passive versus active computer usage

I typically classify my computer usage into two categories. Either it's "active" or "passive." One isn't necessarily better than the other but I find active computer use more rewarding. But unfortunately I've been doing a lot more passive use lately.

Passive computer use - There are a lot of activities that fall into this category and I'd argue that it's how the majority of people who use computers outside of work actually use them. (I'm excluding work here because presumably people do something useful when they use a computer at work!) Some examples of passive computer use are: watching videos, reading blogs, reading news, researching a topic you're interested in, chatting with your friends, looking at photos, playing video games, listening to music, checking your friend's facebook status, well..you get the idea. For the most part, it's a one way flow of information from the computer (or internet) to you. In many ways, it's similar to sitting down in front of the TV, browsing a magazine, or reading a book. For most people, it's an enjoyable activity. When people talk about "surfing the web" I usually think of this type of passive computer use. As I mentioned, I've been doing a lot of this lately which is why my blog hasn't been updated much.

There isn't anything wrong with passive computer use just like there isn't anything wrong with watching TV or reading books/magazines. It's a great way to learn new skills or get exposed to new ideas. I often feel like a sponge when I'm in this mode, soaking up information as quickly as possible.

Active computer use - The key characteristic of active computer use is the creation of something. No longer is the information travelling in only one direction (from the internet/book/tv to your brain). With active computer use you are transmitting information out of your head and to others. Some examples are: writing a blog post, uploading pictures to Flickr, creating a website, contributing your expertise to a wikipedia article, or even leaving a comment on a forum, blog, or news article. But they don't have to be strictly related to the internet (although that is probably the most common way of sharing information.) It could be using your computer to write a report, design a building, or make a music playlist. I categorize all of the activities that involve "doing" or "creating" into this active computer use category. There is something you can point to at the end and say "I made that" no matter how minor.

For some reason, I tend to get enjoyment from active computer use. (Well, I enjoy both but creating something is more rewarding.) The trouble is that it's more time consuming. It takes time and thought to sit down and write a blog post, edit and share photography, or upload a homemade video. But the satisfaction comes from interacting with others and seeing their reaction to your work. Even if it's as simple as seeing that your YouTube video had 1,000 views. I also think the active use helps you grow. Instead of just taking in information, you are combining and mixing all of your knowledge and experience to produce something unique. This forces you to think for yourself rather than simply consume to what's already out there.