Running away from Internet

When I was studying in school, we had no computer at home. My dad had a basic phone which could make phone calls, send messages and play snake. For any internet usage, I had to go to the nearest internet cafe.

In college, I didn't have a personal computer/laptop until the second year (2012). Until then, the desktops placed inside the hostel library were the solution.

I was reaching out to consume internet via internet cafe or hostel library.

Now, the internet is with me, all time, everywhere I go. And I'm trying to get rid of it.

In the last few years, I've noticed the internet (through phone and laptop) takes up a hefty amount of my time.

I would've never thought a situation like this would come. That I would get tired of watching YouTube videos, movies and scroll through internet.

In the last 5-6 months, I've realized that getting rid of this addiction is not simple. It's more than willpower and determination.

The phone is just a reach to the pocket away, with the notification sounds and the unlimited network data.

I'm battling phone dependency with the phone itself.

• Setting 30 minutes daily usage on YouTube
• Uninstalled Twitter from phone, logged out the browser session. Twitter is accessible through laptop only.
• I never bothered to try out Instagram and I'm glad I didn't. Got rid of Facebook ~8 years ago.
• Prime Video, Netflix uninstalled from Phone. Keeping Hotstar only for English Premier League. Probably I should uninstall that too and watch on Laptop.
• Sleep mode activated from 11:00 PM to 6:45AM, making only Contacts, Messages and Phone apps accessible.

I wish getting rid of the smart phone itself was easier. But with the convenience of Google Maps, Google Pay and WhatsApp video calling, I don't see this happening anytime soon.

When I think about the restrictions I've put on the phone usage, makes me chuckle. Trying a full 180 in 10 years, from desperately trying to get online to desperatly trying to get off of it.

From trying to consume internet to internet consuming you, peddling my way back to the old days.