A year offline, what I have learned | Paul Miller | TEDxEutropolis

[@mediastarguest]

I was recently 3 months without a phone and laptop. Went walking in the countryside. Listened to old vinyls on a record player. Read books. Magazines. Watched movies. Played guitar. All the stress in my shoulders and lower back disappeared. Amazing experience.

[@mistersmith3067]

Wow, that sounds like the life, relaxing

[@myy_euphoriaa_jkk3843]

mediastarguest *insert Jungkook’s voice* I lOvE cOuNtrY sIdE🤠

[@V_For_Vigilante]

Simple and peaceful

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Why would you come back, then?

[@Momma_AL]

Ya why did you get back on?

[@williambeck6575]

I miss the days prior to social media and youtube. Life was so much richer.

[@stevea5985]

william beck so do I

[@williambeck6575]

Steve A We used to actually want to talk to one another and see each other. We used to write letters and it meant so much to receive one.

[@stevea5985]

william beck Well yeah it's a hundred times better seeing a person then looking at pics and reading there posts . There isn't emotion on social media . My favorite excuse about using facebook is " I use it to keep in contact with my family " um how long has people been contacting their family before face book ? How did they do it before computers ?

[@williambeck6575]

Steve A Exactly. And they made a point to see their families before and now a picture is enough.

[@stevea5985]

william beck The personal interactions are now gone and people are OK with it . Or when they post pictures of themselves at like a party to the same people they are at the party with . Or do the girls need so much attention that they have to ask for comments on every picture they post ? Does it give them more self worth ?

[@andrewr7982]

If there was no internet, I would be sleeping right now

[@doelhunter]

I understand you bro. I would probably sleep an additional 2 hours a day without the internet distracting me.

[@g.j]

Same here

[@jaylenesanchez3226]

I would be dying of being bored

[@ledezmacinema6675]

Bojo David i would be writing the only bad thing is that if no internet no Spotify

[@myleenpang3548]

Same goes to me

[@AutomaticDuck300]

I shut down my Facebook page and instantly felt better, and looking at old movies makes me jealous of that time without the internet.

[@ely1188]

L

[@timmyyadzi7445]

+ElijahCHAOTIC L for your dumbass

[@Drewzzzzzzz]

The internet isn't the problem, the problem is self control and the internet is the scapegoat.

[@Chimonger1]

Andrew Nguyen Exactly! Tools are tools; what makes them good, bad or indifferent, how they are used by people.

[@kickasskeenan]

like a hammer!

[@BreenyLee]

This concept needs to be made into a film. There are two significant worlds in this one world we live in, it's very scary.

[@akw9875]

+Breeny Lee I completely agree.

[@o0GrayMatters0o]

+Alexandra Woodfin I think I sense a lesbian connection.

[@alexbrynna]

+Grey Matters must be tiring to be such a perv all the time. Try being good at something of value.

[@rsbullygta]

Yessss.

[@jadagrissiom7414]

Breeny Lee yes

[@krissifadwa]

I love how I searched for him online and could not find anything new of him. All I found were things of Paul Miller that were uploaded 8-11 years ago. That makes me happy. Because I know he's somewhere just chilling 😊❤

[@_anthonyf]

one of my best friends randomly quit social media when we were in 11th grade (2 years ago). He was a fantastic photographer so his Instagram was beautiful, he was extremely funny so his Twitter feed was hilarious; but one day he just quit. At the time I was so confused. "how could someone just quit social media" I asked myself, as if us as humans were obligated to use it. 2 years later im now realizing why he did it, and now I plan to do it.

[@mumphry]

Anthony Fellows Did anything happen? What’s going on?

[@spider.monkey.ninja.assassin]

Like the south park episode? :)

[@jaylenesanchez3226]

Lies

[@V_For_Vigilante]

It’s because now your a lot older you see it differently

[@ladybird491]

I just quite them all during the pandemic and don't miss any of them. I only go Facebook for my publisher and send info to them. And for the literary submission news which is like once a month and very briefly.

[@MasterTSayge]

I believe him. When I stopped watching TV, not only I save money, but I started to truly enjoy life. I skydive, kayak, travel, concerts, and etc. I spent most of my time out doors. I got sick less too.

[@LinkRocks]

Your problem wasn't TV or the internet, your problem was you didn't go outside. Now you do and you're healthier, but you could still go online or watch television and be just fine if you maintain a balance of on and offline living.

[@JahJahBruh]

The internet is just a very complex library, use it well.

[@ParadoxBassCube]

#include

[@Lily.valkyrie]

exactly

[@misa250]

it is

[@LambertBowden56]

More and more young people (like myself) are just using as a 24/7 entertainment platform. Way more diverse than TV. It's a drug.

[@aliqasim9157]

Great quote..Exactly.. I agree with that.

[@MortenChristian]

Deleting instagram was a great thing to do! Most toxic social media for your mind always seeing those "perfect" lifes. You totally lose your empathy bc no one is posting about sad moments..That's sooo antisocial. And to everyone reading this: Have a nice day and enjoy your life to the fullest!

[@LinkRocks]

IG is fine as long as you understand what it is. It's true that many compare themselves to the public images people post on there, but if you realize those are people too with the same problems we all have it becomes a viewing experience and nothing more.

[@afben8428]

Whoops, wrong Paul Miller

[@robertsmalls2293]

Not the Based Paul Miller.

[@sseann]

yep

[@alfonsocazares7770]

haha lmao same

[@dave.the.collector.]

This guy seems like what other Paul could've been before the incident.

@@robertsmalls2293 still pretty based regarding internet addiction tho

[@zapatastyle]

I was a late bloomer to smart phones (i'm 40) and only got my first cell 4 years ago; so I know life before and after. The past 2 years I got hooked on social media, IG, youtube etc. At first it was like a new romance, "why did I not plug in sooner?".......but now I realize how addicted I've become. My focus used to be quite stong; now its being held by a thread. Please take this as a loving warning.

