The Internet is becoming a distraction

I used to like the Internet. A lot. It was magical. It was instant. It was everywhere. It connected everyone and everything.

Changed my mind. I still like it. But the magic is gone. It’s still instant and everywhere. It still connects me to all and everything.

And it’s annoying. I miss the good old days of the 1990’s and before when people actually talked to and connected with each other.

Too many baby pictures, too many (too) personal updates and tweets, too many status updates from people I met once and way too many pet pictures. OK, I like to know what my friends are doing. But I’m drowning in trivia and starving for real connections.

I got your tweet about the great lunch salad you just finished, and you’ve now shared 214 photos of your cat with the world. I know where you shop, where you hang out and the last 15 places you went on vacation. I even know where you got your last oil change.

But I don’t know how you are doing.

Do you like salad? Is your dog your only friend? Do you like to shop? And was your vacation enjoyable?

I don’t know. If I were to meet you in person it could be awkward. I’d have to stop and look up your FB profile to know what to ask you. It might be better to text you. But then, I’m only perpetuating the cycle.

I think I’ll try calling a friend to see if we can get together.

Got his voicemail. I’ll send him a text.

His response: Let’s get together next week. Send me an e mail and let me know your schedule.

I’m going to scream.