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> Here's the thing about smartphones - you can make them as dumb as you want. You can determine the set of minimal features that works for you, providing everyt

> Here's the thing about smartphones - you can make them as dumb as you want. You can determine the set of minimal features that works for you, providing everything you need while minimizing distractions. I know, I know - crazy concept! ...actually, I can't, at least on iOS, because many of the built-in apps cannot be uninstalled: 1. Health, Find My, and Wallet. These are clearly superfluous to the basic functionality of a phone. Why can't you remove them? 2. Safari. Given how central the web is to modern life, I kind of understand why Apple doesn't let you remove this. However, if you don't think it's healthy to have a web browser in your pocket, well, tough luck. 3. Messages. This makes sense, as texting is basic cell phone functionality. However, the iOS Messages app comes with its own integrated store that can't be disabled. Wat. 4. Clock. Setting timers is arguably basic cell phone functionality—but setting my bed time clearly is not, and this is built into the app! Sure, you could just not use this stuff! But if the central idea is "I don't want a full computer in my pocket that will distract me, I just want a very basic appliance to make calls and texts and maybe a few other extras which I will select", the iPhone is not a device for you! Apple won't let you cut it down past a relatively high baseline. Screen time doesn't really solve anything as it's very easy (and psychologically tempting) to bypass. I am not familiar with the current state of Android, but I would be surprised if the situation was significantly better. Let me know if I'm wrong!

taylodl 2y ago
1. Disable all notifications 2. Turn off your Wi-Fi. Using Safari over LTE is not fun! 3. Remove all social media applications 4. Don't store social media passwords in your keychain (can't be tempted to use the browser to hit the sites) 5. Use a strong password generator for your social media logins so it's impossible for you to remember them. Make sure each password is unique for each site so you definitely can't remember them. You will have gone a long way to making your phone less distracting. When you need to get work done (assuming you're in an office environment), put your phone in a desk drawer. Research has shown the physical presence of the phone on your desk or in your pocket can be distracting. Hidden away in a drawer and it's not distracting. And while you can't completely remove the Health, Find My, and Wallet applications, you can certainly make them practically inaccessible. You have a lot of controls available to make your phone less distracting.

taylodl 2y ago

1. Disable all notifications 2. Turn off your Wi-Fi. Using Safari over LTE is not fun! 3. Remove all social media applications 4. Don't store social media passwords in your keychain (can't be tempted to use the browser to hit the sites) 5. Use a strong password generator for your social media logins so it's impossible for you to remember them. Make sure each password is unique for each site so you definitely can't remember them. You will have gone a long way to making your phone less distracting. When you need to get work done (assuming you're in an office environment), put your phone in a desk drawer. Research has shown the physical presence of the phone on your desk or in your pocket can be distracting. Hidden away in a drawer and it's not distracting. And while you can't completely remove the Health, Find My, and Wallet applications, you can certainly make them practically inaccessible. You have a lot of controls available to make your phone less distracting.