How has the Internet changed you/your life?

[Andrew]

Or has it not?

The comic that Jackal posted reminded me how being cynical and scathing is usually a badge of honour on Internet message boards, a clear sign that you're (supposedly) smarter than the average fan of whatever it is you're talking about. Has anyone found their stance on certain topics has changed since joining an online Forum?

Of course, the biggest change for most people is probably how they stay in touch and there's probably a lot of people who are doing so almost exclusively through online means. I'm glad to say I'm not one of those people, but there are a few friends I'd probably have lost contact with if not for email and the like, particularly those who have moved away because of their jobs.

One of the most significant changes for me in terms of my hobbies would be how the Internet, as a resource, has made conquering video games just that little bit easier. I remember spending hours with my Dad trying to solve all the levels in the original Lemmings. Now there's solutions for every single level posted on YouTube. From guides to video walkthroughs to cheat codes to all the unofficial game add-ons various communities are making and online play, the Internet can certainly enhance the video gaming experience.

[Sauru]

short answer? it caused me to lose several girlfriends that inturn lead me to my wife.

[Gundy]

Fuckin' internet has practically broken my left wrist.

[Drex]

It has helped me a lot so far...I've met very cool people (I'm not talking about you guys), I've met some weird people (all of you), the very first girl I loved...

It's very helpful when I want to talk to my parents or friends while I'm studying away from home, helps me relax , study, etc

[shadowgrin]

the very first girl I loved...

Move on Drex.

The Internets is evil.
It prevented me from quietly living my life as a hermit in a secluded mountain.

[deihatein]

Because of the internet, i have been addicted to the computer, it destroyed the hell out of me because i do not study anymore but still i used the internet to get stuff you dont get easily

[Jackal]

i used the internet to get stuff you dont get easily

Punani?

[shadowgrin]

Pictures of Punani?

[michael8610]

I don't think the internet is a good thing, but i can't live without it.

[Sauru]

i thought about it again and it seems the real answer should be, the internet has changed my entire life in every way possible. i met my current wife through a aol chat room (feel free to laugh and mock me for that lol) and by meeting her my entire world changed

[cyanide]

i thought about it again and it seems the real answer should be, the internet has changed my entire life in every way possible.

Same here. Some examples:

- I was introduced to the world of design via web design, and this is unquestionably my career and passion.
- A huuuge chunk of my knowledge is through the available research and information on the internet that I probably wouldn't have ever learned otherwise (Google, message boards, user reviews)
- I buy a lot of stuff online (amazon.ca being the most frequent source)
- Some of the best multiplayer gaming experiences ever (Quake, Call of Duty)
- I met my current girlfriend online, and I could not be any luckier to have her.

[Sauru]

seems the internet has been rather nice to you too then.

[Drex]

Move on Drex.

That was 5 years ago It's not emo-Drex related, we're good friends now.

[Gundy]

The internet basicly opened up the world of music to me. Radio nowadays is utter crap. Probably should start buying some CDs though...

[Lamrock]

The internet is an amazing thing. Lots of people (on forums even) say the Internet is a bad thing, but its really not. In the past few years, it has changed my life in nearly every way without me noticing and now its hard to imagine what life was like without it.

Perhaps it would be better if I spent more time outside, or focusing on school instead of being on the internet, but oh well. Its worth it.

[Andrew]

It could just be a bit of technophobia, or perhaps just a stereotypical view of the Internet that leads people to say it's "bad". Comedian Ben Elton is fairly scathing of the Internet, criticising errors in his Wikipedia page and claiming it to be the downfall of creativity, a sea of misinformation and a scourge on society. He's got a point, but it conveniently overlooks the benefits and usefulness of the Internet. Like anything, you've got to take the bad with the good when it comes to the darker side of the online world.

[el badman]

It allowed me stay in touch, besides using the phone, with my wife-to-be when I was finishing my studies in France and she was still in New Mexico.
Also, at its beginning, myspace was mostly about promoting bands and it made it real easy to contact your favorite musicians. I got to physically meet a lot of bands that way, and to even become friends with a few, so I'm grateful for that.
Plus I buy all my CDs, games, and a bunch of other shit online, so the Internet has made me much more of a materialistic freak, thanks