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Disconnect. Offline only

chris.bolin.co

31–40 of 207 posts

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#31
post #3
post #2

Well done, I had the urge to google the second most commonly spoken language while reading the article. I turned my phone in some kind of a "dumb phone": - Deleted all games, news apps, basically all the apps I don't regulary need - Turned off email. It's still configured, I turn it on if I need to read an email - No push notifications at all Next step: Turn off mobile data for browser and only activate it if I need…

Next step: "dumb" phone. Next step: no phone.

I would trade my smartphone in an instant for a dumb phone with a great camera, 3.5mm audio port, and LTE/WiFi for tethering. The closest thing out there right now is the LG Exalt LTE.

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#32
My phone bricked a week and a half ago and I've been using a phone I walked into a lake on accident two years ago that still completely works except for cell service, so it only updates when I'm connected to Wifi now. I also have google voice number, so my texting works from that phone as well, but again only where there's Wifi.

I'm going to make a claim, pay a deductible, and get a new proper phone at some point, but I've been a bit lazy and delaying it a bit because it hasn't been too bad going without.

Although I did have one bad experience since it happened (almost immediately after). My car's battery died and it required me walking for almost an hour next to a dangerous street to get to some place that had Wifi and sort out getting my car towed and being able to open Uber to have someone pick me up.

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#33
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Next step: "dumb" phone. Next step: no phone.

Sure, the smartphone is a great thing to take with you when something unpredictable happened and you're forced to wait 1/2/10 hourse, and you didn't take anything with you (a book, your computer, etc). But how often does this happen, and how often, instead, does a smartphone distract from better tasks? How often I choose not to pick a book when leaving, because I've got the smartphone "just in case" ? Of course I hav…

Of course I have ebooks on it, but many times I waste time on facebook/HN/twitter/surfing.

I use a smartphone without a mobile data plan. Not because of addictiveness, I just don't think it's worth the cost, but it does avoid that problem. I keep it stocked with ebooks and audiobooks.

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#34
I got stuck into a bad habit of browsing the internet idly anytime when I'm at home and then having to rush to get to work so I've created rules on my router to disable web access in the mornings before work and late at night before bed.

It is quite effective and I suddenly do other things but I do worry that it's a psychological crutch which is just going to make self-control even harder in the long term.

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#35
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Next step: "dumb" phone. Next step: no phone.

Sure, the smartphone is a great thing to take with you when something unpredictable happened and you're forced to wait 1/2/10 hourse, and you didn't take anything with you (a book, your computer, etc). But how often does this happen, and how often, instead, does a smartphone distract from better tasks? How often I choose not to pick a book when leaving, because I've got the smartphone "just in case" ? Of course I hav…

It's also a great thing to take with you if you need to check a map, check on the opening times of a shop, or check when your train is. These are things which many people do daily.

While I do understand the point you're trying to make, I think it's a bit unfair to insinuate that their only advantage is as a way to pass the time.

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#36
post #21

For those that don't want to, and 'miss the point'. View source and go to the .JS file The text of the off-line site is about a third of the way down.

Or chrome dev tools -> toggle device toolbar on -> switch "Online" to "Offline". Or run in your console: window.dispatchEvent(new Event('offline'))

Yup exactly what I did :D

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#37
post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I guess more work could be done around limiting features on a device when outside of a set period. For instance, Data services could be restricted outside of a person's normal working hours. Or if not just data, limiting all features that aren't core to a phone, taking it back to simple calls and text messaging.

I've got an older Nexus, and it noticeably strains whenever there's some sort of network event going on - signing onto wifi, coming within range of known wifi, re-gaining a network connection - I suspect it's all the apps trying to desperately play catch-up ("MUST UPDATE MAPS!") I wish I had a way to toggle selective-airplane-mode. That is, only the current app gets to know that I'm connected - Slack, Twitter, Google…

Yeah, my Nexus 7 runs well, except for the five minutes after connecting to Wifi.

If you have yours rooted, the Disable Service app can help reduce the problem. I have a bunch disabled with no (visible?) ill effects.

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#38

I got stuck into a bad habit of browsing the internet idly anytime when I'm at home and then having to rush to get to work so I've created rules on my router to disable web access in the mornings before work and late at night before bed. It is quite effective and I suddenly do other things but I do worry that it's a psychological crutch which is just going to make self-control even harder in the long term.

If you are an alcoholic, would not having 24 beers in your fridge lower your willpower? I think it is the reverse, just like this. Not in house = fight won, so you have more willpower left for when you DO need to fight a fight (say, friend offers a beer after work).

Self control takes willpower. Willpower is a finite resource (you can find studies on it. This is why after a hard day of work you are more likely to say screw it and eat an extra cookie). You just saved having to use a little bit of willpower each day. Which means you will have MORE willpower to spend on other things, not less.

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#39
to me, using cron to disconnect my internet every half an hour just to remind me to break the loop has been immensely helpful. And annoying. But mostly helpful.

My brain switched to offline mode has about three times better focus.

Similarly to this, I'm using my browser in full-screen mode most of the time to eliminate distractions. It was very surprising to me, how big an effect it has, to not see the tabs.

Re: Disconnect. Offline only

#40

I got stuck into a bad habit of browsing the internet idly anytime when I'm at home and then having to rush to get to work so I've created rules on my router to disable web access in the mornings before work and late at night before bed. It is quite effective and I suddenly do other things but I do worry that it's a psychological crutch which is just going to make self-control even harder in the long term.

If you are an alcoholic, would not having 24 beers in your fridge lower your willpower? I think it is the reverse, just like this. Not in house = fight won, so you have more willpower left for when you DO need to fight a fight (say, friend offers a beer after work). Self control takes willpower. Willpower is a finite resource (you can find studies on it. This is why after a hard day of work you are more likely to say…

The "ego depletion" effect makes sense to me on a personal level, but there's been some doubt cast on the studies:

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/cover_story...

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