Is that fasting?

Considering that this is ceremonially a time of fasting and self denial for so many, I thought it would be a great idea to resurrect this post (pun intended)

I have been looking into fasting.  I am not sure what it actually does for us.  I also was told that I could fast things like TV, internet, and other entertainment alternatives.  Can you provide some insight about fasting?

Gladly.  As a young Christian I was asked frequently to join fasts for different things .. I had a difficult time getting a clear picture on what the purpose of fasting was.  Most people told me that fasting was about making some need known to God in a powerful way ... that by fasting He was more likely to respond.  I was taught that fasting food was too difficult for most people, so instead, we could fast TV, movies, etc.