├── .gitignore ├── CNAME ├── README.md └── successes ├── (1)[deleted]52lbejm1-i_achieved_first_30_days_no_smartphone- ├── (1)Liza8816zya8k-i_got_free_heres_how- ├── (1)303ALc6lg48-one_month_of_no_internet- ├── (1)joythegreat96jcbpqb-not_log_into_facebook_for_more_than_3_months_now- ├── (1)Nakazanyynzpvh9-i_feel_free_five_months_since_my_decision- ├── (1)[deleted]49l0s6q3-me_and_my_boyfriend_have_both_been_nosurf_for_2- ├── (1)primahaneyjb8ero-1_month_of_no_social_media- ├── (1)ColdEarth7b8mjjg-1_month_social_media_free- ├── (1)Toppi_The_Topic6aca4l-just_unwillingly_went_35_days_with_no_internet- ├── (1)Novibesmatter188vrq9-i_went_6_months_without_a_cellphone- ├── (1)vvoecdgwson-my_experience_in_not_using_social_media_and_not- ├── (1)[deleted]76t771rg-nosurf_journey_reflection_after_two_months- ├── (1)[deleted]50l3rv3m-no_social_media_for_nearly_2_years- ├── (2)MRaspb3rryypn377-my_story_how_time_tracking_helped_me_to_be- ├── (1)[deleted]79tphvkf-50_days_of_using_dumb_phone- ├── (1)indignanfxehpp-life_is_actually_getting_better- ├── (1)t0sterCatg7x1k0-no_social_media_for_100_days_i_did_it- ├── (1)[deleted]53lc40uq-no_fb_and_insta_one_month_on_theres_hope- ├── (1)JelloOwn9045sg2jnu-i_was_a_hopeless_internet_addict_and_im_finally- ├── (1)[deleted]11qw0cs-partial_success- ├── (1)slugsareourfriends7fe81q-99_days_of_freedom_update- ├── (1)l3wd1a9bfdhj-8_months_social_media_free_for_the_most_part- ├── (1)m_chutchx254wi-i_lost_my_phone_a_couple_of_months_ago_and_just- ├── (1)Throwethawayeth7264817roxtj-social_media_free_for_3_years- ├── (1)viaviaconme98o2mr6m-im_feeling_so_happy_im_slowly_over_my_social- ├── (1)kiwichamomileiohyqg-i_did_it- ├── (1)[deleted]25e0vdhs-i_have_spent_the_last_39_days_with_a_15_dumphone- ├── (1)xbramblestafnjb-social_media_free_for_4_months_now- ├── (1)blonbedqmzl5v-from_a_17yearold_who_left_social_media- ├── (3)cikatomo4iprh5-already_34_days_passed_like_a_breeze_i_miss- ├── (1)NotRealHydej6wk7i-from_8_to_0_hours_and_why_you_can_do_it_too- ├── (1)Nyx1102jr0mgr-this_is_how_i_got_better- ├── (1)whop119ra2eb-heres_how_i_limit_my_usage_grandpa_style- ├── (2)Username_Bondlvwvdz-deleted_most_of_social_media_and_now_it_feels- ├── (1)humbowlspiritualqaof64-16_months_after_deleting_social_media- ├── (1)dependent_structurehewg4i-i_stayed_away_from_youtube_instagram_and_reddit- ├── (1)_Electric_Jesus87cxoq-i_quit_all_social_media_for_50_days_and_had_my- ├── (1)cantrel8tegirbzb-was_off_of_social_media_for_two_months- ├── (1)[deleted]31gpagon-deleted_my_instagram_and_snapchat_accounts_and_i- ├── (1)fluffyguffyhfjaf6-ive_only_just_discovered_this_sub_but_ive_been- ├── (1)infinitekaizenlf6zs6-deleted_all_sm_now_i_feel_free- ├── (1)Ramirez1229242ir-im_finally_clean_its_really_worth_it_guys- ├── (1)greyrocks15nndla-my_gpa_went_from_29_37_after_i_quit_the_internet- ├── (1)talkshitaboutsunsetss1tm3t-how_i_hacked_reddit_and_youtube_and_took_back_my- ├── (1)Fapplemage4mp2ei-made_it_to_about_100_days_returned_to_moderated- ├── (3)bikramxo7utg6y-life_is_so_much_better_without_social_media- ├── (1)BigChungusPS5mw43is-the_method_that_worked_for_me_15_months_reddit- ├── (1)chuktidderk6uqlk-i_dont_have_internet_in_my_house_this_is_what_i- ├── (1)[deleted]65ounmc7-what_finally_worked_for_me- ├── (1)restartyourlifebfst1v-as_a_person_with_15_years_of_sustained_tech- ├── (1)revenreven333swkn6q-something_ive_learned_after_a_year_without_a- ├── (1)february_friday100kg0o-success- ├── (1)PsMoeLesterx32avn-after_struggling_a_lot_with_gaming_i_quit_for_6- ├── (1)[deleted]42je1lmp-90_days_of_quitting_social_media- ├── (1)VisitmeinWhiterunuvhsdx-lived_without_social_media_for_over_a_year- ├── (3)joshduffneymrgct7-how_i_got_rid_of_my_smartphone- ├── (1)[deleted]33gt1gco-i_quit_reddit_a_month_ago_and_it_has_helped_me- ├── (2)hotcocoa300ig5rb1-how_i_lowered_my_social_mediaphone_addiction- ├── (1)randomguy33669986szvc-what_i_gained_what_i_did- ├── (1)PretendDinnerbup614-how_i_quit_my_addiction_to_the_internet- ├── (1)[deleted]28fj1oor-2_months_free_without_reddit_and_how_to_cut_back- ├── (1)cyberslut_96creisa-focus_is_a_muscle_my_nosurf_journey- ├── (1)RevolutionMiddle2431wi77v7-i_reduced_my_screen_time_from_16_hours_to_1h30m- ├── (1)leethecowboybwhczz-update_3_months_with_the_dumbphone- ├── (1)Kloumbdczo8z-its_been_a_month_since_i_quit_instagram_and_it- ├── (1)bigjoeronarfsdml-how_deleting_social_media_made_me_more_disciplined- ├── (1)Omegabeamer8da14z-removing_my_computer_from_my_room_has_done- ├── procedure.html ├── (1)SommarFrossa5oatag-how_i_got_off_the_internet_my_success_story- ├── (1)Private_Problemnf78vq-happier_with_more_time_and_higher_productivity_my- ├── (1)cecentrern9vyh-going_from_12_hours_of_screen_time_a_day_to_2_3- ├── (1)cranberrylime9z6fzd-what_i_missed_and_didnt_miss_when_i_took_a_month- ├── (1)existential_ughery6t2tpi-how_i_reduced_my_internet_use- ├── (1)Massive_Ad_8133wi0vnq-how_i_always_find_an_alternative_how_i_succeeded- ├── (1)normificatorj1o0yg-how_i_cured_my_social_media_addiction- ├── (1)Archr_556a7tdrs-stumbled_across_this_sub_thought_id_share_my- ├── (2)lionkingers11eb21n-i_didnt_have_my_smartphone_for_45_days- ├── (1)Jace-parkymkfd5-1_month_with_a_dumbphone- ├── (1)Shakalyabashka188ys0n-1_month_off_youtube_addiction- ├── (1)DivingPanda689m8dzyy-what_helped_me_an_ereader_and_an_mp3_player- ├── (1)TexanLoneStaruikl1w-i_gave_up_the_internet_except_for_bank_email_etc- ├── (1)nicegraphduded6z6pk-my_first_4_weeks- ├── (1)Leadsynthesizerri2kt1-my_30_days_of_no_home_internet- ├── (1)Own-Consequence64zyilei-2022_nosurf_success- ├── (1)No_Sorbet_9440wnn5wn-update_on_no_smartphone_life- ├── (1)_virtuoso5911s8-ditching_the_smartphone_a_nosurf_success_story- ├── (2)5points6w0ucw-rnosurf_sunday_will_be_my_first_month_with_no- ├── (1)srakeebbrkaff-i_decided_to_quit_social_media_for_a_year_ive- ├── (1)[deleted]86x58y32-been_off_social_media_for_a_month_never_felt_so- ├── (1)[deleted]84wsekht-tips_from_a_nosurf_veteran- ├── (1)Net-Ad5772108npc7-how_ive_stayed_off_social_media_for_over_a_year- ├── (1)Its_A_Nice_Dayadxtkl-on_my_32nd_day_of_almost_no_internet_or_phone- ├── (1)ProgressTakenvbes8h-a_small_update_5_months_of_consumption_reduction- ├── (1)puggidy7dzv9x-my_solution_to_cutting_screen_time_been_doing- ├── (2)digitallyminimallymq4wjr-from_a_smartphone_to_a_flip_phone- ├── (1)bellapippin9v0fwm-how_my_apple_watch_series_3_has_helped_me_stay- ├── (1)feligatora1qyq3-yes_its_true_getting_addictionfree_changes_your- ├── (1)Botanical-pimpiy5wag-my_experience_with_a_dumb_phone- └── (1)Druidite4g9avi-spent_1_year_without_the_internet_at_home_just- /.gitignore: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | /.idea -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /CNAME: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | internot.tools -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /README.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | # This service now goes by the name Internot Tools, and you can find a description of how to use it here: [internot.tools](https://internot.tools) 2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]52lbejm1-i_achieved_first_30_days_no_smartphone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I achieved first 30 days no smartphone!!!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/lbejm1/i_achieved_first_30_days_no_smartphone/, #created:1612323255 2 | 3 | #post{{1 month ago I has #tech-dumbphone{{downgraded my samsung s8 to Nokia 105}}. Yay :) 1 month with this dumb phone single SIM no 3G. Still absolutely fine!}} 4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Liza8816zya8k-i_got_free_heres_how-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I got free (here's how)}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/6zya8k/i_got_free_heres_how/, #created:1505343589 2 | 3 | #post{{If you're sick and tired of the internet, but can't seem to stop-- there is a 12-Step group called #tech-support-group{{Escapism and Fantasy Addicts Anonymous}} that helped me get free from this thing. I've been sober for 1.5 years :) Life is awesome. 4 | 5 | Check it out: 6 | www.efaanonymous.com }} 7 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)303ALc6lg48-one_month_of_no_internet-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{One month of no internet}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/c6lg48/one_month_of_no_internet/, #created:1561735187 2 | 3 | #post{{One month ago I left #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}}, #a-t-whatsapp{{WhatsApp}}, #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}}, #a-t-chat{{messenger}}, #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}}, #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} and #a-t-email{{email}}. 4 | 5 | It's been a month of self imposed isolation but #ben-feel-better{{I feel better for it}}.}} 6 | 7 | #comment{{Just seen this. #bad-lonely{{It was lonely}} but necessary.}} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)joythegreat96jcbpqb-not_log_into_facebook_for_more_than_3_months_now-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Not log into Facebook for more than 3 months! Now have more time for study and gym.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/jcbpqb/not_log_into_facebook_for_more_than_3_months_now/, #created:1602861601 2 | 3 | #post{{For last 3 months, I am more #ben-better-school{{focus on my study}}, #other-activities-learn{{my learning German and excel}} and#other-activities-exercise{{ been lifting 6 days a week.}} 4 | 5 | #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} has nothing to offer, only wasting time and getting social anxiety. Best decision ever!!}} 6 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Nakazanyynzpvh9-i_feel_free_five_months_since_my_decision-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{#ben-freedom{{I feel free}}. Five months since my decision.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/nzpvh9/i_feel_free_five_months_since_my_decision/, #created:1623685814 2 | 3 | #post{{20 y/o. Five months ago I decided to quit the internet completly. No smartphone, computer or anything else that connects me to the internet. The four months were hard I‘d say, especially if you have online class. I couldn’t imagine to return. The digital world has so less to offer, once you realise that. Retrospective I regret the #symp-wasted-time{{lost time}}, but that‘s life, you learn. Btw I‘m using my brothers phone right now to update. Ask me any questions. See ya}} 4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]49l0s6q3-me_and_my_boyfriend_have_both_been_nosurf_for_2-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #check-online #title:{{Me and my boyfriend have both been nosurf for 2 years!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/l0s6q3/me_and_my_boyfriend_have_both_been_nosurf_for_2/, #created:1611087373 2 | 3 | #post{{2 years ago me and my boyfriend both decided life on social media is shit and we deleted our #a-t-instagram{{instagrams}} and basically only talk to eachother on messenger, #ben-feel-better{{I’m miles happier}} #ben-less-comparing{{and don’t compare myself to anyone}} and #ben-less-tired{{he’s less exhausted}} #ben-less-angry{{and angry}}. The benefits are really there, I’m so happy just having him and my hobbies. 4 | 5 | It’s not as hard as it seems :D}} 6 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)primahaneyjb8ero-1_month_of_no_social_media-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #no #title:{{1 month of no social media}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/jb8ero/1_month_of_no_social_media/, #created:1602706025 2 | 3 | #post{{The 11th was one month since I (24F) deleted all of my social media except for #a-t-reddit{{reddit}}. I have #other-activities-read{{read 16 books in their entirety}} and binged a new show. #ben-less-depressed{{I feel noticeably less depressed and also have no idea what is going on in the world}}. I watched the social dilemma on netflix which is what made me want to take the plunge. I limit my reddit time but can't bring myself to delete it like the rest. I had an active #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}} account for over 10 years and not being on it anymore has been a very welcome breath of fresh air.}} 4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)ColdEarth7b8mjjg-1_month_social_media_free-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{1 month social media free}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/b8mjjg/1_month_social_media_free/, #created:1554227654 2 | 3 | #post{{Made It! One month (4 weeks). It felt like a detox, i was able to read a lot more, #ben-better-connection{{it definitely improved my relationships}}, #ben-less-anxiety{{made me a lot calmer}} and i had lots of time to contemplate my social media behaviour. #tech-time-limits{{I now set my self a time window of half an hour a day for social media}} use so i won't misuse it again. I'm new here, and this is my first post on this subreddit. So I'd really appreciate some more tips on how to engage with the internet and especially social media in a healthy way. My times almost up, so see you tomorrow I look forward to your suggestions. :) }} 4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Toppi_The_Topic6aca4l-just_unwillingly_went_35_days_with_no_internet-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Just unwillingly went 35 days with no internet while in drug rehab.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/6aca4l/just_unwillingly_went_35_days_with_no_internet/, #created:1494417180 2 | 3 | #post{{#tech-rehab{{They take your phone off you in rehab for the first month.}} 4 | 5 | #withdrawal-bored{{It was pretty boring tbh}}, #other-activities-read{{I read like 7 novels}}. #ben-better-sleep{{Sleep got back on schedule and I now hide away in my room far less, so that is good.}} 6 | 7 | I gotta say, #other-activities-offline-games{{doing crossword puzzles}}, #other-activities-read{{reading}}, and #other-activities-watch-movies-and-tv{{watching shitty free-to-air TV}} was #withdrawal-bored{{excruciatingly dull compared to the entertainment of a PC or smartphone}}. }} 8 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Novibesmatter188vrq9-i_went_6_months_without_a_cellphone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I went #tech-no-phone{{6 months without a cellphone}}}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/188vrq9/i_went_6_months_without_a_cellphone/, #created:1701492003 2 | 3 | #post{{Hello fellow internet haters.Well I guess that was a pretty good stretch . Let me tell you, it’s true. You do get your old mind back and #ben-feel-better{{it does feel good that’s for sure}} . #other-activities-read{{I read about 15 books}}, #ben-contemplation{{more time for just contemplation}} , and it may sound strange to you but being able to take a shit in peace was very nice . Now I’m back in the phone game, mostly for work reasons. It’s not so bad but also yes it’s really a terrible thing that we have these things permanently attached to us now. God send us a sun flare please. I recommend the book called #book{{Feed}} to you all.}} 4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)vvoecdgwson-my_experience_in_not_using_social_media_and_not-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{My experience in not using social media and not surf the web}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/dgwson/my_experience_in_not_using_social_media_and_not/, #created:1570895070 2 | 3 | #post{{I have cleared my social accounts on #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} and #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}} since 2013. also, in the same year, i start to not surf the web, except for #a-t-youtube{{youtube}} and little time on #a-t-reddit{{reddit}}. I stayed like this until 2017 when I registered again on #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} and created a #a-t-snapchat{{Snapchat}} account and start to surf again. I do not post anything on my Facebook, but I use it to follow some of the posts that are available only by registration. 4 | 5 | Conclusion: You remain out of coverage, and you do not know what is going on around you, but it is useful for staying in #ben-less-anxiety{{serenity and peace}}.}} 6 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]76t771rg-nosurf_journey_reflection_after_two_months-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Nosurf journey - reflection after two months}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/t771rg/nosurf_journey_reflection_after_two_months/, #created:1646477597 2 | 3 | #post{{Hi NoSurf-ers: 4 | 5 | A quick reflection after two months of #nosurf. I've been successful in avoiding #a-t-tv-and-movies{{TV}}/#a-t-games{{chess}}/#a-t-porn{{NSFW content}} (with only a few minor relapses). Now these three activities feel quite dull, and are not addictive at all. 6 | 7 | My life has not been easy; my job search ended successfully at an internship with one of my favourite companies. I've also had minor health issues, and problems dealing with stress. Nevertheless #ben-feel-better{{I'm much happier than before}}, #nosurf has given me the ability to #ben-focus-on-problems{{focus on my problems, and work towards solving them}}. 8 | 9 | Wishing you all the best in your #nosurf journey :). It's definitely worth the effort.}} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]50l3rv3m-no_social_media_for_nearly_2_years-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{No social Media for nearly 2 years}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/l3rv3m/no_social_media_for_nearly_2_years/, #created:1611460316 2 | 3 | #post{{Hey guys just want to share my experience without social media. It's changed my life for the better #ben-better-attention{{no distractions at all}}. Not trying to impress people with what I brought or posting every single time I go somewhere eg: sporting grounds, cafe's, shops etc. Just trying to grab attention for something that doesn't matter my screen time on my phone is about 30min a day. #other-activities-exercise{{So this allows me to exercise}}, #other-activities-journal{{journal}}, #other-activities-socializing{{spend time with family}} and make time for myself. Most people spend most of their day scrolling through a phone with no benefit at all. I'm not impress people #ben-more-self-esteem{{I'm just being myself and loving myself for what I am}}. You will feel such a happiness without social media I promise.