I think as we get more interesting and engaging tools like the smart phone, we're going to have to do a lot more reflection on how our tools shape our habits.
Like a lot of HN readers, I recognized the potential an always-connected pocket computer had pretty early on.
Perhaps unlike many HN readers, I didn't actually buy a smart phone until this year (though I've had dev loaners for a project or two). And part of what drove this decision was a recognition that over the years, I've been turning into a infosnacking net addict. Did I really want a device that makes always convenient in my pocket, even though it would offer a world of convenience?
This February, after reflecting on what habits I might want a pocket computing device to shape, I finally bought a used iPhone 3GS. I'm cautious about feeding a gaming habit, so I didn't put games on it. I know that I wish I read more long-form stuff, so I loaded it up with eBook apps, and then Readability for digesting longer articles I might note but want to tackle later. I know I wish I experimented with music apps, so I picked out a few simple ones.
And most important? I haven't added service on it yet. This way, I can't use it for infosnacking anywhere.
The hope has been that I'll learn to connect the device with activities I consciously choose as positive uses of my time, and less with responding to the feeds and firehoses of the nets. So far, the experiment is promising. I'm definitely reading more.
Though I did eventually install Words With Friends. :|
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I think as we get more interesting and engaging tools like the smart phone, we're going to have to do a lot more reflection on how our tools shape our habits.
Like a lot of HN readers, I recognized the potential an always-connected pocket computer had pretty early on.
Perhaps unlike many HN readers, I didn't actually buy a smart phone until this year (though I've had dev loaners for a project or two). And part of what drove this decision was a recognition that over the years, I've been turning into a infosnacking net addict. Did I really want a device that makes always convenient in my pocket, even though it would offer a world of convenience?
This February, after reflecting on what habits I might want a pocket computing device to shape, I finally bought a used iPhone 3GS. I'm cautious about feeding a gaming habit, so I didn't put games on it. I know that I wish I read more long-form stuff, so I loaded it up with eBook apps, and then Readability for digesting longer articles I might note but want to tackle later. I know I wish I experimented with music apps, so I picked out a few simple ones.
And most important? I haven't added service on it yet. This way, I can't use it for infosnacking anywhere.
The hope has been that I'll learn to connect the device with activities I consciously choose as positive uses of my time, and less with responding to the feeds and firehoses of the nets. So far, the experiment is promising. I'm definitely reading more.
Though I did eventually install Words With Friends. :|