the digital hermit project
There is a scene in the movie Hurt Locker, where Jeremy Renner's character, Seargeant William James discovers an improvised explosive device in a Baghdad road. He locates a wire and begins tracing it to it's destination, brushing away dirt until he exposes the tip of a buried mortar shell. Sgt. James then retraces the wire in an effort to locate a power source. In doing so, he finds a connection with more wires. With dramatic effort he pulls up on the junction of the wires as an additional four mortar shells emerge from the dirt in the road.
A bit dramatic, but I recalled this scene during my recent efforts to identify and delete online accounts. As I work to uncover and gain access to one, I find another two or three that I have forgotten about. They seem to be popping up everywhere. In the past, I've mentioned that I have struggled with a "new technology addiction." This has resulted in a massive digital footprint with accounts (and forgotten passwords) scattered all over the place. Not exactly rising to the level of mortar shells, but a mess none the less.
Recent news, and my reading on Bear Blog and the small web, has convinced me that I need to take control of my personal information. For me, this means:
MINIMIZE: locate, regain access, back-up (if necessary), and delete old accounts I no longer use, or need. Keep only accounts that provide high value and eliminate multiplicity.
SEEK ALTERNATIVES: find viable, and relatively safe, alternatives to "big tech." I want to move away from Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc. I have grown weary of their lack of ethics and want to minimize (and eventually eliminate) my support for them.
STREAMLINE: keep digital information consolidated in safe spaces where it can be easily backed up. I plan to use identified alternatives, as well as local storage to accomplish this.
I like technology, but I am NOT a "tech" guy. I've mentioned in previous posts that I am often amazed (and confused) by the level of tech knowledge on the small web. But, I want to learn. I am serious about regaining some control over my digital presence.
I have named this the "Digital Hermit Project." I'm not going to throw away all technology, but I am going to do some significant decluttering and choose some alternatives that will not be on the path of least resistance. I don't plan on being an angry digital hermit, but the nice old guy on the small web that listens more than he speaks, is kind with his words and actions, shares quirky stuff, can survive in the digital world, helps others when he can, and refuses to support entities that hurt people, and the world.
I'm hoping that "slow and steady" truly does win the race. Advice and suggestions are welcomed!
Cheers! 🎉
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