}} 4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(2)MRaspb3rryypn377-my_story_how_time_tracking_helped_me_to_be-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{My experience of 1 year without Instagram}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/z7vfny/my_experience_of_1_year_without_instagram/, #created:1669731748 2 | 3 | #post{{I was pretty addicted to #a-t-instagram{{Insta}}. Every little dull moment, break, and toilet visit was an excellent excuse to scroll. 4 | 5 | But after every use, I felt empty, depressed, and unhappy with my life. I thought my feed was good: lots of productivity experts, indie female businesses, house hacks, yogis, and mindfulness teachers. But I was wrong. I felt miserable being just a consumer and not a producer of content. 6 | 7 | #tech-delete{{I canceled the app}} and replaced scrolling moments with #other-activities-art{{doodling}}, households, #other-activities-being{{and warm teas}}. Liters of teas 😅 8 | 9 | After a year of Insta detox, my #ben-more-self-esteem{{self-esteem is healthier}}; #ben-less-anxiety{{I do not have anxiety}} and am #ben-feel-better{{just grateful and happy}} with who I am and what I have. ✌️}} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]79tphvkf-50_days_of_using_dumb_phone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{50 days of using dumb phone.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/tphvkf/50_days_of_using_dumb_phone/, #created:1648379912 2 | 3 | #post{{Hello there 4 | 5 | #tech-dumbphone{{I used dumb phone for 50 days and never used my smartphone}} 6 | 7 | Now I'm back at my smartphone because I think I need it for some meditation voice and some books 8 | 9 | I think I was mindful of other people when I didn't have the smartphone and #ben-appreciate-more{{I think I was enjoying my life more than before}} 10 | 11 | #ben-better-social-life{{I enjoyed being with people and taking to them}} #ben-notice-more{{I enjoyed noticing around myself}} and #ben-being-present{{being in (now) instead of living in my phone}} 12 | 13 | I think I'll be living my smartphone again soon and be living my life Once again the way I should 14 | 15 | Or maybe find a feature phone and use that instead for meditation voices and other necessary apps like WhatsApp. 16 | 17 | Speaking of WhatsApp I still don't know if I should open the messages and see what was going on there since I don't wanna get deep into WhatsApp again and get addicted again}} 18 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)indignanfxehpp-life_is_actually_getting_better-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Life is actually getting better}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/fxehpp/life_is_actually_getting_better/, #created:1586378711 2 | 3 | #post{{I decided to #tech-delete{{delete all my social media}} (save for Snapchat and WhatsApp because I use them purely to text friends) a little less than a month ago. 4 | 5 | Deleting #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} has #ben-better-physical-health{{helped me begin recovery from an eating disorder}}, #other-activities-read{{allowed me to find joy in reading again}}, #other-activities-exercise{{motivated me to start exercising}}, and #ben-more-time{{given me countless hours}} every single day to #ben-productive{{be productive}}. While before, I just dragged myself through each day, waiting for the time to pass, #ben-feel-better{{I’ve now actually begun to enjoy living}}. My average screen time so far this week is one hour. 6 | 7 | I think I picked the best time to get rid of social media. I can’t imagine what would have happened had I given in to my addiction during quarantine. I’d probably be spending at least 10 hours a day on my phone. 8 | 9 | #ben-freedom{{I feel so free, I kind of want to cry}}.}} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)t0sterCatg7x1k0-no_social_media_for_100_days_i_did_it-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{No Social Media for 100 Days? I did it!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/g7x1k0/no_social_media_for_100_days_i_did_it/, #created:1587834388 2 | 3 | #post{{I started my journey in January 15th, 2020, when I #tech-delete{{deleted #a-t-snapchat{{Snapchat}} and #a-t-tiktok{{Tik Tok}}. The next day I deactivated #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}}, #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} and #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}}.}} 4 | 5 | What changed? Covid-19 started, and I don't need to see sooooo much feed. #ben-less-anxiety{{My anxiety reduced}} and #ben-more-time{{I found more time for myself}}. #other-activities-learn{{I started learning Dutch, I also improved my coding skills because I have 2-3 additional hours every single day.}} 6 | 7 | What about my friends and followers? I found out that I have only 3 friends. They reached me outside the social media and even invited for a cup of coffee. They even called/texted to wish me a happy birthday. I realized that your number of fake friends is not related to your level of happiness. 8 | 9 | I decided to continue this challenge and go for 365 days. Wish me good luck! 10 | 11 | EDIT: Thank you for the award, anonymous redditor.}} 12 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]53lc40uq-no_fb_and_insta_one_month_on_theres_hope-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{No FB and Insta - one month on. There’s hope!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/lc40uq/no_fb_and_insta_one_month_on_theres_hope/, #created:1612402149 2 | 3 | #post{{I thought I’d do a little update post, one month on since I #tech-delete{{deleted my socials}}. When I say “socials” I mean #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} and #a-t-facebook{{FB}}. I haven’t used Snapchat in years and I deleted TikTok ages ago. I still use Reddit, but I see it more of a forum that I don’t feel like I get addicted to. 4 | 5 | Honestly, I can’t believe it’s been only a month! I feel like I haven’t been there for years. Which just speaks volumes of how much I used it, and how much the clutter in these apps was affecting me. 6 | 7 | I didn’t know how I’d cope; would I go back to it or not?! #bad-lose-contact{{I am missing one or two of my groups}}, but I don’t miss all the posts from my “friends” or all the pages that I’ve like over the last 13 years, or all the shit in general on there. 8 | 9 | Bottom line - there is hope for anyone thinking of doing this! If I can do it, so can you. It will take willpower at first, but after a while you will love the #ben-misc{{less noisy life}}!}} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)JelloOwn9045sg2jnu-i_was_a_hopeless_internet_addict_and_im_finally-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes [[#ben-lost-weight{{online comment says they lost 100lb since their bad addiction}}]] #title:{{I was a hopeless internet addict and I'm finally finding recovery. These were my "silver bullets"}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/sg2jnu/i_was_a_hopeless_internet_addict_and_im_finally/, #created:1643522988 2 | 3 | #post{{#tech-socialize-more{{1. Socialization. I lacked fulfilling friendships and social activity and used technology as a loneliness bandaid. A full social calendar staves off the emotional need to seek social validation and connection online.}} 4 | 2. #tech-medication{{SSRIs}} - I take Lexapro. Calmed the compulsions right away. I'm predisposed to OCD in my family but even without therapy it helped. 5 | 3. My Kindle genuinely gave me back the ability to read. 6 | 4. #tech-do-other-things{{Making car travel more enjoyable so I do more stuff and am willing to travel for it.}} 7 | 5. #tech-misc{{Reading self help and taking care of my appearance, confidence, and self esteem.}} 8 | 9 | Far from where I want to be but I've gone from terminally online to a normie "addict." Hoping to kick it in the butt by the end of the year. Make your life worth living <3}} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]11qw0cs-partial_success-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Partial Success!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/1qw0cs/partial_success/, #created:1384771654 2 | 3 | #post{{Recently, I decided not to use #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} or any other time-wasting site until my exams were finished. Apparently 29 days ago I posted a thread saying pretty much that. I was fairly successful. I totally avoided Reddit and the other worst time-wasting sites, I got #other-activities-read{{more reading done than normal}}, #other-activities-productivity{{started working on what hopefully will turn out to be a mathematics paper}}, #other-activities-productivity{{applied for some internships}}, #other-activities-learn{{studied pretty well for my tests}} and #other-activities-play-music{{started recording songs that I have written}}, so #ben-productive{{I was definitely more productive than normal}}. I still wasted some time but not as badly as before. 4 | 5 | I plan next to go totally cold turkey for a few months, then after that allow myself to use the internet when I have a predetermined purpose, only for an hour or so a week. 6 | 7 | I had a few thoughts about motivation and maybe other less extreme ways of cutting down on your browsing time. I made a separate thread on it.}} 8 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)slugsareourfriends7fe81q-99_days_of_freedom_update-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{99 Days of Freedom & Update}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/7fe81q/99_days_of_freedom_update/, #created:1511601854 2 | 3 | #post{{Hello all! I had a fairly severe "wobble" earlier this week but have now regained at least some of my equilibrium. I've managed to stay away from #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} and have joined the "99 Days of Freedom" project to give me that extra bit of accountability (and also to stop friends & family worrying about my deactivation). 4 | 5 | I'm managing to keep up with my goals for November & December in the main, although I've fallen down a bit on the "do something creative every day" goal. #other-activities-writing{{Mostly I've been writing very short poems}} & haikus. 6 | 7 | I'm working on improving my terrible sleep patterns - it's not all my fault, to be fair - I have a stoma (ileostomy) that just loves to get active in the early hours of the morning which means I'm up wandering around the Web or watching TV at 2 am most nights. It's having a terrible effect on my mood & if I'm tired I have a lot less willpower. I am experimenting with changing my eating patterns though, to see if I can improve this. 8 | 9 | Wish me luck!}} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)l3wd1a9bfdhj-8_months_social_media_free_for_the_most_part-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{8 months social media free! (for the most part)}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/9bfdhj/8_months_social_media_free_for_the_most_part/, #created:1535593224 2 | 3 | #post{{Last December #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{I deactivated my #a-t-facebook{{facebook}} and #a-t-instagram{{instagram}}}}, #tech-delete{{uninstalled snapchat}} and never looked back. there was a brief couple weeks around my birthday in May where I used facebook to organize my birthday party, but got rid of it again immediately after. 4 | #ben-lost-weight{{I've lost 10 pounds}} (a big deal for someone 5'0), #ben-better-work{{scored an incredible job working at a doggy daycare}}, and #ben-better-sleep{{my sleep patterns have never been better.}} 5 | This is all coming from someone who used to spend 4-5 hours a day mindlessly scrolling my newsfeed in bed, overcome with insecurities. Someone who fell asleep with their phone in their hands every night. 6 | Shit, I even bought a watch to use for checking the time at work instead of using my phone! 7 | I'm sorry if this comes off as bragging, I moreso want it to serve as motivation; if you can get through the first month or two you will absolutely feel the positive effects drown out how much you miss your screens.}} 8 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)m_chutchx254wi-i_lost_my_phone_a_couple_of_months_ago_and_just-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{#tech-lost-phone{{I lost my phone a couple of months ago, and just didn't bother buying a new one}}. It has improved my life a lot}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/x254wi/i_lost_my_phone_a_couple_of_months_ago_and_just/, #created:1661923237 2 | 3 | #post{{I've probably owned over a 10 iphones in my life, and everytime I lost one/broke one I caved and bought another. I'm pretty introverted and not the most social, so this time I just started using fb messenger on my laptop once a day to contact people for about 20 mins, and I scroll #a-t-reddit{{reddit}}/#a-t-youtube{{youtube}} for about an hour a day. 4 | 5 | Compared to my 10+ hours of screentime when I had a phone, I feel like I'm actually connecting with my life again and don't feel the need to compulsively pull out my phone when I'm eating, walking, going to the bathroom, whatever. 6 | 7 | And #ben-better-social-life{{when I talk to people I feel like I can connect with them better too}}. Since I still have a desire for interaction that social media was fulfilling, I have to actually go out and hang out with people to fulfill it. #ben-less-anxiety{{It's made me less shy}} and #ben-more-confident{{more self-confident}}, simple-minded, #ben-less-anxiety{{and carefree}}.}} 8 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Throwethawayeth7264817roxtj-social_media_free_for_3_years-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Social media free for 3+ years}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/17roxtj/social_media_free_for_3_years/, #created:1699568987 2 | 3 | #post{{My solution is you just have to #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{delete your account}}. Getting a dumb phone and putting screen limits etc are all temporary fixes that rarely work. You just have to delete your account. Once its gone and all your followers are gone you will be less enticed to use it or make a new account. 4 | 5 | Sometimes I use #a-t-youtube{{youtube}} or lurk in this subreddit. But for me my issue platforms were #a-t-instagram{{instagram}} and #a-t-snapchat{{snapchat}}. If I do find myself on YouTube longer than I'd like to be ill use #tech-blocker-freedom{{freedom}} and block it for 24 hours and it will usually be the reset I need. 6 | 7 | Also learn to stop self indulging yourself, stop allowing yourself dopamine when you didn't do anything to earn it. 8 | 9 | And finally stop engaging in comment sections its not going to make you feel any less lonely your favorite egirl doesn't really love you stop having parasocial relationships. Interact with humans join a class, go to the bar, go to the gym. 10 | 11 | That's pretty much it might be all over the place but that's how I did it}} 12 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)viaviaconme98o2mr6m-im_feeling_so_happy_im_slowly_over_my_social-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{#ben-feel-better{{I'm feeling so happy}}, I'm slowly over my social media addiction!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/o2mr6m/im_feeling_so_happy_im_slowly_over_my_social/, #created:1624015140 2 | 3 | #post{{I didn't use #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} for nearly 2 months. I #tech-delete{{deleted all social media apps}}, just had them on browser with my profile logged out. I didn't feel like using them, since I'm a lazy person, and deleting the app version and logging out, did help, as there was a friction. I slowly got over the need to use Reddit. #ben-more-time{{Got more free time}}, #other-activities-journal{{I engaged in journalling, be it plant journalling, or writing about life or some nice quotes or whatever I learnt from a random book.}} 4 | 5 | I've also created a bunch of self challenges, like no surf or no sugar for a week at least, I maintain an anonymous online blog for accountability, to write down how I feel before and after. 6 | 7 | #other-activities-exercise{{I also exercise without fail in the morning, it's an absolute necessity for a good mental health in my case.}} <3 8 | 9 | Just wanted to share, 2 months ago #symp-feel-bad{{I was a helpless person, sad and depressed}}, #ben-more-self-esteem{{I'm proud of myself that things are slowly aligning}}. I can do it, so can you. <3}} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)kiwichamomileiohyqg-i_did_it-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I did it!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/iohyqg/i_did_it/, #created:1599518934 2 | 3 | #post{{I've been trying to cut down on using my phone for so long - I have #tech-not-work{{tried deleting everything}}, #tech-not-work{{changing to greyscale}}, #tech-not-work{{using a timer}}, etc. etc. but it always just seems to creep back. I was really resistant to buying a new phone when I have a perfectly good one, and it felt like the only problem was me. I guess these things are really made to be addictive. 4 | 5 | I finally have the chance to give my phone to someone who'll use it, #tech-dumbphone{{so I coughed up and bought a dumb phone}} (with GPS, so not entirely dumb). I'm so excited! The times I've managed to successfuly cut down on using my phone have been some of the best, #ben-better-attention{{most focused}} and #ben-less-anxiety{{relaxed}} weeks of my life. 6 | 7 | #bad-difficulties-with-others{{The weirdest thing has been the aggressive resistance from other people to me doing this. Some of my closest friends have been really negative about the whole thing}} - saying "how will I communicate with them without FB messenger" (this is from *someone I live with and see every day* and who never checks messenger either) and they "think it's a dumb move". People really think you can't live without a smartphone. 8 | 9 | I'm very excited though, and am so happy I can finally get rid of my phone without guilt.}} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]25e0vdhs-i_have_spent_the_last_39_days_with_a_15_dumphone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{#tech-dumbphone{{I have spent the last 39 days with a $15 Dumphone}}.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/e0vdhs/i_have_spent_the_last_39_days_with_a_15_dumphone/, #created:1574579972 2 | 3 | #post{{I'm back to smartphone before 2020. And I'm noticing that I'm using my phone to help myself instead of killing time. I bought a used phone . I have no desire to watch mindless YouTube video or anything like that. The dumb phone is still my primary phone though. 