How to stop being so phone addicted (without self-discipline or meditation)

Technology to help with the problems technology is causing

Happy Friday!

We’ve got a new one for you.

This week we ask a slightly absurd question – is there technology to stop you from using addictive technology? Which leads to some surprising answers. New developments in the anti-technology field, and a partial history of how our phones got so oppressive.

• David Pierce | Find him on Bluesky, Threads, and The Verge

  • Hear him on The Vergecast

  • Read his 2015 Apple Watch story here: Apple Watch: The Secret History of the iPhone Killer

• Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

• Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity | Journal of the Association for Consumer Research

• Products mentioned: 10 ft long USB cable, The Light Phone, Boox, Brick, One Sec.

The newsletter is right now to remind people when a new episode is out and provide a place to make comments. Please be polite, both to each other and us, and try to assume good intentions.

Also, this week: if you have additional strategies, or technologies, please share them in the comments!

Hope you enjoy this one.

Happy Friday,

PJ