Pulling the Plug

As information age individuals, we live in a world where knowledge and ideas are easily accessible. 

The world economy is now based around the transfer and manipulation of information, while the presence of computers, portable electronics, and videogames has made tuning out and plugging in all the more possible and desirable. 

A whole new digital world, with endless possibilities and minimal boundaries, now exists through Internet, television and gaming.

But, ironically, this “digital” world has become somewhat of an alternate reality or escapist retreat for many people.  

After a hard day of classes or work, some people may find solace in zoning out on the Internet or killing a few zombies on the Xbox or PS3.  

However, at what point is one overcome by the ongoing haze of digitalization and multimedia?

There’s a very fine line between a Facebook user and a Facebook fiend.  

Likewise, a few minutes on the game console can just as easily turn into a few hours or even, sadly a few days.  

While the digital world remains appealing, it’s always important to remember the world you came from. 

You weren’t Apple certified at birth, nor did your mother make your birth certificate her profile picture on Facebook. Many people are reaching the point where they exist more “virtually” than in any way else. 

Haven’t seen Billy in a while?  Try Facebook, Twitter or XboxLive. These media devices have made it possible for people to virtually recreate themselves.

Now, they can present themselves to others however they want, through risqué photos, witty tweets or online gaming. 

In fact, some people may know others better through their digital personality than by actually meeting them in person.  

That being said, it’s important not to spend all of your time in this alternate digital reality (yes, porn addicts, I’m talking to you too).  Trust me, people are so much more interesting in real life, despite being more attractive on Facebook. 

And instead of spending an ungodly amount of time playing online shooters, gather a group of friends and go paintballing. 

Believe it or not, there is a REAL alternative to the majority of the cyber activities we see today.  I’m not sure if there are any zombies or Nazis at the paintball arena, but you’ll still be able to shoot around. 

Instead of strictly talking to someone on Facebook, go ahead and give them a shout out when you’re sitting right next to them in class. 

The point:  The real world is much more important than the digital one. Sadly enough, there aren’t as many opportunities or interesting people in the latter, and while videogames and Internet can provide escape and entertainment, it’s important to remember that life is more than just escaping and being entertained.  

So now it’s time to pull the plug on the digital world for a little while, and hook back up to reality.  Who knows, you might like it.