Dead tree books.
Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
11–20 of 171 posts
Re: Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
#12I started journaling daily back in 2016. No apps, no computer. just paper and pen. Some days pages pour forth of writing. Other days I simply set a task of finding and writing down a good quote to save for later. This investment of time for me has yielded better discernment as I can look back at interactions I've documented and how I felt when events unfolded. Bonus, there are no notifications to interrupt you and in a world full of interruptions, the pen and paper have none.
Re: Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
#13I use candles in the evening to get more pleasant, soothing light in my apartment. Much better for the mood than LEDs.
Does Aeropress still count?
Re: Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
#14I don't know if this counts as low enough tech, but I disabled the equivalent of "auto advance to next episode" on my Netflix and Prime Video subscriptions.
This means that watching the next episode of a show has to be a conscious choice on my part as opposed to the inertia of just letting it happen. Just the small added friction of having to hunt down the remote control and hit "Play" gives me a few seconds to (albeit involuntarily) reflect on whether I really need to watch the next episode, or if I could really be doing other hobbies / chores around the flat.
The result has been a notable decrease in binge-watching, a cleaner and more organised home, more/better sleep, and the subsequent improved health that follows the aforesaid.
Re: Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
#15[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
#16Using a bidet instead of toilet paper. I live in Canada, and this is an uncommon practice.
I bought this inexpensive one from amazon and my life has never been the same. Once you go bidet there's no going back.
https://www.amazon.com/Astor-Non-Electric-Mechanical-Attachm...
Re: Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
#17I'd say reading books and spending time with friends and family are the main low tech that shouldn't be replaced by the digital version.
The other big thing is taking time off from smartphones.
I haven't written more than maybe a page a month on paper in years, I never buy incandescent bulbs, I don't want a film camera or a record player. There's very few appliances I wouldn't chose the smart version of.
But nothing is going to replace planting things in the garden, lighting a campfire, or reading a book(Although e readers are just fine now).
In general, I'm not a fan of low tech. Man-made items done without silicon tend to be heavy, delicate, and hard to use compared to the digital ones, and things made of modern materials.
Things that actively involve living beings very closely, like clothes and food, are sometimes but not always better off low tech.
Things that are, or should be be, mostly hands off, like the insulation material in a house, the network stack in a computer, or a power plant, should usually be as high tech as possible.
Re: Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
#18I recently started using scissors more in the kitchen. It made my life easier. / I hope it's what you mean by low tech.
Do you cut meat? Vegetables?
Re: Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
#19More like less-tech but my phone is on permanent-silent mode. I miss calls, but see exactly who called and can return the call or text as needed.
Re: Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?
#20I use a typewriter and write letters. It's distraction free and produces a hard copy. I use a cast iron pan daily and use a French Press/Aeropress to make my coffee. I use candles for soothing light.