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[KillLaCam]

I'll always stay on the internet because I like learning about what's going on in the world.

But after the elections I pretty much 90% block people on twitter or instagram that post any type of bullshit, or take part in any form of hysteria. Doesn't matter if you're talking to me or not, if I see it I'll just block you. I also automatically block anyone who's being afraid of GMOs, nobody has time for that

If you're my friend I'll give you a few more chances to become reasonable but after that I'll mute you too.

I installed a Trump blocker on my computer so if I want to see something about that idiot I have to actually search for him on my phone.

I think the internet is fine if you curate it. Much easier to block out nonsense on here compared to TV too.

Gaf is fine though. I barely see nonsense like that here and if I do it's not about anything serious 95% of the time. Alot of people here seem to be able to get their point across without looking like crazy ppl. Trump blocker is on here too though. I won't even be able to see a good chunk of this post on my pc lol.


Learning about bad news in the world doesn't bother me too much though. But that's probably because I block out any hysterical sources and try to think reasonably about alot of the situations.

But some things I didn't even wanna try, that's what Trump blocker is for

 

[DietRob]

Regardless of moderation, my GAF experience is that so many members are bitter and angry about so many things, from Trump (understandably) to fucking comic book movies and frame rates, that it is soul destroying reading lot of threads here. Reading GAF definitely makes me less happy and I wish I could stop coming here. I've contemplated ban requests a few times, but the dating thread would have a meltdown.

Yes, it is true that some people that post here have the uncanny ability to find the bad or negative in any situation. But at least we don't have to wade through racist, homophobic, and just downright hateful drivel. On the off chance that there are posts like that those members aren't long for this website.

There are also some very insightful discussion going on too and due to the strict moderation finding it here isn't as hard as it is in other sites on the internet. I've learned a lot in my decade + on GAF about a whole range of subjects like politics, racial inequity, and other peoples restroom habits (probably too much about people's restroom habits).

 

[Wiped89]

I had a threesome with two girls I picked up on Plenty of Fish last night (they are best friends). They were very keen.

The internet has brought some wonderful, wonderful things.

Just try not to let the comments sections and the tide of idiocy in so many parts of the web get you down. These people still existed before the internet.

 

[_Nemo]

GAF is all the internet I need.

 

[Grenchel]

I just recently made the decision to spend less time online, especially on social media wesbites. I caught myself getting so caught up people's activity (pictures they liked, events they were going to) that I was getting depressed/ jealous.

So far so good.

 

[Master Of Illusion]

I've noticed that though it has given me some great things, over time the internet has given me nihilistic thoughts and an overwhelming sense of schadenfreude towards everyone and everything regardless of status / tragedy.

I need a job.

 

[sora87]

Why? You can set up a Spotify account with just an e-mail address now (and for a long while). I've never linked my Facebook to my Spotify.

Well i have premium and i made the account with my facebook, i think there's a way to unlink it but i got confused by it

 

[QuantumSquid]

It's not the internet. It's just the right-wing. They make everything worse.

Sure, there's no more nuance to it than that.

There are plenty of shitty people on the internet who aren't right-wing.

 

[bryanee]

Same. I've been trying to cut down but its proving difficult.

 

[HariKari]

I don't use any social media and have filters setup on places like reddit to avoid all but the biggest news in terms of negative/political crap. It's great. Don't look at youtube comments and you're all set.

 

[Everdred]

I've filtered the internet for myself. I only visit Reddit, StumbleUpon, NeoGAF, HowLongToBeat, Twitter and YouTube. My Reddit/YouTube/StumbleUpon consist of funny videos/skits, video games, technology, design and health. Throw in the subreddit HumansBeingBros for warm fuzzies.

It's wonderful to live in an internet bubble. I still get exposed to major world issues because people talk about them at work so it's nice for the internet to be mostly positive experience.

 

[Moonkid]

One thing that could help is putting your mobile devices in grayscale.

With everyone in silicon valley trying to overstimulate your brain and trigger reactions, I found it nice to take a color break.

Thanks for the tip

 

[MikeyB]

Funny you bring this up.

About ten years ago, with no prospects of children, I wrote a list of projects I wanted to accomplish. I found that list recently, shortly after finding out my wife was pregnant. I looked at it and wondered what got in the way of those goals. I hadn't really been gaming heavily except for 2011-2014. I think I can squarely pin it on lolcats, memes, and twitter.

Next week, I am taking a two week vacation to a place with limited internet coverage. I intend to start reading again.

Life is short, man. Just five more minutes of distraction here or on reddit or whatever adds up.

 

[Emperor_Uriel]

About ten years ago, with no prospects of children, I wrote a list of projects I wanted to accomplish. I found that list recently, shortly after finding out my wife was pregnant. I looked at it and wondered what got in the way of those goals. I hadn't really been gaming heavily except for 2011-2014. I think I can squarely pin it on lolcats, memes, and twitter.

To be fair, you've accomplished arguably the most important thing already. Congrats!

 

[Deleted member 752119]

Well i have premium and i made the account with my facebook, i think there's a way to unlink it but i got confused by it

Ah. Yeah it used to be required. I avoided initially signing up as I don't like linking my Facebook to things. Finally got premium however many years back after reading they no longer required Facebook.

 

[MikeyB]

To be fair, you've accomplished arguably the most important thing already. Congrats!

Thanks! Though I still wish I had written that novel instead of arguing on Twitter in favour vaccination.

