The thing about doing things the old fashioned and therefore weird way is that there's so much pleasure to be had in much of it, even though it's more work and/or takes more time. I took up letter-writing in a serious way in 2022, and I enjoy every part of it--I love pens and paper and writing by hand, I love stamps, and I love love love getting mail! I'm older than you, and I remember the day when it wasn't unusual to get (and write) several letters a week. I know a lot of people who miss those days, though many of them would probably say they don't have time to write letters anymore.
One of the things I find myself resenting is how useful old stuff--maps, for instance--have been made nearly obsolete by new technology--GPS and Google Maps and the like. As someone with a poor sense of direction, I appreciate being able to type an address into my phone and have a pleasant voice guide me to my destination. But because so many of us rely on our phones for directions, there are few paper maps to be had anymore. So what happens when your phone runs out of batteries or you'd like to figure out the route yourself? Or when the internet is out? Our devices are making us dependent on them in dangerous ways, IMHO.
Thank you, Frances. I am definitely going to making time for letters in 2024 this sounds fantastic.
Of course, I love having GPS, its super helpful, especially if you're driving (not that i can drive lol) but it is scary to consider what happens when our phones go out. I think a great example of this is the new film "Leave the World Behind". A bit gimmicky but gave me loooots of feelings.
I've watched a little of "Leave the World Behind" (I read the book when it came out), and am gearing myself up to watch the rest (I'm a chicken when it comes to movies that might scare me!). Alan Jacobs, a writer who I always find interesting on this kind of stuff, had a good post a few years ago that he referred to again just the other day. It's called "From Tech Critique to Ways of Living: Neil Postman was right. So what?" You can find it here: https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/from-tech-critique-to-ways-of-living
I'm so glad to have had some contribution to your continuing journey on this wild road of "unmachining," Isabelle. (And also honoured to be mentioned alongside Ruth Gaskovski.) It is encouraging to see so many writing on this subject -- and more than just writing, but actually living, making decisions that are hard but worthwhile to build lives of beauty, deliberately choosing to believe in a better future that can come through the sweaty work we do today. I wish you the very best on this path we walk together!
Time to set some rules to make your tools to be your tools and not your master! Set aside time to listen to music for its own sake and not as background. Consider whether we should boycott the most egregious internet platform like Amazon and Meta (the FB - Insta - WApp hegemony) and try some of the alternatives. I get a whole load of culture (too much) from newsletters and not using Amazon / Meta is part of the way I fight to survive.
Really enjoyed this Isabella, and loved the Joanna Macy quote you weaved into the story
“When we move beyond thoughts of individual achievement and consider what our actions, if combined with the actions of others, can bring about, we open to a more gripping story.”
"I think it will take learning how to be a person again." What a powerful, and scary, statement. But one that isn't wrong! I agree that there is something liberating about getting off your phone, but also something terrifying given our dependence. I've found that going to the movies is a uniquely powerful experience — mostly because it's one of the few (only?) places where you are expected to be off your phone for hours at a time. Thank you for all your thoughts! A great post to chew on for the new year.
Thanks, Brandon! We've not had a TV for a week as its in for repair and its so icky noticing how every evening my partner and I get to a point where we're just not sure what to do, LOL! I agree with you about the cinema! I'd really love a phoneless pub or cafe
Thanks for the mention Isabelle :) I am so glad to read that Peco's and my writings are helping to prompt questions for how we can approach life differently. I think young voices like yours, from people who have grown up never knowing anything else, are an important part of the conversation. I will be interested to learn about your experience of the digital detox and other changes you may make to reconnect with a more humanized way of life.
Great post, Isabelle!
The thing about doing things the old fashioned and therefore weird way is that there's so much pleasure to be had in much of it, even though it's more work and/or takes more time. I took up letter-writing in a serious way in 2022, and I enjoy every part of it--I love pens and paper and writing by hand, I love stamps, and I love love love getting mail! I'm older than you, and I remember the day when it wasn't unusual to get (and write) several letters a week. I know a lot of people who miss those days, though many of them would probably say they don't have time to write letters anymore.
One of the things I find myself resenting is how useful old stuff--maps, for instance--have been made nearly obsolete by new technology--GPS and Google Maps and the like. As someone with a poor sense of direction, I appreciate being able to type an address into my phone and have a pleasant voice guide me to my destination. But because so many of us rely on our phones for directions, there are few paper maps to be had anymore. So what happens when your phone runs out of batteries or you'd like to figure out the route yourself? Or when the internet is out? Our devices are making us dependent on them in dangerous ways, IMHO.
Thank you, Frances. I am definitely going to making time for letters in 2024 this sounds fantastic.
Of course, I love having GPS, its super helpful, especially if you're driving (not that i can drive lol) but it is scary to consider what happens when our phones go out. I think a great example of this is the new film "Leave the World Behind". A bit gimmicky but gave me loooots of feelings.
I've watched a little of "Leave the World Behind" (I read the book when it came out), and am gearing myself up to watch the rest (I'm a chicken when it comes to movies that might scare me!). Alan Jacobs, a writer who I always find interesting on this kind of stuff, had a good post a few years ago that he referred to again just the other day. It's called "From Tech Critique to Ways of Living: Neil Postman was right. So what?" You can find it here: https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/from-tech-critique-to-ways-of-living
I'm so glad to have had some contribution to your continuing journey on this wild road of "unmachining," Isabelle. (And also honoured to be mentioned alongside Ruth Gaskovski.) It is encouraging to see so many writing on this subject -- and more than just writing, but actually living, making decisions that are hard but worthwhile to build lives of beauty, deliberately choosing to believe in a better future that can come through the sweaty work we do today. I wish you the very best on this path we walk together!
Isn't it just?! Thank you for your writing, Joel!
Time to set some rules to make your tools to be your tools and not your master! Set aside time to listen to music for its own sake and not as background. Consider whether we should boycott the most egregious internet platform like Amazon and Meta (the FB - Insta - WApp hegemony) and try some of the alternatives. I get a whole load of culture (too much) from newsletters and not using Amazon / Meta is part of the way I fight to survive.
yesssss! i love Cal Newport's book digital minimalism for great suggestions on this :)
Really enjoyed this Isabella, and loved the Joanna Macy quote you weaved into the story
“When we move beyond thoughts of individual achievement and consider what our actions, if combined with the actions of others, can bring about, we open to a more gripping story.”
Thank you Ray! I know theres some exploration into this sort of thing in The Artists Way (if i remember correctly) so it'll be interesting to explore.
"I think it will take learning how to be a person again." What a powerful, and scary, statement. But one that isn't wrong! I agree that there is something liberating about getting off your phone, but also something terrifying given our dependence. I've found that going to the movies is a uniquely powerful experience — mostly because it's one of the few (only?) places where you are expected to be off your phone for hours at a time. Thank you for all your thoughts! A great post to chew on for the new year.
Thanks, Brandon! We've not had a TV for a week as its in for repair and its so icky noticing how every evening my partner and I get to a point where we're just not sure what to do, LOL! I agree with you about the cinema! I'd really love a phoneless pub or cafe
happy holidays isabelle! enjoy your substack and smartphone break, can't wait to read more in 2024 :)
thanks mia!!! i hope you had lovely time off.
Thanks for the mention Isabelle :) I am so glad to read that Peco's and my writings are helping to prompt questions for how we can approach life differently. I think young voices like yours, from people who have grown up never knowing anything else, are an important part of the conversation. I will be interested to learn about your experience of the digital detox and other changes you may make to reconnect with a more humanized way of life.
Thank you Ruth! This means a lot. :)