As I've said before, I finally pulled the plug on all 8 of our Alexa Echos a few months ago. 6 years ago I permanently deleted my FB account, after not using it for at least 3 years prior. I've dumped all other social media accounts - excepting Twitter - as well.
I also switched from an iPhone (I was an early adopter of iPhone and all things Apple as well as Twitter in 2008) to a non-internet phone (LightPhone II). The LightPhone froze up and went kaput about two weeks ago, and I won't replace it.
We dumped cable years ago, and about three years ago gave our large TV in the den to our eldest son, after realizing that there's something wrong with placing a television over our fireplace mantle, which simulates an altar. We do not want to give pride of place to the 5th gen warfare sewer pipe that emptied into our home.
I've recently been pining for dumping our internet service provider and the internet altogether. (Wouldn't it be great if we could somehow go back to a society without the internet and smart phones? Well why the heck not?)
There's some weird 5th gen warfare going on with our electronic devices. I call it the Matrix. I'm fighting against it.
I have never had a tv or cable or Twitter or any social media except Facebook. I only keep that to stay in touch with people who live far away from me and whom I don’t see often or ever. Also belong to some groups that are very worthwhile. I was a very late adopter of smartphones but it’s become very hard to do without in my line of work. I do try to avoid as much as I can though and pay attention to my settings.
I have a Light Phone. It has a few quirks, but I like it. I use it just for phone calls and text messaging (to those who insist on texting), but it also has podcast capability, and I love that. I listen to quite a few podcasts. Everyone I know has an iPhone, but I won't get a smart phone because I want to pay attention to the world when I'm out and about. Can't stand how everyone has their heads bent down, looking at a piece of glass and plastic when there are people and a whole world around them.
Thank you for this reply, Natalie. You are preaching to the choir. I too really hate seeing all the bowed heads (and I include myself in that condemnation). I deeply, deeply resent my phone and how these devices have trapped us all. I am really trying to break free.
I just finished the book Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. It's very good, and you might find it helpful. Though I don't use a smartphone, I find myself on my desktop way too much. I think this book will help me break free of the addiction.
Yes, I tend to justify the use of my desktop as a necessary evil for doing my job. It's still a distraction and time suck and I would love to exercise some discipline over my casual use of it. Before the internet I used to read several books a week - I literally could not be found without a book in my purse or in my car which I would read when I had to wait anywhere or for anything. I even took books on my walks when my kids were portable (one in a front back, one in a back pack and a book in my hands). I have lost focus with increased internet use and electronic media consumption.
I couldn't agree with you more. I used to read a lot of books and listen to music. I homeschooled my kids before computers were very important and founded a homeschooling support group without benefit of the Internet--just on word of mouth and using the telephone. Now I look back and am so glad there was no Internet because I probably wouldn't have accomplished nearly as much. I don't do any social media and everything I look at is worthwhile--like Coffee and COVID!--but it's just too much. I spend too much of my day reading Substacks or listening to podcasts, and COVID really ramped that up. I have to start picking and choosing which online resources to use and spend more of my time doing activities that used to mean something to me, like reading, playing the piano, gardening, etc. I do still take books with me when I go out to a doctor's appointment or some place where I'll have to wait because I don't have a phone to occupy my time, so that's at least a plus.
Oh my goodness, yes!! I have the same story. Covid really exacerbated my growing overuse of the internet, for sure. And I used to be SO productive (having five kids gave me no choice - I ran my house like a boot camp). But now that most of them are out of the house and I have more unstructured time, my first go-to activity is to check out what's happening on-line even though I could read, garden, play my cello (which I started learning during Covid) and reclaim just good old-fashion leisure time NOT in front of a screen. Everyone's comments are encouraging me though because I realize this is a universal lament and people have offered suggestions. Gosh, Coffee & Covid is great (and the one Substack I read without fail).
Gads...the idiots at the gym! They can’t put their damn phones down, so they’ll do a set, sit on the machine and look at their phone for many minutes, then maybe do another set...
Yes, this video is extremely good; B&W makes it even more morose. When the documentary Social Network came out I saw it 3 times in 1 week. I couldn't believe what I thought I was seeing and had to make sure. lol! I never signed up for FB as it was created/stolen out of pure jealousy and greed.