[@zapatastyle]

Micah Taylor exactly what I'm doing. Thanks for reply:)

[@technosh1tisr0ttinginh3ll6]

Hey this isn't the Paul Miller I was looking for

[@Grany2k]

Idk I don’t think it’s him

[@leevi7125]

yeah, I did not want this either... give me gipsy crusader :D

[@ozguraydn8407]

Lmao

[@mikeyjdoogan2805]

lmfao I'm in the same boat as you.

[@lionelfox1341]

@@leevi7125 yes

[@vapor5145]

19 yrs old and I deleted my facebook 4 yrs ago, don't use snapchat, tumblr, kik... I only have an instagram and twitter but barely use it...Though, one thing I do use ALL the time is KZbin. I'm addicted.

[@candypietravels]

youtube is informative and the others are not so your good i only use facebook to keep in contact with all my friends around the world

[@Theblueseaweedsoawesome]

youtube is still social media

[@dinfluence30]

,

[@Theblueseaweedsoawesome]

Let's have a challenge no internet, games , masterbation for 1 year .

[@vapor5145]

NoodlesPoodle that's tough. I need the internet for homework lol

[@anthoniokekeocha4501]

Internet detox is essential in everyone's life. I agree with Paul on this.

[@kyla2776]

Anthonio Kekeocha I really want to try this at the start of 2017, but I am a teenager and sadly, my whole life revolves around the internet. It's like I can't escape it.

[@desertrose6670]

Kyla doesn't have to be "all or nothing, " though...I'm sure it's hard to be a teenager in this society. I decided to limit my Facebook "check ins" in 2017, and other than a few thoughts about posting, I really don't miss it. It's a platform to market products..the "friends" thing is not for connecting with others, it's "your might buy this because so and so did." I may eventually delete my account, but I'm waiting to see how much I want it in my life. I've found that friends of mine are only asking me to remain there to look at pictures of their kids. If they need my validation for their lives, they need to validate themselves.

[@MuditaBrand]

Yes, definitely! Even if it's every now and again, making sure you remember to do a digital detox when you really need to switch off is really important.

[@LinkRocks]

You don't need to "detox" from the internet unless it's ruining your life, which is doesn't with most people. All the internet is is our current form of entertainment and a way to find information. It's basically what TV and encyclopedias were pre-internet. Some of y'all are so afraid of the internet.

[@Jsarmy87124]

@@LinkRocks that's what i was thinking ! some off them its the app and the phone the real pb

[@Pinglovesme]

I’ve also realized that when you meet people in person for the first time you have a deeper connection than if you were to meet them online. You tend to hang out with them more in person as well. I’ve met ppl online who I’ve never seen in person lose contact and eventually never speak to them again. I’ve met ppl in person talk every now and then but the connection is still there without social media being the middle man. That’s what social media really is the middle man between the real world and the virtual world.

[@ankanaaa]

I didn't know I needed this video which was posted 10 years back. Thank you.

[@anujrana7707]

Nobody remembers your birthday once you're offline...you realize who your actual friends are...Only your family!

[@Abzman96]

Very true

[@kattls7275]

true. my birthday isn't visible on social media. NO ONE except my family and very very very best friends call me up. even former BFFs NEVER think of me. I kept congratulating them for a few years, but eventually stopped, although I know their birth date by heart and always will. some people are just not worth bothering.

[@alaminm182]

on snapchat i changed my birthday so people would not get the cake sign next to my name. guess what? nobody messaged me about my birthday lol. told me everything I needed to know which was nobody gives a toss.

[@Abzman96]

@@alaminm182 Yeah Me too. Nowadays Technologies have to remind people about friends they are “supposed” to care about and be there for.

[@quartzzhuit]

Facts 🔥

[@theshimmering2064]

This was very refreshing....loved the honesty. Something I'd been wondering about for awhile...should I go offline. The internet is a master at distraction, but I like the realization he had that we are the ones who need to get better at being present in our life because there is always another distraction, whether it be tv, video games, a dvd collection, magazine subscriptions, gossip, or our own thoughts that can twirl and repeat and get lost in. Here's my plan: I need to set goals and boundaries...especially if I have a big slot of free time...so I don't squander it in "free information" indulgence. I literally have to set the timer on my phone for 20 minutes or whatever before checking my email, to remind myself to get back on track and pull back my attention from the internet. Otherwise, 2 hours flies by in a blink. Thank you!

[@magno2365]

One time I left the internet 8 hours. I slept in.

[@pramitbanerjee]

+Morgan Freeman hello me

[@bsythdd4754]

+Morgan Freeman tat was obviously nelson Mandela...

[@JacobKuba]

+Astor Tran you fell for it

[@mirellahelger1799]

looooooooooooool

[@janethlvasquez1842]

😂😂😂😂totally!!!

[@oppachubs8324]

Back in 11th grade. We got poor and couldn't afford smart phones so I had to go with a flip phone for a whole year. One of the most memorable year of my life. Grades shot up from bad to good too

[@lewstherin6198]

A great tip to any of you reading this: Whenever you want to really do something with 100% of your attention and focus just turn off your internet and phone. I usually plan my days in the evenings. Before going to bed I sit down and think what are the most important things I should do tomorrow. And during the time I do them I just go offline. It helps a lot! Try it and you will never fucking regret doing so!

[@enderwiggin03-b6x]

Thanks 👍

[@jaylenesanchez3226]

Didn’t helped it just made it worse

[@caiinperience8722]

agree 100%! just switch that router of for 8 hours ... same with the cellphone ... helps alot 👍

[@MuditaBrand]

This is such good advice!

