I made a pact with myself not to go on any form of social networking for 2 weeks. A seemingly impossible promise to keep, but as the days went on, it became easier and easier as I slowly grew out of my addiction for online communication. It went so well, and the benefits so outweighed the sacrifice (if there was any), that only now have I gradually returned to my normal level of internet usage.
The best way to explain my experience would be to compare it with new strings on a guitar. When you play guitar, the strings gradually get rusty in small increments that you don't notice. Then you realise you haven't changed the strings for 6 months. You spend 30 minutes equipping new strings, and your fingers instantly feel the difference. Every single note is easier to hit, every sound is more perfect, every melody rings truer than before. It's like that online. You don't notice the time you waste, the drag it has on life, until you change it up a bit.
The internet has obvious advantages for relationships. I can connect with my friends in Japan instantly, it keeps me organised with events and birthdays, and it can be a starting point for discussion amongst friends. But, if I'm spending over 2 hours a day, looking at a screen that is ultimately comprised of 0's and 1's? That's never helpful.
I was challenged to turn off online for a while, and I encourage you to do so too. God gave us so much more than just the internet, and it's about time we appreciated his other gifts.
Plus, it gives you a fail proof excuse in this connected world.
