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This feels like a problem for people who are only just recently discovering the wonders of tech. I was obsessed with programming and PC games as far back as I c

This feels like a problem for people who are only just recently discovering the wonders of tech. I was obsessed with programming and PC games as far back as I can remember, and the social cost of spending hours staring at screen became obvious to me long before I reached high-school. These days, the ubiquity of internet gadgets does not phase me at all. I can put down an iPad just as easily as I can shut off my playstation. I developed the discipline to manage my electronic addictions as a teen because I quickly discovered it was impossible to spend 14 hours a day glued to a screen while also maintaining relationships with those who wanted to go to the movies or hang out and listen to music. As an adult, the pathway for breaking away from electronics is so well worn that the idea of choosing e-mail over human intimacy seems comically absurd. This is not to say I no longer obsess over new toys, but my brain has learned to supplement the happiness I derive from positive social interaction with the knowledge that all the cool gadgets I relish are patiently suspended and awaiting my return, following a fulfilling day (or night) of time spent with those I care about.

heretohelp 14y ago
I grew up as a kid programming and playing video games. I developed the same immunities I think. The idea of giving up basic human relationships and intimacy for technology is nuts.
- Moto7451 14y ago
  Ditto. I started tinkering with computers and other electronics when I was maybe 10 years old and I feel that it has given me an immunity to getting sucked in hard to the latest crazes out there. I also try to only go on Facebook and other internet dens maybe once per week just to check for messages and see if anything interesting is going on. I can't stand the idea of being tied to the internet by the hip. I'd rather spend my "down" time doing things of a more analog nature to balance out the 60 hours per week that I'm either at work or working on personal tech stuff. That said, HN is a little harder to stay away from.... :o)

heretohelp 14y ago

I grew up as a kid programming and playing video games. I developed the same immunities I think. The idea of giving up basic human relationships and intimacy for technology is nuts.

Moto7451 14y ago
Ditto. I started tinkering with computers and other electronics when I was maybe 10 years old and I feel that it has given me an immunity to getting sucked in hard to the latest crazes out there. I also try to only go on Facebook and other internet dens maybe once per week just to check for messages and see if anything interesting is going on. I can't stand the idea of being tied to the internet by the hip. I'd rather spend my "down" time doing things of a more analog nature to balance out the 60 hours per week that I'm either at work or working on personal tech stuff. That said, HN is a little harder to stay away from.... :o)