[@LinkRocks]

Nah I don't plan, I live in the moment. You never know when it's your time to go so live your life in the now.

[@realtorforlouisiana]

great message :-) I agree with Paul's thesis: being 100% online isn't the answer, and being 100% offline isn't either. It's finding the balance. The internet is an amazing resource and it's not the internet that determines our productivity. It's just the scapegoat that some people use to avoid personal accountability for the actions we choose and don't choose to do. :-)

[@ste007]

Totally agree !

[@constantkaizen3559]

+AirEvolution the way you got your point across was brilliant. I feel like i agree with you completely, the internet is a brilliant thing when used properly and not used to much.

[@muzzbrudr]

+AirEvolution Word.

[@CatchTheBus]

+AirEvolution its really hard to find that balance, cause one moment you are searching for something that you need and you see that funny cat picture, and then you find yourself one hour later browsing some random site you don`t even know about.

[@realtorforlouisiana]

MoulinRougexD very true indeed :-)

[@cedrics7374]

I miss the time where internet was only available on my desktop. Having it in my pocket is way to tempting

[@user-lx3oi6xy2e]

And the thrill of finding an Internet cafe abroad!

[@erakkovaatainen148]

You do not get Internet on your phone. I have 10 Mbps at home included to rent, so I pay non extra. That's enough. I watch movies, do banking, KZbin always home. On my phone, it is a smartphone I do not have most apps. I delete or disable what I can just to leave basics. My internet plan is always the cheapest with lowest speed (as we have no data packages in Finland). Everything is unlimited based on your speed preference. On my phone I have most of the time 1 Mbps connection to save money and internet usage. It works fine.

[@hil449]

@@erakkovaatainen148 in most places you kinda need internet on your phone because of uber and google maps

[@AlishiaSala]

unlike other experimentalists turned experts in happiness i kinda found this guys talk refreshing. i loved that the over-arching thought was (to paraphrase) "i don't know. It didn't change me as i thought it would. I still haven't figured it out. I only learned that the internet isn't my problem. the problem goes much deeper than that." I think its pretty brave to do an experiment like this, not get the results you had hoped for and still tell your story. Very few seekers will ever share some portion of their path until they felt they had already truly arrived. I love that this talk leaves you to discover your own answers. It leaves you with questions and something to think about rather than a monotonous 5 step prescription for happiness. I wish he had done an experiment in going 100% screen free and rather than sitting in his apartment had planned a full year away in communities that don't have the internet. I think he may have gained greater insight in that kind of environment. sounds like he didn't have an opportunity to "cleanse" fully from screen distractions + there wasn't enough there to fill in the void and support him in making new life discoveries. One thing I don't feel he gives himself enough credit for is "trying". At least he tried it, sat still and withered away. I have a feeling the insights he gained from this year will one day come to fruition and serve him greatly as he discovers more of who he is in the future. Seems like a decent guy. Hope he discovers more of what he was looking for down the road.

[@oliviaa2911]

agreed! i actually want to totally disconnect and ive tried but it was so uncomfortable. It just confirmed how much i actually need to do it.

[@Nathan-vn5tg]

“KZbin isn’t like other social media. I use it only for learning”, says Tim 24 who has an exam in a week but he’s up at 3 in the morning watching a KZbin video he didn’t search for.

[@peacewins3281]

I know,it does n't work.

[@emiogawa86]

Wanna change that to your name? Which is Nathan

[@gordondenilson2666]

just one more video on productivity I swear

[@minecraft8846]

WOW! Social distancing 7 years ago! These people were truly ahead of their time

[@mycollegeshirt]

I stopped using the internet 8 yrs ago haven't looked back since

[@trustinjesus1119]

LOL!

[@derekthomas2663]

At first I was like, "wow, thats amazing!!!" and then it hit me... "Wait... No... Ughh, I'm an idiot :(" LOL

[@trustinjesus1119]

Derek Thomas Have you ever been commenting to a person and saying something that's the exact opposite of what you were just telling someone else? I start thinking, "What am I saying, what do I believe about this exactly." I'm always contradicting myself.

[@shoulders-of-giants]

So how are you on KZbin then?

[@CandleLightDoesThings]

***** The joke ------------- Your head

[@yogaconroma]

Man that feeling of disconection in relationships has been soooo present... Like always in the backgrownd of every talk, every shared moment with family, friends, people... What he says about being just 10% there and the rest of my attention revolving around social media, things that I want to do, to acomplish, to show, to be... This is over now. I've been needing this for a looong time. The only thing that I will pursue to be, is to be present. Not only for my family and friends, not even for me, but for life. Thank you for your inspiration 🧎

[@FlowUrbanFlow]

Facebook is ok, but mostly shit posts, ads, and memes. Twitter is garbage. Instagram is kinda unnecessary. Snapchat is useless. KZbin is better than tv though.

[@goldenbluedouglas9935]

FlowUrbanFlow I feel the same way.

[@hardgainerpete5613]

Facebook is ok to keep in touch. Its newsfeed is horrific.

[@Leviahthon]

+Slim Shady Not for a long long time.

[@honestlyidk4779]

FlowUrbanFlow I like them all 😂

[@JBRitchie8]

Facebook is the worst of them all

[@matseddyjambon]

Two years ago, I decided to desactivate my Facebook account to create a New one. But at the moment I desactivated the account, I had that same feeling of freedom he's talking about. I ended up not having Facebook for 2 years. Ok ya it's not a big deal for some of you but I insist on the sensation of freedom I had that day.

