Computers: A Blessing Or A Curse?
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
February 22, 2009 9:49pm CST
Okay think I need to explain my question here.
I've only had my own computer now for two years. Prior to that I had to rely on the free usage of computers at a library where one would get one glorious hour to work on it (sarcasm there)---or if I knew I absolutely positively needed more time to do everything that same day would opt to go to a local internet place and of course would have to pay.
Thinking back (oh, yes I do think from time to time...LOL)---to my pre-my-own-computer days it just seems I got more done. I guess since I knew my time was limited I had to focus on usually one big major computer project for the day...then I went home and maybe did my crafts, did cleaning, other "things". Also, by not having a computer, it forced me to get out of the apartment everyday, no matter what the weather or how I felt.
Well now I have my own computer and don't get me wrong, I love, love, love my own computer. If I get some "inspiration" to something I can do it any old time I please, even if it's 4 in the morning..I don't have to wait until the next day to go out and use a computer like I once did.
As great as all this is, my problem now suddenly is I don't have the time to do everything on the computer I would like to do, even though the night before I make a listing of planned projects I want to do on the computer, like write articles for AC, reviews here and there, this and a thata..I sometimes feel really stretched out...and frustrated. Also, since I do have my own computer, I'm plain not going out as much as I used to, at least not everyday...it was like when I didn't have a computer it was a good excuse if anything to get out of the house....now it's like I do this weird alternating thing.....one day out to do errands, next day stay home. My hours have definitely changed...if I thought I was a night owl before now I'm a REAL night owl..I have some major cleaning things I would like to do, but keep putting them off to work in front of the computer instead...I no longer read the way I used to since the last thing I want to do after long hours of doing research reading for my articles is read some more. And another confession...I don't call my friends as often as I used to since quite frankly I'd rather be in front of the computer working. (I've always had workaholic tendencies anyway)
Is it just the fact, that I'm just plain addicted to computers in the first place?
Has your life changed by having your own computer at home? Have you gotten more reclusive? Do you let chores go by since you rather be in front of the computer? Do you find yourself stretched too, by finding TOO many things to do in front of a computer? Are you a computer junkie?
10 people like this
45 responses
@krajibg (11922)
• Guwahati, India
23 Feb 09
Very nice. Well, is anything the science invented against human kind? The answer should be a 'no'. Yes, this is the men who have abused them. On the same note computer has 100% positive and 100% negative now what is the equal? Its a 'zero' and this equates to saying that computer is not against the human civilization and if anything wrong has gone please do not blame it, rather blame the user.
If I am addicted to computer and NET it is my fault. Why I put blame on the computer which is a life less thing and depends on me if it is to work or not to work. The same thing is likely to happen if I go to the extremity in my food habit too. Suppose I love pork and this has become such a habit that I take a large chunk everyday, surely I will suffer from a particular disease. Shall I blame the pig? No. Hence Computer is not a curse but it is a curse on the user who has not known how to use it.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Feb 09
I don't think that is necessarily true that it's a curse on the person who uses a computer. I most certainly do know how to use a computer, that's kind of the problem. It's been via the computer that I can earn extra money now, an aspect I didn't do when I didn't have a computer and was relying on the library ones...I just wouldn't have been able to have had enough time to write articles (some of which are on a deadline basis)---also my dream of forming a work at home on-line photo business also would be impossible for me at library computers as they don't have the proper means to do so..like a scanner to scan my images (slides and negatives) to digitize them..so kind of have to disagree with that reasoning there that you give.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Feb 09
Well I'm quoting you here: Hence Computer is not a curse but it is a curse on the user who has not known how to use it.
