Really interesting observation. As you say, we are all caught in this. I sometimes wonder whether fatigue has a hidden role to play. In my 40s, I'm most vulnerable to falling into the phone when I'm tired. In your 70s and 80s, your brain is tired just that bit more perhaps.
It really does. There's always a good reason to pick up the phone. I found my use normally started with something benign or harmless, then spiralled into something decidedly useless. Just saying no, within an allotted time, has real merit for me.
Great stuff Will. I find it much easier to enjoy myself if the phone is not available. E.g. I’m relaxing on holiday but left the phone in the hotel room.
I remember when having a phone meant you could call somebody and maybe play Snake. Now it takes actual effort just to leave the thing alone. Good read, Kuba.
An interesting read Kuba. How times have changed! I do miss the days before social media took off and smart phones became a thing!
Totally! It feels like a completely different world…
Really interesting observation. As you say, we are all caught in this. I sometimes wonder whether fatigue has a hidden role to play. In my 40s, I'm most vulnerable to falling into the phone when I'm tired. In your 70s and 80s, your brain is tired just that bit more perhaps.
Good point Will. Phones are just too easy to reach! And as you say, being tired and reaching for low effort stimulation can go hand in hand.
I’ve seen your experiments with phone free commuting - does committing to a time without a phone make it easier to avoid reaching for it?
It really does. There's always a good reason to pick up the phone. I found my use normally started with something benign or harmless, then spiralled into something decidedly useless. Just saying no, within an allotted time, has real merit for me.
Great stuff Will. I find it much easier to enjoy myself if the phone is not available. E.g. I’m relaxing on holiday but left the phone in the hotel room.
Oh that’s so true isn’t it!
Not using it is as much mental effort as using it!
So true!
I remember when having a phone meant you could call somebody and maybe play Snake. Now it takes actual effort just to leave the thing alone. Good read, Kuba.
So true that! Even with limited functionality they were addictive, so now it’s like level 9000!