[@Sir_BoazMutatayi]

Great! I will do the same thing

[@crispappletart]

+Mats Eddy Jambon You're spot on. I too have experienced that freedom. I eventually opened a new FB account, but now I mostly use it to message people, an email of sorts, since many people I know won't take the time to bother with emails. FB is just more convenient for everyone, so I suck it up. But using it in moderation now, along with paring down my "friends" list considerably has made my second experience with FB a much happier one.

[@matseddyjambon]

crispappletart It's the exact same thing for me.

[@MrPoutsesMple]

+Mats Eddy Jambon deactivate ;)

[@gloriousbeaver2000]

+Mats Eddy Jambon I didn't deactivate my facebook account, I just didn't go on it in a very long time. And I felt the same thing.

[@quanticplayer]

I'll have a month offline, not because I want, it's because I don't have money this month to pay the internet! So I'm here just getting ready. ;)

[@cinderella9065]

Ah how are you a month later? Keep your head up. You're not the only one struggling.

[@iscreamcandytv9642]

Jean Alesi how did it go? Did u have a tough time?

[@Sanghax3]

Some say he never got internet again

[@quanticplayer]

Cinderella Hi, it was pretty easy I should say, but because I'm not a facebook or a twitter fan, so the only things I really missed was playing online and youtube, beside that, it was fine and I nearly missed staying online, i tried to stay out of home most of the times, hanging out with friends, seeing some movies and everything, helped a lot, the secret is: Do not get bored! Or you'll miss internet for sure, bye. ^^

[@quanticplayer]

andrea a The first 3 or 4 days was kind of tough, but sometime later I realize that to don't miss internet, I should fulfill my time, going out and all that, that's when everything turned into a easy road for me, bye. ^^

[@calamari9943]

Wow. The problems he talked about associated with the internet are things I didn’t imagine would exist in early 2010s, like being in our own world in the phone, losing face-to-face people skills, social media doing more harm than good etc. This is prophetic, he understood early the harms of internet and ten years later we still struggle with this.

[@Ajnkana]

There's a big difference between accessing the internet on a desktop PC compared to a smartphone. I used to have a smartphone and then I lost it and decided to get a brick. The difference is huge. I think this is a good way to achieve that balance that he talks about.

[@rm7250]

i deleted my instagram account recently and its the best thing i ever done !!

[@NgiamTeeEe]

Really? mind sharing your experience how does it benefits your life cause im suffering like he say, can't concentrate on what's matter, hope u reply. Thanks!

[@rm7250]

+Ngiam Tee Ee instgram is not a true reflection of our relality ,sometimes people prentend to be someone they are not on instagram and its better to live in the moment then to show off or to pretend that you are happy to others when that happiness should be for your self . Its like a way of sugar coating your happiness when you should use that time to be happy rather showing it to all your followers you have on instagram. At the end of the day your true loved ones are with you now and your instagram follwers are not benefting you in anyway .

[@sufianararah]

+Rahima Miah well said

[@daisylilies2483]

+Rahima Miah i also deleted mine and facebook too recently i feel soo much better no distractions and no waste of time the only reason i m still on youtube is becuz of tedx talks

[@muzzbrudr]

+Rahima Miah I tried twice trying to delete my facebook account!???? they DONT DELETE YOUR PROFILE even if you selected DELETE everything - just incase you decide to come back, THEY THEN harrass your 'friends' to ask you to come back, they also email harrass you 'just in case' you want to come back, seriously try it yourself. Note: I will never delete my KZbin account it is more informative than the others.

[@supercooled]

I can relate to this man's description of boredom and utter solitary. When the power goes out in our apartment, my immediate concern is the lack of internet, never mind the lack of electricity to cook food or heat/cool the apartment, but my lack of connectedness. Using my phone without internet is just amazingly different. It's almost useless.

[@samcooke343]

I think this just changed my life.

[@Nick.Ackerman]

me too!!!...next video...

[@oweznero]

Oops.... Wrong Paul Miller

[@anonimrussian5913]

The “right” Paul Miller (right in both meanings, lol) is very ironically spent a year without internet too, lol.

[@unknownunknown-vv3sz]

It’s a virus and it’s a strong one so many people with anxiety time goes by so fast I timed myself at 1 pm and didn’t realize 2 hours went by it’s bad and people do make money but is it worth it like in those hours I could have made a Barbie house for my daughter or wash my car clean my yard make extra money for someone in need

[@collins9708]

Paul Miller is my hero

[@petergriffinfunnies]

Same

[@GABE5150GARCIA]

Everyone commenting"This is boring" is going to shut the hell up because you are proving his point

[@Barncore]

Man, if you quit the internet only to play videogames instead then you missed the opportunity to truly grow and learn the right lessons

[@mattstone8111]

Would have been very different if he filled his day with something that's actually different from the internet (touch of a button addictive stimulation).

[@afasia2341]

Such a superficial comment.

[@jorgelucasleal1244]

Yes. Videogames are a waste of time. And anyone who disagrees is an addicted.

[@youngmain9589]

Gibireido Vlog Say that to people who make a living competing through video games, it's nothing different than sports, people want to get good at football, people want to get good at league of legends, so they spend hours practicing and working on their mental state for competition. I do agree though that pointlessly playing video games with no purpose is a waste of time. Like sitting around for 5 hours with chips and shooting people. I may be a bit biased since I do compete at tournaments for video games, and it's provided signifignt satisfaction and life lessons.

[@greekpotatochannal]

it is it is another form of entertainment and whoever thinks that videos games is all about shooting he is clearly have no clue about video games

[@cristoburn4778]

I was one of the first kids on my block in 90s to get the internet. It has changed my life. I guess it’s changed everyone’s life but the amount of music, films, books, art, photography, knowledge and information I’ve gained from it can’t be denied. Facebook and Instagram has put me back in touch with old school friends and family members who I now see and hang with in person. I like staying connected and keeping up with the news and the world. I like seeing what everyone is doing and posting on their social media. I also love making films and content and sharing it with others. It’s all about perspective.