If you like to learn the 'old-school' way by reading a hard copy book I recommend: Nicholas Carr's The Shallows - What The Internet is Doing to Our Brains (2011).
For the effect of technology (our cell phones!) on our cells: Resonance - Beings of Frequency is my favorite:
I'm with you on the "dumb"phone--that's what I've called them from the start because people are surely getting "dumber" and "dumber" by grasping onto that "small screen" 24/7. I swear as time goes by--people will be PERMANENTLY connected to their "device".
And that is how they'll sell the implanted chips or AR Goggles--"Remember how silly we were (shots of bowed heads, tangled earphone cords, dropped airpods, people trying to do things but can't b/c they lack a free hand b/c it's got a cellphone in it), what a hassle it all was? Finally--(shots of vapid smiling people, hugging, shopping, nurturing their children, swiping their hands over scanners at Whole Foods) true freedom, true connectedness is available! (shots of little glowing pulse between thumb and index finger, or back of neck, or top of head). Don't be a Luddite (shot of person tangled in wire, ALONE)--get neuralink!"
I wanted to like it. But honestly, the LCD screen makes it damn near impossible to type. You can do the voice-to-text feature, but you have to keep your texts super short to be able to go back and correct the errors (which are many.)
My sister-in-law gave us one of those Amazon/Google things. I told him absolutely not. He thought I was crazy, but, about a year later, all of that stuff came out about them listening in. We still have it unplugged, uncharged, in its box, somewhere in the house. I’d be happy to dump it.
Siri’s good for turning my iPhone light on and off. She also does quite well with pulling up websites with the information I need. I’ve decided not to fear AI any longer, but to learn to use it for spreading the gospel.
God gave it to us. It can do immense good. If the evil beings decide to come after me…well, I’ll cross that bridge with Jesus when I come to it.
Interesting take. I say that about all technologies—they can be good or bad depending on how you use them. Like fire—it can warm you and cook your food, or it can burn your house down or kill you.
And it depends on choices for how to use them. If I didn’t hear reports, I would have no idea about evil things on the internet. Just like in real life, I don’t go to those places.
In general I agree but I believe there are areas forbidden to man like technology creating man/animal hybrids, manipulating genetic material that “enhance human function” (Can’t be done but they still try) cloning human beings, building a Tower to reach Heaven, etc. It’s like man wants to be God even from the beginning.
I totally agree with you there. I think trying to genetically modify what God has made can be very evil.
But I think if bad genes could be replaced with good ones to heal conditions, that might be viewed as very beneficial to mankind. I’m thinking of one, not handicapping, just disfiguring that I’ve had since preadolescence. One bad, bad gene. That I unfortunately passed on to some of my children and grandchildren and it really makes me sad.
I don’t give it a thought. If the feds decided they wanted me, they could take me. If they want to persecute or prosecute me for living my life as a free child of God and that’s in God’s plan for me, it’ll happen.
In the meantime I know at least half the human population must have cell phones now. And I know there’s some massive storage places collecting all our texts and calls. And I picture that scene at the end of Indiana Jones and the Lost Ark, where the Ark is stored, swallowed up in this massive warehouse. And you just think, well, that’s never gonna see the light of day again.
And given the level of proven incompetence in our government, I wonder if they really can manage such a universe of communications. Or are they exaggerating to frighten us into complacency? I’m sure they can do some specific targeting, but can they really watch us all all the time?
I think that’s what I’m realizing. My old geezer friends love their political groups and somebody is always trying to get me to go to meetings. Finally someone I can’t say no to asked me and I went to one. And it’s a marvelous socializing and small scale networking activity, but I can’t see it saving the nation.
I tell them I’m a keypad warrior. They do their part, but I feel called to influence a bigger field.
I think it’s all about you and what you personally do on line. The internet can’t reach out and pull me into anything. I know my Master’s voice and I’m heaven-bent on following it.
You are made of stern stuff, WS. I know that for me, I can end up wasting too much precious time perseverating on things over which I have absolutely no control. Twitter too often becomes a "near occasion of sin" for me tempting me to indulge in my anger. My husband gave up all internet for Lent and hasn't gone back (and he was already quite limited in his use getting most of his news from The Babylon Bee :)). All I know is I was happier and more productive before I began consuming events through Twitter. I honestly can't point to any person in my life who uses social media or the internet in ways that aren't problematic (I particularly reset the ways my children are affected and we held out long past most in even giving them access - but once granted, it is like a black hole).
