What would you do if the internet was ended forever?
By dloveli
@dloveli (4366)
United States
August 19, 2008 5:33pm CST
I cant even remember what it was like before computers and internet came along. I use the internet for everything. I work on it. I play on it. I communicate with it. Its a big part of my family's life. If the internet was to end and be no more, I would probably lose alot of contacts. I wouldnt even use my computer anymore if the internet wasnt available. It would be so hard to go back to the written word for letters, resumes, and reports, advertising etc. I also think things would be at a technological stand still. Technology is passed on through the internet. Imagine Snail mail would be back. what would you do?
10 people like this
45 responses
@BYOLA2871 (4371)
• South Africa
20 Aug 08
i agree with you that a lot of our lives now revolve around this awesome technology called the internet,i imagine a lot of things will go wrong if the internet were to come to an end forever,in fact many things will be put on hold especially communications,though it will not mean so much to those that have nopt started using the neyt so much but i know it will have terrible consequences for the world at large.i dont even want to imagine it
@BYOLA2871 (4371)
• South Africa
22 Aug 08
i can imagine the mess a lot of peopel will find themselves indo you remember the hype about this millenium bug in the late 90s,it will be worse than that if you ask me but i hope it doesnt happen because serious consequences will br the result,its not gonna be funny.
1 person likes this
@Makena1968 (682)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I'd probably be just fine. I'd get back to reading, and doing old fashioned things like walking, and writing letters with a real live (gasp) pen and paper! I really do think the internet is overrated. It's just a whole lot of information. One thing I really like about it, however, is when my family travels far away, I can keep in touch with them so easily through email. I also love the world of music that it's opened up for me. I like home schooling, too, and it's very helpful for that. But I got along fine without it for a long time, we all did. I suppose we could again.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Its definite that we would be okay. Its the fact of would we want to be without it. I know in all honesty that I wouldnt. I would lose so many online friends. People who live half way around the world yet I am able to talk everyday. I pray we never have to find out. WHO KNOWS? dl
1 person likes this
@sandycandy613 (3)
•
20 Aug 08
At first it'd be rather difficult because there is so much on the internet. You use it for homework, entertainment, and communication. But people that didn't have internet were happy and fine so I'm sure I would gradually get used to it.
1 person likes this
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
20 Aug 08
The computer now is slowly taking over a lot of aspects of daily life, I mean I have just switched to online bank account statements to save having paper ones. We have just been told from the mobile phone company that if we want to continue having paper bills then we have to pay but if we have them online they are free.
So in a lot of ways most things are being pushed towards the computer, so if it was to end then I would miss not being able to do all my finances online and if it ended then I would be back to being stuck with just the four walls of my house for company instead of having the whole world at my fingertips. So I would definately miss that. But I know for a fact that I would manage without the internet after I had got over the sadness of losing it!
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
Seriously, thats what scares me. The fact that computers control so much of our lives. I see those movies where the computers take over a company or house. It could happen. We give a computer information on every aspect of our lives. It would only make sense that if we are trying to make computers as humanized as possible, why wouldnt they understand envy or jealousy? It all depends on the mind sight of the programmer. Who really knows? That makes me nervous. dl
@kingmaker (10)
• Malaysia
20 Aug 08
If the internet were to end forever, I think I'll tremble first and get very frustrated because of the addiction of the internet.Then, after awhile, it's back to Snail mail, writing letters to friends and family.I'll see that the world becomes slower because the advantage of getting information within seconds is no longer available.But on the bright side, I'll have more time socialising, going outdoors, go fishing,jungle trekking,hiking because when I go online, the minimum time I take is around 2 hours.Nowadays, in the age of internet, a computer is quite useless without an internet connection.I think most of us are already addicted to the internet and how boring it'd be without th internet.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
Well said. That sums it up. It would be slower. Maybe that would be a good thing. All those activities you suggested are memories for some. Now that we have the computer age and all its technological spin offs. Some families never fish or talk. If they do it on the way out the door, or over the computer. Maybe having to go without internet for some would save their families. I am all for that. dl
1 person likes this
@p3y5566 (171)
• Malaysia
20 Aug 08
Hi, nice to meet you here
If the internet was ended forever, i think ours life is also ended forever. It is because, most of us today have one PC and internet in our home. We need it to do ours works. We need to play online game.We need it chit-chat with our friends. We need it to surf net and find some information that we need it. So, if internet was ended forever, i think my life will be bored, no meaning, because cannot chit chat with friends, sharing information with friends, cannot play online and so on. If internet was ended forever, its really made us cant do so many things! Have a nice day and happy my lotting!
