📱2024 Tech Resolutions: Using Your Devices with Purpose and Delight! 👩💻
Although I use Apple devices on a daily basis, I am determined to alter my approach to interacting with the company's products. Here's my New Year's resolution for all my tech for 2024.
Changing my Apple tech usage in 2024 A revolution is coming
I’ve had Apple products almost as long as I’ve been interested in tech, yet in all that time I’ve never really put much thought into how I use my devices. But, like many people squinting bleary-eyed and hungover into the dawning of a new year, I’ve realized it’s about time I made some changes.
Not a blanket ban 🛡️
Talk to almost anyone these days and they’ll tell you they want to spend less time on their electronic devices, especially if that means cutting down on endless social media scrolling. After all, so many of the world’s most popular apps are expressly designed to be addictive and to keep you engaged for as long as possible. It’s why it’s so hard to put your phone down even when you find yourself hating the apps you’re using.
Yet despite the popular narrative that we should all be reducing the time we spend on our devices, I don’t believe everything about my phone is evil and should be excised from my life. It all comes down to what you use your device for.
For instance, despite my love of physical books, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with reading books or articles on your iPhone. There are a great many articles I find in the Pocket app that I would never have discovered on my own, and they all have the potential to inform and educate. That, I think, is a good thing, and I don’t mind using my iPhone that way.
If, on the other hand, I end up spending my time mindlessly scrolling dog videos on Instagram, that’s a different matter. It might provide me with a momentary endorphin boost, but have I learned or achieved anything? Right now, I’m using this kind of activity to simply fill a vacant space in my day. And that’s what I want to change in 2024.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. OnePlus 12: A Battle of Flagship Phones
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Unveiling at Galaxy Unpacked Event on January 17...
- Upgrade Alert: Your Phone is About to Get Smarter and More Exciting...
Purposeful usage 🎯
In the quest to use my devices more intentionally, I want my 2024 tech habits to be much more deliberate. I want to ensure I’m always using my devices with a specific goal in mind, whether that’s learning to code, relaxing with one of the best iOS games, or reading a compelling article.
The good news is I’m already doing some of this. I’ve recently started learning iOS’s Swift programming language, while the Screen Time feature on my iPhone shows I spend most of my weekly iPhone usage reading articles in the Pocket app. That’s all good, and I’m happy to keep that going this year — after all, it ensures I’m learning something.
In 2024, I want to swing the pendulum further towards this deliberate use of my devices and away from the impulsive scrolling that so much of social media encourages in us. Luckily, there are things that can help, but putting them to good use is not without its challenges.
How to change my habits 🔄
Accomplishing more measured, purposeful device usage is going to be easier on my Mac than on my iPhone. After all, my phone is always in my pocket, within reach wherever I am. I can’t say the same of my Mac.
There are tools on my iPhone that can help here, and I need to be more disciplined in using them. Right now, I mostly use Screen Time to see which apps I’m spending the most time in. There’s more to this iOS feature, and it can also block any app I choose for as long as I want, yet I haven’t had the fortitude to follow through and activate its limits.
Perhaps that’s what I need to do this year to keep myself on track. Because while I know I’m not achieving anything meaningful when I watch my fiftieth funny dog video of the evening, I still end up swiping over to number 51.
With any luck, I’ll finally be able to nix that bad habit for good in 2024. If I can do that, I might finally start to make some progress on my daunting reading backlog.
So, let’s tackle those tech resolutions together! Let’s use our devices with purpose, intention, and, most importantly, delight! 🎉📱💪
🙋♀️🙋♂️ Q&A: Your Burning Questions Answered! 🔥
Q: Is it possible to completely ban certain apps or websites on my iPhone?
A: Absolutely! With the Screen Time feature on your iPhone, you can set limits on specific apps or websites. You can choose to block them entirely or allocate a certain amount of usage time each day. It’s a great way to break free from the addictive hold of certain apps and focus on more productive activities.
Q: What are some other tools or techniques to help me use my devices more consciously?
A: Besides Screen Time, there are other tools and techniques you can try. For example, you can use productivity apps that help you track and manage your time effectively. There are also browser extensions that block access to distracting websites, allowing you to stay focused on your tasks. Experiment with different tools and find what works best for you!
Q: How can I make my iPhone usage more purposeful while still enjoying social media?
A: It’s all about finding the right balance. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, try following accounts or pages that provide value, education, or inspiration. Seek out content that aligns with your interests and goals. You can also set a limit on your social media usage to ensure you’re not spending too much time on it.
🚀 Future Developments: Insights and Analysis 📈
The shift towards purposeful device usage is becoming increasingly important in our technology-driven world. As technology continues to advance, we must adapt our habits and make conscious choices about how we engage with our devices.
Companies are recognizing this need for balance and are incorporating features like Screen Time to help users manage their digital well-being. We can expect further developments in this area, with more sophisticated tools and features that empower users to have control over their tech usage.
Additionally, the concept of digital minimalism is gaining traction. More people are realizing the benefits of decluttering their digital lives and focusing on what truly matters. As this movement grows, we can anticipate the emergence of new tools, apps, and strategies to support individuals in embracing intentional and meaningful device usage.
📚 Reference List 🌐
- 10 Best Apps for 2024 New Year’s Resolutions
- Tried Pair of Earbuds Designed by Olivia Rodrigo? See If They’re Actually Good!
- This $130 iPhone Charger is Better Than Apple’s Official One
- Have a Lot of Apple Devices? I Found the Perfect Charger for You
- How Bad is a 2012 iPhone Camera in 2023? Take a Look for Yourself
Let’s kickstart 2024 with purposeful and delightful device usage! Share your tech resolutions and tips in the comments below. Let’s support each other in embracing a more intentional digital lifestyle. 🌟💻
Images: 1. Christine Romero-Chan / ENBLE – Blue Titanium iPhone 15 Pro showing Disney Emoji Blitz. 2. Andy Boxall / ENBLE – A person playing a game on the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. 3. Alex Blake / ENBLE – Three iPhones side-by-side, each showing statistics from Apple’s Screen Time feature in iOS.
