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Internet Detox

I went on an internet detox this weekend. That is to say, I went camping. It was a much needed one too. We went to a place that has no signal on my carrier. This meant that I could not even really try to use the internet.

Chris' iPad uses a network that got decent signal which I did use to communicate with my parents so that they could come out to our campsite for a visit. Other than that five minute use though, I was free of the internet for about 60 hours.

I must say it was peaceful. I was with my children and my partner, so the only notifications I received were the important ones in realtime and face to face.

It meant that I had to find other things to do and talk to people without being able to look up the validity of claims. I would not want to do that all the time, but it kept conversation light and agenda free.

Our world grows evermore connected as we humans progress. From paintings on cave walls to the printing press to the ultra connected state the internet brings us to today, we sometimes take for granted how much less informed and less understanding of others we are without our connectivity. This weekend I was reminded of that. I think that taking oneself away from some of it helps to instill an appreciation for our ability to connect with others and all the positive change and understanding that comes of it. 

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