4 | 5 | I got this phone for 6 | 7 | 1. Navigation(Google map) 8 | 9 | 2. Some useful online activities like posting ads to sell stuff ,looking up some information like a tutorial video or a blog post. Online shopping etc .` 10 | 11 | 3. I need some application like ankidroid flashcards app, notes, dictionary, Google drive, voice recorder and WhatsApp and some other useful apps. 12 | 13 | 4. And little bit of entertainment like movies and music like once in a while. 14 | 15 | For the above activities I had to use my sister's phone which was making me question my decision to downgrade to a dumb phone. 16 | 17 | For reading I have brought a Kindle and I'm spending most of my free time reading on that device. 18 | 19 | I believe this 39 days of dumb phone use helped me reflect on my mindless behaviour of internet/phone usage . 20 | 21 | Internet/phone addiction is a real thing. And I believe social media is hugely responsible for it . I have no social media apps on my phone and will never have.}} 22 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)xbramblestafnjb-social_media_free_for_4_months_now-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Social media free for 4 months now}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/tafnjb/social_media_free_for_4_months_now/, #created:1646854578 2 | 3 | #post{{I finally had enough and #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{deactivated}} my #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} account after nearly 15 years of using social media (not just Facebook). Back in 2020, I had a purge of my social media and got rid of #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} and #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}}, but kept Facebook because it was convenient. November last year, I finally had enough and deactivated Facebook (planning to eventually delete it once I finish a commission for someone, I use messenger to keep them updated) 4 | 5 | I've noticed a huge difference with my concentration, #other-activities-read{{I get so much reading done these days}} which is amazing considering #symp-worse-concentration{{two years ago I could barely concentrate reading a page.}} 6 | 7 | #withdrawal-loneliness{{What I wasn't prepared for was the loneliness.}} #bad-lose-contact{{My friends of nearly ten years barely speak to me now. My texts go unanswered and the group chat I was a part of has gone suddenly dead, so I think they've moved to a different group chat or kicked me out}}. No one has really noticed that I deactivated and it's made me feel as if I didn't really matter or that the friendships I thought I had with people didn't really exist. 8 | 9 | In any case, it's still the best thing I've done and I can't wait to finally delete it and be free finally!}} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)blonbedqmzl5v-from_a_17yearold_who_left_social_media-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{from a 17-year-old who left social media}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/qmzl5v/from_a_17yearold_who_left_social_media/, #created:1636074145 2 | 3 | #post{{hello to everyone! i hope you are all doing well. #tech-delete{{i deleted my social media apps starting with tiktok at the beginning of august. to ensure a good transition, i deleted one app a week}} and only kept youtube (for music videos) and reddit (because i'm applying to college!) it has officially been about three months and i just want to let anyone who is thinking about deleting their social media know that not only is it possible, but it is a decision you wont regret. im not going to come with some my life changed and now im a perfect person crap because it's just not true, but what i can tell you is i just got the #ben-better-school{{best grades of my entire life at school}}, i feel the #ben-being-present{{most present with my family and friends than ever}}, and #ben-misc{{i don't feel consumed by what people are saying or doing anymore}}! despite being disconnected from social networks, #ben-better-social-life{{i have never felt more connected to real life}}. #symp-wasted-time{{i used to say i didn't have time for anything but i was really just mindlessly scrolling for so long that i didn't have any time left.}} let me tell you once you put your phone down you will realize #ben-more-time{{there is plenty of time}}, you just need to learn how to manage it. just wanted to come on here and post this, i know i would have loved to see something similar before deleting my accounts. good luck everyone!!}} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(3)cikatomo4iprh5-already_34_days_passed_like_a_breeze_i_miss-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Already 34 days passed like a breeze. I miss nothing.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/4iprh5/already_34_days_passed_like_a_breeze_i_miss/, #created:1462894320 2 | 3 | #post{{For all the young people who grew up with internet you can live without it don't worry.}} 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | #title:{{Days of internet are like a history now...}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/4r9xng/days_of_internet_are_like_a_history_now/, #created:1467675961 9 | 10 | #post{{Only time i really missed it was when i was sick in bed. I like to watch movies when i am sick. Usually i dont like to watch them. So i went to my neighbour and got bunch of movies. Problem solved. 11 | 12 | I also miss doing some business online but it also makes me angry and nervous i dont care. Life is to short and time too valuable to spend it angry even if u get money for that so fuck it. Nature is the most beautiful i will try to see it and as much as i can. I still dont know how to help people i hope that will come to me too some day. }} 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | #title:{{I started TV after 120ish days}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/5078iu/i_started_tv_after_120ish_days/, #created:1472503673 18 | 19 | #post{{I rarely watched TV. I have one 24inch bought only for the world cup 2014. It was turned off from then. Now I watched becaue of Olympics, but I continued to watch those 3 channels i like. I dont have a cable. Its not as bad as internet, but sometimes i watch shows and procrastinate. 20 | 21 | The point is, if you are prone to procrastination you will procrastinate. With ot without internet. Cheers}} 22 | 23 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)NotRealHydej6wk7i-from_8_to_0_hours_and_why_you_can_do_it_too-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{From 8 to 0 hours and why you can do it too}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/j6wk7i/from_8_to_0_hours_and_why_you_can_do_it_too/, #created:1602095875 2 | 3 | #post{{A few months back, I was a different person. Social media, updates, notifications used to be the constant noise at the back of my mind. Just like many of you trying to get out, I was stuck too, In that viscous cycle. The good news is that I have #ben-more-time{{not wasted almost any time}} surfing the web. 4 | 5 | How I did it: #tech-misc{{using **tools** instead of willpower}} 6 | 7 | 1. #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}}: 8 | 1. #tech-youtube-extension{{"DF Tube"}} browser extension which removes recommendation and much more. 9 | 2. #tech-delete{{Remove the youtube app}}. If needed you can still view important ones through chrome. 10 | 2. Other Social Media Apps: 11 | 1. #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{Permanently delete you account}}. Take a deep breath and just do it. You won't even feel a difference the next day. 12 | 2. #tech-obscure-password{{If you need your account alive for some reason, change your password to random gibberish}}. Now you have to forget password every time to log in. A step further? Send yourself a "future mail" with the password. 13 | 14 | It's really not that difficult. When you want to stop eating cookies, you don't buy a box of cookies and keep it in front of your face and just hope you won't eat any. What you do is, you don't **buy** cookies. This is a short reddit post and I plan to keep it this way. If a few of you guys are interested, I might write a more detailed post about the entire process.}} 15 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Nyx1102jr0mgr-this_is_how_i_got_better-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{This is how I got better}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/jr0mgr/this_is_how_i_got_better/, #created:1604938901 2 | 3 | #post{{About a month ago I told how I was done with my browsing and screentime habits. I made about &gt;8 hours screentime, I said. Actually it was close to 12 hours. And I am really bad at self discipline. So I let some apps help me. 4 | 5 | - #tech-blocker-freedom{{I used Freedom to prevent myself from endless news scrolling}}, social media checking and getting lost at other sites by creating time frames and blocklists. It isn’t free, but it is cross platform (Windows / Mac / iOS / Android) and can be used to block out apps / browsers too. 6 | 7 | - I used #tech-blocker-stayfocusd{{stayfocus’d in chrome for desktop}} to prevent myself from endless editing settings in chrome extensions, and put a limit on some sites in desktop 8 | 9 | - I use the #tech-blocker-forest{{forest app}} in chrome for desktop , for sites that I want to use for a bit, but not every five minutes. Same for my phone and tablet, but then for not using it at all. If there’s no real reason to stay away from my phone, I set the time limit to short and let it count on after I passed it. When I look at it, I think: nah - no need to break that right now. 10 | 11 | - I use #tech-blocker-screentime{{screentime on my iPhone and iPad to remind myself what is enough time}}. But I rarely reach the limit. 12 | 13 | My current average / week is less than 2.5 hours / day. Intending to keep it that way. I’ll do this. Even my BF is starting to change his own surfing behavior 😅. 14 | 15 | Maybe this is extreme for some. But I needed it.}} 16 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)whop119ra2eb-heres_how_i_limit_my_usage_grandpa_style-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Here's How I Limit my usage, GRAND-Pa Style!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/9ra2eb/heres_how_i_limit_my_usage_grandpa_style/, #created:1540472413 2 | 3 | #post{{My Grandpa is close to 90 & uses his PC like once a week, I saw that he just writes stuff down on a piece of paper -what he wants to do/research/find before ever turning the PC on- A great idea! 4 | 5 | So this is what I do nowadays, I turn on my Laptop only like once a day, beforehand #tech-plan-internet-time{{whenever I have an urge to see something/find/research I write it all down on a simple piece of paper with a regular pen, than when I have Loads of stuff written down- I turn on the PC and just do them 1 by one}}, I do not do anything else that's not written on the list, If i want to do additional tasks I write them down first! After I'm done with all the tasks on my list- I turn the Laptop Off and that's it! 6 | 7 | 8 | In result you can still do all the things you want to do,you DO NOT HAVE TO LIMIT YOURSELF although I have stopped watching movies/tv-shows myself as it was a serious time consumer, you can do the stuff like 5-10x faster and you don't end up binge-wasting your time. 9 | 10 | 11 | I used to spend 12-15 hours per day looking at screen for YEARS, for the past half year I have managed to cut that to around 2hours per day- The best part, I manage to get #ben-productive{{MORE stuff done}} in those 2hours than I could ''do'' in 10 before that! 12 | 13 | Crucial: #tech-out-of-sight{{After I have done the stuff I need to do, I place the laptop and phone in a drawer so I don't see them during the day}} and Don't have an urge to ''check stuff''. 14 | }} 15 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(2)Username_Bondlvwvdz-deleted_most_of_social_media_and_now_it_feels-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{#tech-delete{{Deleted most of social media}} and now it feels like when I went to foreign country and have no wifi/data, but there's no going back... and it sucks.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/lvwvdz/deleted_most_of_social_media_and_now_it_feels/, #created:1614671818 2 | 3 | #post{{#bad-feel-worse{{I feel like I'm gonna get depressed}}.}} 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | #title:{{NoSurf is NOT fun (My experience)}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/w6wxaw/nosurf_is_not_fun_my_experience/, #created:1658673037 9 | 10 | #post{{I spent my teen on phone A LOT. I wake up. I'd check my phone for hours and check it again without any awareness until I go to sleep. All my teen. I mainly use #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} and #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}}. I was a normal gen z. Facebook was my life. I like scrolling through my newsfeed. Everything was fun. 11 | 12 | Until 2020. After I finished school, I tried to spend least time as I can on the phone because I was adopting the idea of "you're addicted to online media" stuff. So one day I decided to go further on Facebook by #tech-unsubscribe{{unfollowing pages}}. The result is I did spend LESS time on it. 13 | 14 | But everything was different. I feel different. It's like #symp-lonely{{loneliness}}, #bad-feel-worse{{emptiness, IDK, bad feeling}}. To the point that I realized something was not right. After a few months passed, I try to follow more pages on FB again, I even joined Instagram. Disconnecting is NOT fun at all. But now it doesn't feel the same. I can't spend more than 5 hours on online media anymore. It feels different. I'm changed. But the change is drastic. #bad-feel-worse{{I'm lost}}.}} 15 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)humbowlspiritualqaof64-16_months_after_deleting_social_media-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{16 Months after deleting social media...}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/qaof64/16_months_after_deleting_social_media/, #created:1634569235 2 | 3 | #post{{I #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{deleted social media}} due to many rumors being spread about me. I was a very ego-dominated person who (without realizing consciously) would #symp-approval-seeking{{constantly seek approval by my achievements, looks, and creations}}. I had a good thing going, until I got what was coming: if you care too much about the good opinions of others, then you'll get hit hard by the bad opinions. #symp-less-self-controll{{I felt very out of control}} and I saw my ego for what it was. After deleting all my socials, #ben-freedom{{I felt so free}}. #ben-live-in-reality{{As if I unplugged from a sort of matrix and was experiencing what a real social life was}}. I lived alone, so I would call my friends and have them over and catch up and talk face to face. #ben-less-comparing{{I was no longer comparing myself with others}}. Like time had stopped when I was home. I could do whatever I wanted and I was not in a hurry to catch up with the rest of the world. #ben-more-time{{I have more time}}, #ben-better-attention{{more focus}}, and #ben-more-creative{{I am much more creative}}. Looking back, social media is a very toxic environment that promotes separation and competition (whether it be conscious or not). I hope my little story here can maybe give you motivation to scroll less at the very least and live real life! I made a video discussing what I've learned in more detail. Thanks! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maOpHylIq8s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maOpHylIq8s&t=11s)}} 4 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)dependent_structurehewg4i-i_stayed_away_from_youtube_instagram_and_reddit-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I stayed away from Youtube, Instagram and reddit for 90 days}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/hewg4i/i_stayed_away_from_youtube_instagram_and_reddit/, #created:1592982986 2 | 3 | #post{{I was heavily into #a-t-youtube{{Youtube}} the whole of 2019 up until february (and for years before). I don't think I did anything else but always watch youtube or have it playing in the background. I would watch gaming streams for hours on end ( I don't even game lol) and anything and everything that was recommended. 4 | 5 | I decided to give it all up cold turkey, along with the mindless browsing of #a-t-instagram{{instagram}} and #a-t-reddit{{reddit}}. 6 | 7 | There were 2 lessons I've learnt since: 8 | 9 | 1. : which is why I used Youtube and social media as an escape. I had lost all my friends in 2019 and I was just filling a hole that was getting bigger every day. I decided to make some new friends and even though I still feel lonely, I don't want to go back to being an internet addict. 10 | 2. #ben-more-time{{I have time}}: All my excuses of me not reaching my goals or starting my dreams, all the excuses went out the window in March. #ben-more-confident{{I noticed that I do have the ability to build habits. My mindset changed from wishing for stuff to happen to how can I make this happen.}} 11 | 12 | &#x200B; 13 | 14 | I'm not perfect but I'm really proud of myself. 15 | 16 | If I can do it, everyone reading this can too. Staying off social media etc won't give you powers, but it is definitely going to give you a peace of mind and that's priceless. 17 | 18 | &#x200B; 19 | 20 | Edit: I'm off again. I wish everyone the best :)}} 21 | 22 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)_Electric_Jesus87cxoq-i_quit_all_social_media_for_50_days_and_had_my-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I quit all social media for 50 days and had my best term of college ever.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/87cxoq/i_quit_all_social_media_for_50_days_and_had_my/, #created:1522100102 2 | 3 | #post{{So going into this term, I was a bit less than a B-student coming off of two F's that I really shouldn't have gotten, going into two classes that I had heard were incredibly difficult. #symp-worse-school{{I spent a lot more time looking at memes than I did studying}}, but I didn't really think much of it because memes are life. Anyway, this term started out basically the same way as the last, which I didn't like, so I got desperate and, after seeing the "Focus February" thread, I decided I should eliminate some distractions, primarily social media. I stayed off of social media for all of February and only used Reddit occasionally after that. 4 | 5 | Ironically, I got a D on the first test I took after I started my meme-fast, but that's mostly because I spent most of the day before it setting up #tech-blocker-cold-turkey{{Cold Turkey}} to block everything until this week instead of studying. Luckily, that professor let the class retake the test because everyone else bombed it too. But after that, everything was just easier. #ben-more-time{{I had one less thing to split my time for}}. #ben-better-social-life{{I spent a lot more time with my friends}}, and when I wasn't with friends, I was studying. #ben-better-school{{The end result: I got my GPA back over a 3.0 (pretty comfortably too)}}, #ben-feel-better{{my mental health improved}}, #ben-better-social-skills{{my social skills improved}}, and overall, this was the best two months of my life. Needless to say, I'll be doing this again next term.}} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)cantrel8tegirbzb-was_off_of_social_media_for_two_months-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Was off of social media for two months}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/girbzb/was_off_of_social_media_for_two_months/, #created:1589341847 2 | 3 | #post{{#tech-delete{{I decided to delete my Instagram app}} and #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{deactivate my Facebook}} two months ago for a few reasons, mostly because #symp-wasted-time{{I was spending way too much time on them}} and also because I had a big upcoming test that was very important I studied hard for. I took that test today and decided to hop back on Instagram and Facebook. #right-mind{{It actually made me disgusted just mindlessly looking at people’s pictures and lives}}. I hope that doesn’t come off as rude or insensitive but #right-mind{{I just felt gross having everyone need to post everything about themselves and needing all the likes and comments possible}}. I realized in that moment how bad social media can be for someone’s mental health. The past two months #ben-productive{{I have been so productive, doing things around the house}}, #other-activities-walk{{going on daily walks}}, #ben-better-social-life{{having real intellectual conversations with my husband and family members (on the phone). I also realized I call my grandma more to check in and just to talk when I was on my break}}. I think I’m going to continue to not be on social media for the time being as it isn’t beneficial to me. Maybe even eventually delete it all once and for all. 4 | 5 | Edit: I also notice in my time off of #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} and #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} I would receive constant emails from Instagram and Facebook saying certain friends had updated their status or uploaded pictures, almost like the apps knew I was off and were trying so hard to get me back on.}} 6 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]31gpagon-deleted_my_instagram_and_snapchat_accounts_and_i-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Deleted my Instagram and Snapchat accounts and I feel free from anxiety and I’m more productive.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/gpagon/deleted_my_instagram_and_snapchat_accounts_and_i/, #created:1590260362 2 | 3 | #post{{I’m happy to have found this subreddit! In the middle of last year I #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{deleted my Instagram}} after college. #symp-anxiety{{I felt anxious to post every week}} especially as my followers grew past the 2k mark it’s weird honestly to think of that many random people just “following” you to see your pictures. #symp-comparing{{And the whole “comparison is the thief of joy” phrase is REAL to say the least}}! I also found it odd when people I didn’t know dmed me. Saying that I felt a lack of substance with the “friendships” I had on Instagram and Snapchat. 4 | 5 | #ben-less-anxiety{{After deleting them I felt no anxiety}} or feelings of having to obsessively check my phone through the whole day, #ben-better-sleep{{and the lack of sleep because of the apps}}. #ben-productive{{I’m definitely more productive}}, and don’t have the urge to pick up my phone to use it while working or while hanging out with my family/friends. #symp-worse-social-life{{Also the apps caused issues in my romantics relationships on both ends}}. More so #a-t-snapchat{{Snapchat}} than Instagram. 6 | 7 | A tip if you are thinking about deleting the apps I’d say to dm the ones you feel like are your friends your number and give them a heads up! Don’t be sad or upset if your connection/communication is not the same or as frequent with just texting/FaceTime. They simply were your acquaintance nothing more! Your real friends will be in contact with you like normal regardless if you have an Instagram or Snapchat!}} 8 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)fluffyguffyhfjaf6-ive_only_just_discovered_this_sub_but_ive_been-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #socials-only #title:{{I’ve only just discovered this sub but i’ve been off social media for a year now}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/hfjaf6/ive_only_just_discovered_this_sub_but_ive_been/, #created:1593078143 2 | 3 | #post{{First time seeing this. But the story goes like this. Last year after my exams I had to resit a few that I failed. During this revision I still wasted so much time on #a-t-instagram{{instagram}}, #a-t-facebook{{facebook}} and #a-t-snapchat{{snapchat}} everyday it was stupid. After my exams were done I passed 2 but still had failed one for the second time so this year i’ve had to resit it. 1 year later and out of the 11 exams #ben-better-school{{I’ve had this year i’ve passed all not much problem}} (including the resit) #ben-feel-better{{Been a lot happier}} in general which has been pointed out by close friends. They ask if i’ll ever go back to it but my answers just been I don’t need to I don’t want to. On a deeper level everyone knows how superficial people can be because of social media and how toxic it can be. But then I self-assessment made me realise I’m #symp-wasted-time{{wasting my own time}} to be more superficial and look like i’m having more fun than I needed to. I do enjoy going out and chatting to people but it’s #ben-better-social-life{{less meaningful when done through pics and DMs opposed to just having a laugh and rethinking it/rewatching it later}}. I kinda stopped caring as much what people were posting if I wasn’t close to them and I realised that nobody cares what anybody else is posting besides maybe celebrities and your crush. 4 | I’d sum up instagram as a highlight real of the moments you chose to share and it shouldn’t really change how you view others or yourself - but that’s how it ends up being used. 5 | Many thanks for reading :) Enjoy yourselves}} 6 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)infinitekaizenlf6zs6-deleted_all_sm_now_i_feel_free-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{DELETED ALL (SM) NOW I FEEL FREE!!!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/lf6zs6/deleted_all_sm_now_i_feel_free/, #created:1612770679 2 | 3 | #post{{It's been a month since I deleted all my social media except for #a-t-youtube{{Youtube}} of course and guys let me tell you my experience has been awesome It's like a cheat code I feel Iike a kid again it's like im finally back in my own universe where im the main character in his evolution Arc I wish I did this a lot sooner with #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} since that's the only social media I was hooked onto I wasn't really into Snapchat or Twitter and thankfully I deleted Facebook years ago. 4 | 5 | Cons of me being on social media 6 | [Mindlessly scrolling, dumb celebrity gossip, #symp-worse-social-life{{arguing with friends just because you didn't like their recent photo}}, random group chat invitations, fake online validation or #symp-comparing{{being envious of others}}, #symp-feel-bad{{depression}}, #symp-wasted-time{{wasting valuable time}}, #symp-worse-sleep{{terrible sleep}}, etc] 7 | 8 | Pros of me not being on social media 9 | [#ben-productive{{More productivity}}, #other-activities-learn{{learned a language}}, #other-activities-read{{finally finished a book in year's}}, #other-activities-exercise{{working out more}}, #ben-better-sleep{{better sleep quality}}, #ben-more-positive{{more positivity}}, more time for Anime, #ben-better-social-life{{connecting more with family}}, #ben-being-present{{observing my surroundings}} and the list goes on ] 10 | 11 | Now I understand some people use Instagram for business and I guess connecting with others but I am so happy for this new chapter in my life and I hope you get a chance to try it too if anything try disabling your account for a week and see if you get any results please let me know your experiences after deleting social media and being free. 12 | 13 | [Thank you for reading]}} 14 | 15 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Ramirez1229242ir-im_finally_clean_its_really_worth_it_guys-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I'm finally clean. It's really worth it guys.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/9242ir/im_finally_clean_its_really_worth_it_guys/, #created:1532624593 2 | 3 | #post{{I have been clean for a few months now and I feel like i'm living a new life. I first realized I had developed new habits after I had asked a friend to root my phone and help me cut down on using #a-t-youtube{{youtube}}. Two weeks later, after he had asked me to get back to him to see what he can do, I realized that I never did. I didn't need to anymore. That realization was extremely satisfying during that moment because I had seen all that I have tried doing finally showing fruit. I had failed so many times but each time I did, I had to get back up, learn a new lesson, and then try again. I couldn't control when or how frequently I had fallen down but in the end I had to change what I could've changed and believe that I could pull that change off and that's exactly what I did. 4 | 5 | #ben-better-school{{Ever since then, I've been absolutely killing it in university getting a 3.7}}, #other-activities-volunteer{{helping out in my church}} and #other-activities-offline-games{{improving my chess}}. It's a new life that I couldn't be anything but grateful for. I had a chance to realize I can choose my response to whatever situation I'm in no matter what is and take the initiative. I gained nothing pitying myself and blaming my outside for my inside. I believed I could do something, and you can do something too, everyone can. 6 | 7 | I realize that perhaps this isn't as serious as I made it out to be for some people out there but I know there are others like me who have suffered like I did. This is an addiction to a lot of people and they can begin by admitting that first and foremost and then do something about it and I'm here to tell them that they really can and t it's really worth it. 8 | 9 | Feel free to ask any questions, I'd be glad to know I could help out anyway I can. Good luck to all of you! }} 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)greyrocks15nndla-my_gpa_went_from_29_37_after_i_quit_the_internet-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{My GPA went from 2.9 -> 3.7 after I quit the internet}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/5nndla/my_gpa_went_from_29_37_after_i_quit_the_internet/, #created:1484269010 2 | 3 | #post{{I stumbled upon this subreddit and thought I'd post my positive experience from a few years ago. 4 | #symp-worse-school{{My freshman year I came in as a Mech e major and did terribly.}} I really had 3 problems: 5 | 6 | * #symp-worse-concentration{{lack of focus and attention span (caused by the internet)}} 7 | * poor organizational skills 8 | * poor fundamentals in math 9 | 10 | Before I addressed the other 2 issues I cut out all internet not related to school or work. #a-t-tv-and-movies{{Netflix}}, Social Media, #a-t-porn{{Adult Websites}}, #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} etc.. were all banned. 11 | 12 | 13 | After 2 weeks I started to notice big changes. I used to crack open a textbook and be unable to sit still while I was reading it. I would #symp-less-reading-comprehension{{often read a passage and forget what it was about}}. Sometimes at night I would put down my laptop or phone and #symp-worse-sleep{{not be able to fall asleep}} #symp-obsessive-thoughts{{because of excess thoughts.}} 14 | 15 | All these problems resolved on their own after quitting. The #ben-better-school{{next semester I made the deans list!}} 16 | 17 | These days #ben-better-attention{{I can sit and read for several hours without getting bored}}. #ben-better-memory{{I also find myself being able to recall the information I have learned much easier}}. My memory feels almost photographic. I #ben-better-sleep{{no longer have any problems falling asleep either}}. I usually #other-activities-read{{read fiction}} for 2 hours before bed, after I put the book down I fall asleep almost instantly. 18 | 19 | I don't mean for this to sound boastful. I think everyone would experience this after quitting. It's tough but it's really worth it! 20 | 21 | 22 | Good luck! 23 | 24 | }} 25 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)talkshitaboutsunsetss1tm3t-how_i_hacked_reddit_and_youtube_and_took_back_my-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How I hacked Reddit and Youtube and took back my life.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/s1tm3t/how_i_hacked_reddit_and_youtube_and_took_back_my/, #created:1641951071 2 | 3 | #post{{You ever just procrastinate the task of living? That was me in 2017. #symp-misc{{I was a NEET}}, spending 16 hours a day on #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} and #a-t-youtube{{Youtube}}. Fast forward to 2022 and #ben-better-school{{I'm in college with mostly A's}}, #ben-better-social-life{{have an active social life}} and #other-activities-art{{have taken up painting}}, #other-activities-read{{reading}}, #other-activities-art{{digital art}}, #other-activities-writing{{writing}} and #other-activities-exercise{{cycling}}. Here is what I did. 4 | 5 | 1. #tech-therapy{{went to therapy and stopped avoiding my emotions}} 6 | 2. set up my digital ecosystem to support good habits 7 | 1. #tech-curate-content{{Created a new youtube account on a new device and curated it to only show me high quality educational content}} 8 | 2. #tech-blockers{{set up blocks on all devices where youtube and reddit are only accessible at certain times. blocked specific subreddits that were addicting}}. used the #tech-youtube-extension{{Distraction Free Youtube app to avoid recommended content}} 9 | 3. If I wanted to watch youtube or go on reddit during those times (2-5pm and after 8pm) I could, and consume whatever content I wanted 10 | 4. If I ever got around the blocks, #tech-misc{{forgave myself}} and troubleshooted to come up with better blocks 11 | 5. #tech-do-other-things{{Starting doing things I actually want to do with my time}}, thus largely forgetting to go on social media when it was available 12 | 6. ??? 13 | 7. profit 14 | 15 | 4 years later, I no longer am addicted to the internet. Neither am I a Luddite. I use technology mostly intentionally with a few fuck ups because I am human (: 16 | 17 | &#x200B; 18 | 19 | Edited to add: I used #tech-blocker-freedom{{Freedom}} and #tech-blocker-cold-turkey{{Cold Turkey}} for blocking.}} 20 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Fapplemage4mp2ei-made_it_to_about_100_days_returned_to_moderated-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Made it to about 100 days, returned to moderated use.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/4mp2ei/made_it_to_about_100_days_returned_to_moderated/, #created:1465156163 2 | 3 | #post{{Hello, 4 | I started nosurf in late 2015 and made it to about 100 days before returning to moderated use. Just wanted to give you a quick report here as there aren't many people writing reports for obvious reasons and because I remember that I would have liked to read them back when I browsed this subreddit. I went full hardcore mode - #tech-misc{{No internet, zero use of computers, no gaming, no TV, no radio, no looking at screens, no smartphones}}, etc.. #other-activities-read{{Started reading a lot and spent a ton of money on magazines}}. #withdrawal-insomnia{{Struggled with a lot of insomnia}}, #withdrawal-nausea{{nausea}}, #withdrawal-tired{{drowsiness}} etc.. #ben-vision-change?{{After about a month my vision started to change. It's difficult to describe. I could see differently. This was something I didn't expect, but it's awesome}}. Whenever I accidentally took a peek at a screen during that time, it #right-mind{{felt disgusting}}. When I returned to moderated use after 100 days, just looking at a screen felt completely unnatural. In the meantime, I returned to moderated use. Things are not as they used to be. I use a "traffic light" system - some websites are red, i.e. absolutely zero use. Some are yellow, i.e. moderated use. And some are green, i.e. unrestricted use. So while I have started spending more time on the internet again, I have rigorously eliminated all "red" things (#a-t-porn{{porn}}, hanging out on warez sites, mindless #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} browsing). Don't know what else to write right now, as I also don't want to spend too much time around reddit anymore. Please do this, it's one of the best things you can do for yourself. Also I would strongly advocate going hardcore. The moment you look at a computer screen after months of full abstinence is something you won't forget. THIS is what I spent years of my life with? - What an utter waste. Good luck!}} 5 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(3)bikramxo7utg6y-life_is_so_much_better_without_social_media-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Life is so much better without social media.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/7utg6y/life_is_so_much_better_without_social_media/, #created:1517596776 2 | 3 | #post{{Last year I #tech-delete{{deleted all my social media}} and it's the best decision I've ever made. Social media was taking up so much of my time. I would be mindlessly scrolling through my news feed for hours, and any time I would feel any boredom creeping in I would pop out my phone and start checking my social media. #ben-productive{{However, now I find myself being more productive}} and #ben-feel-better{{even more happier}} and #ben-less-angry{{less angry}}. Before I would be scrolling through social media and be angry with what I saw, Trump, Brexit, #ben-less-comparing{{seeing pictures of people doing great things with their lives}} etc, but I no longer feel that way anymore. I'm glad I quit. }} 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | #title:{{Tuesday will be 5 months since I began my nosurf journey.