I have said so many times, I am so glad I’m not having to raise my children in this age of social media.
For my grandchildren, they did not and will not get cell phones until they’re in high school. None of this 10 year old with a phone stuff. They all try ‘all my friends have a phone’ and ‘what if I have an emergency?’ Well, if all your friends have phones and there’s an emergency ask to borrow one.
Mostly they’ve had to get jobs and buy their own.
I know that’s tough, but you’re the boss. You make the rules. If you want to take possession of the phones from say 10:00 p.m. till 7:00 a,m. do it.
All true, WS. In our house we did not give cell phones to kids until they were 16. With kid #5 he was literally the only student in his grade without a cell phone (other students were going to chip in an buy him a phone). Plus, we have pretty strict control over his use but even when it is in his possession, it is total immersion. And, sad to say, my older kids who are in their twenties, aren't much better. It takes enormous self-discipline the likes of which I don't think many people possess.
I agree, but it can be a greater or lesser struggle depending on the person. I find it easy to dive into reading or watching stuff and lose track of time, and it's taken me quite a while to build discipline over it (and still not perfect!). I know others who can't resist arguing all night when "someone is wrong on the internet"; and of course, knowing that p*rn can be found easily is a temptation for some too... or instant gratification of online shopping.
On the other hand, I find a lot of positives out of it, educationally for example - lots of great videos explaining technology, theology, economics etc - or in connecting with like-minded people such as here on C&C. So as I said, I agree, but as with all things in life it's a matter for wisdom and self-control.
I know. I’m well into senior hood and hope I’m older and wiser. The things of this world don’t matter to me that much anymore. When I was younger, I made many bad choices.
And I’m so glad I’m not raising kids now. It was hard enough back in the day.
But I know this to be true from personal experience:
Corinthians 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
I have stories about a faithful God, who has the answer to everything.
I unplugged Alexa when it started playing music while I was silently working from home. Siri responded to something I was telling my husband without being prompted to. After going back and saying the sentence again, there was nothing in what I said that came remotely close to “Hey Siri.” They are always listening, which is creepy.
Only experience I’ve had like that; I was reading a news headline out loud and it was something about Syria. I said, “Sure, Siri, I have to ask you three times to turn on my iPhone light, but you just jump right in when I say the word Syria?” 😂🤣😂
I was totally creeped out when visiting daughter's family in southern England in Nov, and 5 year old kept using Alexa to talk to me from the first floor.
Who uses Siri and Alexa? The government 3 letter agencies... So
As I've said before, I finally pulled the plug on all 8 of our Alexa Echos a few months ago. 6 years ago I permanently deleted my FB account, after not using it for at least 3 years prior. I've dumped all other social media accounts - excepting Twitter - as well.
I also switched from an iPhone (I was an early adopter of iPhone and all things Apple as well as Twitter in 2008) to a non-internet phone (LightPhone II). The LightPhone froze up and went kaput about two weeks ago, and I won't replace it.
We dumped cable years ago, and about three years ago gave our large TV in the den to our eldest son, after realizing that there's something wrong with placing a television over our fireplace mantle, which simulates an altar. We do not want to give pride of place to the 5th gen warfare sewer pipe that emptied into our home.
I've recently been pining for dumping our internet service provider and the internet altogether. (Wouldn't it be great if we could somehow go back to a society without the internet and smart phones? Well why the heck not?)
There's some weird 5th gen warfare going on with our electronic devices. I call it the Matrix. I'm fighting against it.
Do you have a single twin brother?
First internet related smile today from your comment. Just hit me funny. Thank you. Hope it's a yes. Dreams DO come true Gram!
Not a twin, but he's a slightly younger brother. Never married, so he's spoiled and persnickety about what he does or does not waste his time on.
