Monday, May 24, 2010

Oh, Internet, You Devil, You

Being 28, I'm on the upper end of what some Academics and assorted others who study things call "Digital Native." I was born in the '80s, had computer class at school growing up
(LOGO anyone?) and got the "family Christmas gift" of a home computer in the tenth grade. Essentially, I grew up with technology. Sure, I was born in the early '80s and my learning experience is entirely different than those born in the late '80s or those in school today. But I've had an email account since before I was 16 and AIM was arguably the most popular form of communication in college.

And let's be honest, I love the Internet:

1. I love that I can carry out conversations/video chat I've met across the globe. Years ago, this would have been pen & paper, a form I love and admire, but looses its urgency when life takes its toll and both ends are busy.

2. I love that anyone can find a creative outlet. Want to write? Start a blog. Want to be a filmmaker? Post to YouTube. Looking for an Art Project? Turn to PostSecret for inspiration. I strongly believe this type of freedom does more good than harm.

3. I love that the Internet has a place for everyone. Be it for expressing your feelings, finding common friends, sharing your hobby or finding your persuasion, it's out there. Less need for people to feel alone and isolated.

4. I love that it gives those with shy voices, Autism, stutters, and more a voice. Have trouble getting those participation points in class because you don't like talking aloud? Why not try an online course? It's out there.

5. I love that it brings museums, music, art in abundance to those who may not be able to visit such places, but can log onto to the web.

6. And mostly I love that it's open. I love that it inspires people, young and old, to learn new things. I love the people who use the Internet as a tool, not an answer.

But I have worked with children, teens, adults and senior citizens long enough to have some frustrations about the way we see/use the Internet. So keep my praise in mind when I rant on here some day.

2 comments:

Leanne said...

I love that it's reconnected me with and brought me even closer to friends. I can see someone I haven't seen in years and feel like we just talked yesterday.

Spekkio said...

I definitely appreciate point number four. I've found the Internet immensely helpful over the years to help fill the hole in my life that comes with being an Aspie. I've been using it as such for far longer than I've known from whence my problems come - all the way back to America Online on a 14.4Kbps modem, complete with the horrible screeching noises, getting kicked offline if someone picked up the phone, etc.

The Internet is also handy in that I can better control how people see me. Right now, you can't see me struggling with social interaction. There's nothing to be anxious about, because I can edit and delete this text as much as I like before I post it. You have no idea how important that is for people who are pre-disposed to rambling on about stuff that nobody cares about. (And being the Internet, if I'm boring you, you can just stop reading...and you probably already have.) And it also helps in keeping my pervasive self-hatred, negativity, and pessimism in check. You can't see how ugly I am, either. (You'll have to trust me on that one.)

Sadly, no amount of online interaction can completely fill the void, but such is life. We can't all have fulfilling relationships. And online classes don't work for me, either.

It has also occurred to me that there are other people with disabilities for whom the Internet is a valuable tool. Consider social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, anthropophobia, and pervasive developmental disorders other than the autism spectrum.

You may also be interested in how some people have used the Internet to try to make neurotypicals understand how we (autistics/Aspies) think. Look up "Amanda Baggs" on YouTube and you'll see what I mean.

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