Stage of Internet Usage

No, this post is not about tiered internet usage or anything from a technology standpoint (sorry, C-net fans). It's just about the rise and fall of the internet and its usage in the average human being. Okay, so I'm basing this on my own experience and observations. But, here's what I've decided.

Stage I
This is the stage where you've just gotten internet access (flashback to 8th grade for me). The internet is awesome (even though it may be dial-up) and endless to you at this point. You got an e-mail address somehow ("What is Hotmail?" I once asked myself) and maybe even started instant messaging. Life is good. Some of my older relatives who have just got the internet are still in this stage. They forward chain e-mails (to 10 friends before midnight, of course) to avoid bad luck. Any e-mail they get must be true (yes, Virginia, people are hiding under your car waiting cut your ankles with a razor blade at night).

Stage 2
You're now exploring sites for your favorite interests (Backstreet Boys and the Chicago Cubs for circa 1998 Katie). There's so much to absorb and you're trying to find every detail about everything. You visit "angelfire" fan sites and the like. Any source is a good source at this stage. The internet is still endless.

Stage 3
You've pared down your usage of the internet. You've established a routine (check mail, check Facebook, Google something, turn off computer) and no longer stray from your old haunts. For some, this may be a favorite news or sports site. For others, technology blogs. Whatever it is, it's a routine much like reading the newspaper is for many old men.

Stage 4
You are now officially bored of the internet. You watch YouTube videos mindlessly and go through your routine. Why isn't the internet more entertaining now? I think this could describe the phase that many of us 20-somethings are in. Now, we look for new devices to get the internet on instead of new content.

Maybe it's okay to be in Stage 4. You get straight to the point without getting lost in too much content. You can figure out reliable sources for research (no matter how unimportant). You avoid viruses more readily as you're not clicking on everything. Here's to the internet.