From fearlessly exploring the back-country, casually floating the river without a care in the world, to enjoying quality time with your closest friends and family – sans the “selfie” game, Alaskans are pretty darn good at unplugging. Still, we’d be lying if we said that the addictive tendencies of the internet and the social media craze didn’t drag us down more often then we’d like. Here are 13 things people in Alaska did before the internet took over our lives.
1. Spent the entire day floating the river.
No watch needed. Just you, a raft, fishing pole, good friends and the open water, with no deadline or hidden agenda. Now those were the days!
2. Or fishing on the ocean.
All day long, totally and completely out of any internet connection. Nowadays that is such a daunting thought for our internet-addicted selves.
3. Went into the backcountry without needing to take selfies.
There truly is something so liberating about just going into the back-country without feeling the need to document everything for social media purposes. It's amazing how much time you can loose trying to get the "perfect shot" when you could just be happy and live in the moment.
4. Spent all day four-wheeling with friends and family.
Ripping down trails, crossing streams and getting covered in mud while laughing and smiling from ear to ear the whole time. With all of this fun it makes you wonder why we ever fell for the internet hoax!
5. Always made a point to have quality time around the campfire.
The best memories happen around the campfire, so make time for it - sans the iPhones and tablets.
6. Took road trips and enjoyed the views instead of looking down at the cell phone every ten minutes.
It's sad what can be missed when our eyes and heads are consumed with being constantly updated. Just sit back, relax and breathe Alaska in. You'll thank us later, we promise!
7. Chose lodging options based on word-of-mouth recommendations and not online reviews.
What a beautiful life it once was. When we chose where we were going to lay our heads at night based on recommendations from friends and family. Nowadays we trust online reviews from complete strangers, now that is a scary thought.
8. Went camping and dreaded having to go back to civilization on Sunday.
Before the internet took over our lives, we actually dreaded the thought of getting back to the grind on Monday morning. Nowadays we are too consumed with wanting to get home and share our lives on Facebook for validation.
9. Made friends with strangers, and didn’t think twice about it.
Without all the internet mumbo jumbo scaring us with crazy media stories, we might actually meet amazing strangers that become lifelong friends. We'd say that the risk is worth the reward, for sure!
10. Fearlessly went exploring with bright eyes and open minds.
In the world of social sharing, it's easy to get wrapped up in swooning over other peoples experiences. But nothing is as beautiful as it is in person, so go exploring and leave the internet gadgets at home.
11. Went outside and chased down a stunning place to soak in the sunset.
In the land of Facebook timelines and click-bait articles on the internet, it is easy to get lost for hours on end and completely fail to realize that an amazing sunset occurred, and you missed it!
12. Got up early enough to enjoy a sunrise.
Motivation: There won't be photos all over the internet. So you'll actually have to make the effort to experience it in person!
13. Ran outside in amazement when the Northern Lights were dancing.
Because when you aren't flooded with images on the internet, the Aurora Borealis is the rarest and most enchanting sight that you could possibly behold!
Since you’re reading this, we have to know – what were your favorite activities to enjoy before the internet took over your life? 😉
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