No you didn't say the computer is a curse but like that latter part of your meaning here just sounded negative. As far as getting a better paying job??? I'm on SSI disability benefits so can't work outside of the home..thus my need to use the computer a lot to try and earn to supplement my benefits a bit
@krajibg (11922)
• Guwahati, India
23 Feb 09
There is something wrong somewhere i guess. Dear friend when did I say that Computer was a curse? I wanted to say that if any one feels it a curse it has to be himself for he has taken the overdose. its there in my text. If you earn money online surely you have to give more time to this or else you come down and pick up some job that pays well. You will have only one benefit at a time not two.
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
23 Feb 09
I love my computer as well but only because all my friends are in it. If I could talk to all my friends offline, I could do without the computer.
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
23 Feb 09
I was thinking about that. That would be one huge phone bill just to talk to them all once.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Feb 09
I've never exactly been a phone person to begin with, but yes the computer is one great way to feel connected to our on-line friends...especially ones from different countries...yikes can you imagine the phone bill if I talked to all my friends in Australia, England, Germany...sheesh
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
23 Feb 09
Hi pyewacket! I usually logged on to the computer each morning just to check my email but will not really get into responding to them except if it is very important. I usually do all my house chores and errands in the morning. I usually am done with everything after lunch. I will take a nap and after my nap, I will be infront of the computer with my snacks. lol..I can only have time for the computer if I do not have orders for my crafts. I could not really say I am a computer junkie at the moment but I know, giving it some time I am on my way to be one full pledged computer junkie soon! 
Take care and have a great day!
lovelots..faith
Take care and have a great day!
lovelots..faith
@xianshuixyz (91)
• China
23 Feb 09
In fact, i should admit that i have some feeling like what you feels in the first several monthes after i got my own new computer. I found myself looked like became lazy and I put a lot of my attention and time on the computer, I especially liked to chat with my friends on line at the time.But this phenomena changed after i went to work, because my job can't get rid of the computer, i have to watch the computer screen almostly all day, that makes me feel tired sometimes. So i think that computer is just a tool for me, sometimes i won't use it if the thing can finished as well without it.
@tudors (1556)
• China
23 Feb 09
wow, you are a huge writer ! Everything has two sides, it's the nature of everything ! everything ! we can't deny it. As to computer, i believe its advantages exceed its negatives significantly ! It enhances the efficiency of office work, store and process information thousands of times... i think its pros are doubtless. i can't imagine a day, no , a second without computer, how would this world turn out to be?
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47343)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
23 Feb 09
How would this world turn out? There'd probably be full employment.
@ronharold (555)
• Philippines
23 Feb 09
I also experience what you experience but now I've overcome that problem. I love to learn and to learn and to learn so I always use my computer for learning but because of that, my time for somethings are decreased.
What I can advice you is that know the priority in your life. When You've done that hope you can manage your time.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Feb 09
LOL--well that's just it, I do know my priorities in life and what needs to be done each day...now if only there were 60 hours in a day, maybe I could get everything done...LOL
@psyche49f (2502)
• Philippines
23 Feb 09
It really depends on how you use computers. If you use it to your disadvantage, then it's a curse. However, if you use the computer for information, for access to the world, to interact with other people, to learn, to transact business, etc., then it's a blessing. For me, it's a blessing. You see, I could get a lot of information through the net. I don't need to go the library anymore in order to get information about a thousand of things. Of course, with mylot, it's really a blessing. We should not be enslaved by computers. We should be its masters, right?
@4mymak (1793)
• Malaysia
23 Feb 09
confession - if i dont have 5 other people to look after.. i'd be a computer junky, too...
i even 'look forward' to go to work because i get to use the computer.. i have internet access at the office.. so i am allowed to go browse 'during my freetime'...
at home.. i would have to finish all my chores first, of course.. dinner.. ironing.. check the kid's homework.. do the dishes.. and if i am not too tired or sleepy after that.. i'd log on the internet.. and once i do.. and if my husband doesnt wake up during the night.. i might not sleep just 'playing' with the computer..
but if i am caught - by my husband... you wouldnt want to hear him nag... he'll never stop.. and he'll 'ban' from using the computer a few nights.. 
