As always, one of the most powerful things I have read and plan to share. Thank you for your courage and spreading your gift Jess. Our world has never needed it more ♥️
Thank you for such a practical read! I just deleted Goodreads and Audible apps on my phone.
I am reading Stolen Focus based on your recommendation (ironically on my Kindle - still haven’t figured out how to give that up, but at least I checked the book out from the library!) and I love it. I was so happy to read his focus on systemic solutions and not just individual tactics. Really thoughtful book.
Another rec (that he gives in Stolen Focus) is reading the Age of Surveillance Capitalism. It’s a long one but I have learned a ton as I work my way through it. I’m working to get myself off of Gmail and have opted to use DuckDuckGo as my browser instead of Google.
I love that you got it from the library! More library reads less Amazon! I was just thinking today I need to switch over to DuckDuckGo, but I'm with you I don't know how to get myself off Gmail...I'll definitely look into that book thank you for the recommendation.
I’m so glad you suggested Stolen Focus! Finally got it from the library (optimistically thinking it’s a good sign it’s been checked out since I first placed the hold after reading your post back in January). Anyway, I’ve really enjoyed it and recommended it to everyone so wanted to come back and say thanks! Appreciated all of the suggestions in this piece.
I don’t seek my phone out much or get the same satisfaction over seeing or hearing what someone is saying. My own health, emotional well being and family takes over . Plus I had to avoid buying something I clicked on and they kindly took it off when I was upset and did it. I get it. Good for you. !
I have just bought a huge stack of books from the yearly second hand book festival we have in Brisbane. Im hoping it will encourage me to get away from phone and computer screens this year. Ive tried putting my phone away with no sucess-its horrifying how addictive they are!! Im also addicted to the Australia post app constantly checking where my latest purchases are! I know its a terrible habit and I worry what my grand daughters world will be like.
If you’re looking for an Audible replacement, you should check out Libro.FM if you haven’t already! You get to select an independent bookstore to support with your subscription 😊
I’ve subscribed to a few print magazines for news and entertainment. That way I can stay informed without being inundated with clickbait headlines, plus it’s analog and screen-free.
For those getting away from Prime, how did you accomplish this? I mainly use Prime for my TV (I don't have TV) and only have Prime and Netflix. I would like to get rid of Prime but also enjoy watching my shows on my tablet. I have gotten off of social media and do pace my phone on do not disturb in the evening. I don't have my phone out while out with people or even while out and about. It is a pet peeve of mine when people are constantly on their phones.
I would like to know as well. Problem for me is we have prime and use Netflix for our family of 4 (husband, 18 & 21 year old children) and I’m the only one questioning stopping. They have no desire and find the convenience of prime worth whatever problematic stuff Bezos does. It’s so hard to feel like I am the only one questioning this- in my area/family/friend circles or there are some questioning it, but the logistics of life get in their way and prime wins out. It’s maddening and it feels hopeless but I know we must take action to stop this craziness.
I’m really struggling with my moral quandary with Amazon & their companies. Whole Foods is by far my most convenient grocery store with good quality options & I don’t really want to give that up. I’m really considering giving up Amazon prime, but that would probably mean I would spend more at Target-and is that a significantly better choice? I also have a ring camera & security system-which I don’t really want to replace. I realize they have done this on purpose, but at this point it seems nearly impossible to extricate from their network
Thank you SO much for this - I needed to read it today! I had already deactivated all social media except for LinkedIn and Substack and silenced all notification on my phone. Your article encouraged me to remove the apps for Substack, LinkedIn and email from my phone. I also went into Settings and turned on some screen time settings so I can see exactly how much time I'm wasting.
We already keep our phones charging at night in the kitchen, far away from bedrooms. However, I need to do better at not looking at my phone when I'm with other people (so rude). I sit a a computer for most of the day - that's plenty of time to check email, look at news, Substack, etc.
I read a lot of books on my phone but want to get back to reading physical books since much of my reading is in the evening and I don't need all that blue light.
Thanks, Jess, for the kick in the pants I needed to take it up a notch!
I would like help in managing my Substack subscriptions-paid and unpaid as I spend so much time reading on there now and I feel out of control. Also with newsletter subscriptions outside of Substack. There are such amazing writers in every possible genre and it’s hard to step back and say enough already. I feel like I must follow current events along with other content so I don’t get left behind and am left clueless. Plus it also makes me feel part of a community in some spaces especially when I can engage in their comment section and just an overall better citizen. News/current event/public health writers are a big chunk of my subscriptions. I am not on Instagram or Facebook so between news outlets, blogs, newsletters, and YouTube my time online is through the roof. I need help! Any suggestions would be appreciated. This struggle is real and I have been plagued by this overwhelm for years. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Stolen Focus at the recommendation of my college aged daughter who read this in her philosophy class. I think it is time for a reread.
Oh man, I struggle with the phone thing as well and have really tried to limit it. I already knew it was a problem, but I think the grotesque politics of all these tech bros is really going to be the push I need to stop wasting time on instagram and just mindlessly scrolling my phone in general. I stopped posting on FB years ago, but the gram still has a hold on me.
As always, one of the most powerful things I have read and plan to share. Thank you for your courage and spreading your gift Jess. Our world has never needed it more ♥️
Thank you friend. I appreciate you!
