On July 7th I completed an experiment based on The Verge. In that case it was a year long test without Internet. The Verge’s Paul Miller periodically wrote about his time disconnected and this influenced me to try even if it was only for a day.
My goal was to be totally disconnected from any telecommunications for 24 hours. At midnight on July 7th, I turned off my phone, disconnected my Internet and disabled my smart watch. The only way to reach me was to be physically where I was at the moment. No instant messaging, no social networking, no phone calls, no text messaging or email. I informed everyone of my “Purge Day” on all telecommunications for one day.
That day I had the following items with me:
- My wallet
- Notepad
- Pencil
- iPod Shuffle (non-Internet model)
- Nintendo DS (non-Internet model)
The change was immediate the first thing in the morning. Normally I read my email, check my messages, review my calendar, check the weather and check my social networking feeds right after waking up. This is followed by breakfast and Netflix. Instead I had to deal with watching a DVD of Duckman and not knowing what my contacts were up to at the moment. What a strange concept! For practical reasons it was necessary to do this experiment during my vacation. It would not be possible to perform my duties as a technician without the Internet.
Traveling Downtown
I chanced waiting at my Brampton Transit bus stop without looking at the times. Unfortunately, I only have online copies of those schedules and no access to real time schedule updates. It was a risk, especially when you can end up waiting an hour for a bus to show up. Luckily, the bus showed up quickly and I reached downtown in about an hour.
Lunch Time
I stopped by Subway and had a quick sandwich. Normally, I’d be glued to my phone as I ate, reading an eBook or browsing the Internet. Instead I looked around at my surroundings. Looking at the area, at people (glued to their own devices.) It was a good lunch and relaxing. Also ate just a bit faster too.
Baseball Game
That evening I went to a Blue Jays game. I walked up to the box office and purchased a ticket. I was really able to enjoy the game without distractions. No calls, messages or social networks bugging me. No urge to take pictures instead of watching what was happening.
Conclusions
At the end of my 24 hours with the Internet, I can say it was reminiscent of how life was years ago. There were less distractions, but less convenience. Of course I had alot of catching up when I reconnected, but it was relieving to be connected again. As with everything, moderation should used when it comes to the Internet.