He's an exec with the federal courts, and makes a boatload of money. LOL
I have never had a tv or cable or Twitter or any social media except Facebook. I only keep that to stay in touch with people who live far away from me and whom I don’t see often or ever. Also belong to some groups that are very worthwhile. I was a very late adopter of smartphones but it’s become very hard to do without in my line of work. I do try to avoid as much as I can though and pay attention to my settings.
If I were totally retired--I'd go 'unconnected" altogether as well! I applaud your decision, Mr. Bennett.
I tried one of those and it creeped me out so badly . I actually threw it in a outdoor firepit
Fred, I am really intrigued by the LightPhone. Did you like it?
I have a Light Phone. It has a few quirks, but I like it. I use it just for phone calls and text messaging (to those who insist on texting), but it also has podcast capability, and I love that. I listen to quite a few podcasts. Everyone I know has an iPhone, but I won't get a smart phone because I want to pay attention to the world when I'm out and about. Can't stand how everyone has their heads bent down, looking at a piece of glass and plastic when there are people and a whole world around them.
Thank you for this reply, Natalie. You are preaching to the choir. I too really hate seeing all the bowed heads (and I include myself in that condemnation). I deeply, deeply resent my phone and how these devices have trapped us all. I am really trying to break free.
I just finished the book Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. It's very good, and you might find it helpful. Though I don't use a smartphone, I find myself on my desktop way too much. I think this book will help me break free of the addiction.
Yes, I tend to justify the use of my desktop as a necessary evil for doing my job. It's still a distraction and time suck and I would love to exercise some discipline over my casual use of it. Before the internet I used to read several books a week - I literally could not be found without a book in my purse or in my car which I would read when I had to wait anywhere or for anything. I even took books on my walks when my kids were portable (one in a front back, one in a back pack and a book in my hands). I have lost focus with increased internet use and electronic media consumption.
I couldn't agree with you more. I used to read a lot of books and listen to music. I homeschooled my kids before computers were very important and founded a homeschooling support group without benefit of the Internet--just on word of mouth and using the telephone. Now I look back and am so glad there was no Internet because I probably wouldn't have accomplished nearly as much. I don't do any social media and everything I look at is worthwhile--like Coffee and COVID!--but it's just too much. I spend too much of my day reading Substacks or listening to podcasts, and COVID really ramped that up. I have to start picking and choosing which online resources to use and spend more of my time doing activities that used to mean something to me, like reading, playing the piano, gardening, etc. I do still take books with me when I go out to a doctor's appointment or some place where I'll have to wait because I don't have a phone to occupy my time, so that's at least a plus.
Oh my goodness, yes!! I have the same story. Covid really exacerbated my growing overuse of the internet, for sure. And I used to be SO productive (having five kids gave me no choice - I ran my house like a boot camp). But now that most of them are out of the house and I have more unstructured time, my first go-to activity is to check out what's happening on-line even though I could read, garden, play my cello (which I started learning during Covid) and reclaim just good old-fashion leisure time NOT in front of a screen. Everyone's comments are encouraging me though because I realize this is a universal lament and people have offered suggestions. Gosh, Coffee & Covid is great (and the one Substack I read without fail).
JUST DO IT, NAB!! It's not that difficult! Perhaps grab a carrot instead of the screen and say, "What's up, Doc", instead! LOL!!
I'm trying, SBE, I'm trying!
Grab your CARROT stick, NAB!! NOW!!!
Here's a YouTube video about the bowed heads permanently stuck on Social Media: https://youtu.be/QugooaNRnsk
It's extremely good.
Gads...the idiots at the gym! They can’t put their damn phones down, so they’ll do a set, sit on the machine and look at their phone for many minutes, then maybe do another set...
I am ready to KILL.
Yes, this video is extremely good; B&W makes it even more morose. When the documentary Social Network came out I saw it 3 times in 1 week. I couldn't believe what I thought I was seeing and had to make sure. lol! I never signed up for FB as it was created/stolen out of pure jealousy and greed.
https://archive.org/details/podcast_giant-geek-vs-mega-n00b_the-social-network-2010_1000383559241
The Social Dilemma is another profound documentary featuring the CEOs of Big Tech: https://archive.org/details/the.-social.-dilemma.-2020.1080p.-webrip.x-264.-aac-5.1-yts.-mx
If you like to learn the 'old-school' way by reading a hard copy book I recommend: Nicholas Carr's The Shallows - What The Internet is Doing to Our Brains (2011).
