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Jun 14, 2023Liked by River Selby (they/them)

My phone habits definitely need to change. Sometimes after scrolling my eyes literally feel strained and need to recalibrate! I’m putting some of your tips to use today. Thank you!

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So glad this is helpful. I was feeling that same eye strain and was like, wtf am I doing?? But these devices truly are made to be addictive, which is wild. So glad I am not alone, but I wish none of us had to battle with this weird addiction that is also kind of a requirement!

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I got rid of my smartphone in August for a flip phone (what tech nerds would call "a feature phone") that has some smart capabilities (Maps), but the screen is so small and using it is so clumsy and slow, that I would never use social media on it - I've only used the browser maybe 3 times - but I can play Libby and podcasts, albeit with a bit of effort. I'm writing about it soon for my own substack, but it's been something I've wanted to do for years, and now that I'm two months in.

I wasn't even very online on my smartphone - I had all notifications except calls disabled - but I found myself so quick to disable any settings like Grayscale and then forgetting to put them back. It was too easy for me to just turn it off, or delete and redownload an app when I felt the need.

I've noticed a bit of a shift to using my computer more than I'd like, but still less than I'd used my phone. It's something I'm still contending with.

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