Information overload...

With today’s technology, we can check our e-mails, surf the web, chat with friends on the net and mobiles, and watch TV at any given moment. On top of swallowing up our time and attention, all this connectivity is changing the language we use (as well as our spelling!) and the way we eat. And that’s on our free time! All information overload (not to mention waist overload for sitting down too long!).

We’re all caught in an artificially created and personally tailored world of technology, beyond the real world outside. Is that what we really want?

I try hard to allot times to work/computer and my free time away to enjoy with friends and the real world rather than a virtual one. What about you?

 

I Fish; Therefore, I Am ...

Steve

 

LauraR, the post isn't against technology. With my work, I would be spending more work hours without it.

The post is more about the amount of free time spent on it. You spoke of balance which is what the post is about. How many balance free time between the real world and a virtual one.

Cheers

LS

 

Honestly, i spend 12 hours a shift in front of a computer. I do try to limit my PC time at home, but it seems more and more that I need to get online for this that and the other thing. Heck, I base a lot fo my self promotion for my hair business online and have to constantly update that.

Although, I have been known to go a couple dys without touching the PC at home, i just got a laptop with wireless, so that means I can check in when I am not at home.

Ah well, such is life I guess. Although, when I am working (volunteering) at parks as an EMT, I am AFK.

~C

 

Much time you spend is work based, i.e. either on shift or self promoting your hair business. These are necessities. That's different to manner of personal free time spent in balancing life in the real world vs the virtual world.

 

I play Bass guitar in a couple of bands so a lot of my free time is spent either practising or socialising with my band buddies instead of on the pc.

I leave work at work, where it belongs :major

 

It's funny, when I am at home, I have so much to do around the house, that unless I am caught up and just doing laundry, it is a lot harder to be able to justify sitting down for some fun surfing.

Mind you, I love to surf to keep up on what's going on and the latest trends and such, but it gets harder and harder to be able to free up the time. Of course, the other half is out of town for the rest of the week, which means I will likely spend more time surfing..LOL


~C

 

Just because I could...... posting from the bathroom


~C


Have a great day!!

 

roflmaoroflmao
I'm now reading while peeping between my fingers:innocent

 

My computer is a tool, one I also enjoy. Currently I'm using it help draft PC boards for an electronics project I'm working on. I could do this without using the computer, but guess which way is more effective, plus I can share the results of my work after I'm done.

I was nominated unanomously as the chairman for DeMolay year book ads, as I wasn't there to defend myself. I saved my organization money by using my computer and preprocessing the adverts.

So my answer in short is, hell yes, give me more! I was using computers long before 99% of the population, and when I die I will still have several somewhere stashed around. If I live long enough they will likely be internal, cyborg style. I love them, love the stimulation, love working on them. When I was a teen they didn't have them, but 8080 chips had just came out, and I was trying very hard to figure out how to build one. When the TRS80 came out I established credit by borrowing money to buy one. My only regret is the brand, I could have had an Apple or Commodore, but it was still fun.

 

Hey Bill_Marsden, you sound like a long time friend of mine who utilises personal free time with technology in a most constructive and productive manner. He gathers unwanted s/w and h/w to build PCs which he then donates to charities; and mentors/teaches young people on their use in his own time. So he mixes personal time in the real and virtual world in a most commendable way.

 

I am not an educated person. I spend alot of time having taught myself how to use the internet to search for knowledge. Dont know if this answer is correct or not but I try to teach my freinds how to search the web for answers. And also just plain fun. I have learned how to keep my p.c. running smoothly here at major geeks. and pass the word. I find myself spending more and more time on here because there is so much to learn.

 

Internet is a great tool for learning and gaining knowledge and it can open the world to those who are limited by four physical walls. My major use is for research and as a flexible work aide.

Sites like Major Geeks is great also for support on problem solving, while learning.

With such long hours using different aspects of technology for work, I still like to put it aside for real time in the real world with real people. But that's me.

Cheers:wave

LS

 

I concur, but up to a point. The problem isn't 'Information Overload', as Knowledge is power, according to a prominent German University’s engraving on the doorstep, but as you alluded to, the choices that we make in selecting what is relevant; to our needs - whether it be entertainment, or whatever.

