Convert Smartphone to Dumb Phone

Inspired by YouTube how to convert to a dumb phone, I tried to convert my “smart” phone to a “dumb” phone, to use it more intentionally. To avoid doing everything with willpower, which is quite hard if all the tech is engineered to make you addicted.

# Apps

Apps I use and work well - but only to a certain degree:

1. ScreenZen to block apps.
2. Install Minimalistic app. (Android only, there are others on iPhone)
   1. Also check out: Olauncher, a minimal AF Launcher for Android. Reduce your screen time. Daily wallpapers.
3. Add bedtime for always, to have a grey screen all the time.

# Blocking algorithms

Algorithm s are the most addictive, I think. If we scroll through a timeline like Bluesky, where you only see the latest posts from your followers, there comes a point where there are no new posts, so it stops automatically. But some apps don’t let you turn off the algorithms, that’s why there are some apps to hide them and block them:

1. Install SocialFocus SocialFocus extension to hide Algorithm in YouTube and other apps.
2. Use UnTrap for YouTube to hide YouTube specific settings. E.g., no image, no side videos to watch next, etc. I use Firefox, only it can install extensions on Android. Brave/Chrome doesn’t allow on mobile.

# Other Apps

• Brick: Take Back Control of Your Screen Time with a physical brick. Haven’t used, but might be one step further

# Screenshots: My Smart Dumb Phone

My phone when opens: No icons. No apps. Switched to Firefox to install extensions (SocialFocus, Untrap). Bedtime default. Scheduled time for social only after 3 PM.

# Algorithm Free Home Pages

The life without Algorithms 🙄

# YouTube

Also use Turning off Watch History

Turn off Watch History and no more influenced by the algorithm. see Social Media Addiction.

# LinkedIn

# Twitter/X

Twitter/X including the Control Panel for Twitter extension:

# One Step Further

# Dedicated OS

Installing an OS that gives you more control over your phone, blocking apps or their permissions. GrapheneOS is one I want to try at some point.

# Uni-taskers

Making the phone dumberm it’s a form of Uni-taskers. To make the device only work for one thing, like the old iPod, which could only play music.

Or a typewriter, can only write text. Distract-Free Typewriter are also digital, I have My Distraction-Free Typewriter (Micro Journal), that does exactly that.

# Further Reads

• I wrote about Well Being in Times of Algorithms
• I made my phone slow on purpose — VineWall Notes

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Origin: Block Social Media on Phone and Computer
References: Social Media Addiction