How the Internet saved me.
We all have heard how the newer generations of this world are becoming increasingly addicted to screens: phone screens, computer screens, tablet screens, TV screens, phablet screens, etc. Youths are constantly scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, Reddit, emails, and news feeds. We like, comment, post, reply, message, and share. We get absorbed into our digital world with eyes glazed over, shoulders slumped, and fingers clicking away. I am entirely guilty of being addicted to my screens. If there is WiFi or a good data signal (especially since it’s so rare here), I feel the pull of the screen as I become entranced by my various media outlets. “Friends, not phones” is my mantra for when signal and friends inevitably collide. But for all the social ineptitudes and neck aches, I can confidently say that screens have saved me in Indonesia, especially after coming to permanent site 4 (!) months ago. And here are the reasons why:
#1: I have A LOT of down time.
Despite all of the classes, activities, and adventures, I still spend a lot of time at home. That’s part of service for a lot of Peace Corps Volunteers here. Luckily, I planned ahead with an external hard drive full of movies and TV shows, a Kindle with a bunch of books, and a phone loaded with yoga videos. Having these various time-killers nearby has cut in half the time I spend lying on the floor in deep introspection. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with introspection! But sometimes too much introspection can go horribly wrong for PCVs. Given the time, I could tear myself to shreds overthinking my actions and how they could be perceived by my community. It’s exhausting! From the moment I step out of my room in the morning, I am onstage. I perform an intricate dance that attempts to balance cultural appropriateness and my individuality, a dance PCVs around the world have had to master. Even after almost 7 months in Indonesia, I still mess up the steps a lot. Sometimes, after a long day, the last thing I want to do is let my mind start spinning with criticisms of my performance and how I could have done better. It can be dangerous territory. Getting out of my head can be healthy and what better way to do that than with a “30 Rock” marathon?
#2: I get to feel connected.
During my first three months in Indonesia, I had very limited access to internet but it didn’t bother me at all. Indonesia was still new, homesickness hadn’t set in, I was busy with training and constantly surrounded by other volunteers. Of course, a phone call from my mom or a message from a friend was always a special treat when I had a connection. However, coming to permanent site proved to be a totally different situation; I had nothing to do, I was the only foreigner in my community, and homesickness was starting to kick into hyper drive. My school’s WiFi was extremely spotty and barely helpful when communicating with friends and family. I spent boatloads of rupiah on minutes for my little burner phone so I could at least text my PC friends. I met up with people in Cirebon almost every week. I craved communication in a way that I never did during training. About a month and a half ago, I finally gave in to the pleas of my fellow PCV Andrew and bought a smart phone and data package. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. This connection has allowed me to fulfill what I consider to be one of my most important roles in life: being a support system for all my friends and family. Life is still happening for everyone back home – new jobs, moving, breaking up, getting together, family trouble, confused feelings, life decisions – and my WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger allow me to “text” my friends, family, and fellow PCVs to my heart’s content without having to worry too much about cost. Thanks to my data, I’ve been able to pull through for them in the smallest way despite the ridiculous time differences and crazy schedules. And for me, the mere act of supporting others in this familiar role gives me a greater sense of stability and strength that was absent before I had data.
#3: The Internet makes me a better PCV.
The Peace Corps Indonesia is very active online. Between emails and Facebook notifications, it feels like there is always something PC related in my inboxes. Around the same time I got my new phone, my school also decided to update its WiFi and having that access at my school has opened up a whole new world into a better service. First of all, I’m able to read the PC Weekly Update every Friday that details administrative schedules, safety and security issues, and headquarters’ notifications – all time sensitive and fairly important. Second, thanks to the hard work of previous PCVs in Indonesia, I have access to tried and true methods, games, and lessons that have worked in similar situations. If I have a review session for a class, I can easily find several games to play in the plethora of resources available online that fit the size of my class and the resources available. Third, Facebook groups have proved to be the major form of communication for volunteers. Whether people are clarifying policy changes, posting motivasi, or asking if anyone is in Jakarta, PCVs are daily posting in these groups. This amazing network of people is the single most important resource of my service and WiFi allows me to keep in touch, even from half-way across an island.
Yes, the draw of data can be a little too strong sometimes; it’s hard not to get sucked in. But for all the negative side-effects, I honestly believe technology have saved me in my service. Screens have prevented a serious case of cabin fever and probably a couple of breakdowns. Data has provided a connection to my previous life and WiFi has saved me from feeling lost in my classroom and community. I’m not sure where I would be mentally, emotionally, or professionally without my screens.
To all of the PCVs out there in the world who are making it through service with limited or no internet – you are made of stronger stuff and I admire you like crazy.