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/8iqjul/tuesday_will_be_5_months_since_i_began_my_nosurf/, #created:1526067590 9 | 10 | #post{{I’ve gone nearly 5 months without any social media (apart from #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}}, #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}} and #a-t-quora{{Quora}}). It’s been a great experience. My life is so much better now. Of course all my problems haven’t disappeared by deleting social media, but a great deal of it has. You know that scene in the movie limitless where Eddie (Bradley Cooper) takes the NZT drug for the first time, and when he swallows the pill he says “I was blind but now I see.” Well yeah, that’s how I feel. It might sound like I’m exaggerating lol but #ben-clear-mind{{everything in my life is so much more clearer}}. I never imagined living a life outside of social media, but I am now and it’s great. }} 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | #title:{{Nearly 10 months of no social media and it's honestly one of the best decisions I've ever made.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/9jwowc/nearly_10_months_of_no_social_media_and_its/, #created:1538227760 16 | 17 | #post{{I wish I'd done it sooner.}} 18 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)BigChungusPS5mw43is-the_method_that_worked_for_me_15_months_reddit-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{The Method that Worked for Me - 1.5 months #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} and #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}} Free}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/mw43is/the_method_that_worked_for_me_15_months_reddit/, #created:1619096113 2 | 3 | #post{{Hi All - I was reliant on Reddit and YouTube to distract me and numb my anxiety for about 5 years. The time I spent using them amounted to around 4 - 5 hours per day. When I was faced with an uncomfortable situation or realization, I would immediately bring up one of the two to dispel the tough feelings. 4 | 5 | I wanted to give myself more time to think, about anything, rather than consume media during my spare time. I tried quitting countless times, and nothing ever stuck for more than a week. 6 | 7 | I have been free of my Reddit and YouTube behavior for about 1.5 months, and have zero time spent using them on my phone with no desire to go back. 8 | 9 | &#x200B; 10 | 11 | The Method is this: 12 | 13 | #tech-blockers{{1. Download the Blocksite App}} 14 | #tech-blockers{{2. Block all apps that allow for scrolling, unlimited content browsing as well as the browser versions. 15 | 3. Set a random nonsense password to access the Blocksite settings 16 | 4. Forget the random nonsense password}} 17 | #tech-track-time{{5. Download the YourTime App, which tracks phone usage}} 18 | 6. Whitelist necessary apps like text, phone, and navigation 19 | 7. Use your time to monitor your usage, and gain an appreciation for your ability to avoid using whatever apps are distressing you. 20 | 21 | I have found that I am not willing to reset the Blocksite password, and the password prompt reminds me to remain on task in addition to making it very difficult to access my time-waster apps. YourTime tracks usage data in a customizable format and gets me excited about breaking the habit. 22 | 23 | #ben-more-time{{I am free to use my time as I wish rather than sitting in a black hole of content and media}}. I allow myself to watch YouTube on my TV and the interface is so clunky that it's difficult to get stuck in a rabbit hole of video-watching. 24 | 25 | Let me know what you think!}} 26 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)chuktidderk6uqlk-i_dont_have_internet_in_my_house_this_is_what_i-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I don't have internet in my house. This is what I do instead to keep occupied.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/k6uqlk/i_dont_have_internet_in_my_house_this_is_what_i/, #created:1607119639 2 | 3 | #post{{I have a debilitating internet addiction. #tech-no-home-internet{{I have a lockbox I put my phone and ethernet cable into before I go into my house}}. If I must bring my ethernet cable into my home, I only do it before I go to work (if I desperately need to download something), and I put it back into the lockbox when I'm going to work. I almost never bring my phone or ethernet into my house after work because I will, without fail, #symp-worse-sleep{{stay up into the late hours browsing #a-t-youtube{{youtube}}/ #a-t-reddit{{reddit}}/ #a-t-news{{news}} sites until late into the night}}, #symp-worse-sleep{{making me sleep deprived and ruining my day}}. 4 | 5 | When I keep internet away from my home, I can #ben-better-sleep{{sleep normally}}, and I feel way #ben-clear-mind{{less brain fog}}. 6 | 7 | What do I do without internet then? How do I keep myself occupied? Well, #tech-do-other-things{{I have multiple things setup that are offline only, and can still stimulate my mind.}} 8 | 9 | 1)#other-activities-read{{ Kindle with multiple e-books.}} I keep a list of things that interest me and download more every couple months 10 | 2) #other-activities-offline-games{{Nintendo switch with deep strategy offline games like Civ 6, Divinity Original Sin II, and Slay the Spire}} 11 | 3) #other-activities-journal{{Notebook and Pencils to doodle and journal and plan my day}} 12 | 4) #other-activities-offline-games{{Laptop with offline steam games}} like Borderlands 3, Age of empires II definitive edition, dead cells, hades, etc. 13 | 5) #other-activities-offline-games{{Solo board games like A Feast for Odin and Gaia Project}} 14 | 6) #other-activities-offline-games{{A big digital Tablet with offline games on it like Chess, Go, and Through the Ages, and I download a season of my favorite show every couple weeks with amazon prime for offline use only}} 15 | 16 | Just some ideas. What do you guys do without internet? How do you keep occupied?}} 17 | 18 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]65ounmc7-what_finally_worked_for_me-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{What (finally) worked for me}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/ounmc7/what_finally_worked_for_me/, #created:1627661479 2 | 3 | #post{{So I struggled for a while doing the popular suggestions, and I finally feel like I'm free from a lot of the shitty things about surfing. 4 | 5 | I still spend a little time on #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} and #a-t-tumblr{{tumblr}}, but it's usually less than 30 minutes. I watch some #a-t-youtube{{youtube}} but that's mostly music or video essays I particularly like. 6 | 7 | The biggest step was getting a #tech-dumbphone{{dumb phone}}. I still #tech-delete{{keep my smartphone at home, but void of browsers, youtube, social media, and most games}} (cookie clicker takes next to no time and I remember to check it every week or so). It mostly holds banking apps like my mobile bank, paypal, venmo, ect along with health apps like mychart and a mood tracker. I use it for maybe 10-15 minutes a day. Meanwhile, the dumbphone lets my family and friends talk to me when they need to. I have a Kaios phone so it still has whatsapp for international friends and a basic maps, in case of emergency. 8 | 9 | A #tech-other-time-checking{{wristwatch}} and #tech-misc{{a planner}} also made such a big difference. I don't need a phone to check the time, and the watch was like 20 bucks and it's waterproof. The planner replaced google calendar and was actually WAY better for me, bc I could see more clearly the plans I had. 10 | 11 | I do have a paperwhite nook. #other-activities-read{{I read SO MUCH on it}}, and the lack of light doesn't keep me up. The thing just reads. And I download books...less than legally, so it doesn't go online at all. NOT that I would EVER advocate piracy though... 12 | 13 | I work as a CNA and not agency, so there's no need to have a phone for work. And to be honest, I don't think I'd want to work somewhere that required me to have a smartphone. #ben-freedom{{I value the freedom too much}}. #bad-difficulties-with-others{{Peers and my wife kinda act weird about it}}, but honestly, that's fine. #ben-feel-better{{I feel so much more happy to be without social media}} and scrolling, staring endlessly at sisyphus's glowing rectangle.}} 14 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)restartyourlifebfst1v-as_a_person_with_15_years_of_sustained_tech-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{As a person with 15 years of sustained tech recovery, I just have to say WOW /r/nosurf community! I’m impressed! Life can be drastically different when you decide to change.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/bfst1v/as_a_person_with_15_years_of_sustained_tech/, #created:1555876169 2 | 3 | #post{{As a person in recovery from tech use, I've avoided creating a reddit account for obvious reasons. However, I was so impressed with what you all have created here to support each other, I just had to sign in and send you a shout out. Way to go /r/nosurf reddit users. 4 | 5 | When I began using tech, there was no reddit. But there were tech addicts. We just didn't have a support system. No one to talk to. No one to get support from. In fact, we didn't even have words to describe what we were experiencing. Many of us didn't even know what to call what we were going through. We just felt depressed, sad, and lonely. And the way many of us dealt with our feelings was to spend more time online. Yes, we escaped before there was a term for it. 6 | 7 | When I made the conscious decision to dramatically change my own tech use, the sheer desire to use intensified. I thought about being online more, and more, and a strong urge to use seemed like a relentless companion. #withdrawal-urges{{I found the cravings and the constant desire to use}} was always present and in the back of my mind. In fact, #withdrawal-time{{it took a long time to feel different, roughly 7 long years.}} 8 | 9 | But over the years what took it's place is so much greater than anything I could have ever imagined. All the energy I had channeled into online activities, I redirected into other pursuits, hobbies, interests and passions. That said, I’ve never forgotten how tech use hijacked my life, and where I would have been had I not made that fateful decision to change long ago. 10 | 11 | So today, Nosurf reddit members, I salute you. Keep up the good work. It's needed. . . . I know. 12 | 13 | Stay strong. Be open to change. Life is worth it. 14 | 15 | Although I’m just passing through for a short time, I’d be happy to provide support while I’m here. 16 | 17 | [reSTART Founding Member](https://www.restartlife.com)}} 18 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)revenreven333swkn6q-something_ive_learned_after_a_year_without_a-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Something I’ve learned after a year without a smart phone}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/swkn6q/something_ive_learned_after_a_year_without_a/, #created:1645306829 2 | 3 | #post{{Flashback to january 2021, #tech-lost-phone{{I lost my phone}} long story. #withdrawal-irritable{{At first I was very irritable}} and #withdrawal-bored{{bored sitting at home not knowing where to stimulate my mind with my free time}}. #other-activities-exercise{{I had resorted to exercise just to feel calm and collected}}. #other-activities-watch-movies-and-tv{{Cable Tv still exists, and I begin to enjoy old shows}} like frasier and will n grace. I even saw a little of According to jim. Anyways those shows allowed me to pass the time. But it just another form of mindless consumption. It became very apparent that I needed to change how I spent my time. I noticed I have a bookshelf full of books, very few story books. So mostly books that will be productive to read. #symp-worse-concentration{{At first I couldnt read without getting bored after half an hour}}, I want to be interested for hours. A magazine I bought at the store said I actually should be reading for at least 10 mins every day. It has been much better retaining information over the course of months rather than once in a while sessions. Because the consistency creates a rhythm for your brain. Wake up, eat, learn, excercise, these activities dont have to last long but you must commit. 4 | 5 | After the same routine for a few months, I notice I am not going out as much as my friends or neighbors are and #other-activities-go-out{{I begin to search for events or activities in my community}}. This allowed me to discover smaller communities attending events every weekend. For example I went to this old theater and before the movie even started, this guy was talking on stage about the movie and asked questions to the audience to get them involved and to me that is participating in your community with like minded subjects. 6 | 7 | Im ranting but the takeaway is that there is a phone that allows you to explore any world of desires you may have, such as reddits nosurf. But dont miss out on the opportunities from your surroundings, even in your own home.}} 8 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)february_friday100kg0o-success-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Success}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/100kg0o/success/, #created:1672582194 2 | 3 | #post{{I just want to share a success-story, even if it doesn't fit in with most of the nosurf content (I think) 4 | 5 | I've been struggling with escapism for many years, resulting in panic attacks when I didn't have any content to watch (mostly #a-t-tv-and-movies{{tv series}}). I wouldn't necessarily binge, but I would watch anything remotely interesting to fill the void and spent hours planning my viewing behaviour and looking for news on new content. 6 | 7 | This escalated more and more, every year I would watch more, have less days when I wouldn't watch anything and get more #symp-anxiety{{anxious}}. I was very aware of this being an unhealthy coping mechanism but I didn't know how to stop. I googled and googled but I didn't fit the criteria for addiction and it made me feel super lonely and alien and weird. 8 | 9 | One day this summer I stumbled upon #tech-support-group{{Internet and Tech Addicts Anonymous}} which is 12 step program. I was super vary, it did sound a bit cult-like. But I needed support, needed to feel reassured that I wasn't overreacting and just feel heard. And they did hear me, and continue to hold space. (without being cult-y, lol) 10 | 11 | I managed to change my viewing behaviour and only watch shows I really am interested in and care about. I also limit my news intake on entertainment related stuff. It's not a miracle cure, but I'm consuming way less than in the last 5 years. 12 | 13 | I still track my consumption. In the last 5-ish years, the amount of episodes I watched was going higher every year. This year it was less. I went from 402 episodes a year (about 270 hours) to 293 episodes (about 195 hours). 14 | 15 | I understand that people who see this number could think that this isn't much, it doesn't sound like an addiction and I'm making a fuss. The important thing here is that I was suffering and I wanted to stop and I couldn't. It's not important weither or not I was pressuring myself "for no reason", I just wasn't happy with it. And I was able to change it, and #ben-feel-better{{I'm feeling way better about it.}} Please be kind. 16 | 17 | &#x200B; 18 | 19 | Happy new year.}} 20 | 21 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)PsMoeLesterx32avn-after_struggling_a_lot_with_gaming_i_quit_for_6-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{After struggling a lot with gaming, I quit for 6 months and became a better person}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/x32avn/after_struggling_a_lot_with_gaming_i_quit_for_6/, #created:1662021577 2 | 3 | #post{{Hi all, this post is just to give my review of quitting #a-t-games{{gaming}} for 6 months. 4 | 5 | Why did I do it? Because my powerful computer was needed by a family member for their graphic design requirements, and to save money I willingly #tech-remove-devices{{gave the computer to them (different houses) so I'd not see that computer again.}} 6 | 7 | Quitting gaming was lifechanging, and very difficult at first. #withdrawal-bored{{I was bored}} #withdrawal-time{{for months}} after the initial quitting, but that boredom pushed me to do greater things eventually. Of course I can't just let go of all that fun and dopamine-induced activity called gaming, so I #tech-misc{{replaced it with binge-watching #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}} and browsing #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}}.}} 8 | 9 | However, this is a hugely better alternative compared to gaming, as I'd get bored fast of these activites and won't spend hours on the computer. I'll seek to do more things, and the best thing is I can actually pause and not have to continue my activity. I can go to dinners without thinking of gaming, #ben-more-time{{I have more time}} to #other-activities-exercise{{workout}} because I'm not hopelessly glued to the computer, #ben-more-motivation{{I have more motivation to do more things.}} 10 | 11 | #ben-lost-weight{{I have lost 5kgs so far and added a lot of muscle through consistent workouts}}, #other-activities-misc{{got into golf}} and #ben-made-friends{{made a lot of friends}} through that, #other-activities-go-out{{and more invested in the partying scene}} because I am actually motivated to go now and meet friends. #ben-better-social-life{{I also hit up more friends to hangout, rather than waiting for them to ask because I'm gaming so much}}. #ben-productive{{More focused at work too, because I don't procrastinate searching for the best builds or best tactics for climbing.}} 12 | 13 | **TL;DR: All-in-all, net positive. Replaced gaming with browsing and binge-watching, but gained so much more energy for other activities.**}} 14 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]42je1lmp-90_days_of_quitting_social_media-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{90+ days of quitting social media...}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/je1lmp/90_days_of_quitting_social_media/, #created:1603113988 2 | 3 | #post{{Greetings Human Beings! 