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My first thought is that the distractions on your smartphone are more vapid and and they keep you from noticing the real world around you. The equivalent I can
by eggy 4y ago
My first thought is that the distractions on your smartphone are more vapid and and they keep you from noticing the real world around you. The equivalent I can recall was reading books on the NYC subway on the way to High School or home. The book was chosen by me and did not beep or vibrate while in my pocket, and I was still aware of my surroundings. I'll take old school distractions any day. Phones vibrating and beeping are Pavlovian, and we are the dogs in the system.
Edit: I find reading HN like picking up the newspaper. I appreciate the simple layout, but I can make a comment and be active if I choose.
- ta988 4y agoYou have the choice. My phone is always in fully silent mode. I choose when I get updates from it. Only a few people are on an emergency list that make the phone ring and they know not to bother me for mundane things.
- eggy 4y agoYes, but just look around you on a crowded bus or train. Most people are walking or riding with their heads down at the phone. You are the exception.
- ta988 4y agoAnd that's still a choice.
- cheq 4y agoYou have to be really educated and be aware of the potential risks of losing your attention via the phone. Most of the people just rely on it to not think about stuff or to not think about problems, and maybe for them it's not a choice.