Could be both.
The internet itself offers immense value across nearly all facets of life. The three websites that everyone uses do not.
There’s definitely value here, but sometimes it’s hard to justify because of the negatives that come with it.
I’m not sure if it’s always been like this (it probably has), or if I’ve just become more aware of it, but holy shit, people are mean and cynical. It really poisons my mind to spend time around these kinds of attitudes, and I can only imagine how contagious it must be especially for younger users, spreading this ‘mind virus’ to more and more people. I can’t imagine people talking to each other in real life the way they often do in places like this.
What I find even more toxic than direct attacks on other users, though, is the constant ambient cynicism. There are certain topics where I can guarantee that at least 50% of the comments are snide remarks dunking on AI, Twitter, Tesla, Musk, etc. These comments add zero value to the discussion. They’re written solely to signal alliance to like-minded people and fish for upvotes.
I just want a place where I can hang out with civilized adults and have meaningful discussions about substantive topics, instead of being surrounded by angry, hateful, cynical kids who seem more interested in pointing out the flaws in everything and tearing things down rather than discussing solutions.
I think it’s probably mostly that first thing. There’s only two-three websites I visit on the daily anymore. The rest isn’t worth it.
I’ll be the judge of that. What are your data points?
1.) I could give two shits about what the internet thinks on any given subject.
2.) I am not movitivated to use the internet for fun things like gaming, anymore.
3.) I want to crawl into a hole and fall asleep forever listening only to the humming of a sweet old lady.
4.) I look into my own eyes and see nothing.
5.) … I dunno… I check the fridge for cheese more often then I check my own text messages.
6.) I took up smoking again and I don’t even feel bad about the possible slow torturous death of lung cancer that awaits me.
7.) If I hear a child I am instantly annoyed(please don’t hate me I don’t have any kids of my own)
8.)I cannot write any
A rollercoaster. It was dropping until the cheese thing, which I think is just normal, unspoken behavior. Sounds to me like a bout of depression, or at least what I think is depression. I 100% get the same lethargy to life, and it tends to come in waves.
If you haven’t, I’d look at having a chat with a professional. I’m not a good role model for this, but I have pushed through the lulls more times than I care to admit, and it gets tougher every year. The negative thoughts set in and create this negative feedback loop that makes functioning difficult, and digs a hole that’s hard to climb out of.
Anecdotally, if this is new to you, it doesn’t make for a happy life. I’m working to get help, but there are roadblocks. I would encourage you to try the same. If it doesn’t help, then you can cross that bridge later. If it does, then you’ll be in a much better place and the light will shine again.
…or the Internet really is just shitty.
The Internet is not supposed to be a source of happiness, that’s a sell by some platforms you should never buy into. The Internet is a source of information, and information will not make you happy.
Gaming, social media, or most other online interaction, is ultimately masturbation. It feels good for the moment, but it doesn’t last; you have nothing to look back on but Steam achievements or vacant profiles on a dead platform at the end.
If you’re suffering from depression, you likely can’t work yourself out of it through your own actions alone. Seek support. Things will not improve otherwise.