2 people like this
@lira23 (208)
• United States
20 Aug 08
If the internet was to end I would freak out, I'm bad at writing and so I use the computer to help me, my hand writing is so bad its very hard to read,i used to get bad grades in school because of it.It also saves times by printing out things like resumes. Applications etc. I do think the world would be at a stand still,however I doubt the internet will end,it will only improve as our technology improves.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I dont think it will ever happen to where will have absolutely no access to anyone. SO dont worry. I just think it is smart to keep a written file and printouts of all your important documents. I even keep my calendar in print. I try to be in as much control of my life as possible. Since Ive had this computer Sometimes I lose sight of time. That bother's me that I become so intrigued by something that i dont hear the goings on around me. I am going to try to do some things off the computer at least once a day. Hope I stick to it. Try to find a hobby that doesnt involve the computer. dl
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
20 Aug 08
I don't know. I actually want toget back to snail mail i think its very sweet. An old friend's mom sends me snail mail. Very newsy about her garden and funny stories about her pets.
I love the internet because I was never good at snail mail - sending it - remembering to get envelopes and stamps to put my letters into. Now I can share pictures and news with family and friends far away.
I used to hate office work before on typewriter's and then word processors, computers are so much easier even to the sound and feel of the keys! When I was a late teen and in my early twenties and doing temp work I would ask for jobs with NO typing! Now its a snap - 'cept like now - I'm using my husban'ds because it faces the tv while mine is off to the side and he mostly uses his for WOW so he doesn't mind that the keyboard sticks so Ifind I'm missing letters or the space bar doesn't always work! I have to be very aware!
Letters, resumes and reports would still be possible just like they were way back when you would just have to print them out - and well...send them snail mail! Or fax them.
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
20 Aug 08
The end of the internet wouldn't mean the end of computers though, we could still sotre and process things in the computer we just couldn't send the info through the computer, but we could fax the info across town, or across the ocean!
It would be difficult, but we surved once. This was a great topic, I've thought of things like this, even on a larger scale - like if the poles reversed or we were hit with EMFs so we could no longer use cars, microwaves etc - all of those things that make life easier.
Internet would be difficult - cell phones - wow - how many almost have it permanaenly attached to their ear - even on a date or out with friends or family - or in school. What of other time savers - washing machines (we'd have to go back to old fashioned non electric tools - microwaves, cars, coffee makers....
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
21 Aug 08
Which was what I was writing - we survived once without all of those things. My mom was a teen when tv came out. I very often go through the whole day with the ringer purposefully turned off from my phone. Its liberating!
I have a baby and he's going to witness great discoveries and inventions that we never dreamed of but that will be commonplace to him. And it will seem, like your internet, as if they've been around forever. Maybe even hover cars and shuttles to the moon.
Its funny, I read most of my mom's sci-fi books as a kid, and things that were written about thirty -fifty - a hundred years ago are coming to pass. Its a very exciting world. The twentieth century brought about a lot of inventions and machines of convenience, I know this century will be better. OR maybe we'll focus on things that aren't electronic, things that will encourage face to face interaction for sustained periods of time and bring family and friends closer together.
Otherwise I see us becoming a society that realry even looks at people directly in the eyes - but instead stares at screens, we'll have internet glasses, watches etc. Its starting around, people go shopping or out to lunch with friends and spend much of that time texting and talking to other friends, go to movies with boyfriends and girlfriends and spend the opeing part - where they have quizes and such on the phone...text during class...as soon as work and class is over people pull out their phones and start texting and talking.