For the effect of technology (our cell phones!) on our cells: Resonance - Beings of Frequency is my favorite:
https://vimeo.com/54189727
Read The Shallows 10 years ago and apparently I need to revisit it :) Thanks to all for the encouraging comments.
The Social Dilemma is sobering and enlightening. I recognize so much of what it demonstrated active in my life and the life of my children.
The Shallows is excellent!
Thank you. I haven't seen / read any of those, but I darn sure will now.
I'm with you on the "dumb"phone--that's what I've called them from the start because people are surely getting "dumber" and "dumber" by grasping onto that "small screen" 24/7. I swear as time goes by--people will be PERMANENTLY connected to their "device".
And that is how they'll sell the implanted chips or AR Goggles--"Remember how silly we were (shots of bowed heads, tangled earphone cords, dropped airpods, people trying to do things but can't b/c they lack a free hand b/c it's got a cellphone in it), what a hassle it all was? Finally--(shots of vapid smiling people, hugging, shopping, nurturing their children, swiping their hands over scanners at Whole Foods) true freedom, true connectedness is available! (shots of little glowing pulse between thumb and index finger, or back of neck, or top of head). Don't be a Luddite (shot of person tangled in wire, ALONE)--get neuralink!"
Yeppir - and it's coming at nano-speed and the sheeple will EAT IT whole"heart"edly!!
.... by design.... part of the transhumanist agenda.
I wanted to like it. But honestly, the LCD screen makes it damn near impossible to type. You can do the voice-to-text feature, but you have to keep your texts super short to be able to go back and correct the errors (which are many.)
I don't think I would buy it again
My sister-in-law gave us one of those Amazon/Google things. I told him absolutely not. He thought I was crazy, but, about a year later, all of that stuff came out about them listening in. We still have it unplugged, uncharged, in its box, somewhere in the house. I’d be happy to dump it.
Siri’s good for turning my iPhone light on and off. She also does quite well with pulling up websites with the information I need. I’ve decided not to fear AI any longer, but to learn to use it for spreading the gospel.
God gave it to us. It can do immense good. If the evil beings decide to come after me…well, I’ll cross that bridge with Jesus when I come to it.
Interesting take. I say that about all technologies—they can be good or bad depending on how you use them. Like fire—it can warm you and cook your food, or it can burn your house down or kill you.
All things are permitted to us, but not all things are good for us? Some feller said words to that effect, once upon a time.
And it depends on choices for how to use them. If I didn’t hear reports, I would have no idea about evil things on the internet. Just like in real life, I don’t go to those places.
In general I agree but I believe there are areas forbidden to man like technology creating man/animal hybrids, manipulating genetic material that “enhance human function” (Can’t be done but they still try) cloning human beings, building a Tower to reach Heaven, etc. It’s like man wants to be God even from the beginning.
I totally agree with you there. I think trying to genetically modify what God has made can be very evil.
But I think if bad genes could be replaced with good ones to heal conditions, that might be viewed as very beneficial to mankind. I’m thinking of one, not handicapping, just disfiguring that I’ve had since preadolescence. One bad, bad gene. That I unfortunately passed on to some of my children and grandchildren and it really makes me sad.
It is called hubris. The Greek gods hated this in man. What does our God feel about it?
"MY grace is sufficient for you" comes to mind....
True. But in many ways technology always does that in some way. This is just closer.
🗨 Technology is an amplifier. It makes the good better, and the bad worse.
(same Svetski again)
Exactly.
As long as you don't mind your phone always listening in on you.
Well, every once in awhile, I say, “Did you get that FBI? Should I repeat it?”
I don’t give it a thought. If the feds decided they wanted me, they could take me. If they want to persecute or prosecute me for living my life as a free child of God and that’s in God’s plan for me, it’ll happen.
In the meantime I know at least half the human population must have cell phones now. And I know there’s some massive storage places collecting all our texts and calls. And I picture that scene at the end of Indiana Jones and the Lost Ark, where the Ark is stored, swallowed up in this massive warehouse. And you just think, well, that’s never gonna see the light of day again.