[@poolahpot]

It's called the world wide "web" for a reason...

[@TheAwesomeMan54321]

nice

[@LomiKo]

ooooo i see you!!

[@lukewoj4238]

poolahpot cuz you get stuck in it

[@epicdude98]

poolahpot Just make sure the spider doesn't come by and object you with its nasty venom

[@AnnebelBuntOnline]

Yea some people get stuck in it like a little fly in a big spiders web...

[@YossarianVanDriver]

A lot of the comments are saying "hur hur hur this video is ON THE INTERNET dumbass" as if the point of the talk was Internet-bashing or decrying the Internet...evidently the people who wrote these comments did not watch the video.

[@eugenioalonso1]

YossarianVanDriver even the title says "A year offline". So clearly he completed a whole year of being offline. It doesn't mean he quit the internet forever.

[@YossarianVanDriver]

eugenioalonso1 Yup.

[@udin23]

YossarianVanDriver hur hur hur this video is ON THE INTERNET dumbass

[@YossarianVanDriver]

***** Oh noes I didn't think of that

[@udin23]

YossarianVanDriver you're welcome bruh

[@LinkRocks]

This is the correct answer, balance. I spend a lot of time online, but I also go outside, go to an event every now and again, and talk to my family and friends face to face. I've been using the 'net since 2000 so I've managed to figure out how to use it without it being who I am. It's my main source of entertainment and information seeking but it doesn't dictate my life. If I get internet fatigue I simply walk away and recharge. That's the key to using the internet and life, listen to what your body and mind are telling you.

[@itsaspekt]

Well done. I have actually felt like this a lot about the internet. People are only negative of this video, because they video is their mirror, just as it was his.

[@BadActingWYIM]

well said

[@kvarnerinfoTV]

You're right Michael :)

[@itsaspekt]

Thanks Linus Magnus

[@kvarnerinfoTV]

Welcome Michael Payton

[@sinisamajetic]

Where is before and after picture???

[@allmightynimore9151]

+sinisa majetic lol, i could like you 1000 times.

[@kwandangubane9419]

loving photography lol

[@Funwinxpixee]

he just quit the internet temporarily, he didn't got out of a mental asylum or something xD

[@IOSALive]

I love watching your videos!

[@McMurchie]

I think what this guy did is really noble and compelling. We are all so jacked in most of us don't even realize it. A really useful talk.

[@yubrajniraula3140]

i deactivated my Facebook last year for 6 months and enjoyed the time. if you have a good real life, then this virtual life is nothing, u can easily get rid of it.

[@birdygurdy6875]

Life was much simpler back then, small things gave us happiness..

[@Janhartman74]

Exacty today I'm one year without facebook and 3 months without instagram, strava, running apps ect.. It feels great. I just use KZbin to watch what I want and when I want. The space om my iPhone is filled with music, not apps I don't need. I still regret the times I was checking facebook instead of looking at my son when he was talking to me....that will never happen again.

[@Imalovefreq]

i resonate with this. probably going to sign out of instagram and uninstall.

[@David-jo4cs]

valuable insights. I think the internet hands-down makes us the smartest generation. It's up to us to focus our unlimited knowledge into productive energy instead of throwing it away.

[@nycpd75]

Hey look, Nyan cat !

[@BroadConcept]

Wrong, I think it makes it easy for us to THINK we are quite smart, because we can call upon the archived knowledge that others have acquired, and shared.

[@BroadConcept]

The internet is a honey trap for confirmation bias. Reading academic texts, a variety of them, with discipline is the only principled way of gaining an understand on a subject. I would not humor someone who read a wikipedia article from beginning to end to give me a scholarly interpretation on an academic subject.

[@David-jo4cs]

Fernando Varela Really? That's the ONLY way to gain an understanding on a subject? You're missing out then...

[@BroadConcept]

I did say "only principled way," didn't I? You can do a cursory online search and get a general understanding on a subject, but I'll be damned if you tell me that's comparable or even on the same order of understanding gained through academic text.

[@JohnDatoy]

I went a whole 2 weeks without a phone, and I don't have a laptop. One of the most relaxing times of my life ever

[@z3ak999]

Respect man, one does not simply quit the internet, It's something I wish I could've done for quite some time.

[@system2thinker659]

Playing video games as a substitute kind of ruined it for me. It was replacing one addiction for another. It was a good presentation though, regardless. I can admit, I'm addicted to the Internet, who wouldn't like the Internet? It's awesome! haha. Here's the cycle: If I got rid of my desktop computer, what would I do? I'd research and play on my laptop. If I got rid of my laptop, what would I do? I'd watch more TV. If I got rid of my TV, what would I do? I'd play and research on my phone. What if I got rid of my phone? I'd read more books. What if I got rid of all my books and never went to another book store or library? I'd probably start working out. I'd probably build up to working out 6 days a week for two hours each day. I'd probably get into CrossFit then into triathlons and marathons and hiking and rock climbing and so on. It seems no matter what many of us do in our day to day lives, we become addicted to it. Be it drugs, alcohol, the Internet, poker, or even working out. Everything comes back to balance. Paul's Orthodox Jewish friend said it well, he experienced off line so he can share his experience online. That's it, I'm out, I'm unplugging! Oh look...a TED video about why we ask questions, that will be my last one. Promise.

[@victoriousmax75]

thats why the #1 drug addiction in north america is tv ;)

[@Alistair]

Jason Ray yeah I was quite disappointed in him for that. I stopped using Facbeook recently, because I missed how productive I was as a teenager when I had technology, but not regular cheap internet access. I used to do a lot of programming in my free time back then (now I get paid for working with computers so I usually want to be doing something else when I get home). Anyway, I find my time is best spent in a split of all that stuff you mention. Working out an hour or two a few times a week is pretty easy and makes you feel good, and then working out your brain with books and educational videos is also good. The rest of the time it's fine to relax with video games or movies, but you'll feel much more worthwhile if you actually invest some time in your health and skillset.

