I have an issue with GPS navigation. I used to memorize directions. I could see maps in my head. I could freehand a decent representation of the map of Los Angeles, with all the main streets roughly in their proper places.
Using GPS nav has made it so that I no longer remember where places are…because my brain knows that it doesn't have to memorize anything anymore.
It absolutely is a problem and I know exactly what you are talking about. I also have a street atlas of LA stashed behind my passenger seat. I'm going to get there. The Garmin's day for the trash can will come!
I have been trying to do a hybrid. Check the route ahead of time, to get a sense of where things are. Then use the GPS to remind me to turn in case I am spacing out or yapping away.
I have been trying to convince myself to order the flip phone I know I need. I even found one that's super tough, and still has Spotify and Google Maps. It would isolate me in a way though- most of my friends live hours away and don't often have time for phone calls. I can't really envision how I'll avoid loneliness once I'm cut off from something as simple as sending my friends daily Snapchat streaks & IG reels.
I would say, keep up those contact forms, but do it from your laptop if you can. I'd have to inhabit your particular circumstances for awhile in order to come up with better steps, but I think if you approach it imaginatively, things will suggest themselves to you -- blessings and good luck!
Great piece and great insight. Both can be demons though. AI haunts even the desktop environment, encouraging people to abandon thinking for themselves.
As you know I started using Brick to solve this smartphone problem. It locks any and all apps of your choosing and requires a physical device to unlock, which you can leave at home, or in a car, or wherever. It helps a ton, and while I’m not convinced it’s better than what you’re doing, I recommend it HIGHLY as a simple one step solution to getting control of your smartphone, for anyone who is thinking “Sounds great, but I’m not actually gonna do it.”
Right on, absolutely re AI, and -- what an improvement when I don't have AI access in my pocket! The Brick sounds like a great device and from your recommend, I have passed it on to others who are appreciating it a lot!
Yes, I really feel this. Almost like I can look at the world with new (old) eyes, because they're not being subtly drawn to the omnidevice all the time. My inner vision, my inner will, are getting free from it.
I have an issue with GPS navigation. I used to memorize directions. I could see maps in my head. I could freehand a decent representation of the map of Los Angeles, with all the main streets roughly in their proper places.
Using GPS nav has made it so that I no longer remember where places are…because my brain knows that it doesn't have to memorize anything anymore.
That's a problem too.
It absolutely is a problem and I know exactly what you are talking about. I also have a street atlas of LA stashed behind my passenger seat. I'm going to get there. The Garmin's day for the trash can will come!
I have been trying to do a hybrid. Check the route ahead of time, to get a sense of where things are. Then use the GPS to remind me to turn in case I am spacing out or yapping away.
I have been trying to convince myself to order the flip phone I know I need. I even found one that's super tough, and still has Spotify and Google Maps. It would isolate me in a way though- most of my friends live hours away and don't often have time for phone calls. I can't really envision how I'll avoid loneliness once I'm cut off from something as simple as sending my friends daily Snapchat streaks & IG reels.
I would say, keep up those contact forms, but do it from your laptop if you can. I'd have to inhabit your particular circumstances for awhile in order to come up with better steps, but I think if you approach it imaginatively, things will suggest themselves to you -- blessings and good luck!
Great piece and great insight. Both can be demons though. AI haunts even the desktop environment, encouraging people to abandon thinking for themselves.
As you know I started using Brick to solve this smartphone problem. It locks any and all apps of your choosing and requires a physical device to unlock, which you can leave at home, or in a car, or wherever. It helps a ton, and while I’m not convinced it’s better than what you’re doing, I recommend it HIGHLY as a simple one step solution to getting control of your smartphone, for anyone who is thinking “Sounds great, but I’m not actually gonna do it.”
Right on, absolutely re AI, and -- what an improvement when I don't have AI access in my pocket! The Brick sounds like a great device and from your recommend, I have passed it on to others who are appreciating it a lot!
It feels like a tremendous burden has been lifted.
Yes, I really feel this. Almost like I can look at the world with new (old) eyes, because they're not being subtly drawn to the omnidevice all the time. My inner vision, my inner will, are getting free from it.
Well put. I’m happy to hear it. I hope you are having a blessed Lent.
Yes brother I am, hope you are as well, prayers for you and the fam!
And to you and yours 🙏