Minimalism in the Digital Age - Going App Free

[0989382]

I've streamlined my technology down to two devices, iPhone and iPad. It's going remarkably well, but there's one thing I do that I think is leading to a lot of impatience, frustration and ignorance amongst my peers. Being glued to my iPhone. It's great. It does everything. It's aways there. It never lets me down, but as a result I never put it down.

I researched different setups, like the Punkt phone and Nokia 3310 remake along with a 4G connected tablet or laptop so I would need to consciously make time for things like email and other plans without letting it seep into every other part of my life. Though that phone is damn expensive. And I'd miss out on some non obtrusive, but valuable things like taking photos and maps on my phone etc. Things that aid 'real life'.. The solution will be going app-free.

Only using the stock iPhone apps and getting into the habit of reserving email, big planning and such on the iPad only. It's an exercise in self-control and discipline, really. Have any of you thought of similar efforts or solutions whilst keeping iPhone?

 

[TallRed]

I've streamlined my technology down to two devices, iPhone and iPad. It's going remarkably well, but there's one thing I do that I think is leading to a lot of impatience, frustration and ignorance amongst my peers. Being glued to my iPhone. It's great. It does everything. It's aways there. It never lets me down, but as a result I never put it down.

I researched different setups, like the Punkt phone and Nokia 3310 remake along with a 4G connected tablet or laptop so I would need to consciously make time for things like email and other plans without letting it seep into every other part of my life. Though that phone is damn expensive. And I'd miss out on some non obtrusive, but valuable things like taking photos and maps on my phone etc. Things that aid 'real life'.. The solution will be going app-free.

Only using the stock iPhone apps and getting into the habit of reserving email, big planning and such on the iPad only. It's an exercise in self-control and discipline, really. Have any of you thought of similar efforts or solutions whilst keeping iPhone?

I have not. Quite frankly, it seems silly to me. It’s a bit like taking a fully functioning car and taking the wheels off because you want to save money on gasoline. But whatever floats your boat.

 

[sparksd]

I just use self-discipline to put the phone down.

 

[Venderious]

Digital minimalism in this age is rather important. More and more apps and distractions are begging for our attention daily. Streamlining your app-usage down to the basic, perhaps only including stock apps, is paramount in regaining our focus. The stock apps supplied by Apple provide sufficient utility for the average user. I see far too many people who practice poor digital hygiene, and are for this reason distracted all the time. Some people may disagree, but I do practice digital minimalism, such as social media abstinence and reducing services to a minimum. For me, this means only using LinkedIn (for my profession), only using iMessage (or WhatsApp) for communication, and using one app for news. Furthermore, I only use the Apple calender, notes, reminders and mail for organisation. Having less distractions gives peace of mind and allows me to focus on the things in life that truly matter to me. Phones should be used as a tool, but in the modern age they are used as a substitute for real life. The average time spent (people in my university) is almost around six hours per day. Imagine all the opportunities and social interactions that can be achieved in those six hours. Of course, this way of living is not limited your phone, and thus you should practice removing clutter from real-life as well. This means, not hoarding any unneccessary items, or keeping activities and people in your life that are unimporant to you. Keeping distractions, toxicity, chaos and clutter in your life can lead to all sorts of nasty mental blockades. Anyone who hasn't tried this way of living would be suprised at how much more breathing space it provides.

 

[TallRed]

Phones should be used as a tool, but in the modern age they are used as a substitute for real life..

I think you are overstating it. My phone is a tool to be sure. On that we agree. But I don’t do social media, as I am neither a child nor a grandma. And I eliminated nearly all the toxic elements in my life by avoiding politics.

There are apps which are very useful to me which aren’t duplicated at the native Apple ecosystem, like QuakeFeed. Turning your back on useful apps because of some quest for digital nirvana still seems silly and a small step from Luddism. My advice: if having a smartphone is such a burden, trash it and go back to a flip phone. The last time I was in my Verizon store, I was surprised to see that they were still made. Sounds right up your alley.

 

[lvar]

I would keep the apps, as long as they are useful and help you in a way. I have several apps that are great for whatever reason.

I did not do this for “your” reason, but it may help you in putting your phone down, or rather not picking it up so frequently:
Other than the actual phone function, the alarm and messages from a select few, I don’t want my phone trying to grab my attention. So audible alerts are off for everything else. I will pick up my phone when I want to, not when it wants me to. It makes my phone a lot more life-friendly that way.

 

[Wackery]

self discipline is more important, I don’t like the modern trend of ‘minimilism’ (on your 1000$+ smartphone)