Life is all about choices. I choose to be active about 20 out of 24 hours, because I can function perfectly on three or four hours sleep (don't ask me how, I've always been like that <shrug>). I've saved 5hr/day right there. The next sacrifice is T.V. unless there is a really GOOD Documentary or movie on, (and I have the time), that's a non-issue for me. I've now save another 3-4 hr per day.

For example, I was building furniture and the computers at 3:00a.m. But then again, some would say I’m eccentric, maybe even 'weird'. Who am I to ague, LoL!

That said, I also like to go for drives in the country (about 15 mins from my joint). Picnics walks in the State Forrest are fine. Then there's my own gardens and so forth. Fishing, I admit, I haven't done for a few years. Heck, I even invented a synthetic bat that works on nearly all species and needs no refrigeration. Be on the lookout for it in the stores, if I ever resurrect that project again [read A,K.A. Lazarus of the fishing Dept, LoL].

 

I would not like my kids to spend to much time on the net, but then again it is the future , Im torn between their need for knowledge and plain ole excercise!

 

Phantom, knowledge is power (evident from type of work one can do based on skills learned), and btw that has always been one of my favourite mottos.

Information overload I refer to imo, applies to those who allow/use personal free time by living in a virtual world which isn't personally constructive or productive or necessarily beneficial. But then, to each his own. *shrug*

And life is all about choices just as those who choose how to use their personal free time by:

• living in a virtual world for whatever reason;
  
• while others control the balance of both real world and virtual;
  
• while others again as myself want to "switch off" to fully enjoy personal free time with friends and the beauty of nature.

In my simple opinion, I believe balance is the key with free time...particularly when it comes to kids. Friends encourage and wonder at their kids abilities with today's technology, but they also ensure their kids balance time between real world (by being active) and a virtual world.

 

I think that Matacumbie said it all in his post.

 

Oh yeah.... I love wandering around the house with my laptop.


~C

 

Oh Lord Calltaker, now I have an image of the laptop strapped around your neck and a monkey on your shoulder with a cup....roflmao

Seriously though, wireless with laptops are great....I use mine wherever and in Summer I like sitting outside on the decking overlooking the garden with my laptop....sweet!

Cheers

LS

 

Funny you should mention that, building old computers from parts to empty out my back bedroom has been an ongoing project, when I have time. Can't find anyone to take the old stuff though, people hear old computer and decline, but I have several available.

DeMolay we try to mentor the kids (12 to 20), but mostly just in the form of giving them a safe place to hang out and be with other guys. If scouting is related to military training (loose analogy), then DeMolay is political. Clinton was a DeMolay, although a lot of my buddies deny (personally I think Bill was a good president who could have been great if he could have kept his zipper up). Too bad more organizations don't try to teach future polititions ethics.

I have built a machine pro bono for a friends son in the military, threw in an old FM/TV tuner card and DVD ROM under the theory that his personal space was going to be tight for a while.

Just not enough hours in the day for everything, but somehow I always have time for the keyboard.

 

LEGALSUIT: You sound as if we spend too much time in the (Virtual)?? World of the Computer than in the real world. I thank God for this real world of the Net and MG. 10 years ago I was completely ignorate of the REAL world of the Computer and the Net. Having bought my first comp in 2001 and having to learn on my own how to turn it on I have come a long way to learn about this "INFORMATION OVERLOAD". If it were not for this Form at MG I would still be in the dark about the "artificially created and personally tailored world of technology" as you describe it as not in the real world. I thank God for what I learn from this INFORMATION OVERLOAD. I must admit my wife thinks I spend too time on the computer than with her sometimes. That is a problem that I am working on.

I want to thank everyone at MG for helping me in the past w/ my problems. God Bless everyone.:wave

 

That sounds so nice. Our back yard is crunchy to step on, having it tilled next week. What to do after that is still in the thought process. would like a cover of some sort, summer here is like being on the sun. Maybe lots or water features and rocks, fire resistant plants
About my time spent on the computer, I'm on every time I do a breathing treatment. Come here, play games on another site. I never was one to sit, nervous energy I guess. Oh music, can't get enough music.

