Would it be worth it to stop using the Internet? (lemmy.world)

submitted 9 months ago by nodsocket@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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We spend half our lives online nowadays and it's obviously causing damage to our health. Do you think it would be worth the benefits to stop carrying a smartphone and to disable the WiFi at home?

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[-] gzrrt@kbin.social 15 points 9 months ago

I'd say no, the benefits vastly outweigh the drawbacks. But yeah, it's important to have enough discipline to get outside and do plenty of stuff that doesn't revolve around the internet

[-] sxan@midwest.social 5 points 9 months ago

I think I disagree. The benefits of portable internet are negligable, but the harm is significant.

Opioids are popular, too, and have significant benefit as well. There are a lot of parallels than can reasonably be drawn between smart phones and opioids.

The internet, in general, is a net good; it's the accessability to that dopamine button controlled by corporate interests that tips the scales for smart phones. IMHO, of course.

[-] gzrrt@kbin.social 3 points 9 months ago

I have to navigate my city's public transit system every day, so mobile internet has been a game changer for me personally. Thanks to that I'm able to check live arrivals and see which station it makes more sense to walk to in my neighborhood, or figure out exactly when where to switch lines (also based on live arrival times), etc.

Having access to streaming music doesn't hurt, either. IMO it really just comes down to not installing dopamine slot machines (e.g., basically any social media). Keep the thing simple and utilitarian

this post was submitted on 28 Jan 2024

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