Anniversary of...Something

You know it's the 21st Century when you consider your first blogging anniversary to be a day of significance (it's on the 25th, by the way), but it is as good a time as any to consider the implications of blogging.
In an act of blatant self-promotion (well, kinda), I shall quote from a post I made on my short-lived msn Spaces blog back in November:

"Blogs are strange things. Yes, I know, just as blogs are in style, writing extensive essays about them is also chic. But I really am fascinated, and not just in the cultural, global trend, but in how it has affected me personally. A few months ago, I wrote in my diaries (of which I have several) daily, nearly constantly, and penned lyrics to songs almost daily. However, once I started blogging regularly, I have noticed my journalling has decreased immensely, and it is rare that I pick up a notebook and start recording my thoughts...I spend less time in introverted contemplation and focused prayer and more time typing about life in general. It's a negative effect, and one that I don't take lightly..."

Somewhere along the electronic path of this blogging journey (about a month ago), I came to a crossroads, and I chose a different direction. See, blogging is a nice outlet, it's a good space for creativity; it can be inspiring, productive, humorous, or theraputic. There's a lot you can learn from it, reading different perspectives and joining a global community. But there's also a danger in letting it--and/or the Internet in general--distract you, or losing part of yourself by sharing so much, or relying on pseudofriendships instead of living in the real world.

Granted, this isn't a tragedy. All you have to do is step away from the computer, take some time for yourself, friends and family. It's not hard for me to spend time away from technology as I really don't employ it extensively in my daily life. I don't watch much telelvision, don't own a cell phone, blackberry, mp3 player, or iPod, play video and/or online games.

The internet in itself holds little attraction to me. It's mostly the people factor. I like communicating with friends, reading different perspectives, living vicariously through people all over the world, etc. But when you depend on technology to sustain friendships, or isolate yourself from real experiences, your quality of life is going to be damaged. You can learn, but not experience, vicariously. And without experience, knowledge is useless.

(Editor's Note: Three weeks ago, when I first wrote this post, I intended on adding to it, discuss the repercussions of technology, blah blah blah. However, I lost interest and Prairie Home Companion is on the radio, so my unfinished thoughts will have to do....)