On trying to disconnect myself from the internet

January 21st 2024




The value of information on the internet vastly outweighs the downsides of being addicted to the internet. The simplicity of the interface, of smartphones, is a way better product than that of many bespoke devices. Reducing clutter, especially mental clutter. Reducing the cognitive cost of actions.

Because I need information, I can’t cut myself off from the internet. Any attempt to reduce my internet usage can be hacked if I’m addicted enough (and thus sufficiently motivated).

My experience tells me that if I indeed find myself addicted, a better problem to solve, instead of cutting myself off from that which I am addicted, is to figure out what’s going on within me, that’s causing the addiction. What am I avoiding? What pain am I feeling, that I feel the need to escape? Why is the work I am to do not sufficiently motivating?

Procrastination can have two forms: avoiding something because one is not motivated, and avoiding something because one is afraid of the outcome.

The problem isn’t addiction. Addiction is a symptom of something deeper. Find out what that is, and if you can solve the underlying problem you’ll be able to live in the same environment as whatever addicted you without getting addicted to it.

(Of course, this refers to more mild forms of addiction like tv or the internet, less so stronger forms like hard drugs. I have no experience with the latter so I cant have an informed opinion.)