[@victorwaldberg7570]

Jason Ray how about just building up a little bit of self-control?

[@billbrowne5655]

Jason Ray Jason. Great post. And I agree to a point. I think the point he is making is probably too much of anything is probably not good. I probably should take a walk or go to the park more often than internet surfing. I'm as guilty as anyone.

[@AminaAhutu]

Lol...This is really great

[@briterry4961]

He is SO RIGHT! You don't just delete all your social medias, close the laptop and voila! you're the most productive person ever, which is what I thought he was gonna say when I clicked on this, thinking "what am I doing wrong?" I was SO bored and even more unproductive! Balance is key! If you don't want to do something you will find any excuse not to do it, the internet is just one of them. I'm glad he clarified that the internet isn't bad, we just need to learn when to use it.

[@PiperVlaar]

I dont remember what I got onto KZbin to find, but iI ended up watching this video instead.

[@azesh239]

That's sad but it's true 😕 how we became internet slaves !! And when we're bored we just grab our phones and start traveling from app to an app just to waist the time that we don't know what to do about it 😔

[@hossainimran6764]

gud 1

[@clapton79]

what freaks me out is how QUICKLY. Bloody smartphones...

[@idonottrustyou3454]

Slaves? Slaves is not the right word... If we were slaves then we would have to do internet's bidding, we don't do that though, right? This is like saying to a guy who is calling someone on their phone ,,You are a slave to your phone.''. ''And when we're bored we just grab our phones and start traveling from app to an app just to waist the time'' that is the same as saying that when someone picks up a magazine and starts reading it just to waste time. How is that bad, in any way? You are gathering information either way, so why is internet getting way more hate than anything else? (When it comes to entertainment.)

[@hossainimran6764]

Hatsune Miku Maybe we are not slaves of internet.But you should agree to one thing Internet is biggest curse that 20th century people have got

[@idonottrustyou3454]

Imran Hussein How can I agree? Internet's a way to connect people and make communication ridiculously easy. Without internet, we would be way slower at making progress.

[@amyrugg2540]

My life was the internet, and maybe other things would happen in the margins…. Oh how that sums it up for me, wow. This was very helpful and moving for me. To define what’s important and to find a balance where we can embrace life in a way that is rich and fulfilling for us, with meaningful relationships. What a moving experience to share, thank you.

[@OhplsAndrew]

This man has gone where no man has ever gone before. God Bless Him.

[@elijahgreen2799]

This got deeper than I expected.

[@dianag.1997]

What a kind pure crystal soul! Thank you for this true speech!

[@acidophilus88]

I need to to get off the internet too. I mean I find a lot of good educational content but its mostly a distraction and takes up too much of my time. I think a better idea than just quitting the internet is to only use it on certain days or at a certain time each day. or maybe limit it to an hour a day. Infact starting today I'm going to limit myself to one hour per day and I'll let you know how it goes as an experiment. I know I've needed to do this for a long time and this guy has inspired me to act now. Soo..peace!

[@sidrahshams]

How's it going so far?

[@acidophilus88]

Well I kind of fell off the wagon if you will but I have been forcing myself to just put the computer away more often. I think maybe I'll let myself have 1 or 2 days a week that are exceptions but any other day 1 hour is the limit. I have to a list of things to do that I've been putting off... Also I find that when I put the computer away I'm more tempted to watch tv which I don't normally do or play video games. I'm the worst procrastinator ever...its horrible but they say awareness is the first step. Anyway thanks for asking I'll try to update how it goes and maybe even help other chronic procrastinators along the way.

[@acidophilus88]

One benefit I do notice when I'm being successful with my goal is that despite other distractions I am in fact more productive and also more social and confident.

[@raulprima]

Jeremy Seeker And now? Gathered any new thoughts? i'm really interested.

[@rorotho]

Jeremy Seeker Yeah.. You should keep this up. I think it's a neat experiment.

[@sloshy130]

Without the internet i wouldn't know what being without the internet feels like.

[@meganh7872]

Paul Miller, your honesty is refreshing!

[@sank5589]

What I saw it doing was not being able to delay gratification and with that nothing seems exciting anymore. No newness and no imaging for myself what that would be like. He's right about it being overwhelming.

[@Khavish]

Paul Miller seems like a pretty good guy. I think most people nowadays , I'm afraid, don't place much value on basic face to face interactions that build our understanding of one another on a deeper level, allowing us to develop levels of honest sympathy and human understanding that play a big part in forging good people.

[@EEEbrahim3971]

He says everything from his heart. Grateful to you. ❤

[@Eddie2P]

funny how everything tends to show we need balance

[@LambertBowden56]

From being political, to jobs, social life, diet, venting frustration, etc

[@riccardogatti8571]

It' all about balance. People (even me) who aren't balanced in something (like internet) end up thinking that "modern society" is trying to limit our power and making us addicted to things that make us loose time and freedom (maybe they're right). The reality is that our society gives us many tools (like internet) to make our life easier and even better in some ways, but many people can't use these tools in a productive way and end up getting addicted to them. Internet is not the problem obviously, but it becomes a problem for those who can't use it in a balanced way. (sorry for my english I'm an italian 18yo student)

[@alionabiss]

riccardo gatti amazing comment!

[@Eddie2P]

riccardo gatti ye everything in moderation if you want a decent life, either way youll learn about what you need.

[@Megacooltommydee]

Thanos approves.

[@Lewa500]

The only way to beat an addiction is to beat it at its peak. If you can do that, it will never sway you again.