Thank you for such a practical read! I just deleted Goodreads and Audible apps on my phone.
I am reading Stolen Focus based on your recommendation (ironically on my Kindle - still haven’t figured out how to give that up, but at least I checked the book out from the library!) and I love it. I was so happy to read his focus on systemic solutions and not just individual tactics. Really thoughtful book.
Another rec (that he gives in Stolen Focus) is reading the Age of Surveillance Capitalism. It’s a long one but I have learned a ton as I work my way through it. I’m working to get myself off of Gmail and have opted to use DuckDuckGo as my browser instead of Google.
I love that you got it from the library! More library reads less Amazon! I was just thinking today I need to switch over to DuckDuckGo, but I'm with you I don't know how to get myself off Gmail...I'll definitely look into that book thank you for the recommendation.
I’m so glad you suggested Stolen Focus! Finally got it from the library (optimistically thinking it’s a good sign it’s been checked out since I first placed the hold after reading your post back in January). Anyway, I’ve really enjoyed it and recommended it to everyone so wanted to come back and say thanks! Appreciated all of the suggestions in this piece.
I’m so glad you read it and enjoyed it! It’s quite eye opening. Helped me shift my perspective about tech and attention.
I don’t seek my phone out much or get the same satisfaction over seeing or hearing what someone is saying. My own health, emotional well being and family takes over . Plus I had to avoid buying something I clicked on and they kindly took it off when I was upset and did it. I get it. Good for you. !
I have just bought a huge stack of books from the yearly second hand book festival we have in Brisbane. Im hoping it will encourage me to get away from phone and computer screens this year. Ive tried putting my phone away with no sucess-its horrifying how addictive they are!! Im also addicted to the Australia post app constantly checking where my latest purchases are! I know its a terrible habit and I worry what my grand daughters world will be like.
If you’re looking for an Audible replacement, you should check out Libro.FM if you haven’t already! You get to select an independent bookstore to support with your subscription 😊
I’ve subscribed to a few print magazines for news and entertainment. That way I can stay informed without being inundated with clickbait headlines, plus it’s analog and screen-free.
For those getting away from Prime, how did you accomplish this? I mainly use Prime for my TV (I don't have TV) and only have Prime and Netflix. I would like to get rid of Prime but also enjoy watching my shows on my tablet. I have gotten off of social media and do pace my phone on do not disturb in the evening. I don't have my phone out while out with people or even while out and about. It is a pet peeve of mine when people are constantly on their phones.
I would like to know as well. Problem for me is we have prime and use Netflix for our family of 4 (husband, 18 & 21 year old children) and I’m the only one questioning stopping. They have no desire and find the convenience of prime worth whatever problematic stuff Bezos does. It’s so hard to feel like I am the only one questioning this- in my area/family/friend circles or there are some questioning it, but the logistics of life get in their way and prime wins out. It’s maddening and it feels hopeless but I know we must take action to stop this craziness.
I’m really struggling with my moral quandary with Amazon & their companies. Whole Foods is by far my most convenient grocery store with good quality options & I don’t really want to give that up. I’m really considering giving up Amazon prime, but that would probably mean I would spend more at Target-and is that a significantly better choice? I also have a ring camera & security system-which I don’t really want to replace. I realize they have done this on purpose, but at this point it seems nearly impossible to extricate from their network
Thank you SO much for this - I needed to read it today! I had already deactivated all social media except for LinkedIn and Substack and silenced all notification on my phone. Your article encouraged me to remove the apps for Substack, LinkedIn and email from my phone. I also went into Settings and turned on some screen time settings so I can see exactly how much time I'm wasting.
We already keep our phones charging at night in the kitchen, far away from bedrooms. However, I need to do better at not looking at my phone when I'm with other people (so rude). I sit a a computer for most of the day - that's plenty of time to check email, look at news, Substack, etc.
I read a lot of books on my phone but want to get back to reading physical books since much of my reading is in the evening and I don't need all that blue light.
Thanks, Jess, for the kick in the pants I needed to take it up a notch!
Your words always give me such a good dose of reality and I thank you for that 💖 Implementing some of these changes starting now!!!!
I would like help in managing my Substack subscriptions-paid and unpaid as I spend so much time reading on there now and I feel out of control. Also with newsletter subscriptions outside of Substack. There are such amazing writers in every possible genre and it’s hard to step back and say enough already. I feel like I must follow current events along with other content so I don’t get left behind and am left clueless. Plus it also makes me feel part of a community in some spaces especially when I can engage in their comment section and just an overall better citizen. News/current event/public health writers are a big chunk of my subscriptions. I am not on Instagram or Facebook so between news outlets, blogs, newsletters, and YouTube my time online is through the roof. I need help! Any suggestions would be appreciated. This struggle is real and I have been plagued by this overwhelm for years. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Stolen Focus at the recommendation of my college aged daughter who read this in her philosophy class. I think it is time for a reread.
Oh man, I struggle with the phone thing as well and have really tried to limit it. I already knew it was a problem, but I think the grotesque politics of all these tech bros is really going to be the push I need to stop wasting time on instagram and just mindlessly scrolling my phone in general. I stopped posting on FB years ago, but the gram still has a hold on me.