4 | 5 | I saw someone a few days who seemed infuriated on the forum that people are sharing their goals instead of their results, so here is a post about my experience. 6 | 7 | I quit social media around July, I began by deleting my #a-t-instagram{{instagram}} and keeping my #a-t-twitter{{twitter}} and #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{deactivated}} until September when I had decided to #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{delete them both}}. 8 | 9 | &#x200B; 10 | 11 | I'm going to detail my Journey below so I could help other people: 12 | 13 | I had a phone addiction to the point where my average reached a high of 11 hours and 28 minutes by mid-June when I got my iPhone 11 Pro during its first week. I decided to make a change by July and decided to quit Instagram cold turkey, and deactivate twitter and Facebook. My setback for the time being was that #symp-bad-health{{I had gained weight}} and #symp-inactivity{{remained largely inactive}}. #tech-therapy{{I also went to a therapist to help me cope and deal with my issues but he sucked so I cut back and went to another one a month later}}. by august and September my average was around 5 hrs per-day to 4.5 by the end of September. by Mid September, I quit Facebook and #tech-blocker-cold-turkey{{installed cold turkey}} over the last two weeks to help me cement my journey without social media. over the course of October I got a harsh cold and ended being bed ridden for 5 days, and ended up challenging my self to using my phone less then two hours dropping the average from 4.5 hrs to around 1hrs 50mins per day. This very last week I bested myself to 1.5 hrs and #ben-feel-better{{I'm extremely happy}}, #ben-less-anxiety{{I feel that I've reached some inner peace}}. 14 | 15 | Finally I wanted to note a few differences that I have noticed: 16 | 17 | \- I'm less inclined to text some of my friends even though I really really miss them. 18 | 19 | \- #other-activities-read{{I have read around 6 Arabic (My native language) books in the last two weeks}} averaging 90-180 pages each.}} 20 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)VisitmeinWhiterunuvhsdx-lived_without_social_media_for_over_a_year-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Lived without social media for over a year}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/uvhsdx/lived_without_social_media_for_over_a_year/, #created:1653246493 2 | 3 | #post{{About a year ago, I thought the happiest feeling ever was laying in bed an browsing #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} and #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}}. Then I decided to delete almost all of my accounts. Here are my honest results. 4 | 5 | It did not completely changed my life. #ben-feel-better{{I felt really happy}} when the #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{accounts were deleted}}, but after that life just went on as it always had (except that the world was on fire with Covid but let's leave that there). I didn't feel more stable or anxious at first, but over time, I started feeling subtle benefits of not having that online presence any more: 6 | 7 | 1. There is not the burden of keeping up with everything: I used to get anxious about posts to like, comments to react to and messages that needed answering. If I have answered my Whatsapp-messages and responded to any missed phone calls, my online social duty is done. I keep a strict timeslot of 10 minutes daily for Whatsapp. If it's important, people will call. 8 | 2. #ben-more-time{{There is a lot more time for other stuff}}: I think my comfortable Instagram lay-ins were somewhat nice, but waking up from my screen after two hours of viewing things I could not even remember always felt really wasteful. I do enjoy the extra time that goes into reading and writing. 9 | 3. #ben-better-sleep{{No more broken nights}}: There is something really nice about an infinite source of entertainment while in bed. So nice that it gets creepy because it seems you cannot stop. I sometimes still struggle with this and read every news article I can find on my phone. Even if it doesn't interest me at all. I try to leave my phone outside my bed area, but as we all do, sometimes we decide to do it anyway. 10 | 11 | In conclusion, I would definitely recommend it. Deleting social media will not leave you isolated, I still have a lot of friends and I don't feel I'm missing out on important stuff. It will not solve mental health issues, because it's not that simple, but if you take the time you will notice subtle plusses from this lifestyle.}} 12 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(3)joshduffneymrgct7-how_i_got_rid_of_my_smartphone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How I got rid of my smartphone}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/mrgct7/how_i_got_rid_of_my_smartphone/, #created:1618498498 2 | 3 | #post{{It's an idea I've had for 3 years that took me 6 months to commit to it. 4 | 5 | 6 | No matter what I try, #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}}, #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}}, and email make their way back on my smartphone and so I've decided to go #tech-dumbphone{{[light](https://thelightphone.com/).}} 7 | 8 | Here's how I'm circumventing the inconvenience of not having a smartphone. 9 | 10 | 11 | **How will I listen to music?** I purchased the Mighty Vibe from [MightyUnplugged](https://twitter.com/MightyUnplugged). It requires I use my old smartphone to load music from [@Spotify](https://twitter.com/Spotify) or [@amazon](https://twitter.com/amazon). And I'll pair it with a set of Bluetooth headphones. 12 | 13 | **How will I read ebooks & listen to audiobooks?** I purchased a Kindle Oasis that I'll use for reading ebooks and listening to audible. I'll also use my surface book in tablet mode to read long-form essays and articles online. 14 | 15 | **How will I get directions?** The light phone is working on this feature, but in the meantime, I guess I'll have to print off instructions from mapquest. Luckily, I don't venture too far these days. 16 | 17 | 18 | **How will I replace 2FA?** Purchased multiple Yubikeys from [Yubicos](https://twitter.com/yubicos). When possible use a security key for 2FA and use recovery codes as a backup measure. 19 | 20 | 21 | Life will be much less convenient and I'm sure I've not addressed all the shortcomings of not having a smartphone. But I think I'll enjoy living like it's 2005.}} 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | #title:{{Why I don't have a Smart Phone.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/qbezq7/why_i_dont_have_a_smart_phone/, #created:1634660511 27 | 28 | #post{{It's been a year since I went [light](https://www.thelightphone.com/) and ditched my smartphone and this video embodies the primary reason I won't go back. 29 | 30 | [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aISXCw0Pi94](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aISXCw0Pi94)}} 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | #title:{{Go Light: Life without a Smartphone}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/ri5gkn/go_light_life_without_a_smartphone/, #created:1639704072 36 | 37 | #post{{}} 38 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]33gt1gco-i_quit_reddit_a_month_ago_and_it_has_helped_me-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I quit #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} a month ago and it has helped me tremendously}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/gt1gco/i_quit_reddit_a_month_ago_and_it_has_helped_me/, #created:1590786827 2 | 3 | #post{{I don't have an Instagram account, no snap, not very active on fb, this was my poison. This was my source of dopamine. This was my source of #symp-misc{{daily aggravation}}, #symp-misc{{confrontation}}, #symp-misc{{narcissism}} and #symp-misc{{toxicity.}} 4 | 5 | I'm currently at the tail end of my ten-day quarantine before I can start my job in another country, thus bored stiff and unfortunately quite wasted, there is no other way I would have made a new account. But I will not visit the subs I used to, I just wanted to get this off my chest. 6 | 7 | #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{You all just need to delete your accounts}}. #ben-battery-life{{The battery on my phone lasts for a week now}}, #other-activities-exercise{{if it wasn't for those 30-mile bikerides when I listen to audible}}. #other-activities-cook{{I fucking cook now.}} I cook complicated foreign cuisine when I used to have trouble boiling an egg and it was never quick enough because I needed to get back on the couch to hook up to the screen. I make cheesecakes for my kids that I don't eat any of, because I kicked my sugar habit (well I'm wasted now so I had some candy that I was supposed to take to the office next week, I'm only human and besides, I've #ben-lost-weight{{lost 10 pounds}} after kicking Reddit). 8 | 9 | #ben-better-reading-writing{{I can read a book, I couldn't}}. #ben-productive{{The things I can work on my house in a day, took a week before, always a reason to pull up my phone for a "reward" after 15 minutes of activity}}. #other-activities-misc{{I built a treehouse for my kids}} that is incomparable to pretty much any in my town for sure. 10 | 11 | It's probably watching Alex Becker that made me realize how our brain works, I quit caffeine in march but it wasn't enough, dropping this shit was. 12 | 13 | &#x200B; 14 | 15 | And no, kicking Reddit doesn't make me a superhuman or better than anyone else. It just enables me to function as a normal 37yo male, not an addict to the screen that provides nothing. So if you've found your way to this sub, you already know what needs to be done next.}} 16 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(2)hotcocoa300ig5rb1-how_i_lowered_my_social_mediaphone_addiction-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How I lowered my screen time (6 months on nosurf)}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/mgt3x2/how_i_lowered_my_screen_time_6_months_on_nosurf/, #created:1617147716 2 | 3 | #post{{&#x200B; 4 | 5 | 1. #tech-blocker-screentime{{if you have the iPhone, use a screen time parental password}}. It’s in the settings. There’s many #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}} videos explaining how to do it and I find these app limiters are harder to bypass than android ones. Since I’m in college, I allow myself 30 minutes of screen time for social media and safari M-Th, Friday 3 hours and Sat-Sun 1 hour. I use the feature of preventing downloading new apps without the password. My dad has the password and honestly I don’t feel that tempted to ask him because it gets uncomfortable when I do lol. It’s awesome bc now I can keep my phone on me for calls, text messages and emails without the distraction of social media. 6 | 2. #tech-misc{{Get the kitchensafe}}. This is the method I started last year and I’m less reliant on it. I used to put my phone in the kitchensafe- a time locker safe that can go up to a week. It really does work. However, I do need to use my phone for calls and whatnot, but I think the kitchensafe is great when it’s at night and you don’t want the distraction of your phone before you sleep so you can just put it in there. 7 | 3. Laptop social media/website blockers are also great. I used to rely on 1focus but it rly slowed down my Mac. I now use #tech-blockers{{Focusme}} and it works just as well. My routine for college is to use a pomodoro blocker- 40 mins of social media website blocks with 5 minute breaks. After 3 pomodoros, I get a 10 minute break and the cycle repeats. Fridays are my off days and weekends I usually give myself 20 minute breaks after 3 pomodoros. 8 | 4. Read the book #book-how-to-break-up-with-your-phone{{“How to break up your phone”}}. I didn’t finish it but the beginning gives you a lot of statistics and reasons why you should keep a limit with your phone and I found it really effective. 9 | 10 | I’m not saying I’m perfect, I still go through “relapses” with my addiction but I can confidently say I am way better than I was 2 years ago (where I spent my whole summer in my bed on the phone and only got up to use the bathroom and eat). Good luck and drop your methods as well :)}} 11 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)randomguy33669986szvc-what_i_gained_what_i_did-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{What I Gained & What I Did}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/86szvc/what_i_gained_what_i_did/, #created:1521898006 2 | 3 | #post{{Originally posted this on /r/Productivity. People said it belonged here too 4 | 5 | This is what I did in 2017. 6 | 7 | As on 1st September 2017, I stopped using #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}}. It’s been more than 6 months now, and I have no problem. I’m not missing out on any important things and saving a lot of time by not using it. 8 | 9 | As on 1st October 2017, I stopped using #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}}. Almost 6 months now. I was addicted to Instagram, due to which I spent almost close to 3 hours occasionally a day on Instagram. Now that I’m off of it, #ben-less-anxiety{{I feel relieved}}, and #ben-more-time{{I’m saving a lot of time}}. #ben-misc{{Quitting Instagram cut off my ties with a lot of unwanted people}}. #symp-comparing{{Watching others spend their luxurious life was downer for me}}. #ben-less-comparing{{It helped me a lot in thinking only about myself and what I need to do instead of thinking about how others are enjoying life.}} 10 | 11 | As on 15th December 2017, I stopped watching TV shows. I used to binge watch #a-t-tv-and-movies{{Netflix}} shows for like 8 hours a day once in a while and minimum of 3 hours on all days. Quitting was hard, but I know it had to be done. 12 | 13 | When I looked back on my movie watching habits, I realised that I haven’t seen any movies after January 2017. So not watching movies wasn’t a problem for me. Occasionally I feel like watching a movie, based on the trailer that I saw on YouTube, but it’s easy to skip that. 14 | 15 | #tech-unsubscribe{{I unsubscribed from all of the time wasting channels on #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}}}}. Only subbed to good and productive ones which will help me. 16 | 17 | This is what I did in 2017 to increase my productivity and I can happily tell you that I got good results. 18 | 19 | I used the available time for ; 20 | 1. #other-activities-read{{Reading books ( I was never a reader, started as a replacement to browsing )}} 21 | 2. #other-activities-exercise{{exercise}} 22 | 3. #ben-better-sleep{{better sleep at nights}} 23 | 4. #other-activities-learn{{more time to study}} 24 | 5. #other-activities-socializing{{more time with family}} 25 | 26 | I can assure you one thing, wasting time on social media is killer. It’s like a drug. You should stop it or reduce it to bear minimum. }} 27 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)PretendDinnerbup614-how_i_quit_my_addiction_to_the_internet-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How I quit my addiction to the internet}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/bup614/how_i_quit_my_addiction_to_the_internet/, #created:1559192591 2 | 3 | #post{{[(Video I made discussing my journey if you would rather watch versus read).](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ0zg8FVYks) 4 | 5 | &#x200B; 6 | 7 | I was addicted to the Internet. 8 | 9 | It was a problem - #symp-less-real-friends{{I was losing friends}}, #symp-worse-social-life{{missing out on social opportunities}}, #symp-worse-school{{failing classes.}} My screen-time was out of control. 10 | 11 | #symp-worse-sleep{{I wasn't getting enough sleep}} #symp-feel-bad{{which was caused my mental health to slide}}. #symp-bad-health{{My overall health}} and #symp-worse-social-skills{{social skills suffered hugely}} because of my addiction to the Internet. I was hugely invested in a #a-t-games{{few online games}} as well as #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} and #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}}. 12 | 13 | Continuing like this was not sustainable for my well-being and I only realized this as I was halfway through university. 14 | 15 | So over the past couple of years, I decided I need to change something. 16 | 17 | 1. 1. #tech-track-time{{I began putting a heavy focus on monitoring the hours I was spending on a screen}}. Reducing my ability to get in front of a screen truly helped quit the addiction. Putting it all in perspective helps with this, for example, 6 hours online is 4 hours out of your day. 18 | 2. 2. #tech-do-other-things{{I replaced my screen-time with hobbies and new, fulfilling activities}}. I took up cooking and reading to replace my screen-time. Both are life-enhancing skills that make you happy and completely rewarding. 19 | 3. 3. #tech-delete{{I eventually deleted and got rid of all the apps}} and stop visiting the websites that had me addicted. These apps/websites are purposefully designed to be addicting as possible which is why I recommend just deleting them altogether since they are so hard to quit. I stopped checking the reddit front page. Deleted Instagram. Turned off notifications, etc. (I have a whole list of hidden tips that I used to make this transition easy). 20 | 21 | &#x200B; 22 | 23 | I really hope this can help some people start beginning the journey to a more 'nosurf' lifestyle. 24 | 25 | &#x200B; 26 | 27 | [Video I made talking about the subject.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ0zg8FVYks)}} 28 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]28fj1oor-2_months_free_without_reddit_and_how_to_cut_back-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{2 months free without #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} and how to cut back on time f}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/fj1oor/2_months_free_without_reddit_and_how_to_cut_back/, #created:1584280677 2 | 3 | #post{{Ever since, I made a commitment to myself to spend less time on the internet, I have: 4 | 5 | \- Cut down on time on the internet from 5-6 to 2-3 hours. 