Can online forums drive a relatively sane person mad?

Seriously. Some people waste so much of their lives in here. I have wasted more than my share of time in here over the years as well, so don't think I am trying to criticise anyone or put anyone down. I am simply making an observation, and one that could just as well apply to myself.

I still drop by here a couple times a day, but it seems some people spend hours in here just wasting time talking about nothing of any importance or substance at all. I was guilty of this myself years ago, but back then the overall caliber of discussion was at least somewhat higher than it is now. I almost think it becomes a neurotic obsession with some people, to spend countless hours on online forums, combing over the same pages again and again, waiting for someone to comment on something they can respond to. I say fine. That's their prerogative, so be it. I just think it seems a bit depressing, don't you? I mean, wouldn't you rather be outside enjoying nature, or having a meaningful person-to-person relationship with somebody, instead of over a computer screen?

Again, I am not singling out any one group of people or any one person, because I have been guilty of the same myself, and still am to some extent. People can do whatever the hell they want to do with their lives. Why should it concern me? It doesn't. It just seems kind of depressing for a person to spend so much time in here, when they could at least be doing something that stimulates their mind and spirit. I mean, I see a lot of the same mindlessness in here that I see on TV, with people talking about celebrities and TV shows, and other meaningless shit that nobody should even give a single thought to. Are these forums a reflection of what society has become in a way?

 

Yes



I hath spoken!

 

I spend plenty of time on these forums... I always have the computer on, and all of my music, movies, etc are played through the computer... I don't think I'm ever only viewing the forums when I'm online... I have a bunch of sites I visit, or I'm doing something with my hands like playing the guitar, or making hemp jewelry or something. I don't think that anyone devotes time ONLY to the forum... people multi-task.

Now... on the topic... I don't post in many of the threads on this forum because, like you said, the level of discussion is awfully low. Sometimes it's fun, and I like fun... but... usually it's just the same senseless small talk that I cannot stand in real life. On the other hand, these forums have always had truly amazing people on them... the personalities of these people alone are worth frequenting these sites. This forum gave me a whole lot of guidance while growing up in an extremely broken home and in a culture that's radically different from my beliefs. These forums have also truly helped me out with my self image and confidence when I was younger.

Plus... most of us cannot find such stimulating discussion and such fascinating similar mentalities in real life. Speaking for myself, I'm living in solitude in the middle of nowhere... I talk to my co-workers about trivial things such as basketball, news, their lives, blah, blah... I'm more of a guidance counselor for them more than anything... I listen to their concerns, give them marriage and life advice, financial advice, and so on... I seem to take this role with any group of people to whom I'm exposed as it is.

Coming back home after work to this forum after a long hard day is a wonderful feeling. I can get my frustrations out with some humour, discuss something that interests me... if I choose to... or just talk crap if I feel like it...

The most amazing thing about this forum is that people actually listen. Ya know? You can't really wait for your turn to talk on a message board... unlike real life... so there is real communication, and a real equal exchange of ideas here... and it's beautiful.

All and all... it's a wonderful place. I might joke around about the 15 year olds here, but I'm really glad that the kids are visiting this forum... I think that it can give them more guidance, reassurance and hands-on experience with other people than most "real life" situations at their age would.

I am rambling.

 

i take breaks from here...its not hard. when i do have actual things going on in my life, i dont' have much of any time to post here

but yea, i do sometimes spend too much time here...but its the internet in general, not just this site. i have 3-4 different forums up at any time...so its not the same pages over and over again, which is a life saver, cuz if i just spent the whole day on one forum, i would go mad. but i search for variety, but this is the forum i am on the most.

i like talking about "nothing" though haha. the other forums are more geared towards working out and training...but here, i can post anything.

but i do make, or attempt to make some thoughtful posts, but they really don't get too much attention (ex. my thread about the workshop i had on saturday)...

i make plenty of time to get out and walk around, enjoy the beach, the park with my nephew...but at times, i just like to do absolutely nothing haha

 

I think the outside world can drive one mad sometimes because is not that you know is on the same bridge with you or in the same restaurant. So much happens when so many strangers not having any connection with one another frequent the same streets.
At least in the forums you have everybody's profile, you read what they post, and everyone is accessible for Pm's and exchange of philosophies. I don't think the world is ready yet or some kind of live on the street forum or game type communication.

You know like the ease or reaching that person for a comment, or sending a pm.

 

I drove everyone around me mad talking about nothing before I got here.
Ask Bella, I really cannot shut up.

 

But you're interesting and sexy so it's fab the simple life is on. all of the people at the fat camp lost at least 2 pounds

 

I don't regret anytime I have spent on here. typing out my feelings has lead to a complete 180 from where I was when I started posting 5 years ago. I was sooo silly and superficial and used to start threads with pics of fasion shows and people on here telling me there was more to life really helped me discover it. plus i came on here after one of the most horrifying experiences of my life and I prob would have ended up in a mental ward because i was too ashmed to tell anyone for the longest time and telling people on here might have even saved my life because everytime i drove on a bridge i would want to drive off the side or crash ont he freeway, not caring who i took with me. i have no regrets with how much time i spent on here. plus I met Andy

 

i think the're just as likely to drive a mad person sane.

too much a reflection of the rest of society indeed. which when i bagan comming here they were a lot less so. i too am appauled by all this tv and celebrity crap.

i can remember when it was more about fun interesting things like six items to have with you when you get stranded on an unfamiliar island, or, that kind of what to get the most out minimal bagage allotment sort of thing. how to do and be creative and the sorts of things that actually gratify.

as for outside with nature, sure i'd love to not be surrounded by pavement. i wouldn't want to be just sitting out there doing nothing though. wondering arround trails and stuff is good, but so is creating. for me, the computer is my substitute, albeit in this context a poor one, for living where i could actually get out there like i grew up doing.

relationships aren't the meaning of my life though. i wish people happiness, which for me means mostly wishing they'd do their homework to learn how to actually avoid contributing to what creates the conditions that cause suffering, and not just taking some belief's, or the popular assumptions the're surrounded by's word for it.

=^^=
.../\...

 

this forum is like chatting with people while at a menial job. my computer is right there in my work area. my jobs are easily completed, mindless and boring. i need this socialization. i'd have been insane long ago without it.

 

The real world makes me feel weird, and only a very small circle of friends are like minded, and feel remotely on the same level. I come to forums like these to keep myself from going crazy.
I don't like small talk either, the mind trips section is my favorite.

 

Matt, you're absolutely right when you say that spending hours here is a waste of time, and sure, when you make your statement here it hardly makes any change in the world, it's more important to go outside and make some real friends, but, when the real world drives you mad, you have this forum as some kind of escape and oasis....There is no better way to meet some great people from all over the world than exchanging your thoughts and ideas, and this place is perfect for this...
I limited myself to half an hour on this forum....I'm afraid that I'll become addicted... ;-)