Wednesday, April 10, 2013

"I" is for Internet

I live on the internet.

I really do. I do it all on the internet. I have always been pretty computer savvy, but you don't have to be anymore for the things that are available to basically anyone with a decent internet connection. I have heard some people complain that using their computer is too complicated, but I beg to differ. When I can sit down at my computer and take care of things in an hours that before would have taken me a few days, I don't think their argument is valid.
  • Shopping
  • Banking
  • Travel plans
  • Reservations
  • Order Pizza
  • School
  • Information on everything
  • Television
  • Read
Prophetic movie about the future
difficulty of finding Twinkies.
As far back as 2001, I stopped renting movies at the video store because I could get on Netflix and have them shipped straight to me. Plus, it was much cheaper. It also removes the annoyance of walking up and down the aisles of a store trying to find what you want and then praying that it is in. Plus, the service helps me to not miss the movies I really want to see. As soon as I see a trailer for something I want to see, I put it in my queue to be sent to me as soon as it comes out on video.

If for some reason I hear about a movie LONG before it is to come out, it may not be on the Netflix site to schedule it yet. If that is the case, I go to a site called DVD Later and sign up for the movie there. That site (which is free to use) will put the movie in my Netflix queue as soon as it is available. Now with streaming, I can watch the movie immediately. In fact, there is no need to even have cable because everything is online.

No longer is there a need to actually meet with teachers. My daughter goes to a rather large school and I could never get proper time with them anyway. I can now log onto the school's website and see her current grades, teacher's notes for assignments and even scans of some of her work. An email to a teacher is promptly returned as compared to phone calls that often took days or sometimes not at all.

I am getting my Master's Degree right now and do it all from the convenience of my laptop. I interact with the teacher and the other students almost daily. I read, research, and write papers in front of a computer screen.

This may be my favorite of internet conveniences. I pay ALL my bills online. Every single one of them. Even places that don't have online billing, like my local water company. When a bill comes due, I receive an email. I log onto my bank site and tell them to send a check. I haven't had my own checks for years and never even buy stamps anymore. I just don't need to.

All my banking is done online as well. I have a special account that rewards me for never walking in and disturbing a teller. I get kickbacks on every purchase. I get into museums, amusement parks and zoos for free. I get great discounts at hundreds of locations and all I have to do is keep all my banking online. My checks are directly deposited and I pay everything through my computer. Since the bank is saved on manpower, they reward me.

I am also an avid reader. Once I bought a Kindle, I knew I could keep books on it, but soon learned I could even check out books from the library without leaving my house. Sitting at home I visit the library site, download the book, and it works for two weeks before it deletes itself.

Doing research on any topic has gotten easier as well. The misguided people who think using the internet for research is not as effective, apparently don't know how to use it to its potential. The only reason someone would argue that a person needs to go to the library is because it was the way they were taught. I have nothing against books, I love them. However, what is the advantage to searching for hours in a library to find the books you need when I can find that same book online in a matter of seconds. I can have the information of a hundred books at my fingertips within moments while someone else is still searching through the card catalog. Almost any scholarly work has been uploaded to the internet and can be found easily by anyone who knows how to search.

From the comfort of my home, I also order pizza while searching for the best coupons at the same time. I make reservations for restaurants, book airline tickets, make hotel reservations, grocery shop, buy electronics, find people, research companies, apply for jobs, etc, etc, etc. The list goes on and on. I even met my girlfriend online.

A few months ago, I landed a job I could do from my home. It had officially reached the point that I never needed to step outside my house for anything. I could even buy my clothes online and have them shipped to me. Of course, if I wasn't going outside, then I didn't really need clothes. I don't even need to consult a doctor because I have WebMD.

Some may be concerned that this much dependence on technology will cut back on social interaction, but we have Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for that. If you think you have to actually be face to face with someone, then buy a webcam and Skype with them.

I know that I am addicted to technology. Many addicts will deny their addiction and scream, "I can quit any time I want." I am not making that claim. I love my internet and artificial connection to the world and don't plan to ever give it up.



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    31 comments:

    1. I use the computer a lot too and I do all my banking online as well. It's way easy to do and it saves a ton of work and stamps.

      I'm with you on this one.

