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Comment by cncrnd | Hacker News Reader

I don't see why you can't just control your cell phone habits. Swearing technology off is like cutting off the nose to spite the face.

The optimal setup for me is the basic apps installed (mail, messenger, uber/lyft, finances) with all notifications turned off. Less distraction while retaining the utility of having a smartphone.

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I don't see why you can't just control your drinking habits. Swearing alcohol off is like cutting off the nose to spite the face.

Alcohol does not provide the massive utility that comes with modern smartphones.

There are ways to reduce cell phone usage without going to a flip phone.

But, if this is what works for the author then I support it. Removing certain apps and disabling notifications will work wonders for most people though.

I think the analogy was meant to be a reflection on what “addiction” means

I think the response to that is - most adults can control their drinking habits. It’s a very small minority who have an addiction to alcohol.

It shouldn't surprise us that Twitter/Instagram/Facebook/Reddit are more widely addictive than alcohol. They are designed to be addictive, because it's good for business.

Some people have less impulse control and thus need to erect larger barriers between themselves and their addictions.

I do the same thing. Only install the absolutely necessary apps, do everything else non-essential in a browser. If it doesn't work in a mobile browser, wait until I get home.

All notifications are turned off, except for instant messaging apps and calls.

I stress a lot less about Facebook and social media in general now.

Sometimes less is more. Consider with a dumb phone you don't have to turn off notifications and disable apps (some are not even possible btw) ootb. Or don't have to do this again when an update changes it on a whim.

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