Tired of screens

[undercover]

Anyone else? I’m tired of smartphones, gaming PCs, TVs, etc. I have the urge to sell all my screens and just start reading nonstop. I don’t need a computer for work and all I do is waste time. Sure there are certain tasks that I need a computer or smartphone occasionally but even that doesn’t justify always having one around.

I’ve always been a PC gamer and addict but even though I have all the time in the world now to indulge, I just always end up feeling so empty afterwards.

I’m thinking about just going smartphone only. I would get rid of that too but it’s honestly just too useful, especially when traveling. Also when working out I like being able to search up whatever song that motivates me to push harder because my biggest goal right now in life is getting in the best shape possible.

[Tasse]

I'd be hesitant to get rid of computers and stick to the smartphone only. Smartphones are much less customizable and more carefully designed to foster addictions; I worry you'd just strengthen your attachment to that one, extra-toxic screen. OTOH, with a PC gaming habit you think is unhealthy, perhaps you do need a device that won't support that.

I'm constantly suggesting Cal Newport's book "Digital Minimalism." I think it will really resonate with you.

P.S. I use a mini smartphone with nothing on it but texts/calls, music/podcasts, and maps. The whole point of the above book is to think about what is actually valuable to you and cut out everything else. https://www.unihertz.com/products/jelly-star

[Moustachienne]

tl;dr Build in satisfying activities and the unsatisfying habits will fade (a bit!) into the background

I've always found adding in more "good stuff" works better for me than focussing too much on cutting out "bad stuff". This works for food, movement, and especially screens.
Cal Newport has a recent post on Ultra Processed Content that's been quite motivating. https://calnewport.com/on-ultra-processed-content/

I aim to spend 80% of my time on minimally processed content, i.e. books, text-based articles, (and I'd include classic movies, documentaries and yes, even some TV shows) and then enjoy the 20% I might spend on ultra-processed online media (X, Pinterest, Youtube, etc.).  I say "aim" because it is a stretch goal! But the day feels great when I meet it or at least get close.

It also helps me to think in terms of "effortless" and "effortful" activities, a concept from Laura Vanderkam - https://lauravanderkam.com/2020/10/effortful-before-effortless/  Effortful activities definitely have more friction to get started but are also much more satisfying than too many effortless hours on screens.

Thanks for the topic! Just typing this out has inspired me to see how close to 80% minimal processed/effortful activities I can get today. Heck, I'll be satisfied with 50%! :) :)  So far I've read a couple of Italian short stories (in translation!), and a chapter of a great introduction to Dante. I have also played Spelling Bee, a complete addiction; checked email; scrolled on X, and posted on this forum. So a mixed bag but the day is young and I'm heading out to weed in the garden, still before 8:30am.

[Moustachienne]

I see I didn't really address the question of getting rid of all/most screens.  I do think refocussing activities is the most important thing, per my other post, but there is power in setting up your environment for success. That's one of the Atomic Habits if I remember correctly.  So if that means minimizing the screens you have access to - go for it. But don't create a vacuum, make sure you have attractive alternative activities easily at hand.

[spartana]

I'm screenless for the most part. Just a crappy pay-as-you-go Tracfone android smartphone. No computer, laptop or tablet.  No home internet either so use data if need to go online my limited amount of time. Recently bought a TV (antenna only) and use it to watch DVDs. It's all pretty glorious and the amount of free time to pursue other things feel enormous! Try a "screen fast" for a month and see how it goes. Pretty liberating.

[Moustachienne]

And this post today from Laura V. is timely. :)

Observations from a few weeks off social media
https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=c03398c356&u=d7dfd20be05c3fc05132e7207&id=cfd4148dc9

[Idlewild]

I'm screenless for the most part. Just a crappy pay-as-you-go Tracfone android smartphone. No computer, laptop or tablet.  No home internet either so use data if need to go online my limited amount of time. Recently bought a TV (antenna only) and use it to watch DVDs. It's all pretty glorious and the amount of free time to pursue other things feel enormous! Try a "screen fast" for a month and see how it goes. Pretty liberating.

Spartana, your screen fast sounds heavenly. I remember being on retreat in a place with no internet, cell phone connection, or television. I thought it was bliss. Some people went crazy and had to leave early. It's amazing how addictive such relatively new technology has become.