 

[Not]

The Internet only makes me unhappy when I'm unemployed

 

[LegitMcfalls]

Since the election I've really internalized some criticisms of the internet. I've become cynical of social media, internet culture, and most websites. I've increasingly realized that I participate in trash. I started reading more books and playing more video games, because it feels more productive than wandering the internet.
I was talking to a former coworker about it and he said its no different than surfing tv channels or flipping through pages of a magazine. But it is different, advertisers are tailoring your experience and you have more of an active role. Websites know what gets us emotionally and target that. Then you get rewarded for participating. Plus everyone has access to internet anywhere they go, so they can get their fix whenever.
Its exhausting and I'm flustered and I know this is all old news, but I don't think anyone really cares. This will only get worse.

I felt the same when GG was starting to become a thing a few years back. i just couldnt take it. I quit streaming on twitch, watching opinionated youtube vids, no forums, blogging/podcasting on my friends site and almost no gaming news. I felt sick like I didnt want to be part of the internet. I slowly started coming back to all those things once I learned how and where I can avoid all the GG b.s.
I think you need a solid vacation OP. Go somewhere with almost no internet, and enjoy being disconnected with the world.

 

[Doctoglethorpe]

I'm right there with you, OP.

I completely gave up the internet years ago and I haven't looked back since. It's amazing what a difference it's made.

🤔

 

[Alcotholic]

I felt the same when GG was starting to become a thing a few years back. i just couldnt take it. I quit streaming on twitch, watching opinionated youtube vids, no forums, blogging/podcasting on my friends site and almost no gaming news. I felt sick like I didnt want to be part of the internet. I slowly started coming back to all those things once I learned how and where I can avoid all the GG b.s.
I think you need a solid vacation OP. Go somewhere with almost no internet, and enjoy being disconnected with the world.

My family used to do annual camping trips in the boonies where you couldn't get service. I miss those days. But luckily we are planning one for next year.

 

[Everdred]

🤔

He gets the NeoGAF Times, it's the newspaper version. Gold members only. Mails in his responses.

 

[ShadowKingpin]

After I quit Facebook a while back, my happiness has skyrocketed. I only stay on GAF and nothing else.

 

[blame space]

relationships with humans have made unhappy.

 

[brianjones]

but where else am I gonna get that hot dopamine fix

 

[blame space]

i think my dopamine is broken.

 

[BstnRich]

I've recently blacklisted reddit so, at the very least, I need to make a conscious effort to visit the site.

I also deleted the twitter app around the same time. It's just not worth it. The closest thing to being "jacked in" the internet. Awful, 24-hour echo chamber of hell screams.

I've kept tumblr to get my aesthetic fix (images only) and Instagram (seeing people I know's bullshit is much easier to tolerate).

Facebook app is long gone. Visit only in mobile browser.

 

[Polioliolio]

I gave up facebook, but I still check GAF at least twice a day.. Groan.

 

[DizzyCaffeine]

It's a really hard habit for me to break because I compulsively do it whenever I'm bored. And I get bored easily because the internet has ruined my ability to just sit with my thoughts without searching out random distractions.

 

[blame space]

is it possible that everything has made me unhappier?

 

[Deleted member 752119]

It's a really hard habit for me to break because I compulsively do it whenever I'm bored. And I get bored easily because the internet has ruined my ability to just sit with my thoughts without searching out random distractions.

Yep. It's definitely hurt my attention span.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Instagram was so much nicer before ads

 

[TheOnlyOneHeEverFeared]

After reading this, I deleted the Facebook app off my phone (well yesterday)

Wouldn't say I'm happier but my phone battery is definitely happier. On public transport I'm actually reading the book I brought instead of browsing social media drudge.

 

[PlayALLtheGames]

Sure, there's no more nuance to it than that.

There are plenty of shitty people on the internet who aren't right-wing.

And if you ONLY them on the internet, we probably wouldn't be having this discussion.

 

[Baron Doggystyle von Woof]

Some reddit pages and gaf is all I need. Even news sites suck now.

Also I'm thinking of getting rid of my smartphone. Or getting a smaller one like iPhone SE so I stop using it so much.

 

[Aske]

I had a threesome with two girls I picked up on Plenty of Fish last night (they are best friends). They were very keen.

The internet has brought some wonderful, wonderful things.

Just try not to let the comments sections and the tide of idiocy in so many parts of the web get you down. These people still existed before the internet.

Spoiler

Congratulations! I did the same thing, but it was 3nder, and they were in a relationship. One of the most magnificent experiences of my life. I celebrate the anniversary every year. Thank you for giving me a reason to talk about it, because I refuse to be that guy that brings it up apropos of nothing, despite wanting to tell literally everyone.

On topic: the internet is just people. Yes, some people need to step away from others for a bit, and some people make others unhappy; just like offline socialising. But I've never felt the internet (or socialising out in the world) has ever harmed me to the point I question its value, or want to step away. For me, being more connected to more people is a wonderful thing.

That said, I rarely post my own things on Facebook (I generally use it to reply to invitations and react to other people's stuff), never to Instagram, and don't have Twitter. I also greatly prefer focusing on people I'm spending time with offline. I've never felt compelled to check anything but important communications during things like family crises.

I'm not beholden to the internet, and I'm relieved I'm not one of those people who needs to look at every thumbs-up notification when their phone vibes in an attempt to chain ultra validation combos.