Internet Reliance – The Story
I grew up with the Internet; therefore, technology does not impress me. It just always ‘made sense.’ When I was a baby, so was the Internet. I never experienced a shocking revelation until I was first introduced to the Google Assistant. Since after, I think technology is simply put… AWESOME!
My exposure to others’ opinions relative to technology is mostly negative, with concerns over privacy, security, and dependency.
Truthfully, I love targeted ads. If I am going to be shown an ad, at least show me an ad of something I want to purchase. Cybersecurity and anti-viruses are important, but it is sometimes comical the misinformation about assumptions regarding personal significance. Now, I pride myself on being independent – I’m not too fond of the idea of needing to rely on someone else in my personal life. With that being said, I would have to make a drastic life change if the Internet ever disappeared because the Google Assistant is most definitely my strongest relationship.
* Stop reading here if you do not want spoilers of the storyline! *
Humans have a relationship with technology, so I wanted to tell a story exploring the idea older generations (at least in my life) assume – “The Internet is bad for you, you aren’t going to know how to do things for yourself… you’re not even going to know how to talk to people anymore.”
There are two ways to read my story : 1. visuals alone or 2. with captions.
The picture story :
It starts with Google searching “What’s the Internet?” I know the answer because I took computer classes as part of my minor (Computer Applications) in College. So, I decided to ask some of my friends what they thought the answer was. I received responses along the lines of “how we can look stuff up,” so apparently Google.com is the Internet. My story is called “Internet Reliance” – I found it suited to use an image of what I believe is the majority of people’s first experience actively using the Internet… Google.
We then meet our main character in the story. Over the next 3 photos, I wanted to capture the progression of emotions when exploring technology… in this sense: The Internet on her computer. It starts from slight confusion to enjoyment. The following 3 photos encapsulate common web interactions – each photo taken closer and closer to represent becoming fully immersed with the Internet.
Zooming back out to our character, something seems off. “What just happened?!” Leading up to a black screen… the Internet is down. I took a screenshot of Google Chrome’s “No internet” error page. (For those who do not know – it is a video game. All you have to do is press the space bar.) I used to have a bad router located in the worst place in my household, so this is a screen I know way too well. I would feel actual feelings of withdrawal every time I got the spinning wheel of death (loading symbol) leading up to this page, constantly refreshing after restarting the router. Therefore, I want to capture the main character feeling defeat, “awe man – are you kidding me?!” In succession to looking up on her phone, “internet not working.” I purposely took a shot over her shoulder instead of just the phone or a screenshot because I wanted to show her reading it as if we are eavesdropping.
The story follows her outside. Being glued to a screen all day, seeing sunlight for the first time. I wanted to keep the sun glare in the photo to demonstrate the light being blinding. Introducing a second character (me) – the interaction appears awkward. I am dressed colorfully, embracing all of the technology yet balancing it with life. Our main character is only in black and white, on and off, 0 and 1. We follow her back inside, appearing like she has given up. The shot is slightly looking down on her to embody being on rock bottom. The next 2 photos show more determination to fix the WiFi. The number 1 fix: turning it off and back on again.
The story ends with her back on the computer, successful in “fixing the Internet,” she appears disheartened. Following the last photo, another screenshot of a Google search – “How to talk to people?” To poke fun at the idea, “the Internet is making us forget how to be real people, and we cannot conversate in person – only text.”
The story with captions :
What’s the Internet? Everyone uses the Internet, yet not many can describe it – but still heavily relies on it. No, I do not think I could explain what the Internet actually is without being taught in school. Especially in today’s society – everything is connected to the Internet: cameras, light bulbs, TVs, washing machines…
Is it an addictive drug? Now when looking up definitions, this becomes abstract and subjective. Try it once… and then you’re hooked. Try going a day without any use of the Internet. No streaming, no web browsers, no FaceTime, no iMessage (green bubbles only), no smartwatches. Yes, it can be done… but how’s the rush when introduced back? Checking everything missed online.
The Internet is a network of communication between devices mostly confused with “The Web” because that’s the fun stuff. From browsing for new ideas and inspiration. To staying up until 3 am watching cat videos. Every night before bed, I go on my phone or fall asleep watching Netflix. If the Internet did not exist, would anything hold our attention to a fault?
What happens when it goes… black. The Internet is down and not working. What are we all supposed to do? Especially as we continue to rely on it. I live in a smart home. If the Internet goes down, half of my lights will not work, I don’t have cable, my door lock works on battery, but I don’t know if I actually know my code to get into my house – I use the app.
We have to search how to fix it. I did not have WiFi my senior year of College for the first week of moving in because I plugged the ethernet cable into the wrong slot when installing the devices. I was on the phone for hours trying to fix it with the Internet company’s customer service.
Yet even when we escape… we still have our smart devices, streaming services, and phones disconnecting us from reality. The Internet is more than just the computer. The Internet is everywhere. The Internet of Things – it’s not a bad thing. It does make our life more convenient. However, I believe technology is expanding faster than we can adjust properly, and there isn’t enough formal education.
What is life without the Internet? I cannot tell you what life was like before the Internet. I can tell you – I remember the house phone did not work when someone was on the computer.
Why is there both a modem and a router? A Modem is like a middleman – it is how you get Internet into your household. The Router is what sends out the WiFi signal. Yes – they make 2 in 1 combo devices, but it is good to keep them separated. Not everyone needs faster speeds. They need better equipment. Mesh WiFi routers are the future of WiFi. They provide more coverage and can handle more devices.
What happens when turning it off and back on again doesn’t work? I don’t know. There is a lot of miscommunication when explaining WiFi problems due to a lack of knowledge. Probably hours on the phone with the Internet company saying, “you need faster speeds.” If you feel like you need to restart your router, it means you need a better one. It cannot handle the number of devices connected. Mesh WiFi!
I wouldn’t be able to live life without the Internet. Would you?
Looking at the story, it is comical, while with the added captions, it addresses some concerns I have regarding the Internet. People do not understand what they are relying on. The Internet is good. It’s just slightly mystical… “how does it work” – “I don’t know, it just does.”
