it really is that damn smartphone
Ah, modern technology at its finest, no doubt about it! Heh... What's it for?
-Globox, Rayman 3
I am planning something BIG and it's called "the next time my phone is due for an upgrade I will not be getting a new Pixel, instead I am getting a flip phone with a push-buttons-a-lot-of-times keyboard and it is going to suck balls to type on this thing."
That's it. That's the thing. I'm being so deadass right now.
I refuse to sign up for so much junk just because everyone else my age is doing it. If I do something just because it's popular, am I really autistic? I know I'm not gonna fit in, anyway. I mean, shit, I've talked to my friends in the past about going stealth...
Speaking of friends, the trouble I caused them last week is exactly why I'm stepping away from my next phone being another smartphone. These things are like crack for anyone, but for folks with PTSD and their loved ones, the smartphone can be a landmine, especially if you grew up with big touchscreens.
How is anyone supposed to regulate themselves during a PTSD episode when they have a bridge-burning device all gassed up and ready to fire?
The pure negligence on Big Tech's part means the safest thing for any individual in general is to make your phone purely a tool on-the-go. What do I consider not a tool? Great question! Not-tools include:
- (a)social media
- games
- YouTube
- (a)social media disguising themselves as messengers (including Discord and Snapchat)
- AI and LLMs
- shopping apps
Naturally, there are many ways in which users are used by their phones. If I discovered any more, we'd be here all day.
You'll notice a lot of these can be accessed on the computer. Sit down and try to only check these websites once or twice a day. You'll be surprised how quickly you notice your time is begging to be filled with something else! Or maybe you realize now that you need a nap. Guilty as charged, I'm writing this at 2 in the morning.
So yeah. First stop, flip phone. Then after that I'll probably splurge on a Raspberry Pi that I can make a laptop out of for working on-the-go and a Steam Machine. That thing looks sick as fuck and also fun fact: runs on Linux! I'm very new to Linux, but I've been in a "world is my oyster" mood ever since I transferred schools and started going on more walks and even going out occasionally, so I pretty much feel like I can do anything I set my mind to.
...Given I have the spoons and resources. Soon, right? Ciao n see you later! ✌️