.. serves me right, huh..
but if i am caught - by my husband... you wouldnt want to hear him nag... he'll never stop.. and he'll 'ban' from using the computer a few nights..
.. serves me right, huh..
1 person likes this
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
23 Feb 09
When I first got a computer and was on line, I was online for quite a few hours a day. Since my injuries have gotten so bad I cannot sit for many hours in front of a computer; which is great since I have tons to do around the house. I get up in the morning and make a list of what I want to get done that day. I'm pretty good about getting through the list. Today alone I managed to get the broken down sofa bed that the kids used while they were here and tore up and managed to bend the framework for the bed part (I thought that didn't bend...but they managed it)and brought in the love seat and the chair and a half. I even got the vacuuming done along with cleaning carpets. I did do computer work earlier, and am doing a few posts before I go to bed. I did finally get to the point that the computer doesn't call out to me to get on it. I think too it comes from my doing so many online classes and doing homework on the computer...it's kind of nice getting away from the screen for a few hours.
In your case, you are writing the articles and doing myLot to make extra money. It's in effect having a job! So, you are finding that some of the things you normally do take a back seat to the job. You're like me in the sense that you're a workaholic and keep your nose to the grindstone. I have almost the same schedule too, I have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays...this week I also have to go to town on Wednesday for a doctor's appointment. Otherwise I have a day at home before I have to be somewhere. I think it is a part of the way society has become. You just kind of have to accept the kind of person you have become with having your own computer.
The greatest thing about having a computer is that I can connect with friends, shop for bear making supplies, earn money and set up a ETSY account on the first of the month and do research and school projects. It took a few years to wear out on being on the computer for long hours, but at least I have gotten back in the habit of doing things away from the computer.
1 person likes this
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
3 Mar 09
Well definitely having your own computer is definitely a blessing. It will certainly make you productive. But the important thing is that you should also have a balance in life. Most people who stay in the computer all day will tend to have back problems and eye problems. So the point is, control and balance.
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
3 Mar 09
I know I AM a computer junkie, and it makes me very disappointed in myself. I put off going on walks in the fresh air, and sometimes even find myself sitting here in my dressing gown quite late into the morning. It means I have to race around at the other end of the day getting things done, which should have been done in the morning. Before I had the internet, I would write, read and do all kinds of things - but now I just roam the net, checking out useless bits of information while the house crumbles around me and nothing gets organised. I'm TRYING to limit my internet time and be strict with myself - but it's hard. Last week I went FOUR whole days without logging on to myLot - and managed to get a few things done - but it's hard to stay away for much longer. I think we need a bit of self-discipline in order to have a good balance of things in our lives!
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
23 Feb 09
Pyewacket, I can so relate! You have just described me as well. I write for AC MyLot, other writing sites, my blog and I freelance so I am very busy on the computer all the time.
Because I am one of those people who can't let chores go without getting extremely anxious I have to be up by 4 am almost every day to do my chores, take care of my animals and get my daughter off to school, it's the only way, otherwise either the house is dirty or I don't write!
I too avoid socializing because I prefer to sit in front of the computer and write. It's like an addiction, I have thoughts and they need to come out!
My husband and daughter get fed up with me. Yesterday I was writing all day and they had to entertain themselves.
I am going to make a point of rescheduling my days because missing out on my family is just not on and things have got to change!
So to answer your question yes I am definitely a computer junkie!
1 person likes this
@vijayanandp (682)
• India
23 Feb 09
I use my computer for doing online work as well as for some of my personal works and well for me computer is a blessing as i can do my work and store it as well as i dont need to search for the work i had dont long back as every thing is stored in it only as well as online work i can do
1 person likes this
@wonttakelong (3555)
• United States
23 Feb 09
I had noticed the same thing with me.
I get less done when I am on my computer.
So what I have had to do recently is put myself on a schedule
I allot myself so much time and once that time is over I HAVE to get off the computer.
