Comment by jama211

5 days ago

I have this experience… until I turn it on and start to try and type stuff on the tiny keyboard or watch stuff on it again. Then I realise I’m glad I moved up a little

3 comments

jama211

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red369  4 days ago

I agree with you, but I like the reminder that I probably shouldn't be using my phone for whatever I'm doing anyway.

If I'm at home, I should make the small effort to get a tablet or a laptop. If I'm out, should I just set a reminder and do it later and listen to something instead?

I realise that for many people, that time might be their only time available for doing whatever they were going to do, but on the other hand when I look at what other people use their phones for when they're out, it rarely looks important to me. Even the stuff people are doing for fun doesn't look much fun. Definitely not compared with the people who have also lugged a Switch/e-reader/actual book.

  • jama211  4 days ago

    That seems pretty judgemental. Lots of things I do that might not “look important” can be very important. I do a lot of work on my phone including research that would look like browsing to a bystander.

    • red369  4 days ago

      Yup - I think that's fair. It is completely a value judgement. But without ill will, and not particularly heartfelt.

      Regarding your point about things that are actually work in disguise, I basically look at browsing web pages as productive work these days compared to alternatives. There are only so many people who can be moderators working for TikTok, or researching endless-scroll or content recommendation algorithms. :)

      But even taking what people are doing at face-value, perhaps TikTok/Reels/Shorts is actually important for their wellbeing. I think it is more likely harmful, but I'm guessing.

      I think it would be better if people spent less time looking at phone screens (no matter how big), but as long as it's their choice, people should do what they want to do! I have a vague concern that people might be increasingly doing something that they want to do in the short term, but not in the long term, but probably that's always been the way.