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What If We Had to Limit Our Internet Use?
Experts are raising alarms about the strain on our nation’s fiber-optic network, primarily due to the surge in streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. Internet usage now represents over 10% of the average energy consumption in the UK. As leaders convene to tackle this challenge, it’s likely that one of the first steps will be to hike up Internet prices, potentially reducing the number of users.
This situation has really gotten me thinking about how rationing Internet access might impact my family and me if it were to occur here in the U.S. Honestly, it’s a bit embarrassing to admit just how much we rely on the Internet for our daily lives. Without it, we would struggle to function as a self-sufficient family—and let’s be real, the Internet isn’t typically included in conversations about self-reliance.
Work Life and Internet Dependency
Both my partner and I work from home, which absolutely requires a solid Internet connection. On flights, we’re those people who fork over cash for in-flight Wi-Fi. During road trips, we tap into our cell phone data to keep our work moving along and navigate our routes. I can’t even imagine touring without my smartphone for directions—I used to rely on paper maps, and that feels like a lifetime ago! We would think twice about staying at a hotel without free Wi-Fi, unless we were intentionally trying to unplug. Honestly, I’m not sure we’d even grab a coffee at a shop that didn’t offer free Internet. And that’s just scratching the surface of how the Internet shapes our work life.
Personal Connections and Online Life
Our personal lives are just as intertwined with it. We’ve managed to stay connected with family and friends, despite moving multiple times, thanks to social media and email. I’ve never had to call someone for advice on parenting; I just look it up online! I even used the Internet to self-diagnose a hormone issue, which turned out to be a significant ovarian cystic tumor, and I made decisions about surgery during pregnancy based on my findings. It’s clear that limiting our online access—even to just an hour a day—would dramatically impact our lives.
A Call to Action
Maybe this is a wake-up call to become more intentional with how I spend my online time and to take advantage of the outdoors more often. Speaking of which, I should probably check out the best local trails. You can find more about getting outside and enjoying nature in this great blog post.
In summary, the thought of rationing Internet access really makes you realize how deeply it’s woven into our everyday lives. From work to social connections, it’s hard to imagine navigating life without it.