And given the level of proven incompetence in our government, I wonder if they really can manage such a universe of communications. Or are they exaggerating to frighten us into complacency? I’m sure they can do some specific targeting, but can they really watch us all all the time?
🗨 AI. It is a tool. It is a technology. It is NOT a new life-form, despite what the lonely nerds like Yudkowski(* so desperately want to believe.
🗨 the only way we can fight black-hat AI is with white-hat AI
(h/t Aleksandar Svetski of authenticintelligence.substack.com)
--
(* of 'nuclear-bomb the server farms' infamy
I think that’s what I’m realizing. My old geezer friends love their political groups and somebody is always trying to get me to go to meetings. Finally someone I can’t say no to asked me and I went to one. And it’s a marvelous socializing and small scale networking activity, but I can’t see it saving the nation.
I tell them I’m a keypad warrior. They do their part, but I feel called to influence a bigger field.
It is getting harder and harder to maintain that technology is morally neutral.
I think it’s all about you and what you personally do on line. The internet can’t reach out and pull me into anything. I know my Master’s voice and I’m heaven-bent on following it.
You are made of stern stuff, WS. I know that for me, I can end up wasting too much precious time perseverating on things over which I have absolutely no control. Twitter too often becomes a "near occasion of sin" for me tempting me to indulge in my anger. My husband gave up all internet for Lent and hasn't gone back (and he was already quite limited in his use getting most of his news from The Babylon Bee :)). All I know is I was happier and more productive before I began consuming events through Twitter. I honestly can't point to any person in my life who uses social media or the internet in ways that aren't problematic (I particularly reset the ways my children are affected and we held out long past most in even giving them access - but once granted, it is like a black hole).
I have said so many times, I am so glad I’m not having to raise my children in this age of social media.
For my grandchildren, they did not and will not get cell phones until they’re in high school. None of this 10 year old with a phone stuff. They all try ‘all my friends have a phone’ and ‘what if I have an emergency?’ Well, if all your friends have phones and there’s an emergency ask to borrow one.
Mostly they’ve had to get jobs and buy their own.
I know that’s tough, but you’re the boss. You make the rules. If you want to take possession of the phones from say 10:00 p.m. till 7:00 a,m. do it.
All true, WS. In our house we did not give cell phones to kids until they were 16. With kid #5 he was literally the only student in his grade without a cell phone (other students were going to chip in an buy him a phone). Plus, we have pretty strict control over his use but even when it is in his possession, it is total immersion. And, sad to say, my older kids who are in their twenties, aren't much better. It takes enormous self-discipline the likes of which I don't think many people possess.
I agree, but it can be a greater or lesser struggle depending on the person. I find it easy to dive into reading or watching stuff and lose track of time, and it's taken me quite a while to build discipline over it (and still not perfect!). I know others who can't resist arguing all night when "someone is wrong on the internet"; and of course, knowing that p*rn can be found easily is a temptation for some too... or instant gratification of online shopping.
On the other hand, I find a lot of positives out of it, educationally for example - lots of great videos explaining technology, theology, economics etc - or in connecting with like-minded people such as here on C&C. So as I said, I agree, but as with all things in life it's a matter for wisdom and self-control.
I know. I’m well into senior hood and hope I’m older and wiser. The things of this world don’t matter to me that much anymore. When I was younger, I made many bad choices.
And I’m so glad I’m not raising kids now. It was hard enough back in the day.
But I know this to be true from personal experience:
Corinthians 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
I have stories about a faithful God, who has the answer to everything.
I unplugged Alexa when it started playing music while I was silently working from home. Siri responded to something I was telling my husband without being prompted to. After going back and saying the sentence again, there was nothing in what I said that came remotely close to “Hey Siri.” They are always listening, which is creepy.
Yup - THAT right there!
The idea of Alexa and the like is downright creepy, which is why I've never acquired one.
Only experience I’ve had like that; I was reading a news headline out loud and it was something about Syria. I said, “Sure, Siri, I have to ask you three times to turn on my iPhone light, but you just jump right in when I say the word Syria?” 😂🤣😂
I was totally creeped out when visiting daughter's family in southern England in Nov, and 5 year old kept using Alexa to talk to me from the first floor.
Nope.. no .. nada.
Never. But daughter's family in UK--all for it!