plugged into the wall

Yesterday, I had a fantastic argument over a long-standing point. I lack internet in my apartment and for nearing five months, I have refused to discuss with Comcast or Verizon the merits of receiving it. By now, it's become more than an esoteric or financial point. It's become an experiment of sorts. Is it possible to have a good life without internet? For most of my friends (I'll call them of the young professional age), high speed internet at home is a basic need, right up there with food, and electricity.

The teasing cajolery always follows a similar course: Has my life been barer without internet? What do I do at night? Isn't it difficult to stay in contact with people? In essence, how do I live?

My day job keeps me away from a computer and doesn't permit me to use the internet for most of the day. I've condensed my online time to a mere 30-60 minutes per day. The initial concept was simple: make a list and stick to the essentials. I would make a list of tasks to complete on my heart-shaped post-it notes and check them off, one by one.

Last year, the vast majority of my news came from online sources. Now, I have to wait until I'm outside my apartment to read these sources or pick up the paper edition. All this of course competes with my email correspondence and blog time. Certainly, I spend less time on this blog. I also spend less time playing sudoku or reading blogs and personal networking websites. I haven't stayed up half the note browsing YouTube and Wikipedia, but what's the problem with that? Lacking the internet at home already feels like a throwback to a different era.

Last minute invitations and directions via email are not likely to be received in time. Personal correspondence has also changed. Succinctly, what would I do without a cell phone? When I first settled without internet, I called people very frequently. What was once spoken on instant messenger or other chat programs was relegated to emails or actual phone calls. In many ways, that's the nicest part. I've never been in the habit of doing snail mail, but somehow, actual emails or long phone conversations are more satisfying.

Do I accomplish more around my apartment without the internet? Yes. I can't check the weather online or look up driving directions. For these, I rely on more old-fashioned sources: paper maps, the TV, or simply looking outside the window. I cook more. I clean. I spend time with other people (although I would be doing that even with internet). I admit, I'm away from my apartment more than I may be if I had the internet. Mostly, it's due to the people who are less likely to visit since they can't check their email in my humble abode.

Have I survived this year without internet without a significant drop in comfort? Yes.
Am I glad that I did this? Yes.
Will I get internet next year? Yes.