 

Personally I average 12-16 hour days - a mix of client interface with high computer activity with documentation, on the net for research and to keep up with legal changes. "Switching off" is my way of mental relaxation and getting in some physical activity for some balance.

Sites like MG are particularly useful for technical support/learning (which I have thanked MG for in the past), and I also use it as a "temporary switch off method" with the Forums while working. But once work hours are over then I switch everything off. Matacrumbie put it neatly in his post:
"I fish; therefore I am That's his outlet. What's yours?

Even you noted that excess computer time is "a problem that [you] are working on"!

 

Hey Darlene, your climate is similar to ours. With water restrictions, down here people aim for hardy plants that also provide shade and succulent plant types. You can have some fun planning/working on your garden - I find that relaxing.

Breathing problems can limit physical activities, but you certainly know how to switch off for R&R with a balance of computer interaction and music. I believe you enjoy Blues music...that's in my list of music likes...Billie Holiday being an old favourite.

 

Legalsuit: Sounds like you need all that "Information Overload" for the work you do. As for me I am disabled and find the comp as a way to pass the time away. My wife works while I draw my pennies. Now the grandchildren want me to talk to them via AIM & webcam. Just got into that this past month. I try and spend my nites w/ wife watching TV. :wave

 

If I were in your position, I'ld be doing same. Living in such a lovely place like Florida, I hope you also get/take the opportunity to enjoy just being outdoors to take in what Mother Nature offers.

Cheers:wave

LS

 

Funny how an inanimate object can have such an effect on us if down. Me...I get annoyed and won't stop until I have things back up and running. Then I smugly turn it off. Guess I'm a bit of a control freak when it comes to computers. They turn off when I want them to!LOL

 

Hope you've been to bed last night, and just starting early today, LS. Bazza

 

We moved here a while back when we both could not work any more, my lungs and Dan (my man) LOL with a knee replacement that didn't work out. Don't want to scare anyone about replacements, most do, the leg he had worked on had 9 previous surgeries. Heavy construction was his line of work. Came here because it was affordable (like most hell holes), not just the heat, the whole town is 20 years behind the times. Thought it was nostalgic at first now it's just annoying.
Thanks for the garden tips, looking forward to walk outside.

 

Funny, more I read, the more I realize that I use my computer for a lot more than I realize. Things I never really think about, like making custom music mixes, playing with grafx work and stuff like that, not even online type stuff.

I do a lot of writing and such too, and prefer Word to pen and paper (easier to fix mistake and I can red what I type and opposed to my handwriting.)


~C

 

Yep, one of my fav. mottos, too, and so true.
People think that I'm some sort of 'genius'. I don't think so, but I do use my time, what I term constructively. When they go to bed at night, I'm still thinking. When they get up in the morning, I've already been thinking for hours. That's the main difference. Sure, i could have watched four hours of 'soapies', and gone to bed for 10 hrs, but I choose not to.
Like you said, whatever floats your boat, I guess. Quality, quiet time, people time, and nature also are high on my list of what I'd term as a ‘balanced lifestyle’.

I agree 100% with what you just stated, in the above post ^^^.

 

I've heard the Internet called the beast, and also heard speculation that it is how all eyes will see the second coming. We learned about "Future Shock" in high school in the '70's, information overload. The ability to get news instantaneously and communicate with almost any place on the planet has made our world a lot smaller. I am also aware of people becoming addicted to online games and literally losing their lives in pursuit of an imagined goal. While still for others it is their only way of seeing the world and interacting with it. So it is a double edged sword, it is a godsend for some, and damnation for others. I hope I am closer to the former, or at least near the bit in the middle.
Bug
:tas
:crap

 

Technology is great...no argument there. A singer friend of mine uses it to her advantage as well with great results.

I also find many benefits with using Word with the load of documentation I go through (great as a search tool as well! - but still go the old fashion route for spelling and grammar though! Especially given what can slip by Spellchecker! Gotta admit though that when it comes to certain personal moments, I will take pen to paper...I find that extra special in getting a message across.

