A couple weeks ago, I took the nuclear option and erased my iPhone6s . The device reports that the battery needs to be replaced, but I had hoped to squeeze out a couple more months before upgrading.
Rather than re-downloading all the apps I had previously used, I wanted to start with a more minimalist approach to see if I could live without all the additional notifications and background processes. I started by only configuring my Mail & Calendar for work and personal accounts. I've also given myself permission to download Apple Maps and the Microsoft Authenticator, which is required for some services protected by MFA. And that's it. No more Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Also no Wallet, Apple News, Apple Music*.
I'm not sure if I've gained the battery that I had hoped for, but I did get what I was hoping for: a more functional device and fewer distractions.
Perhaps I'm late to the bandwagon, but Manoush Zomorodi discussed a less extreme version of this in her Bored But Brilliant Ted Talk. The talk itself is brilliant and super accessible and worth 15 minutes of your time. To paraphrase a comment from the talk: phones are power tools, effective but potentially dangerous with unlimited access.
Recently, my son's middle school announced a new rule prohibiting the use of personal phones in class or during lunch. While it seemed extreme at the time, I think now that it makes more sense given some of the research sited in this talk. Decreased phone use has improved creativity, and increased empathy, especially among teens.
Rather than re-downloading all the apps I had previously used, I wanted to start with a more minimalist approach to see if I could live without all the additional notifications and background processes. I started by only configuring my Mail & Calendar for work and personal accounts. I've also given myself permission to download Apple Maps and the Microsoft Authenticator, which is required for some services protected by MFA. And that's it. No more Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Also no Wallet, Apple News, Apple Music*.
I'm not sure if I've gained the battery that I had hoped for, but I did get what I was hoping for: a more functional device and fewer distractions.
Perhaps I'm late to the bandwagon, but Manoush Zomorodi discussed a less extreme version of this in her Bored But Brilliant Ted Talk. The talk itself is brilliant and super accessible and worth 15 minutes of your time. To paraphrase a comment from the talk: phones are power tools, effective but potentially dangerous with unlimited access.
Recently, my son's middle school announced a new rule prohibiting the use of personal phones in class or during lunch. While it seemed extreme at the time, I think now that it makes more sense given some of the research sited in this talk. Decreased phone use has improved creativity, and increased empathy, especially among teens.
* I have an iPad, and I still have all my social media apps, except for Reddit. Reddit is my productivity blackhole and I exercise all my self-control to avoid its gravity well.
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