Agree with all of this! Relying on app-based solutions simply adds another layer of digital noise between us and other human beings (not to mention the harm many of them do by perpetuating the gig economy). They are also largely a product of Silicon Valley's exhaustive need for "disruption."
Thanks for mentioning Having and Being Had -- this looks like a very interesting read. I just requested it from the library!
I'd add another crucial "old way" to trust again: printed maps for navigation. We're so used to Waze or Google Maps that we can journey through life while never knowing where we are, which means we'll miss the core of human life: moving from "here" to "there."
I wrote about this and offered solutions a little while back on my Substack here:
I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't acknowledge that the only reason I'm able to live half a world away, while not completely uprooting myself from Europe is because of these apps. The banking apps, invoicing apps and all of the tech gears turning in the backend that make modern life work are super convenient, no doubt.
Without touching into the gig economy issue, because that's a monster problem in and of itself. My generalized problem with apps is that they're addictive.
I don't have any social media apps on my phone anymore. I still have my social accounts, and can check them on my browser on my laptop should I want to (as it turns out, I don't really care to.) My phone use has been reduced to direct messages with friends and family, and other apps aimed at solving a straightforward problem (banking, other bills, maps, etc.)
Agree with all of this! Relying on app-based solutions simply adds another layer of digital noise between us and other human beings (not to mention the harm many of them do by perpetuating the gig economy). They are also largely a product of Silicon Valley's exhaustive need for "disruption."
Thanks for mentioning Having and Being Had -- this looks like a very interesting read. I just requested it from the library!
Great suggestions, thanks!
I'd add another crucial "old way" to trust again: printed maps for navigation. We're so used to Waze or Google Maps that we can journey through life while never knowing where we are, which means we'll miss the core of human life: moving from "here" to "there."
I wrote about this and offered solutions a little while back on my Substack here:
https://thehealthyjew.substack.com/p/maps-and-apps
You make some interesting points.
I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't acknowledge that the only reason I'm able to live half a world away, while not completely uprooting myself from Europe is because of these apps. The banking apps, invoicing apps and all of the tech gears turning in the backend that make modern life work are super convenient, no doubt.
Without touching into the gig economy issue, because that's a monster problem in and of itself. My generalized problem with apps is that they're addictive.
I don't have any social media apps on my phone anymore. I still have my social accounts, and can check them on my browser on my laptop should I want to (as it turns out, I don't really care to.) My phone use has been reduced to direct messages with friends and family, and other apps aimed at solving a straightforward problem (banking, other bills, maps, etc.)