Gransnet forums

Chat

Too much Internet

(39 Posts)
NanKate Thu 17-Dec-15 22:49:48

I understand why youngsters get hooked on their IPads etc. I have to admit I use mine far too much as follows.

Check the weather
Facebook (don't do Twitter)
Update Gransnet
Watch catch up tv
Access Amazon Prime
Listen to songs on Youtube
Use crossword solver when I get stuck
Read book reviews on Amazon
Buy a variety of books, toys, etc on Amazon
Send and receive emails
Check out information of people I see on tv via Wiki
Occasionally buy clothes from Dash
FaceTime my grandsons
Use Google Maps and Google Translate

Anyone else have a problem ?

hildajenniJ Sun 20-Dec-15 19:31:05

I've been out to a carvery with DH and DS for lunch which I booked on-line. There is seldom a day goes by when I don't have my tablet on. I use it for so much, Gransnet not the least of it. My DGC age 9 and 7 are getting tablets from Santa. I think 7 is a bit young but DD gas other ideas.

granjura Sun 20-Dec-15 19:23:19

Well I thought I would have a good rest from t'internet whislt on hols- and low and behold - DD2 has organised WIFI for us in the flat here in the UK... before when we were here I had to go to Costa's to log on. DH has gone to paly poole with his mates ... so. Yes, I know- I could switch it off (but then so could we all...). Will do now ;)

Sweetness1 Sun 20-Dec-15 09:20:01

Just taking my husband early morning cup of tea in bed...he's on his phone ....irritating!
Go into work..younger workers glued to screens..irritating!
inane Facebook photos...irritating!
I'm on iPad now..I irritate myself!

Leticia Sun 20-Dec-15 08:09:09

I borrow ebooks from the library on my iPad but no idea that I could get magazines - thanks for that - I will give it a try as the Family History one would be great.

granjura Sat 19-Dec-15 21:13:05

We have a readly.com subscription- as we live abroad, it's fabulous to have all the magazines on the tablet.

starbecklass Sat 19-Dec-15 18:03:00

Another way to use (waste time) on the internet. Did you know, if you are a member of your library, you can download the magazines for free onto your computer, laptap or tablet from Zinio. Reading them on the Ipad is great. No monthly subscriptions, I have Good Housekeeping, Family History and BBC History, it depends what's in your library collection - as many as you like! Make sure that you go through the library website - you'll get charged if you go straight onto Zinio. I think many libraries provide this service.

Rockchick Sat 19-Dec-15 14:37:51

I agree with oldernowiser, it's just progress. These days there is so much you have to do online that you used to be able to do by walking into a shop.
You use it as much or as little as you want and for people with family abroad facetime/ skype is a life saver as you feel that you are in their home. Nobody ever says folk watch too much TV and for books I still love the feel of a proper book, but as far as my ipad, it's the best thing since sliced bread :-)

Teacher11 Sat 19-Dec-15 14:30:48

I use and do all the same except for the puzzle solver. The internet is miraculous, keeps one connected to the wider world and allows for more new knowledge to be acquired than one ever thought possible. My life-saver is in the dark stretches of the night when the dear OH is snoring and I am lying awake knowing I will never fall asleep again for at least two hours. Then the iPad comes to the rescue.

Theoddbird Sat 19-Dec-15 11:41:10

Everything everyone else says...yep...can't be without it. Have had a computer since home computers were available and remember the early internet. Had a mobile phone since the early days as well. I use my laptop most but now have a tablet as well. Can't say I have used that much. I have downloaded the 'kindle' app to it...trying to get back into reading again smile

Cath9 Sat 19-Dec-15 11:30:42

The Internet I think is good for many, but when it first came out I missed not going out to find this and that, but many didn't bother or know where to look etc. So for those it must be a wonder. I will say it has been great to be able to have communication with my son and his family in NZ, whiich my sister-in-law was not able to experience when my niece lived on a Pacific Island for two years.

AlgeswifeVal Sat 19-Dec-15 11:27:43

I love my imac computer, ipad and iPhone. I couldn't be without any if them. Even when there is a good film on the tele my I pad is on my lap. If there is a famous film star and not sure if he is dead or alive I'm straight on Google to check it out. I do so much on it every day, all that is l u step above and banking. There is nothing you cannot find out or research. I cannot understand why some peoplease aren't interested in technology. I am addicted.

libra10 Sat 19-Dec-15 11:13:39

The net contains a wealth of information, and I use in pretty much the same way as others.

Before the net I used to knit and sew, also read a lot.

Maranta Sat 19-Dec-15 10:25:59

Same here too. I'm alone also, so it's my window on the outside world. The only disadvantage is that I'm not reading books like I used to. I have a digital sub for a daily paper, which means the I pad gets switched on every day.

