<p>My daughter thinks it is so weird that I still check in on CC everyday even though all my kids are finished with the application process; of course she has no idea that I check several times a day! I also visit other forums or if we are researching something I will go search online and find every opinion available. When my son and I were looking for new cell phones, I found several forums for cells phones and posted questions and read through hours of threads. I realize I have too much time on my hands, but I really do enjoy researching online, window shopping without buying, and chatting. We are a very tech heavy family, between text messaging, IM’s, email, etc… According to my daughter, none of her friends parents are online like her father and I. I have even heard that there are parents out there that don’t even know how to turn a computer on!</p>
<p>So for all you nerds out there, what do your kids think of your obsession to CC?</p>
<p>I didn’t find CC until my youngest was a freshman and now I’ve become an addict. My kids made fun of me until I was able to share some good jokes, tell D. about some apts. in Raleigh, give insight on cruise vacation selections, share transfer concerns and so much more. Now they come to me and ask “Has anyone on your ‘little message board’ mentioned…? I was wondering about…”. They’re not laughing now!!! You people were too informed to make fun of for long.</p>
<p>I too, am totally addicted. I was starting to think maybe that I have an OCD streak in me…I tune into CC everday, several times a day just to read “what’s going on”. I have learned so much here.</p>
<p>I am really clear why I am still around. I pretend it’s because I have a junior son who has begun this infernal process. But, it’s really because even though I work with bona fide genius types, the concentration of intelligent, interesting, highly verbal and funny people here is unique in my 50 years of life. And I don’t even have to worry about whether or not to tell you your new pants make you look fat:).</p>
<p>Mine is too busy exploring college and other forms of life to spend much time thinking about what I am doing (any more than I spent my college years thinking about what my parents were doing).</p>
<p>Frankly, my D thinks I am awesome because I know so much more than her friends’ parents. Now, her friends’ parents are calling ME for info. But it is embarrassing that every time she sees me at the computer, I have the famous blue-grey CC screen up. Hey – it’s better than porn!</p>
<p>lol wow, my mom was one of those people who didn’t know how to turn on a computer last year, but she’s been taking computer classes at the local community college so she’s learned a lot there, but still hasn’t been able to figure out how to send me email yet o.0
but I do have a secret desire that my parents become internet addicts, so they can empathize with me :P</p>
<p>It’s not just CC. There are a variety of places on the Internet that I check out every day.</p>
<p>I think, though, that we are the oldest generation to do this, maybe because we learned to use computers through work and then found them helpful for personal stuff, too. The generation before us retired before computers had permeated every aspect of people’s lives.</p>
<p>Last month, while recovering from some orthopedic surgery, I spent five days on the rehab floor of a skilled nursing facility. Many of the patients were people in their seventies who had undergone knee or hip replacements. There were only a few of us middle-aged people, and we were the only ones who would wheel ourselves down to the lounge where the one and only computer was located to check our e-mail and shop online. The seventysomethings conducted their lives using a nearly outdated piece of equipment called a telephone. There seems to be a generation gap here.</p>
<p>I think perhaps the time has come to recognize that online communities are in fact becoming a bona fide component of people’s social networks. Lord knows the VCs have already done so:).</p>
<p>Marian, My 81-year-old mother is the biggest computer user I know. She set up a chat room for all of us a few years ago, and she is constantly emailing and researching things on the internet. I know that she’s unusual in her age group.</p>
<p>We’re way too nerdy here. 5 people, 5 computers. Guess we’re not good at sharing either. Actually, my daughter leaves hers at college when she comes home so she’s always bouncing from one computer to another. I’ve always been an information hound though. When I was pregnant I bought or borrowed several books on pregnancy, then childhood, then education, etc. If we go on a vacation I go on the travel bb’s and order maps and books. The internet is way too addicting for people like me. Good thing I work at a library so I can channel my nerdiness in a positive way!</p>