 

Funny how people put interpretations to anything and everything. Personally, I like to think that I can "control the beast" I use it for my convenience and yes, for time efficiency, communication and immediate information it is a "Godsend" (I shudder to think of doing same hardcopy!)

Today's technology is also wonderful for those with certain limitations to have access to the world at their fingertips.

But it is soooo nice to have the ability to "switch it off" at my will! I like having that control

 

...Bottom line is - at the end of the day, the computer is a tool, rather powerful one but a tool none the less. Like all tools, I control the computer, it doesn't control me, and as a consequence, I'm only too happy to find other, 'real things', and real people to be with/do. That said, I've made some very good friends whether via the net, or just folks I've helped out, but computer related. Some on this very Forum.

But annoying at times, if I'm at a party, or some such, and once they ask the inevitable question "What do you do for a living?", all of a sudden, they have little 'jobs' for me. I end up telling them, "I'm off work a.t.m., and it will cost them $85-$125/hr + parts + callout (>=$50.00-$100). They usually get the hint and change the subject pretty quick. Then there these that still want it done any. Ah well, in that case it's more money in the bank, then. People in genuine need is another story. If they really need something done, and can’t afford to, or live alone and need the outlet, I just usually give them some spare equipment and set it all up for free. Sometimes bulk shipments go out to various third world nations. Amazing what one cheapo, solar powered laptop does for a whole village in Zimbabwe and places like that. So what I’m saying is that others benefit, too. There’s advantages to being a ‘Geek’, eh.

The point to all this is this - Computers and the www, are a hobby that I enjoy, yes, but they’re also pay the bills, and allow me to live comfortably for (usually) fairly short hours. 'The beast' serves me (well until it misbehaves), then I'm on it all night until it co-operates again, LoL!

 

I spend most of my time on the computer, because the for really people IRL seriously piss me off, and I'm sick of putting up with their BS... I mean, why put up with that when i can be online with quality people like you?

I mean... duh.

But I like long walks in the woods. I just not activities that involve other people that I have to put up with.

 

Imagine how how great/grand parent felt during the the last technology revolution-theirs was industrial,witch was bigger than out computer revolution, its all a matter of our willingness to summit to change and evolve with the times

 

I like the 'Witch', bit! ...

 

Uh-Oh, good thing that man is mellow LOL Your feeling better then?

 

You're a talented lady when it comes to the work you do on computers Wenchie...so in your own way, you are are required to spend much time on computers, same as my work requires much computer work.

It is nice to get away though...even solo...for quiet walks in the woods...gotta admit, it's nice to have that break away. We have a lovely 6km walk along the shoreline here that changes view at every corner and pulls in Harbour views which I enjoy going solo...(too mean to share this particular walk with anyone when I'm "defusing"LOL)

Cheers

LS

 

I am soo jealous.

 

Yep, we have the National Park about 15-20 mins. Anyway, then there is 300,000 mile of outback (in this stat alone if you’re that way inclined.)


~~~ ~~~ ~~~

That said, on the bad and sad side, I had a very close friend die near the outback town of Meekatharra fifteen months ago. That, and me not being a local, has been a big turn-off for me doing anything too adventurous, nowadays. (The incident is well documented on the net and international news if anyone is interested. I'm not posting any links or discussing it, as frankly, I don't want to go there, in any sense of the term.

 

I'm not probing mind you, well maybe a little, the name that dominates is Steve Irwin

 

Where Steve Irwin died is a very long way away from Meekatharra, probably like New York to Chicago distance. Bazza

===

 

More like Chicargo to L.A., or something Bazza (3K miles), but yeah.

No, it wasn't Steve's family, although I have several contacts with them.

The person concerned, I had to identify the body, after it had been in the sun for four days. I've seen bodies before, but it wasn't pretty in sight or odour, trust me.

Like I said, folks can do their own www search, if they're that interested. I'm still getting over it, so I consider the subject closed.

 

Oh so sorry, I had put in the name of the town and there were so many deaths related to it plus like every fifth one was Steve's. Thought perhaps was his home. I won't ask any more.