Thanks for sharing this. I heavily relate. And I see the same correlation of less screen time in my life to more confidence, creativity, in person connection, and fulfillment.
You’ve given me a lot to think about. I am now making a conscious effort to put my phone away in a place where it is just too much trouble to get (maybe like the attic?😛). Whatever it takes. Thanks for the thoughts.
Thinking of providing a monthly service which offers a daily face slap if you’re on your device too much or a condescending eye gaze but that might be too niche
44 days off of the traditional social media apps here, and besides the first week being tough out of habit, I haven’t missed it at all. They made the algorithms so bad, and the interactions I did get were often negative, so the platforms made it pretty easy to walk away. And I haven’t missed them once.
I live in Finland and recently there was a debate about banning phones in schools, which did happen eventually. But the whole thing got my thinking, what about teaching self-control around technology already in school? Personally, I'm always dreaming of moving to a small village and throwing my smart phone down the drain. I know it will happen one day.
Great piece, and the dog test is a great one. Not just for physical and emotional health - let’s just go outside more, whatever the Weather. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for this, Andrew. I could never have put my feelings about social media, AI, and screen time into words the way you have. You made me feel “normal” for having these thoughts in a world that shoves this stuff down our throats. Please keep writing and sharing your sweet dogs!
I’ve taken a social media break since April, and while I’ve missed connecting with people online, I’ve deepened my in person relationships and done a lot of soul searching in this time. I think our four footed companions have the right idea - we all need more nature, play, and off screen time! My kitten takes great joy in getting between me and any screen I’m using! 😹
Sounds like your life has become richer since your break. That's inspiring. Thanks for sharing, Jen. Glad you have a good interventionist like your kitten.
Every day, every moment is a wonderful gift to change for the better. They stretch out into real significance. The vice of social media is no different. It's just baby steps... or maybe puppy steps!
Thank you.It gives me a pause to think about it. Especially since AI has "infiltrated" just about anything. When I see or read something outrageous I immediately wonder if this is real or not. So I decided to look and read more selctively.
What an interesting outcome, I suspect this is a lot of people, consuming less. Funny that the thing that is trying to steal our time more than ever may end up making itself irrelevant.
A true reality check for me, so true the state of my mental health coincides with the amount of screen time I indulge in. Thanks for putting it down on paper. Tomorrow is a new day to put down the phone and participate more in life.
Thanks for sharing this. I heavily relate. And I see the same correlation of less screen time in my life to more confidence, creativity, in person connection, and fulfillment.
It's especially hard for us creators who largely rely on it. I think the tides will shift, though, for better and for worse.
My life got so much better when I deleted the final social media app 2 yrs ago.
I'm well overdue for a break. So happy for people when they delete it.
You’ve given me a lot to think about. I am now making a conscious effort to put my phone away in a place where it is just too much trouble to get (maybe like the attic?😛). Whatever it takes. Thanks for the thoughts.
Thinking of providing a monthly service which offers a daily face slap if you’re on your device too much or a condescending eye gaze but that might be too niche
Thanks for the food for thought, A. I will plate it in my mind kitchen! ❤️
thanks for reading, kelly. appreciate you
44 days off of the traditional social media apps here, and besides the first week being tough out of habit, I haven’t missed it at all. They made the algorithms so bad, and the interactions I did get were often negative, so the platforms made it pretty easy to walk away. And I haven’t missed them once.
I live in Finland and recently there was a debate about banning phones in schools, which did happen eventually. But the whole thing got my thinking, what about teaching self-control around technology already in school? Personally, I'm always dreaming of moving to a small village and throwing my smart phone down the drain. I know it will happen one day.
Great piece, and the dog test is a great one. Not just for physical and emotional health - let’s just go outside more, whatever the Weather. Thanks for sharing.
I needed this today Andrew, thank you. It's insane that I had to "carve out time" from scrolling to read it, which really gave me food for thought!
Reading is the hardest thing now 😭 Thanks for being here, Sam.
🐾 Always listen to your dog!
Deal 🤝
Thanks so much for this, Andrew. I could never have put my feelings about social media, AI, and screen time into words the way you have. You made me feel “normal” for having these thoughts in a world that shoves this stuff down our throats. Please keep writing and sharing your sweet dogs!
Appreciate that, Mary! Thank you for being here.
I’ve taken a social media break since April, and while I’ve missed connecting with people online, I’ve deepened my in person relationships and done a lot of soul searching in this time. I think our four footed companions have the right idea - we all need more nature, play, and off screen time! My kitten takes great joy in getting between me and any screen I’m using! 😹
Sounds like your life has become richer since your break. That's inspiring. Thanks for sharing, Jen. Glad you have a good interventionist like your kitten.
Every day, every moment is a wonderful gift to change for the better. They stretch out into real significance. The vice of social media is no different. It's just baby steps... or maybe puppy steps!
🐾
Hear, hear! Off out with my camera to photograph the autumn colours.
Yes! It's getting there here in BC.
Thank you.It gives me a pause to think about it. Especially since AI has "infiltrated" just about anything. When I see or read something outrageous I immediately wonder if this is real or not. So I decided to look and read more selctively.
What an interesting outcome, I suspect this is a lot of people, consuming less. Funny that the thing that is trying to steal our time more than ever may end up making itself irrelevant.
A true reality check for me, so true the state of my mental health coincides with the amount of screen time I indulge in. Thanks for putting it down on paper. Tomorrow is a new day to put down the phone and participate more in life.
I need all the reminders I can get, so I get it!
I read it and I loved it! Thank you!
Thank you so much!