by M. Velasco

Created on: July 29, 2008

I use the internet for many things, but to understand how I use it I must explain how I DO NOT use the internet (and in no particular order or reason).

1. I DO NOT use the internet as my only form of communication. While the use of the internet is most helpful in quickly communicating information to one another by e-mail or chat, nothing is as fast or quick as a one-on-one conversation, may it be in person or by phone. Words, in general, is always open for interpretation by the reader. If I choose to use the internet during communication, I do an one-on-one follow-up to assure that there is a well-informed understanding.

2. I DO NOT use the internet as my only form of interaction with the world. In college I discovered instant messaging and thus began my world wide web interaction. In that discovery I realized that I wore the same pajamas I woke up in by dinner time and that the amount on my phone bill was significantly small. While my parents thought I was basking in the college life they have heard about I was, in fact, using instant messaging to communicate with friends I've known throughout my life, friends I have met in college, and friends I have yet to meet because some chat room invited me to join them. Then, my roommate informed me of how she missed out late night conversations before we went to sleep and thus, I knew, my time was limited online.

3. I DO NOT use the internet as my only form of bill paying. Look, although paying your bills online is the most cost efficient, time efficient, and earth friendly way to pay your dues, I highly recommend that you do not do that unless you know how to balance a check book. Don't know what I mean about balancing a checkbook? My point exactly. On that note, college kids shouldn't get a credit card unless they know how to ALSO balance a checkbook.

4. I DO NOT use the internet as my only form of entertainment. I admit, I go through such websites as YouTube and Apple to look at previews; but I also take that opportunity to step outside, wait in line, complain about the movie ticket prices, go inside the movie theatre, get a little upset that a tall guy sits in the seat in front of me, and watch the movie. THAT'S WHAT THE MOVIE-GOER experience is! If that experience is not what you seek, go rent a movie! If renting online suits you, I hope you share that movie experience with people.

5. I DO NOT use the internet to fulfill my sexual desires. Let's face it, the internet does not replace the real thing!

6. I DO NOT use the internet to rely on map directions. Not all of us can afford a navigation system, but if you can learn to read a map and know the difference from north and south, the good ol' Thomas Guide is the best navigation system a person can ever have. Besides, I read once from a traveling photographer that the journey is the destination; getting lost on your way to a party is a fun story to tell, and even more of a reason to have fun.

7. I DO NOT use the internet as my only source of information. As a matter of fact, the information I find online is viewed the same way when I watch CNN - you can't always believe what you read or hear so do your research elsewhere.

And lastly...

8. I DO NOT use the internet to replace who I am and who I can be. I am a writer, but the keyboard will never replace the pen. I am a researcher, but the internet will never replace the scent of a book. I am a person, but the internet will never replace the people I know and will meet.

Don't get me wrong, I use the internet, and to easily put it, I use the internet as I see fit.

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