Intro

Generally, I'm an anxious and stressed out person. Over the years, I learned how to mostly manage it, but recently, I feel like it's gotten to be a bit much again. I think it's safe to say it's related to how much time I spend online (or thinking about things related to being online). All the classic symptoms - constantly needing to check the phone, occasionally getting lost on Instagram Reels/Youtube Shorts/scrolling through Reddit, experiencing the constant micro emotional changes that the above bring about, reduced focus, forgetfulness, the need for reassurance in all my decisions, and the inability to think for myself (I'll include lack of critical thinking with this as well).

Regardless of the label (addicted, obsessed, etc.), it's clear that I feel like I have a bad relationship with the internet, and it's finally time I do something about it. Now obviously, I've known for a while, but taking action and wanting to take action are different. The thing is, being constantly online is more of a symptom of a different problem(s) and/or an escaping/coping mechanism to avoid said problem(s). I don't want to use this platform to vocalize my specific problem (if you couldn't tell by the display name, I'm not trying to go into details about my personal life), so instead, I'm going to use it more as a tracker of my internet usage as well as a place to record my thoughts. I'm sure along the way, I'll learn more about myself and learn some better, healthier coping mechanisms, but my plan for this blog is just a daily reminder of how much precious time I'm both spending online and how much of this noise is occupying my thoughts.

I think the true "answer" to all this is to just participate in online activities with moderation. It's just a fact that the internet is a part of our lives and jobs. It's a fantastic tool when used properly, and it's just not possible to not use it at least a bit. But too much of anything is bad. Improper usage of something is bad.

That said, it's not easy to do something that you've been pouring a lot of time and mental space into with moderation. Hence, another reason for this blog. Hell, this blog is online, so it's not like I'm offline writing this thing that's trying to help. So instead, I'm going to try and define some parameters for myself with regard to my worst offenders as a start. I'm hoping with time and perseverance, I can remove my "constantly online" identity for something I'm more proud of. I need to remind myself that I don't always need to know anything and everything that's happening. Additionally, with some of my hobbies, I feel like I'm constantly on the lookout for "what's next" with it instead of just enjoying what's currently available, so in that case, I don't always need to know what was just announced, when it's coming out and the speculation behind it. It's just a waste of time and headspace.

I may come back to this post occasionally to update parameters and/or websites and apps.

Reddit: I say time and time again that "I'll just use it as a quick specialized search for something I'm doing," but to be real, that's only worked temporarily. On the other hand, that's it's main utility. So for now let's start with:

As of 6/10/2025:

•  You may do a "specialized search" if you are actively doing your hobby, and it would benefit in that moment. No "I'm gonna look this up now in case I do this thing later today."
• If there's some sort of "special event" happening IRL, then you can do a quick headline check at the end of the day. Otherwise, let's start with one "headline check" on Tuesdays and one on Friday

Instagram: This is one is actually easy to do (though...then why I haven't I done it LOL). I've gone on many streaks of not checking Instagram, so this site/app isn't as a big a problem IMO. It helps that my friends/partner seem to be using it less, too. 

As of 6/10/2025: 

• Check once Tuesday and once Thursday for any messages from friends. Do not scroll.

Youtube: There's only one channel I regularly watch. Other than that, I mostly use it as background noise instead of music. Perhaps one day I can work towards "enjoying the silence." Now Shorts, those are terrible; let's stay away from those

As of 6/10/2025:

•  Can actively watch the one channel, okay to have it as background noise otherwise, but don't actively watch unless all important chores are done
• Do not watch Shorts.

Okay, just typing all of this out has made me feel better.