The documentary, The Social Dilemma is very good in explaining how it's DESIGNED to be addictive and even make us depressed.

In my former career, it was considered imperative to be on social media to promote your work. The obligation of having to brand oneself and be this public persona really really burned me out. Some people can manage it better than others, but for me it was a horror. The best thing about FIRE was being able to quit social media. For me, it was literally soul destroying.

I think anonymous forums like this are more authentic because we're not trying to prop up our egos or our personas. We can be raw and honest. That's also what I admire about old school bloggers like Dr. Doom, too.

There's lots of great stuff on the internet if you're discerning, but stay out of the rabbit holes!

[GilesMM]

I'm screenless for the most part. Just a crappy pay-as-you-go Tracfone android smartphone. No computer, laptop or tablet.  No home internet either so use data if need to go online my limited amount of time. Recently bought a TV (antenna only) and use it to watch DVDs. It's all pretty glorious and the amount of free time to pursue other things feel enormous! Try a "screen fast" for a month and see how it goes. Pretty liberating.

That's a good reminder for me to try a digital antenna again since we have just moved much closer to civilization.  Maybe I can pick up PBS now!

[spartana]

I'm screenless for the most part. Just a crappy pay-as-you-go Tracfone android smartphone. No computer, laptop or tablet.  No home internet either so use data if need to go online my limited amount of time. Recently bought a TV (antenna only) and use it to watch DVDs. It's all pretty glorious and the amount of free time to pursue other things feel enormous! Try a "screen fast" for a month and see how it goes. Pretty liberating.

That's a good reminder for me to try a digital antenna again since we have just moved much closer to civilization.  Maybe I can pick up PBS now!

I have one of those cheap flat antennas ($5!) and it works just as well.as the expensive digital one. Not much reception in my area but when I lived in Orange County I got tons of channels. Now I just use the TV occasionally to binge watch (free from the library) DVDs when weather is bad. I don't live the "screenless life" to reduce costs (but it's helpful) but find it all highly addictive and dont want to have that in my life. Gaming is especially addictive to me. Back in the day I had a Game Boy and spent 3 days straight playing Tetris non-stop of all stupid things. Newer games were worse when I had a laptop so shut that down and got rid of it fast.

[tj]

I'm screenless for the most part. Just a crappy pay-as-you-go Tracfone android smartphone. No computer, laptop or tablet.  No home internet either so use data if need to go online my limited amount of time. Recently bought a TV (antenna only) and use it to watch DVDs. It's all pretty glorious and the amount of free time to pursue other things feel enormous! Try a "screen fast" for a month and see how it goes. Pretty liberating.

That's a good reminder for me to try a digital antenna again since we have just moved much closer to civilization.  Maybe I can pick up PBS now!

I have one of those cheap flat antennas ($5!) and it works just as well.as the expensive digital one. Not much reception in my area but when I lived in Orange County I got tons of channels. Now I just use the TV occasionally to binge watch (free from the library) DVDs when weather is bad. I don't live the "screenless life" to reduce costs (but it's helpful) but find it all highly addictive and dont want to have that in my life. Gaming is especially addictive to me. Back in the day I had a Game Boy and spent 3 days straight playing Tetris non-stop of all stupid things. Newer games were worse when I had a laptop so shut that down and got rid of it fast.

Here In San Clemente, I can't get a signal at all. Too far from the LA channels and too far from the San Diego channels. But I can stream the San Francisco feeds on puffer.stanford.edu - it has a rather low user max though, so it doesn't work on Sundays during football season, and perhaps other events of interest to many.

[spartana]

I'm screenless for the most part. Just a crappy pay-as-you-go Tracfone android smartphone. No computer, laptop or tablet.  No home internet either so use data if need to go online my limited amount of time. Recently bought a TV (antenna only) and use it to watch DVDs. It's all pretty glorious and the amount of free time to pursue other things feel enormous! Try a "screen fast" for a month and see how it goes. Pretty liberating.

That's a good reminder for me to try a digital antenna again since we have just moved much closer to civilization.  Maybe I can pick up PBS now!

