’t understand them whether they were nerdy, queer, or just non religious.
In my opinion, the Midwest is a cold, lonely place to grow up without the internet. I’m a queer agnostic narcoleptic without a drivers license —- AKA absolutely screwed for social connections in the Midwest.
I’m sure the author is speaking his truth. I just don’t think he can appreciate what technology has done for people that weren't served by traditional societies. The silence of an open field reminds me of how alone my home town made me feel. The silence of a church weighs heavy on the person considered most sinful. Some of us were born on the internet and our lives are better for it.
- dopidopHN 5y agoI share that sentiment, I think that particular internet you are referring to is gone, or at least for me, but it did provide connection and windows to other things for me as well.
- throwaway284534 5y agoIt does feel like that internet is gone, or at least in the rear view mirror. If there’s anything incredible about the modern web, it’s high definition video. Being able to watch shows with a group of friends over zoom still feels like magic.
- okareaman 5y agoWhat a great comment. Thanks for sharing. Self-driving cars may be in your future to enable you to get around freely.
- throwaway284534 5y agoThank you for the kind words. Unfortunately for the OP, I think the internet and real life will continue to blend together until it’s considered as natural as running water and electricity.
- jeegsy 5y ago> Some of us were born on the internet and our lives are better for it I think this goes without saying in that there was always going to be a minority of people who have benefited as you say and while I certainly sympathize with your specific condition, I think for the vast majority of people, the article better resonates with their experience.