I started a talk here on mylot about that - if you were paid not to talk on the phone - paid for each day you didn't use your phone at all - how much money would you make - if it were say 25 dollars a day (that's a 175 a week).
Of course I also had one for parents struggling for money - what if you were paid for each day you didn't touch your spouse? Even in affection? You could buy a crib, gas, a house soon and after that - you have forever to touch. Most people got up in arms over that one and thought it was about being materialistic when I waas thinking it was about sacrificing for your family. Anyway....tangents!
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
Thanks for the compliment! I am glad you like it! I was telling my mom about the discussion I started. She said something that really made me feel silly. She said that people got thru millions of years without phones, computers, etc. If you think about it most of earth was created without computers. Look at highways as and example these were created initially without any knowledge of what the word computer was. I felt so silly afterwards. Not even 100 years ago did we do very well without computers. Now that I have thought about it. I am going to see if my family will go along with having a day without any computers, television or phones. They'll probably faint at the mere thought of it. LOL dl
@jingbautista (2456)
• Philippines
20 Aug 08
wel, i survived before without an internet.. so i would be learning and doing some outdoor field work and sports without the internet.. somehow, internet had become so attached to me that i just couldnt live without it in a day.. so i will be happy without it.. but since it is right now here, then hoping that to make use of it in ways that is pleasing and honorable...
@giantpada (37)
• China
20 Aug 08
well,i haven't been on the internet for 6 days.i'm not that crazy about computer.i can do some reading or doing some sports or hung around with my friends.it feels very good.maybe i don't use it fully.i think the friends i make on the internet are not real because i couldn't see her/him in person or talk to her/him face to face.that makes me feel unsecure.
But i totally can speak anything i couldn't talk to the people around me.i like mylot.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
Lucky you! I wish I could do that. I mean I have but I dont want to do it again. I guess if the internet went away for what ever reason, I would have to deal with it regardless of what I wanted to do. I make jewelry as well so I guess I would be able to focus more on my business. However, I do search for ideas and supplies on the internet. I could use magazines. See after seeing that you had the confidence, I am following in your footsteps. You are a true leader. Thanks friend dl
@di1159 (1580)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Well, I guess I'd go back to what I used to do before the Internet! I'd write letters more often (the art of letterwriting has been lost). I'd make more telephone calls, and I suppose I'd have to regain control of my patience as everything would take a lot longer. It is possible, after all we survived without it for centuries. Gee who knows, people might have to meet face to face more often! Have a great day.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
You are so right. I dont think it will be that bad. Once the initial shock was over people would go back to their instincts. It will be sad as far as internet communication goes. That is a reason to get addresses just in case. I do that and I keep them in an address book. I look to send my friends little notes now and then to let them know I am human and not just a computer. lol dl
@auntiedis (165)
• United States
20 Aug 08
First I would sink into the deepest, darkest depression ever. I would rather surf the net than watch TV. I would not be able to run my business any more. I would not be able to contact a lot of my 'web buddies'. I can't remember 'BC' (before computers) either. Then I would probably snap out of it and figure out some other way to run my biz, and communicate, and I'd be out in nature more, do less shopping (since the bulk of what I do is online) and perhaps come out of my shell just a little bit more.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
20 Aug 08
That is the truth for most of us. Dont feel bad. I dont think it would feel very good to go without my beloved computer. I dont even want to try it. I hope for our sake we'll never have to find out. I do however, set aside time to do my beading, reading, or to be with my family. Thanks dl
1 person likes this
@msedge (4011)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I was born and grew up with out computer, i think i will be fine and life must go on without it if ever it ended forever.But i am sure it would make my life a little sad and harder.Its the fastest,easiest and cheapest way of communication.I do communicate with my friends and relatives through the internet.I made transactions here also.I met alot of friends from all over the world andnd i make a little extra income in the internet also.So much advantage for me.So i hope it won't happen.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
The way you explained it was if it were a friend. I love the way you write or type I should say. You may it seem so personal. Thats what I would miss the most. Being able to see how others express and view things is great. If we didnt have the internet we would have to go back to entertaining ourselves. Keep on typing my friend. THANKS dl
@RhythmWalker1 (825)
• United States
19 Aug 08
Well, I still have pens and paper and friends so I'd be alright.
