Life Really Is Better Without the Internet

Finding a Different Path

Before our first child was born last year, my wife and I often deliberated about the kind of parents we wanted to be—and the kind we didn’t. We watched families at restaurants sitting in silence, glued to their phones, barely taking their eyes off the screens between bites. We saw children paw at their parents, desperate to interact, only to be handed an iPad to keep quiet. We didn’t want to live like that. We vowed to be present with one another, at home and in public. We wanted our child to watch us paying attention to each other and to him.

The reality, after our son was born, was quite different. In those sleep-deprived early days, I found myself resorting to my phone as a refuge from the chaos. I fell into some embarrassing middle-aged-dad stereotypes. I developed a bizarre interest in forums about personal finance and vintage hats. I spent up to four hours a day looking at my phone while right in front of me was this new, beautiful life, a baby we had dreamed about for years.

Making the Change

Realizing the negative impact our phones were having on our ability to be fully present, my wife and I made the decision to remove Wi-Fi from our home. It was a drastic measure, but one that we felt was necessary for our sanity and for the well-being of our family.

Living without the Internet was a challenge at first. We had become so accustomed to using our phones for everything—from communication to entertainment. But as time went on, we noticed a shift. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media or getting lost in the depths of the internet, we began to engage more with each other and with the world around us.

Without the constant distraction of the Internet, we found ourselves having more meaningful conversations, pursuing new hobbies, and simply enjoying the moment. Our son, who is now a toddler, benefits from our decision as well. He sees us fully engaged with him, without the constant distraction of screens, and he thrives on that connection.

The Benefits of Disconnecting

Removing Wi-Fi from our home has had a profound impact on our lives. We no longer feel the urge to constantly check our phones or get sucked into the endless scroll of social media. Instead, we focus on what truly matters: our relationships, our passions, and our personal growth.

Life without the Internet has also allowed us to be more thoughtful with our time. We no longer waste hours mindlessly consuming content that adds little value to our lives. Instead, we fill our days with activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

While disconnecting from the Internet may seem extreme to some, it has given us the opportunity to live a more intentional and present life. We have rediscovered the joy of face-to-face interactions, the pleasure of reading a physical book, and the beauty of simply being in the moment. Life really is better without the Internet.