A low-noise smartphone [that works]
Dumb phones do not work. So I came up with a few tools and tricks to make a modern smartphone work for me.
I came up with a few rules that apply to everything I do on the phone, and I find it helpful.
1. Phone cannot ask for my attention
This means no notifications and badges are allowed.
- A few people are exceptions, like my partner, family, and a few friends. Everyone else needs to call me to reach me immediately; otherwise, I’ll see messages when I see them.
- No app is allowed to send notifications—no exceptions.
- Many apps that need realtime updates implement activities (think Uber, delivery apps, etc.) and those work without notifications. I find small updates in my dynamic island or lock screen sufficient.
2. No social feed apps allowed
- Web access is okay because most of the attention-grabbing things I block using SocialFocus extension (Dia on macOS, Safari on iOS).
- I do have Instagram on iPad, which stays on my bookshelf 100% of the time. I use it only for posting.
- SocialFocus blocks all algorithmic content (non-follow feeds, recommendations, reels, shorts, ads) on every platform.