      Have a terrific day. ☺

      ReplyDelete
    2. I live on the internet too, I think we all do these days.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Anytime I meet someone who says they aren't online, I can't help but think, "But, how do you…anything"

        Delete
    3. Wow. As much as I love the internet, I don't think I will ever achieve your level of love! I actually do pretty much all of those things: bills, shopping, research. But I have a really hard time reading books online. One day I might switch to an e-reader, but I'm pretty sure that'll be the day they stop using the printing press.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I just got my first e-reader last year. I have always said, books will be here to stay because I couldn't imagine reading off a machine.

        There is actually no difference once you get to reading. Reading is reading. The advantage is how easy it is to get books and how much cheaper they are.

        I don't know if you'll ever be sold on them, but I was hooked very quickly.

        Delete
    4. Holy Moly...and I thought I was bad. No..I still hold on to my outdated dinosaur ways..still go to the bank and annoy the tellers.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. It made it much easier for me since I don't really like people anyway.

        Delete
    5. I love the convenience that technology has given me, but sitting at home all day GETS SO DULL to me. My university just made one of my courses a hybrid (half online, half in class) and it is killing me. If I ever have to do a full course or program online I don't know what I would do, so props to you!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. This was another one that I never thought I would like until I had to take a class this way. Once I did, I preferred it. Since most of the information is in the books and personal research anyway, I was thankful to not have to keep the school's schedule and listen to the instructor talk.

        It is more work, but more convenient for me.

        Delete
    6. I have trouble enough functioning in the real world, so If I delved too deeply into the matrix of computers, then I would be lost to humanity and the outside world, for all time. :)

      ReplyDelete
    7. I do love computers and technology but I do think that there is something to be said for face to face interaction beyond Skype. That being said, I enjoyed your post.
      Elliot
      We Are Adventure

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I agree. I exaggerate a bit, but it is true that I am not very social.

        Delete
    8. I am so addicted as well (and I'd better be, I work in IT!) but I do miss browsing the video store. I always loved that as a kid, and I kind of miss it.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. We only have one video store left in town and I feel guilty if I go in since I pay an at home subscription service. I have rented from Redbox a few times, but that's not the same.

        Delete
    9. Last year I did almost all my Christmas shopping online. It was SO much easier. (and I got to stay in my pjs)
      http://www.melanieschulz.blogspot.com

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I especially love that. I am not a fan of in store shopping at all.

        Delete
    10. I live on the internet as well. It's just so convenient. Online banking means I can stay really organised and on top of my finances. As well as blogging I love social network sites and visual sites like Pinterest where you can share ideas and pick up tips from people all over the world. It's such a great tool for discovering things you never would have heard about. If I'm in doubt about anything, I google it and have the answer almost straight away. I love that everything is so accessible.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Exactly. Some people worry that it makes us lazy. I prefer to think it makes us more efficient.

        Delete
    11. I am also addicted to my pc... but not to this extend. And I still prefer normal books than ebooks... maybe in course of time it'll change.

      -Thanks for stopping by my space. ;)

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I do prefer real books, but the convenience of the instant download often wins out.

        Delete
    12. I'm living more and more on the internet as well. The fact I recently started using a smartphone is not helping. :P

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I haven't gotten a smartphone yet and that is one of the reasons. I never leave the internet when I am at home, so I figure I probably need to stay away from it when I get out. Although, I do feel the withdrawl.

        Delete
    13. I thought I was on the computer a lot but you win the prize.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I am always connected. I didn't do it on purpose, but that's how it is.

        Delete
    14. I personally am a huge fan of ordering pizza online, but then again, I'm a fan of pretty much anything that makes it quicker and easier for me to get food.

      ReplyDelete
    15. Here here to all! I do all that online or my phone. If I could get a job online I would only have to leave the house for kid functions. Can't they put up a webcam for those or something? I would be lost without the internet or my phone. I use my phone all the time but I only use less than 15 minutes a month on actual phone calls. I don't know how you don't have a smartphone yet.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I want one, but am worried I would never speak to anyone ever again.

        Delete
    16. I sincerely hope that you never break your laptop. That would just be a terrible day for you.

      I do a lot of stuff online, but not nearly as much as you do. But seriously you can check books out on a Kindle? I need to get one of those...

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. You have to have a library card from a library that offers e-books, but if you do, it's very easy. I love it.

        Delete

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