I recently got a new phone, replacing my Samsung Galaxy S9 with a Unihertz Titan Pocket.
To be clear, this is not an endorsement: I've used the phone for less than a day so far, but I want to talk about my reasoning behind the switch.
I Hate YouTube Shorts
Over the last year, I've found myself opening YouTube Shorts at pretty much any dull moment. It distracts me, and worse, I often don't even remember what I watched after 10-20 minutes go by.
The problem comes down to one thing: I don't feel in control when using the platform.
I've had similar issues with other social media platforms, specifically Twitter several years ago. The problem comes down to one thing: I don't feel in control when using the platform.
I've realized that this has affected my attention span, my happiness, and my mental health. And I want to change that.
How I've Tried to Cut Back
When I ran into a similar issue with Twitter, I just cut it out of my life. Nice and simple. Its been several years since then, and I now go on it once a month (or less).
Unfortunately, cutting out YouTube altogether hasn't worked. Mainly because I love long-form YouTube content.
There are too many creators that I love that only make content on YouTube for me to walk away from it. Unfortunately, YouTube has pretty much monopolized the user-generated long-form video content corner of the internet.
So I tried limiting my time on YouTube. That worked a little. I was able to cut back on YouTube Shorts and be more purposeful with my time on the platform.
However, it only worked as a half-measure. I set the time limit, so I can change it. While overall, it has reduced my time on YouTube, it hasn't had the effect I was looking for.
What Does This Have to Do with a Phone?
The Titan Pocket is effectively a modern Blackberry Bold.
This means that it has a completely different form factor than the vast majority of smartphones.
Which means: apps aren't designed for this form factor.
I hear you say: "But that sounds awful. Won't that make apps more difficult to use?"
Why yes. Yes it will. Specifically, YouTube Shorts.
Embracing Slow Design
Slow Design (or the closely related "Slow Technology Movement") is the idea that we should be designing experiences that promote mindfulness and conscious usage.
Ultimately, it's about sacrificing the user's convenience for the user's well-being.
[Slow Design] is about sacrificing the user's convenience for the user's well-being.
This is exactly what I'm doing with this experiment. I'm hoping that by making YouTube Shorts (as well as many other apps) less convenient, I'll spend more time doing things I'm actually interested in.
The Change I Hope to See
I've had the phone for less than a day, so there's no definite results to share yet.
However, I'm hoping to see several effects from this change.
I'd like to spend less time on my phone in general. I opted to stick with a smartphone because I do still want several apps (including YouTube, but also Spotify, Maps, etc.).
But I'd like to see myself filling gaps in my day with more enjoyable activities. Reading, playing with my cats, or even just watching YouTube content that I'm actually into.
There might be additional effects that come with that, like improved attention span, but I'm not holding out for those.
For now, I just want to feel in control of my time again.