Freedom from Information

Since I completed my job about three weeks ago, I have been wondering where my days are spent. Seems I am always busy but have no time. How can that be? After keeping a journal of what I do for one full day, it appears that I have found the answer. I am online for about 4 -5 hours a day! What is wrong with me? Obsessive, Adult ADD, Boredom? I apparently am obsessed with information and connectivity. Am I destined to be an information junkie, craving my next Google fix?

Fret no more, Mac has a solution: a new software product called Freedom . The main function of Freedom is to render your computer unable to access networking for up to 8 hours. Obviously I am not the only one who suffers from information addiction. Online distractions have become so insipid that we mere humans can not avoid them without the aid of yet another piece of software.

Two points immediately come to mind: one is addiction and the other is responsibility. I don't dare compare online usage to addictions such as drugs, gambling and alcohol. But let's face it, any addiction is detrimental, even if it is the uncontrollable desire to know more. Sure knowing more about your friends and acquaintances is not a new phenomenon, although the technology of Facebook and Twitter facilitate a more immediate gratification. But what about the need to gain knowledge on every question or interest you have during a day. We call children with this need precocious but what about adults?

Prior to hiring any contractor, I find myself searching the internet to understand the exact job (by the way I am a resident expert on concrete in the form of aggregate or stamped). Does this search justify not leaving the house all day during a perfectly beautiful Indian Summer? Maybe. But what about that need to know all there is to know about our recent Nobel Laureates? I was insistent on understanding the prize and criteria. Another day spent online while the laundry piled up and we had cereal for dinner. You may think that's still ok because I am improving myself. I have now trained myself to believe that anything I need to know is found on the internet. At this rate, people and nature will be simply email and google images.

Now to responsibility. So instead of simply prioritizing my day and balancing my quest for knowledge with my need to accomplish personal tasks, I have to get software to eliminate the distractions. This reminds me too much of using burkas to prevent men from being distracted by female beauty or censoring books to prevent "unclean thoughts". Maybe thats a leap, but when do we hold ourselves accountable and how do we teach our youth to avoid temptations by showing them that all temptation can be removed?

It's time to balance my online life with my actual life. Time to muster up the strength to turn this thing off and go for a walk.