Seasidenana Sat 19-Dec-15 09:37:10

PS I'm not sure where I would be without YouTube videos showing me how to fix things !

Seasidenana Sat 19-Dec-15 09:35:01

I'm not sure why people feel guilty about how much they use their iPad ? Much of the stuff you mention is practical and would still have to be done anyway like finances and shopping, only iPad / computer makes it quicker. FaceTime the grandchildren ? That's essential for those of us who don't live nearby. I use mine to watch TV in my bedroom. It also keeps me in touch with the world as I live alone. My social activities are all arranged online with the groups and friends I socialise with. I organised our huge family holiday online, and communicated all the complex information to the 14 participants.

I also look things up I want to know about, it keeps my brain active. Just the other day I arranged a lovely outing with my cousin who I haven't seen for years, because we both saw a concert we wanted to go to and communicated about it on Facebook.

Leticia Sat 19-Dec-15 07:40:16

You don't need to use #hashtags grannylyn - I never do unless I comment on the Archers so that people know what I am talking about. It is generally unnecessary. It only comes in useful if you want to search for something, but even then you don't have to use it.

Elegran Fri 18-Dec-15 20:46:39

There are online sites where you can buy half dozen at a time for a couple of pounds - there is always another in the drawer when you lose one.

dustyangel Fri 18-Dec-15 20:03:12

shysal you need a dobber, well that is what it is called in our house. tchgrin
More accurately known as a stylus, it looks similar to a ballpoint pen but has a rubber tip. Cheap and cheerful ones are only about a fiver, those from more technical shops £15 upwards. I find buying a bright pink one stops DH 'borrowing' it. tchsmile

shysal Fri 18-Dec-15 13:03:12

I sometimes shut down the laptop, then remember I want to check something else. Trouble is , by the time it has warmed up again, I've forgotten what I was going to look up! tchblush Tablet would be quicker, but it is not very responsive - probably my sweaty fingers!

Tegan Fri 18-Dec-15 12:37:19

Last night I was on utube looking up ways to unblock a sink [it wasn't blocked but was on it's way to being blocked]. Then there was the night when I found my new'ish car covered in dried on sap from a nearby pine tree; utube again telling me to use fabric conditioner [it worked a treat!]. Now, of course I also have a Coral betting account and listen to William Hill Racing Radio all afternoon [I know one of the lads who works on it so it's good fun to listen to if you're into that sort of thing]. And, now that my new computer is working well I no longer buy rubbish CD's [you know the ones; hear one track that's great so rush out and buy the CD only to find the rest is awful]. Newly discovered facebook is great fun and I'm back in touch with friends from way back.

Anniebach Fri 18-Dec-15 11:36:14

If mine was to break or was taken from me - I would need therapy

NanaandGrampy Fri 18-Dec-15 10:13:12

I spend a lot of my time online for one reason or another and I don't begrudge a second of it :-)

Apart from the usual banking and such , I use it to write letters , which I print out and send - I love a good handwritten letter ...well typed anyway! I use Facebook to actually feel like part of the lives of far flung family and friends.

I craft extensively and my die cut machine works from the internet so I'm always designing , or cutting etc.

I read endlessly on my iPad, not just books but articles and blogs.

I NEVER wonder how something is done/made or produced these days - I just google it !!

Its an awesome world which I make top use of . I don't watch much TV and I have some mobility issues but never feel cut off these days.

The only drawback was DH was having trouble sleeping and he now has an iPad curfew . Its goes off at 9pm and he has found he sleeps much better- something to do with the blue light produced by iPads.

OlderNoWiser Fri 18-Dec-15 09:36:46

Marmight, that's exactly what I do. As I work online during the week I do an internet "detox" on Sundays and do "old-fashioned" stuff like going for a walk, a swim, or just out to a museum or something, and always end up feeling really relaxed and refreshed.

Marmight Fri 18-Dec-15 09:09:19

Like everyone else, I waste spend far too much time on the iPad/pc/iPhone. Since being on my own, it's a form of connection with the outside world, but when I am not at home I find it easy to ignore. In future, I am going to try to have an Internet free day a week and spend the time doing all the important stuff..... hmm

OlderNoWiser Fri 18-Dec-15 09:04:49

It's just progress, nothing more. People once worried about having too much electricity, or central heating, or whatever. So some of life now happens on the internet, it's no big deal.

I work on the internet, use it when and for whatever I need it, then go and take a walk with the dogs or read a book. In my opinion the thing is there to use for your own purposes and advantage, but don't let it make you a slave. It can make life easier (and cheaper - where would we be without price comparison sites!), but it can also turn you into an iZombie. The choice is ours.