#GrowingUpOnline

[tmarshconnors]

When Being Online Was Pure Magic!

There was a time when logging onto the internet was an adventure, a digital frontier brimming with excitement and wonder. I remember those days vividly. The mere act of coming online felt like opening a treasure chest full of endless possibilities. Every click, every page load, and every notification held the promise of something new and exhilarating.

YouTube was once a gateway to a world of fascinating content. I used to spend hours watching videos, diving down rabbit holes of creativity, humour, and knowledge. It was a revolutionary platform where anyone could become a creator, and everyone had a chance to discover something unique and entertaining. The novelty of user-generated content was mesmerising.

But as time passed, that magic seemed to fade. YouTube became just another app on my phone, another website in my bookmarks. The excitement of finding a new, must-watch video was replaced by a sense of routine. The platform that once felt like a playground now feels like a familiar, sometimes monotonous, part of daily life.

Remember MSN Messenger? It was the hub of my teenage social life, where every "ding" of a new message brought a rush of anticipation. The art of crafting the perfect status message or selecting the right display picture was a serious endeavour. And then there was MySpace, the social network that let you  customise your profile with your favourite music, quirky backgrounds, and top friends list. It was a place where individuality thrived. 

Those platforms weren't just tools; they were experiences. They were a digital canvas where we could express ourselves, connect with friends, and explore the burgeoning online world. There's a pang of nostalgia when I think back to those simpler times. The digital landscape has changed so much since then, and sometimes it feels like we've lost something along the way.

Maybe it’s not the internet that’s changed; maybe it’s me. Growing up often means losing some of the wonder and excitement we once had for things. The thrill of discovery is replaced by familiarity, and the extraordinary becomes ordinary. I know I have normalised the incredible technology at my fingertips, taking for granted what would have once blown my mind.

The internet has become an integral part of our lives, but in doing so, it has also become mundane. Social media feeds are filled with the same recycled content, streaming services offer endless choices yet nothing truly captivates, Yes I am looking at you Amazon Prime and Netflix and even the novelty of new gadgets wears off quickly. The sense of wonder that used to accompany being online has faded, replaced by a habitual scrolling and clicking.

Oh I don’t know. I guess that’s why I started blogging in the first place somewhere to put all my collective thoughts, regardless what they may be. 

Never mind, I am off to bed it’s 2.45am here in the United Kingdom. 

Until next time! 

[thelearningcurv]

Maaan... I am always so worried that I am doing something wrong, so when I look at my kid, I know I am lucky to have her in my life... Maya is pretty damn amazing and I hope she doesn't kill me for all these photos of her in the future. She has been in my life for 21 months and I am having the time of my life running around with her. She's finally tall enough that she's into EVERYTHING, so that's always fun. It allows for some really interesting moments. Sometimes I have to take things away, and other times I allow her to explore these new things... the faces she makes and the joy she takes from it all is heart busting. I can't wait to get her into daycare, simply for the chance to be exposed to that which me and her family can not. I wish my eyes could be cameras in order to capture all of the moments I get to enjoy, but for now, here are some amazing shots from the last few days... happy 21st month my love! #mayalilnugget #mylittlegirl #daddysgirl #adidassuit #tracksuit #cousins #happyfaces #applepicking #littleartists #hideandseek #pottytraining #adventures #readingbabies #amphitheater #kids #babies #growingup #growinguponline https://www.instagram.com/p/BoFjYBBHse7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=612v9ksn2ods

[publicsituation]

RT @UNICEF: A press conference these children weren't ready for. #GrowingUpOnline #ENDviolence https://t.co/tmgBOd9enR

[publicsituation]

RT @UN: .@UNICEF is working to close the digital divide for 346 million young people who have no access to the internet https://t.co/QsujdP52ia #GrowingUpOnline https://t.co/j2FXNnsXFf