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Surf Your Values
My point: we need to constantly analyze when to use technology
and when to turn it off. Since we all have blind spots, this is another
area where conversations with trusted friends can help (habits 1 and
3). Each of us faces different temptations, and we all go through
different seasons of life. There is no secret formula to get proper
balance, but like the bushes in front of our house, without deliber
ate pruning, the Web will take over more territory.
Online Time Management
Just as taking pledges and making resolutions can help us succeed
by articulating our goals, predeterm ined time limits can help us
balance online and offline life. This approach is not just for kids.
We allot times for meetings at work, services at church, golf tee-offs,
attending sporting events, and other areas of life. Why not block
off Internet surfing time?
So what are some more practical ways to help us unplug? Dr.
Paula Eder, a time management expert, offers seven In ternet tips;
here are the first five:
1. Whenever possible, limit your time online to certain times of
day.
2. Close your e-mail and turn off your instant messaging and
RSS feeds.
3. Keep your goal in mind when you do In ternet searches.
4. Keep a running list of interesting links you uncover.
5. Set time parameters for your task, so you don ’t get “Lost in
Cyberspace.”25
Jeremy Smith offers this additional advice at a Christian website
for students: “Emotions and feelings can often affect your judg
ment. If pornography is a temptation for you, avoid surfing the
Web when you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired. Go find someone
to spend time with.”26
Many families find that scheduling family game nights or cou
ples date night is the only way to ensure quality time is available.
And yet, the In ternet can take up all of the “spare time” between
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