[@cyc7lops]

Love this guy's honesty. Great presentation.

[@2PetesInAPod]

"what you own ends up owning you"

[@eleanorcm7033]

I've never been bored in my life. The inside of my head is too interesting :3

[@V_For_Vigilante]

Awesome

[@usererror7007]

Ok zoomer

[@LazyLoonz]

I think your crazy.

[@omanohumano]

i quit watching tv for a year....instead i watched netflix thank you for coming to my ted talk

[@DonkeyEnough]

18 minutes??? All that had to be said was (a) I got offline (b) what I learned was that - no interruptions - less stress but bored - interactions w/ people were more intense - missed important notifications - get time to hang out with kids Summary: Find balance between offline and online. Saved you all 17 minutes.

[@theskeletonboi]

He said a lot more important stuff than that.

[@theskeletonboi]

It is important to see what words and sentences he wants you to pay attention to by observing his body language.

[@theskeletonboi]

theskeletonboi Talking about a specific area of a subject for more time helps it stay into your brain while attaching other bits of information from other information said through out the speech given. Do not let some tell you what they understood, watch it yourself so you can be your own person.

[@theskeletonboi]

theskeletonboi Unfortunately some of you may look at the tainted words by the comment already, and you will have lost ability to completely understand the video without thinking what he said was a perfect description of the video.

[@grahamcrackers8]

Thank you!

[@mrvirus888]

he starts at 5:24, thank me later

[@carly-jaymetcalfe6401]

+Lil Kim Cheers!

[@hairfarmer07]

Gosh. I was thinking same thing. Lol. I was looking for this comment. Lol.

[@theinfamousoutkast8037]

Ayye bro thanks, nothing was the same.

[@MusikNLyfe]

+Lil Kim Bless you.

[@CrowClouds]

+Lil Kim But how can I trust you!

[@idarisha7125]

I delete my Facebook and dint used it for almost 3 years now. I will tell you it's the best feeling. you actually don't need it.

[@pmm5160]

Without the internet, nobody would ever see this video....

[@user-og6ol2im7v]

without a problem, nobody would need to solve it

[@vivaloriflamme]

I was scanning reddit and checking email while listening to this video.

[@Slash18622]

I'm here and watching this on my internet! Crazy!

[@marianina8]

Exactly what I needed to hear when I think of cutting off technology altogether! Balance is key! I'm glad he took the past year to disconnect for me instead of having to take a year just to find out the same thing. Thanks Paul! Regardless, I'm working on finding that sweet spot between real life and tech life...

[@ursulapebble7063]

"I was so *high*... on life" Suuuuuure.

[@vebzyhd5899]

Hahahahahah

[@FC-eh5jw]

@_@

[@TheNandixLP]

I AM getting *high* on life frequently... xD you might not see all that fancy LSD stuff or whatnot, but i consider it a psychedelic experience anyway... ^^

[@ItsGregKon]

Life is trippier than anything.

[@mekonggiantcatfish202]

I kind of felt that way also it's a thrill

[@Furtivo95]

That's nothing! Try going offline for 27 years my friend. Up until, I was 30, I didn't have a cell nor home internet access. Those were the best years of my life.😎

[@sameoldpanda5707]

Milan Poruba It is very sad you feel like this..

[@Furtivo95]

Panda Romanian why?

[@TimsDaBossMC]

Well that's easy to say when you haven't experienced something you aren't hooked. Try to disconnect yourself from the internet now after having many connections, fast, easy communication for one year. It's not impossible but it's more about not being distracted by the bombardment of content entirely geared towards your likes that have been calculated by computers ever since your first google search.

[@freedomfighter2463]

Edgar Arenas You look happier in your pic.

[@Irispia97]

Edgar Arenas agreed

[@ThePrimith]

I read the original article he wrote on his experiences, and it was very eye-opening to me. It made me realize that we both have many of the same personal issues, and I would need to be accountable for my own shortcomings rather than blame the media that I immerse myself in.

[@solar02130]

Ironically, while watching this video in the Internet about how distracting the Internet is, i had a hard time following because i was distracted by other tabs.

[@Toffifee13]

Hahaha. Same here. It is so tragic.

[@FurbyGender]

Sage Radachowsky Me too. I checked my email and Facebook, while listening to him babble about doing the most moronic thing ever!

[@reecehudson7565]

Sage Radachowsky or... 4 tabs open plus on incognito windows of (you-know-what) secret stuff, and constantly checking phone

[@Alistair]

Sage Radachowsky I was reading a book on JavaScript Application Development.. not sure if that's good or bad.

[@fearisapreludetointerluded2739]

Sage Radachowsky Amen Jesus looking Sage. Currently: 7 tabs deep, cellphone, novel and a laborious table puzzle I cannot seem to finish...

[@snehamodyy]

Well, I watched meditation ted talks and than this ted talk about getting offline...all good. Except for the fact that I watched it at 5 am in the morning. I feel addicted.

[@majortom5299]

For me, it is when I got a smart phone. That is when I notice how addicted I am to it. I no longer know what to do if I don't have my phone. I feel nervous and don't know what to do. I am old enough to remember the world without Internet. I was a freshman in college, when I was introduced to single servers. You could access them by dialup. I did not have daily access to the Internet for quit sometime. It was when broadband came out that things have really started to change. Now it is really hard to even get around without it. GPS is what I use to find new places. My map reading skills have gone to crap. Before Internet, life was slower. I remember summers sometimes being boring. I remember how the adults would get together and just sit at the table for hours. They would just talk. I remember when you where at an event somewhere and if some people wanted to split apart, we would have to have a time and place to meet. I really miss that it is hard as hell to not have my head in the Internet, and having a shallow conversation with loved ones. I miss the slower pace of things. I miss no one not knowing a factoid. There were times when everyone agreed. We just don't know the answer. Now, for almost anything, I can just Google it. lol Back then people had to buy a new paper to see movie times. I remember being taught to balance a check book. Now I write checks from time to time. I certainly don't do any balancing of it. I just check my bank account on my android app. I never pay my bills by sending them off. It is always bill pay. Wow times have changed so fast. The technology change is increasing ever faster. I wonder what the world will look like in even 10 years.