6 | 7 | \- Got off of reddit (When I realized reddit was exactly like that one pretentious guy at school who made the same jokes over and over, I ditched it. ) (I'm only have it now if I ever want to do an AMA if I get famous or something) 8 | 9 | \- #tech-delete{{Got rid of any apps that weren't beneficial to myself}} (I only have: Youtube for posting videos, Snapchat for talking to people, and Samsung messages for talking to people with no Snapchat) 10 | 11 | \- #ben-feel-better{{Feel way happier}} 12 | 13 | \-#ben-productive{{Way more productive}} 14 | 15 | \- #ben-less-procrastination{{Procrastinate less}} 16 | 17 | \- Better mental health 18 | 19 | \- #ben-better-physical-health{{Better general physical health}} 20 | 21 | \- #ben-better-eye-health{{Less strain on my eyes}} 22 | 23 | \- #tech-unsubscribe{{Got rid of over 200 #a-t-youtube{{youtube}} channels}} 24 | 25 | \- Other stuff I can't think of. 26 | 27 | &#x200B; 28 | 29 | Doing all of this requires dedication and accountability as well as a change of mind. 30 | 31 | Ask yourself, is staring at a screen, scrolling mindlessly at posts, and earning karma that is influenced the first couple of votes; 32 | 33 | is this what I want to do for the rest of my life? 34 | 35 | Is this how I want to be remembered for? What could I be doing now? 36 | 37 | Once you change your mind, you change everything. 38 | 39 | You could track your time, ask everyone for help, set app timers, etc. 40 | 41 | But if you don't change your mind, everything will eventually be futile. 42 | 43 | &#x200B; 44 | 45 | My ultimate goal in the future is to only go on the internet if I search something that is absolutely important to know. 46 | 47 | Ignore the mindless urges like "I wonder what German stormtroopers look like", because you're going to forget it anyways. 48 | 49 | Otherwise I just focus on my hobbies, read some books here and there, and just enjoy life in general. 50 | 51 | You only have one life, every minute counts. How will you live it? 52 | 53 | &#x200B;}} 54 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)cyberslut_96creisa-focus_is_a_muscle_my_nosurf_journey-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #good-one #title:{{Focus Is A Muscle: My NoSurf Journey}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/creisa/focus_is_a_muscle_my_nosurf_journey/, #created:1565999316 2 | 3 | #post{{About 8 months ago I was appalled to find that I spent almost 40 hours a week on my phone. I read #book-digital-minimalism{{Digital Minimalism}} and #book-deep-work{{Deep Work}}, did the #tech-misc{{30 detox[[me: ie, the one recommended in digital minimalism]]}}, and decreased my social media usage substantially. 4 | 5 | My usage gradually increased over time, but thankfully not to the same level as before. Defaulting to #tech-delete{{having my apps uninstalled}} and #tech-blocker-screentime{{Screen Time restrictions}} had become the norm. 6 | 7 | I recently went to a friend’s funeral and it made me reconsider many things. I had been in quite the slump since she first began dying, and my search for meaning had been pushed aside for the easier route of relishing in the dopamine highs of the moment, whether that happened to be alcohol, sex, or social media. 8 | 9 | In response, I recently put another embargo on all social media apps. I replaced them with reading and/or watching an episode of a short show. No concrete rules, no length of time, just don’t log in. 10 | 11 | I know now that my mind will initially resist. I always go through a spell of intense depression at first, like all of my compounded loneliness has surged back to the forefront. My friend’s death compounded it. 12 | 13 | But that was temporary. I confided in a friend who directed me to be creative. I didn’t log back in to quell the feeling. Once I made it through that wall, things slowly became brighter. 14 | 15 | #ben-productive{{I haven’t been this productive in a long time}}. Because of the increased reading and #ben-better-attention{{extended focus on tasks}}, I was able to increase my working sessions from less than 20 minutes to over an hour in around a week. I’ve been working swiftly, #ben-cleaner{{keeping my room tidy}}, and #ben-better-sleep{{getting to bed at a decent hour}}. I’m noticing #ben-face-difficulties{{a general tendency to push through when something is hard rather than taking a break}} immediately when I face a problem (You know the feeling). 16 | 17 | Just popped in to remind you that focus is a muscle, and leading the life you want is not an on/off switch, but a journey. Your muscles will grow, you will learn, and you will keep moving forward, so long as you try.}} 18 | 19 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)RevolutionMiddle2431wi77v7-i_reduced_my_screen_time_from_16_hours_to_1h30m-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes [[6months according to online comment]] #title:{{I reduced my screen time from 16 hours to 1h30m per day. Here are some things that have helped me the most..}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/wi77v7/i_reduced_my_screen_time_from_16_hours_to_1h30m/, #created:1659847360 2 | 3 | #post{{These may not apply to everyone and they are not particularly groundbreaking but here are some things that have helped me recently: 4 | 5 | 1. #tech-blocker-freedom{{Install a website/app blocker on your phone or computer. I really like the app Freedom because I am able to block websites that are distracting to me for up to 23 hours at a time.}} 6 | 7 | 2. #tech-put-devices-away{{Keep your phone in a separate room when you are home.}} If your phone is next to you at any time, you’re far more likely to pick it up. Sometimes it’s a reflex and you don’t even realize it. 8 | 9 | 3. If you find yourself deactivating your social media accounts and coming back to them a few days later, I recommend wiping them clean. #tech-unsubscribe{{Remove all your followers/people you are following and you will no longer feel compelled to continue using apps}} like #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} or #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} if there is nothing to see when you log in. This is how I was finally able to delete my accounts for good. 10 | 11 | 4. #tech-put-devices-away{{Don’t charge your phone next to your bed.}} If you are someone who immediately checks your phone as soon as you open your eyes, having your phone within arms reach can lead you down a slippery slope of scrolling instead of getting your day started. 12 | 13 | 5. #tech-stop-notifications{{Go to phone settings and turn off all notifications for apps that are not 100% necessary.}} 14 | 15 | 6. #tech-misc{{Reading}}. I know not everyone likes to read but reading books has helped me re-train my attention span better than anything else. It used to be very hard for me to read more than a few pages of a book without my mind wandering or thinking of picking up my phone instead, but now I can read like I did when I was a kid before my phone became more appealing. If you are interested in reading books pertaining to nosurf, I highly recommend #book{{Stolen Focus by Johann Hari}}. 16 | 17 | 6. #tech-do-other-things{{Find meaningful things to do to fill your time}}, otherwise you will fall back into the habit of mindless surfing. Set aside the time to figure out what it is that you are passionate about and gets you into a flow state. You can’t expect to be successful if you are spending all the free time you now have staring at the wall.}} 18 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)leethecowboybwhczz-update_3_months_with_the_dumbphone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Update: 3 months with the dumbphone}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/bwhczz/update_3_months_with_the_dumbphone/, #created:1559602973 2 | 3 | #post{{It's going well. I had an iPhone, a gift from my mom several years ago, and recently it finally decided to break. I felt relieved-- I was gonna use it till the end, 'cause I didn't wanna waste money, but when it stopped working I felt good. 4 | 5 | #tech-dumbphone{{I have an LG flip phone and one of those little adorable clip-on MP3 players now.}} 6 | 7 | &#x200B; 8 | 9 | Problems I didn't anticipate: 10 | 11 | * \- #bad-practical-difficulties{{I have no directional sense without GPS. Had to rely a lot more on those bus maps.}} 12 | * \- #bad-practical-difficulties{{my LG flip has a camera but it can't send images. Might be my phone plan.}} 13 | 14 | &#x200B; 15 | 16 | Things I thought would be problems but really aren't: 17 | 18 | * \- I'm not getting bored of the music I have. Turns out I really enjoy listening to the same twelve albums over and over. I'm always in the mood to listen to Marina and the Diamonds while I run. 19 | * \- It's NOT hard to put podcasts on the mp3 player either, and that's mostly what I'm listening to right now. 20 | * \- Texting isn't that hard. I've gotten really good at the T9, and nobody is THAT offended when I give 'em a plain old call. I just go, "can i call you, its annoying to text on this thing" and they're usually down. 21 | * \- NO NICE PHOTOS WITH FRIENDS??? welllllll I'm an artist so it turns out it's a lot more fun and memorable to draw my friends' portraits when we hang out. No fancy camera required, and even if it's just with shitty restaurant crayons, people LOVE to be drawn. it makes them so happy and I love that 22 | 23 | &#x200B; 24 | 25 | Positives: 26 | 27 | * \-When I'm out and about, #other-activities-think{{I do a lot more thinking}}, #other-activities-being{{people watching}}, #other-activities-misc{{birdwatching,}} and #ben-notice-more{{I'm generally more aware of my environment}}. It's never boring. 28 | * \- my phone is tiny and it fits in any pocket. 29 | * \- #ben-battery-life{{my devices both hold a charge for days and days}} 30 | * \-it's really fun to flip the phone open and closed 31 | * **Most importantly: I've experienced a kind of "herd smartphone" effect, where even if I don't have a smartphone, since so many people around me DO, I'm never really without the perks of one. I can always ask a friend, "hey, can you please google \_\_\_?" or "Can you take a picture of this and email it to me?" or "Please play \_\_\_\_\_\_, it's my new favorite song."**}} 32 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Kloumbdczo8z-its_been_a_month_since_i_quit_instagram_and_it-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{It’s been a month since I quit Instagram and it feels great}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/dczo8z/its_been_a_month_since_i_quit_instagram_and_it/, #created:1570148131 2 | 3 | #post{{I’m in high school and it feels like practically everyone has #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}}. I decided to quit all social media that connected me to others. I have #a-t-reddit{{reddit}}, #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}}, #a-t-snapchat{{Snapchat}}, and #a-t-vsco{{VSCO}}. All of them are under anonymous accounts so nobody I know can follow me or know who I am. This is great because I feel like I can post and I’m not just doing it for other people to like me. There were a lot more reasons I wanted to quit. 4 | 5 | #symp-approval-seeking{{I was constantly seeking validation and approval from others}}. #symp-comparing{{I always compared myself and it felt like somehow everyone was better than me}}. #symp-living-for-online{{I would go places just to take pictures and ruin every moment just trying to make a great post}}. I hated it, I didn’t know it at the time. #ben-stopped-living-for-the-internet{{But now I can just take a picture and just enjoy the memory instead of thinking of a good caption or thinking about how many likes I would get for it.}} 6 | 7 | Even at school, people knew you through social media. If you only had about 100 followers, you were automatically unpopular. It felt I was living my life for people I didn’t even know. I would take it personally if people unfollowed me or didn’t like my posts. #symp-wasted-time{{I spent hours and hours of my day scrolling through the same videos}} on Instagram. It was so unhealthy and I had no idea. 8 | 9 | It was only until I temporarily #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{deleted my account}} for a week in the summer that I noticed. Nobody texted me to ask what happened. Nobody even noticed at all. I didn’t miss scrolling through posts, I didn’t ever feel like I was missing out. The final turning point was when I was obsessively checking my ex-boyfriend’s profile every day. I couldn’t stop. I decided, if I deleted Instagram I would stop and nothing in my life would even change. So I did. 10 | 11 | I finally saw who was really my friend. I still had iMessage and I still saw a lot of the same people every day. But it made me realize that the people who liked my pictures didn’t really care about my life and the things that I thought mattered don’t mean anything. But #ben-feel-better{{I feel so much better now}}. I went from spending 5-6 hours on my phone to spending 2-3 hours every day. I don’t feel like I’m missing out, in fact #ben-misc{{I’m making so many more meaningful memories now}}.}} 12 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)bigjoeronarfsdml-how_deleting_social_media_made_me_more_disciplined-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How deleting social media made me more disciplined}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/rfsdml/how_deleting_social_media_made_me_more_disciplined/, #created:1639435445 2 | 3 | #post{{ I quit social media \~10 months ago as I always felt unhappy with my usage. 4 | 5 | Since then, my life has changed entirely. 6 | 7 | It's actually kind of weird looking back and remembering how #symp-worse-concentration{{I could never use to stick to a bare minimum workout routine or even finish reading a book.}} I get genuinely upset when I think about how many #symp-wasted-time{{hours I used to waste}} on #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}}. 8 | 9 | #symp-worse-concentration{{My attention span and dopamine threshold were fucked. My lizard brain was fully in control, I'd seek the fasted dopamine spike I could and then seek another before that one had even worn off. I'd be on my phone while watching movies, while with friends, and while I was supposed to be working on myself.}} 10 | 11 | Then #tech-delete{{I deleted everything apart from youtube}} (the reason i decided to keep youtube and i returned to reddit was because I consumed that content differently, more info in my video if you're interested). After deleting it I felt my life streamline, I felt like I had killed a whole version of myself. All those people who I didn't speak to but I'd follow? Gone. This idea of myself that I portrayed online? Gone. 12 | 13 | I felt freed from something I thought I was enjoying. 14 | 15 | Then slowly, so slowly I didn't quite notice, I found that #ben-misc{{all my energy was going towards me and the real interactions I had}}. None of my headspace was being filled with people I barely know lives. #ben-live-in-reality{{I could just focus on reality}}. It felt like I'd taken the red pill. I was separated from everyone else, but because I didn't want to be like everyone else #ben-feel-better{{it felt amazing}}. 16 | 17 | Because I couldn't engage in the same instant gratification I had for years, i found that I naturally drifted towards delayed gratification. #other-activities-exercise{{I worked out consistently (because I wanted to, not because i forced myself to)}}, #other-activities-learn{{I studied Spanish in my spare time}}, #other-activities-read{{I read every day}}, I invest my spare time in the future me, not current me. 18 | 19 | For those of you contemplating getting rid of your social media, this is your sign to do it. For good. It'll genuinely change your life. 20 | 21 | If you don't want to be the same as 90% of people, why would you engage in the same activities as them? 22 | 23 | It's not a quick fix, It's a life choice, and now is your time to make it.}} 24 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Omegabeamer8da14z-removing_my_computer_from_my_room_has_done-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Removing my computer from my room has done wonders for me}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/8da14z/removing_my_computer_from_my_room_has_done/, #created:1524092629 2 | 3 | #post{{Hi guys, 31 year old guy here who had, or maybe still has, severe internet addiction. My family brought a computer when I was 13 and by 14 years old I was just hooked on it. My life was basically #a-t-games{{video games}} and internet. 4 | 5 | Things got way worse when I got high speed internet and a better computer in my late teens. #a-t-porn{{Porn}}, #a-t-chat{{chat}}, #a-t-youtube{{useless videos}}, endless browsing, you name it that was my life. Not to say I never did anything else, but that was mainly what did. 6 | 7 | I have try my best to take breaks from the internet, but I never could manage more than two days. #tech-put-devices-away{{I eventually started putting my computer elsewhere}} and gradually build it on it. 8 | 9 | I went from a few days to a few weeks to a month in half. Mind you this is years of doing this. 10 | 11 | Last year I had my computer in my basement from the end of May to mid October (started to be cold in the basement). This was by far the least amount of time I spent online in the past 16 years at the time. 12 | 13 | Once it got cold in the basement, I brought it back in my room and all the bad habits came back after a week in a half. 14 | 15 | Early March I decided enough is enough and that I simply cannot have my computer in my room ever again, regardless of how cold the basement is. 16 | 17 | Fast forward to now and my internet usage has drastically gone down. #ben-feel-better{{I'm in a better mood}} and focus on repairing my body from a bus accident a few years ago and years of sitting with bad posture. 18 | 19 | A big help is having it in a place where there is often people. Having someone distracting me helped me snapped out of it and be more aware that I'm wasting my time. 20 | 21 | It's hard to understand, because my life hasn't became more interesting and I still have a lot of free time (I don't work or go to school) yet I don't have this craving to just be online for 12-16 hours a day or being in front of a screen even when there is no one around. I do spend a lot of time doing "nothing", but I'm fine with that. 22 | 23 | I don't want to act as if I never go online or don't waste time online, it's just that 1-6 hours every now and then is way better than 12-16 hours everyday. I feel like I'm getting my life back on track. 24 | 25 | Bonus: #tech-put-devices-away{{I have a no cell phone in my room rule as well}}, but this has been harder to apply. Though I have been pretty good at leaving my phone elsewhere before I go to sleep.}} 26 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/procedure.html: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Data Collection and Tagging Procedure 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 |

