11 Comments
May 10Liked by Natalie Borton

I’ve been feeling similar about my phone… I want the life of a “dumb” phone, but also I rely on the Garmin app to communicate with my elementary-age kids watches, I listen to audiobooks on Spotify, read in Kindle, etc. SO all this to say, I have moved all of my “problematic” apps to a super old iPad my kids no longer use. They’re not gone, they’re just less convenient (and the iPad is so old it requires old versions of apps, so they’re clunky and slow 😂). I’m only a few days into this experiment, but I think it has potential!

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Very smart!!

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May 10Liked by Natalie Borton

I've found the easiest way for me to still be connected but not constantly checking is Instagram on a computer vs phone. It is not an exciting or riveting experience on a computer! So it doesn't keep me lingering and mindlessly scrolling! If I have the app on my phone, try as I might, I open it constantly and 20 mins go by.

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Yes! I think if I didn't need to create & post content on social media I would for sure do that.

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May 10Liked by Natalie Borton

Absolutely. Would be hard for your work! I'm happy to see you on Substack. I really like this overall experience way better than Instagram. I look forward to the newsletters that I subscribe to, and learn so much from all these thoughtful writers. It's engaging without being addicting - a tricky balance. An app I allow on my phone!

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I think so many of us are having these thoughts but not quite got to a solution yet. It's all part of the process though. I'm in a similar position to you, I use to for work but really want less of it on my personal life. I'm considering a dumb phone for personal and keeping my iPhone for work only.

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Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on modern tech. Like so many others, I've been struggling to find a balance that works - and even joked about getting a landline. I haven't heard of the Light Phone, but that seems like a great option! Appreciate you and this post!

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I’ve also considered a landline!!

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May 10Liked by Natalie Borton

I love this whole post so much. I’m doing a 21 day challenge with my gym and my goal is no social media (Instagram/Facebook) to my girls go to bed. I found myself scrolling constantly and I want to be more intentional with my time. It’s embarrassing how much I actually became aware of how often I reached for my phone!! And now I’m so intrigued by that phone you shared!!!

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Yes! I honestly don't mind my tech use at work whatsoever — marketing & selling products online is my favorite thing to do, haha. But when it comes to personal time, I still feel so overly connected and am craving a bit of *slowness* so I can actually think, create and process without all the noise.

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May 10Liked by Natalie Borton

Your thoughts are really appreciated, they are organic.

This is a personal experience, I looked for phones that would not give a way for me to sumerge in media. But I ended up having a major “revelation.” I realize my self control (for phone usage) was very low. So I made my smart phone “dumb” by deleting all the unnecessary apps and leaving my phone functional to personal life only. Then for work, I use media through my iPad and computer, which is usually when I sit at a desk.

Maybe some of my experience could help.

And also, when I was in the fashion industry, skin was something so marketable, and I started using some of the events from Dana Omari, which are very simple, pure and minimal.

Best to you and blessings.

Priscilla.

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