I recently came across a thought-provoking video that delved into the struggle of overcoming internet addiction. The speaker reflected on a decade lost to the virtual world, a place that often felt more real than reality itself. Despite having a successful freelancing career and a growing YouTube channel, they found themselves regretting the time wasted scrolling aimlessly online, neglecting their dreams of building websites or apps.

The speaker rationalized their internet use as a form of learning, amassing a wealth of knowledge but rarely applying it. They emphasized the importance of breaking this habit for a better financial, physical, intellectual, and spiritual life. However, they also acknowledged that total ascension from the internet isn’t realistic. Overcoming internet addiction, they argued, requires a mindset shift rather than relying solely on willpower or external restrictions.

Quitting the internet isn’t about giving up something valuable; it’s about lifting a weight off your mind. The initial boredom fades, revealing genuine desires. Without constant online stimulation, real life may seem less entertaining, but it allows for the rediscovery of personal interests. Breaking free from the internet allows you to think for yourself, form original opinions, and deal with underlying issues. By ceasing to identify as an internet-addicted person, redirecting impulses becomes easier, leading to a more fulfilling and self-directed life.

This got me thinking: Is simply replacing internet consumption with another form of consumption, like reading books, truly purposeful? To make life more meaningful, I believe the most important paradigm shift is to become a producer rather than a consumer. If you’re reading books but not applying the knowledge to build something, isn’t it just as unproductive as doom-scrolling the internet?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.