I have one of those cheap flat antennas ($5!) and it works just as well.as the expensive digital one. Not much reception in my area but when I lived in Orange County I got tons of channels. Now I just use the TV occasionally to binge watch (free from the library) DVDs when weather is bad. I don't live the "screenless life" to reduce costs (but it's helpful) but find it all highly addictive and dont want to have that in my life. Gaming is especially addictive to me. Back in the day I had a Game Boy and spent 3 days straight playing Tetris non-stop of all stupid things. Newer games were worse when I had a laptop so shut that down and got rid of it fast.

Here In San Clemente, I can't get a signal at all. Too far from the LA channels and too far from the San Diego channels. But I can stream the San Francisco feeds on puffer.stanford.edu - it has a rather low user max though, so it doesn't work on Sundays during football season, and perhaps other events of interest to many.

Plus you have the coast hills blocking that too. In HB I got a few SD channels but mostly from LA. I can't stream because no internet!

[ptobest]

I assumed that when I FIREd (roughly 5 months ago), I would go through a period where I would binge on TV, games, internet, etc. for a bit. But it just hasn't happened. My TV watching (mostly Netflix) is slightly less frequent than pre-FIRE, I haven't touched my Switch since I stopped working, and outside of Instagram (well, and this website when I think to check it), I barely look at my other social media. My internet usage leans more towards information-gathering these days. I've realized that a lot of my screen usage was escapism, and it seems less desirable now that I no longer have a job I want to escape from.

I have gotten rid of one "screen", my Meta Quest headset, which I donated to my niece. I'm happy keeping all the other screens, just having them take a less central role in my life.

The only screen I've increased usage of is my Kindle, and books in general. Feels so luxurious to have all this time I can spend reading!

[tj]

I assumed that when I FIREd (roughly 5 months ago), I would go through a period where I would binge on TV, games, internet, etc. for a bit. But it just hasn't happened. My TV watching (mostly Netflix) is slightly less frequent than pre-FIRE, I haven't touched my Switch since I stopped working, and outside of Instagram (well, and this website when I think to check it), I barely look at my other social media. My internet usage leans more towards information-gathering these days. I've realized that a lot of my screen usage was escapism, and it seems less desirable now that I no longer have a job I want to escape from.

I have gotten rid of one "screen", my Meta Quest headset, which I donated to my niece. I'm happy keeping all the other screens, just having them take a less central role in my life.

The only screen I've increased usage of is my Kindle, and books in general. Feels so luxurious to have all this time I can spend reading!

What else have you been doing besides reading?

[GilesMM]

I assumed that when I FIREd (roughly 5 months ago), I would go through a period where I would binge on TV, games, internet, etc. for a bit. But it just hasn't happened. My TV watching (mostly Netflix) is slightly less frequent than pre-FIRE, I haven't touched my Switch since I stopped working, and outside of Instagram (well, and this website when I think to check it), I barely look at my other social media. My internet usage leans more towards information-gathering these days. I've realized that a lot of my screen usage was escapism, and it seems less desirable now that I no longer have a job I want to escape from.

I have gotten rid of one "screen", my Meta Quest headset, which I donated to my niece. I'm happy keeping all the other screens, just having them take a less central role in my life.

The only screen I've increased usage of is my Kindle, and books in general. Feels so luxurious to have all this time I can spend reading!

Good observation.  I watched about an hour of tv every night when working and it was partly to wind down from the stress. Escape as you say.  In retirement, I have lost interest in watching anything regularly.  There is such low signal-to-noise on the offerings as well.  I'm mostly just waiting for Squid Game to return.

[ptobest]

I assumed that when I FIREd (roughly 5 months ago), I would go through a period where I would binge on TV, games, internet, etc. for a bit. But it just hasn't happened. My TV watching (mostly Netflix) is slightly less frequent than pre-FIRE, I haven't touched my Switch since I stopped working, and outside of Instagram (well, and this website when I think to check it), I barely look at my other social media. My internet usage leans more towards information-gathering these days. I've realized that a lot of my screen usage was escapism, and it seems less desirable now that I no longer have a job I want to escape from.

I have gotten rid of one "screen", my Meta Quest headset, which I donated to my niece. I'm happy keeping all the other screens, just having them take a less central role in my life.

The only screen I've increased usage of is my Kindle, and books in general. Feels so luxurious to have all this time I can spend reading!

What else have you been doing besides reading?