I also force myself to get out of the house
I usually go play with the dogs or take them for a walk
I also have to make myself at least work on one special project a day.
like the other day I primered the upstairs bedroom window trim so I could paint them all one of these days when it was nice.
I may have to do those one window a day because it requires me to hang out of the window in order to do it (not good for anxiety disorders LOL)
1 person likes this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
24 Feb 09
I have to say that I used to be. I am changing my lifestyle now. Working so many hours makes me willing to relax more than ever. I do talk to my friends more often than I used to for the last 2 years, I see my friends more and I spend more time on my art, my home and with my pets.
I watch more movies, I walk more often and I limited my time on computer to minimum at home, because I use my computer all day long at work.
I miss my internet activity, but in the other hand I feel like I can have done much much more. It is not easy, but absolutely necessary.
HUGS
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
24 Feb 09
To be fair... I would say both.
I went through the same thing during the first 10 years.
My computer took my life over.
That was the only thing which did interest me... and I was determined to earn a living from it... so that I would not need to do anything else.
I finally got over that.
But I still cannot live without it.
But for different reasons.
As I live alone in the middle of the bush... it is my only link with the outside world. I don't even have a television or radio. Well... I do have those... but no reception.
The second thing I use it for is to copy DVDs. I must have done over 2000 DVDs over the past two years. I have gone through 3 DVD burners. lol
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
25 Feb 09
Let me just say, pyewacket, that I feel your pain.About the only thing I have not sacrificed since owning a computer is my reading. I love reading far too much to ever let anything keep me away from it for too long. It also helps that once I am fully immersed in whatever I happen to be reading I tend to lose all sense of time. It is a constant struggle for me to get out of my apartment(and I used to be agoraphobic). Sometimes I'm way late getting dinner started. And, yes, my housework has suffered terribly. The funny thing is I don't do much work on my computer these days. Sadly, I've discovered sites where I can go and watch some of the TV shows I can't get because I don't have cable. I also like to watch the occasional movie on my computer. Indeed, the computer can be quite time-consuming!
About the only thing I have not sacrificed since owning a computer is my reading. I love reading far too much to ever let anything keep me away from it for too long. It also helps that once I am fully immersed in whatever I happen to be reading I tend to lose all sense of time. It is a constant struggle for me to get out of my apartment(and I used to be agoraphobic). Sometimes I'm way late getting dinner started. And, yes, my housework has suffered terribly. The funny thing is I don't do much work on my computer these days. Sadly, I've discovered sites where I can go and watch some of the TV shows I can't get because I don't have cable. I also like to watch the occasional movie on my computer. Indeed, the computer can be quite time-consuming!
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
25 Feb 09
Sometimes I feel chained to my computer, ever since I found ways to make extra money, and other things, now it all just seems like work, seems like i never have fun on here anymore. I remember all the hours I used to spend at pogo and other game sites playing and chilling out, not to mention all my (as you said) craft projets. I used to make crafts like almost everyday, now I'm on here, and sometimes I feel like a slave to my computer.
@littleowl (7157)
•
26 Feb 09
Hi pye, you hit the nail onthe head for me, before I had a computer I used to do all sorts and my day was taken up with shopping housework studying different subjects exercising a lot, when I got my laptop things started to change my exercise routine fell out of the window, studying slowed down and chores got left behind though they did eventually get done, especially when I stumbled on Mylot!! Now I guess to an extent I am addicted to the computer..rather than go to the bank and pay my bills I phone companys and do it that way, so yes I am addicted!! bb littleowl
@snowcat46 (2322)
• United States
24 Feb 09
They're a curse, plain and simple. I have lots of time now, but no time to do anything cause I can't get away from the computer!!
I really miss not having a typewriter. I know it's so much easier here, but I never get around to typing my real stuff since I'm here and enjoying myself so much. too darn much play time, not enough work time!! (And here I thought I grew up a long time ago. Sigh.)