[@Euphytoseful]

Sneha mody 5am in the morning? As opposed to what, 5am in the evening?

[@andy4an]

I got offline for 5 months once, I had two exceptions: I wrote a few emails once a week, and I got on ultimateguitar to print songs. I experienced the same freedom that Paul did, and it was incredible. I should try again.

[@Lara851000]

What a beautiful speach, thank you Paul Miller. I'm thinking about doing the same.

[@annapavlivv]

11 years ago it was still bereable. Today, 2024 is pure madness.

[@vsh1998]

I am not active on social media at all. But honestly, movies and youtube are drugs to me. There was a time when I quit both for about a month and I became so downtrodden. I think these two are my drug of escapism. I cannot function without them. It's sad, I know. But I don't like the person I am when I'm not getting my daily dose of dopamine by watching KZbin/movies :P

[@allmightynimore9151]

+Caped Baldy i feel you man! my favorite drugs are youtube and anime. i gotta do what this guy did and maybe i'll see some changes in life.

[@Nora-ry1nw]

if you keep it longer the urge to watch movied or go on youtube will lessen and you will find yourself thinking about other stuff, trust me. I've been through the same thing.

[@jeremycorrea919]

dude same. i've been basically addicted to drugs for like a month now. i have no idea how to stop, but i feel like i will stop naturally some time in the future

[@elhilo1972]

+Jeremy Correa Don't fool yourself. That might never happen. Seek help now, while you still can.

[@ExtraordinaryJam]

+Jeremy Correa yep, seek help dude, although I'm far away, the only thing I can do is tell you to "Seek help!!"

[@michaelchaplin866]

boredom is a sense of needing to be distracted from yourself because you have grown accustomed to being distracted. in these moments when boredom arises you need to use a technique to bring your concentration/awareness back to yourself and hold it there for a time. repeating this process surely will slowly rewrite your concentration and awareness patterns to be directed towards yourself and away from distraction.

[@NickWeston]

At first I thought "oh no now I'm gunna watch this and have to try to quit the internet too." But instead I saved myself a year offline and learned exactly what I've been looking for, finding a balance. Now I just have to learn how to not reach for my phone so often. Maybe i'll actually try to be bored 😂😁

[@krissymartinez1497]

I am happy for you! I am looking foward to quitting social media for a year :)

[@amyshtroum.1488]

So, may i ask if you're still offline? 😄

[@NickWeston]

@@amyshtroum.1488 Honestly, totally forgot about this, but judging from my fast response you can tell I def still use the web.. I do however try my best to stay off my phone around people.

[@amyshtroum.1488]

@@NickWeston I see I quit using social media last week and tbh I've never felt this much relief. Hopefully this will last forever. 🥰

[@milosralevic]

how do you even turn off a computer?

[@jacksmack8065]

+Jar Jar Binks Go on to internet explorer. I've heard that you can only turn off your computer once you have read everything on the internet.

[@rakib17874]

+TheBookWorm1718 like really?

[@elleelena3261]

Give it to me and I'll take care of it.

[@LIVdaBrand]

don't pay your electric bill

[@over50iqeq49]

Unplug and take the battery out of your laptop, phone, car, ipod, some stereos, some security systems, some refrigerators...you know what, just leave it on and move to the forest.

[@ichigokurosaki8211]

This is so relatable , After endless internal thinking for answers, again and again. It is a vicious circle, I needed to get out of it and came to the conclusion. The truth to build answers is not internal but somewhere we have to find out in the real world and test it.

[@16yearoldwhiteboy]

I never had the internet until I was 15 (I guess my parents were super-old fashioned considering I'm a millennial) and I don't think there's anything wrong personally. But a lot of people these days become over involved with social media like crazy. Then there's pornography and using Google as a substitute for using your brain (ie not working out a quick math problem but typing it in your iPhone), and the issue of becoming self-centered. But there's a lot of good out there, It's all about leveraging the internet and avoiding the evils. And hopefully one day the internet will be a safer place for everyone (especially for younger people), but it's really just about self-control.

[@francejacques10]

Chris Koro

[@tossacointoyourwitcherOriginal]

Chris Koro i hope it dosent get save ever...the internet shud never be safe for anyone.

[@DaGleese]

The problem with not using the internet was stated in this video; everyone else is using it. Without the internet you really won't have much to talk about with your friends, you also will miss out on events etc that are organised purely online. It really is a case of finding the right balance, but it's a very difficult balance to find, and it varies from one individual to another depending on the hobbies and career of the individual and the individual's social circle. I still have yet to find this balance.

[@aaA-on3ie]

This was 8 years ago but surely a big help for everyone at this time

[@barisaksac185]

Wow really totally worth watching. I wanted to watch this talk for a while actually. I really liked Paul Millers speech! Motivated me to concentrate on the important issues on life and keep internet at a fraction, as his parents do. I personally play also video-games and know friends who play them a lot. But i startet reading a lot of books recently and i realize it makes a huge difference on how my day was in the evening. I know more, i learn more, i sleep better i have interesting stuff to contribute or talk about. I recommend everybody to read more books and go offline ;)

[@reginasatchellkelly271]

This was an interesting experiment. It's a good, human look at the pros and cons of our generation's unique relationship with the internet. I love that he said that he, not the internet was the problem.