In defense of 'mindless' Web browsing

[Commentary] For those who didn't grow up on the Web, it serves as a destination. They mostly sign on to perform a specific task. It's where they go to get things done. But for those who grew up with the Web, it's not a destination. It's a platform. A pathway. It's just the conduit. The highway. And there are parallels for this sort of so-called mindless meandering. Haven't you ever called your mother for "no reason"? Or walked outside for a refreshing walk to nowhere particular? When I wake up in the morning, I reach for my smartphone. Why? No reason, really. Just to see what's changed. Is that wasted time? No. I see what's new — what's going to frame my day. The Internet is just one of the places we go. And that's OK.