Those that spend all their time on it need to realize that it's
not a matter of "if it got shut down", it's more about "when it get's
shut down".
Just like all vehicles with OnStar- a punch of a button can shut this whole
thing down. If a major disaster were to happen, only the chosen few will
have access to the Internet. Just yesterday I read about the Russia/Georgia
incident where some Internet web sites had been hacked into.
Life is out there and I think it would do us all good to spend more time with
real people, we can actually touch.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
19 Aug 08
Great point! I hadnt even thought about that. I never realized how much I utilized my computer. I havent even had it a year yet. I have decided that I am going to minimize my use or at least try. I want to be able to function business wise either way. You are right when you say its a matter of when. Thanks for opening my eyes. dl
@wiseshopping1 (679)
• China
20 Aug 08
yes, first, we are not be accustomed to the condition without internet.
but if there is no internet, i feel more happy. i can spend more time with my friends,i can attend more social activities,so does my BF, he will spend more time with me. that's nice.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I am in my 30's so when I was in school computers were just coming into play. We still had to take typing in order to graduate. On a typewriter that is. I try to make sure that my daughters can type and use a regular word processor. You never know what might happen. Better to be safe than sorry. Thanks friend. I hope you and your bf have lots of good times. you deserve them. dl
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I wish! I have only had a computer since last October and I couldnt imagine it. lol It doesnt take me long to become obsessed. Ask my husband. Just kidding lol I did catch really quick though. If I can do it on the computer I will. I dont pay bills online thought. I dont trust it. I know silly hah? thats me. dl
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
21 Aug 08
I would have very bad internet withdrawls. As a matter of fact when I had to have computer repairs one time I about went crazy. My computer has became part of my life pretty much. I have made quite a few friends and also I am able to look up information when I need it.
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I would probably read a lot more and write more poetry and fiction as the internet has taken up a lot of my writing time with paid for post sites. Also, my reading time as I find stories on the internet instead of in actual book form. All of my jobs, which provide both pocket money and real money, are internet related. Without the internet I would be much poorer. I would also be less able to communicate with friends and maintain connections as most of my really good friends live far away from me. Of course, I would also miss my net based communities which I've come to value.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I like to read also. Sadly my reading has suffered since I got my computer. I think that you would do okay without the internet eventually. The fact that you would go with the flow and not panic is great. Some many will be panicking and unfortunately when you panic in a troubled time it usually creates more problems. Well I hope I can follow your lead. thanks friend dl
@mflower2053 (3223)
• United States
20 Aug 08
go crazy b/c this is my escape from the world sometimes. Isn't that bad. I use to dance to reduce stress but now I escape to the internet and talk to people or go on a game and get wrapped up in the game.
1 person likes this
@hiddenwing (3719)
• China
20 Aug 08
First, besides internet, computer is really important. This is one of the reason I admire Bill Gates so much.
The internet save many people from boredom sometimes.
Also, I have to check my email everyday. Thus I can't imagine life without interenet.
Without internet, a lot of people will sure be lost for a while.
On the other hand, I need to read a lot of medical science papers so as to get with it. It will nothing but terrible if my intenet was ended since I have to go to the library for page turning.
Look out the world, here we come! The world is just awesome to have facility.
1 person likes this
@joyadalia (1408)
• Philippines
22 Aug 08
You must be young then . When I was in first year if high school it was the first time that we had internet classes. It was not there forever in my life but I admit that it has been a real helpful thing to acquire. I can not imagine my life without it. I'd lose all my jobs if the internet will be gone and so I have to uphold it.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
22 Aug 08
Unfortunately I am not that young. I had typing classes when I was in high school. I have recently bought a computer(last October) and I have grown quite attached to it. I love my computer almost more than my husband. lol just kidding I wouldnt want to know what its like to be without one. I do however like to write so I think I would adjust. I think you would too. Seeing that we both grew up without one. dl