Author Topic: low information diet extension/app?  (Read 2936 times)

slugsworth

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low information diet extension/app?
« on: October 14, 2017, 03:27:01 PM »
I need to take a break from the news cycle. I don't own a TV but I do consume more news via internet than I would like. Is there an extension/app that I could use to or is ready made to help provide a 'low information diet'.

Link for those that aren't familiar with the term. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/10/01/the-low-information-diet/

maizefolk

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Re: low information diet extension/app?
« Reply #1 on: October 14, 2017, 03:36:12 PM »
Where do you find that you're running into news?

I found the main source of references to current events above and beyond what I needed to stay current was stuff in social media, so I installed chrome extensions that filter out specific tweets and facebook updates based on keywords. Occasionally I'll have to add a couple of new keywords when something comes up but it is definitely a step in the right direction.

If you find you're actually visiting news websites repeatedly throughout the day, there are plenty of other "distraction blocker" extensions you can use to either completely block those sites, block them except at certain hours of the day, or limit the total time you're able to spend on them each day.

dang1

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Re: low information diet extension/app?
« Reply #2 on: October 14, 2017, 05:50:10 PM »
set up news aggregator Feedly with only your must read source or two, or just don't follow the news. Once you see that big fiery fireball in the sky, there's nothing you can do anyway.

NorCal

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Re: low information diet extension/app?
« Reply #3 on: October 14, 2017, 05:54:31 PM »
There's an app called "Freedom" that purportedly does this.  I tried it, and didn't find it useful.  Maybe it will work for you?

Some things that have worked for me (largely from my phone):
1. I deleted all social media and news apps from my phone.  If I really need them, I can log in from my desktop.
2. I habitually log out of all social media accounts after using them.  I force myself to type in my password when I want to log in.
3. I removed all quick-links to news sites from my "favorite" sites.  I still check news, but I have to want to go there and type in the beginning of the url.
4. I un-followed everyone on facebook that habitually posted about politics (regardless of whether I agreed or disagreed with them).

slugsworth

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Re: low information diet extension/app?
« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2017, 06:28:56 PM »
Where do you find that you're running into news?

Mostly is is having a spare second and hitting the NYT/BBC/etc/etc without thinking about it. Obviously being more intentional would be the goal, but a distraction blocker app would be ideal.

I've already removed all social media from my phone, unfollowed various people on social media, deleted bookmarks for news sites from my browser, and am doing my best to be intentional and catch myself when I randomly starting to type one in.

Paul der Krake

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Re: low information diet extension/app?
« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2017, 07:14:09 PM »
I love reading the news. I even read news about how news are being covered, that's how much I like them news...

However I would love a browser extension tat lets me completely block out coverage of a specific topic. I don't need to read another Weinstein or Las Vegas story for the next 5 years.

Bicycle_B

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Re: low information diet extension/app?
« Reply #6 on: October 16, 2017, 08:01:36 PM »
Google "how to block website on (name of your browser)".  Follow the instructions for your favorite news sites.  It will become harder to access those sites, and is free.

Costlier and perhaps less effective, but designed for almost similar purposes:  NetNanny and the like, aka "parental control software" for your inner child, the news junkie. 

https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2346997,00.asp


Syonyk

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Re: low information diet extension/app?
« Reply #7 on: October 16, 2017, 08:45:08 PM »
I need to take a break from the news cycle. I don't own a TV but I do consume more news via internet than I would like. Is there an extension/app that I could use to or is ready made to help provide a 'low information diet'.

Phone or computer?

And are you on your computer for work or not?

What OSes are involved?

======

Generally, I'd suggest simply using the internet less.  Go read a book.  Go for a walk.  Go build something.

slugsworth

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Re: low information diet extension/app?
« Reply #8 on: October 17, 2017, 06:55:15 PM »
I need to take a break from the news cycle. I don't own a TV but I do consume more news via internet than I would like. Is there an extension/app that I could use to or is ready made to help provide a 'low information diet'.

Phone or computer?
 
- both

And are you on your computer for work or not?
- yep

What OSes are involved?
-chrome
======

Generally, I'd suggest simply using the internet less.  Go read a book.  Go for a walk.  Go build something.
-trying to follow that advice!

Syonyk

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Re: low information diet extension/app?
« Reply #9 on: October 17, 2017, 08:56:39 PM »
Search for something like "Self Control" for Chrome - I use the OS X version when I need to get stuff done (it blocks entirely domains/IPs), and it's wonderful.

For your phone, just turn the wifi off, disable cell data for your browsers, keep data for whatever you really, really need, and go that way.  Set your phone physically away from you.