A lot of cooking, a lot of being outside (hiking, running, watersports), and working my way through my large "to-do" list (various partially-completed projects, sorting through things, cleaning, fixing things, etc.) which I had a hard time finding time for when I was working full time.

[JupiterGreen]

Yes me too. I've curated my main screen time to a bit of entertainment some nights (like a movie or show with my partner). During the day I only check a few sites
-this one
-the FIRE subreddits
-my email
-I also engage in occasional miscellaneous online research when necessary

I do check in with family and friends on my phone via text but I don't connect with them on social media. Life is better this way.

[Sailor Sam]

This is a bit of a tangent, but I'm currently deployed on a ship and I find the lack of exposure to advertising really amazing. And the lack of exposure is the natural downstream effect of having very limited access to screens. We have email, and spend a fair amount of time looking at computer screens, but we don't have enough bandwidth to stream anything. There are people visiting websites that have advertisements, but I personally only use the internet to look on the weather.

It's very interesting to be part of the really small segment of society that sees absolutely no advertisements on a given day. I'm not very interested in material possessions, but I do find even my low desire for 'things' drops to zero when deployed. Advertising is insidious, and clearly very effective!

[GuitarStv]

No screens is a great goal!

I need screens to do music recording and mixing.  I use a screen to read the news / check the weather report in the morning, and sometimes I want to watch TV or a move in the evening.  So I've made a general rule for my non-working time that from about 10:00am to 7:00 pm each day there is no screen use - this seems to work pretty well for me at least.  You might try something similar if you find that no screens entirely becomes inconvenient.

[ptobest]

On my phone, I have slowly been increasing the length of time for "Do not Disturb". When I get a notification (mostly text or Whatsapp), I'll often have the temptation to look at other things on my phone, this helps ensure that I'm not on my phone close to bedtime, and have a bit of peace in the morning as well.

[tj]

On my phone, I have slowly been increasing the length of time for "Do not Disturb". When I get a notification (mostly text or Whatsapp), I'll often have the temptation to look at other things on my phone, this helps ensure that I'm not on my phone close to bedtime, and have a bit of peace in the morning as well.

Does dnd stop notifications for you? I'm basically always on DND, but the notifications are still there, I just don't hear a sound or vibrate

[ptobest]

On my phone, I have slowly been increasing the length of time for "Do not Disturb". When I get a notification (mostly text or Whatsapp), I'll often have the temptation to look at other things on my phone, this helps ensure that I'm not on my phone close to bedtime, and have a bit of peace in the morning as well.

Does dnd stop notifications for you? I'm basically always on DND, but the notifications are still there, I just don't hear a sound or vibrate

Yeah, the notification is still there, just nothing to let me know it arrived unless I'm already looking at my phone.

[Tasse]

My phone (android) offers a "focus mode" that blocks notifications from a list of apps you select while it's on. You also can't open those apps without going through a dialogue to pause focus mode.

[oldtoyota]

On my phone, I have slowly been increasing the length of time for "Do not Disturb". When I get a notification (mostly text or Whatsapp), I'll often have the temptation to look at other things on my phone, this helps ensure that I'm not on my phone close to bedtime, and have a bit of peace in the morning as well.

Same. My DND is on most of the day. I have settings arranged so certain people can still call me and I’ll hear it.

[tj]

On my phone, I have slowly been increasing the length of time for "Do not Disturb". When I get a notification (mostly text or Whatsapp), I'll often have the temptation to look at other things on my phone, this helps ensure that I'm not on my phone close to bedtime, and have a bit of peace in the morning as well.

Same. My DND is on most of the day. I have settings arranged so certain people can still call me and I’ll hear it.

How do set it to be mostly DND? I've been on Perma-DND for years, but sometimes I miss calls that I wouldn't have wanted to.

[eyesonthehorizon]

How do set it to be mostly DND? I've been on Perma-DND for years, but sometimes I miss calls that I wouldn't have wanted to.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-add-exceptions-to-your-phones-do-not-disturb-mod-1847712694

On iOS, at least, you can also engage different “Focus” modes all of which can have their own list of included (or specifically excluded!) contacts. So if you are, say, on a day trip or group project with others & want only those people to be able to reach you as you coordinate, you could arrange for that. You can also set each focus mode to come on with certain conditions for particular periods of time or in particular locations. You can silence certain apps but not others if desired.