Procedure to Collect and Tag Success Posts

12 | 13 |

← Back to Success Posts

14 | 15 |

First, using Pushshift, I found all 33764 posts on /r/nosurf up until the end of 2023.

16 |

Then I filtered them down to "success posts," which I considered to be posts where the person significantly reduced their overall screen time for at least a month.

17 |

I started by filtering posts using heuristics. For example, if the title ended with a "?", I figured it was a question and not a success post. After applying these filters, I manually reviewed the remaining 17013 titles and selected those that seemed like they could possibly be successes. That gave me 678 candidate posts. After reading through each candidate post, I found 160 posts that met the criteria (not including multiple posts from the same author).

18 |

I then read all of the success posts and manually tagged information that I wanted to get numbers on. I was looking for techniques used, apps people were addicted to, the benefits of quitting, withdrawal symptoms, among other things.

19 | 20 |

Problems with this approach:

21 |

This selection process almost certainly missed some success posts, but as a sanity check I compared my list to previously compiled success stories and found that I had caught them all or explicitly rejected those that didn't meet my specific criteria.

22 |

Manually tagging data is extremely fraught. For one thing, I'm sure I missed a lot of potential tags (like not counting as benefits all the benefits listed in a post). Also, deciding how to categorize things is tricky and I'm sure I wasn't perfectly consistent. And there is often more than one way to categorize things, and the somewhat arbitrary decisions I made probably affected the counts significantly.

23 |

Still, hopefully we can learn something here despite these limitations.

24 |
25 | 26 | 27 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)SommarFrossa5oatag-how_i_got_off_the_internet_my_success_story-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How I got off the Internet/ My success story}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/5oatag/how_i_got_off_the_internet_my_success_story/, #created:1484573093 2 | 3 | #post{{Hey guys! Im a 21 year old guy. I have posted here before, kinda dead sub tho. Which considering the topic/aim of the sub is understandable. I used to feel a lot of #symp-guilt{{guilt}} surfing here, and had absolutely no wish to post here. As i felt a lot of guilt just #symp-wasted-time{{wasting my time}}. 4 | 5 | I've been hanging around here for a good half year, and I had an additional 1 year before that when i felt my internet usage came in the way of my life. #symp-bored{{I had no interest in other activities}}. But my surfing was not purposeful either, mainly just reading stupid #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} comments. And eventhough i was aware of how pointless the surfing was i kept doing it. I could easily spend a good 10 hours a day on this site, and still re*meme*bering nothing of what i read or did. #symp-less-clean{{My room was filled with unwashed clothes and plates with food in stacks.}} 6 | 7 | Meanwhile i stayed at home from my first of uni, #symp-worse-school{{failing all my courses}}. Socialising with good frinds and course friends made me very anxious. But it did not bother me the slightest. I just wanted to do nothing/surf/relax even though #symp-feel-bad{{it made me feel like shit}}. I felt that it was just my weak/bad character that made me act this way. 8 | 9 | 10 | Anyway I went to do doctor, due to my mum. It felt pointless, as i didn't feel my actions was not out of my control and i had no wish to die. However the doctor diagnosed me with a light depression. And eventhough the word "light" seems it would just be something you could handle, in my case it just made me do nothing but sit on reddit for 3 months. I'm a month into #tech-not-work{{medication}} now and I have absolutely no wish to spend my days on reddit. I have no problem visiting the fronpage here for five minutes and risking getting stuck in sub-jumping for 8 hours, as it does'nt intrest me. 11 | 12 | Hope this helps at least someone. Excuse my lacking english as i have not studied it for 3 years now. 13 | 14 | Just pm me if you want to talk or add me on skype : Z e e 7w a N7 i nj a (no spaces or 7's, want to avoid spam) 15 | 16 | **TLDR: Spent all day on internet, filling my room with trash messing up my studies, turns out i had a depression and medication helped me get out of the loop pretty quickly** just the read the text it's a 3 min read. 17 | 18 | 19 | --- 20 | If you are anything like i was, i know how hard it is to gather the will to read even this short of a text. But do it, it might change your life.}} 21 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Private_Problemnf78vq-happier_with_more_time_and_higher_productivity_my-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Happier with more time and higher productivity. My experience with NoSurf}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/nf78vq/happier_with_more_time_and_higher_productivity_my/, #created:1621334042 2 | 3 | #post{{ **What benefits did I accrue?** 4 | 5 | #ben-more-time{{* **More time.** I feel the days pass by slower, I don't feel that my weekends are gone in an instant.}} 6 | #ben-feel-better{{* **Improved sense of well-being.**}} 7 | #ben-less-comparing{{* I don't compare myself to anyone and feel affected by others achievements or failures}} 8 | #ben-more-positive{{* I feel more positive and upbeat.}} #ben-appreciate-more{{I enjoy small things like the weather (e.g. sunny or rainy day) or spending time with my family}} 9 | * I have replaced the time that I have spent on these apps with waking up every day (incl. weekends) at 6am, #other-activities-contemplative{{meditating}}, #other-activities-journal{{journaling}} etc. 10 | #ben-productive{{* **More productive when working.** I don't feel as "cloudy" in my thoughts. They seem to come to me slightly quicker. Although, my deep work is still disturbed by my work chat & work e-mail!}} 11 | 12 | **What did I do?** 13 | 14 | I have been off #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}}, #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}}, #a-t-snapchat{{Snapchat}}, #a-t-tv-and-movies{{Netflix}}, #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}} for the past 6-12 months. Also, #tech-delete{{uninstalled almost all news apps}} (very sensational and mentally disturbing). I did this in a phased manner. 15 | 16 | Most recently, I uninstalled #a-t-linkedin{{LinkedIn}} (3 months ago) and Reddit (mobile app). **I still use WhatsApp and Signal.** #tech-stop-notifications{{On WhatsApp, I have muted 60-70% of chats}}, most of the messages you receive do not require a notification. 17 | 18 | **How I did it?** 19 | 20 | 1. I understood that most things are not that urgent and **you are caught in a bad habit loop**: Receive notification >> Look at phone >> Dopamine release 21 | 2. I better understood that if something is free and you are using it for extended periods of time, **You are the revenue source.** Your time is being sold to advertisers 22 | 3. I believed that I am **creating a low-attention span mind.** The mind that I have is one. The same mind that is addicted to social media, is the one that I am using to work towards my dreams 23 | 4. #tech-ask-why-when-picking-up-phone{{Before doing any activity **I asked myself two questions (both online and offline)**: 24 | 1. Why am I doing this? *<often times I started using my phone involuntarily and out of reflex>* 25 | 2. Does this help me get closer towards my dreams *<often times the answer was no}}>*}} 26 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)cecentrern9vyh-going_from_12_hours_of_screen_time_a_day_to_2_3-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Going from 12 hours of screen time a day to 2 - 3 hours}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/rn9vyh/going_from_12_hours_of_screen_time_a_day_to_2_3/, #created:1640306810 2 | 3 | #post{{(sorry English isn't my first language) 4 | 5 | This is just my phone screen time, but I just want to do a little celebration! My phone screen time has always been terrible, 7-8 hours was my normal. Then work from home happened along with other personal things and during that time I turned off the screen time function so I didn't notice until I turned it on again, and it was horrifying -- 12 hours a day. I spend half of my day on my phone, half of my day staring at a screen. I think seeing the number makes reality and #symp-horror{{horror}} set in for me. 6 | 7 | Personally, #tech-delete{{deleting games app}} and #tech-grayscale{{turning on grey scale help me a lot}}. The grey scale still annoys me so much, but maybe that's the whole point because it makes scrolling very boring. Then there's also #tech-time-limits{{time limit that you can put on the social media apps}} -- I still keep my social media apps because it's how I connect with friends and family when I live so far away from them, but I don't want to spend my days scrolling #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}} or #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} while waiting for them to respond to my message. 8 | 9 | Then I also use the #tech-blocker-forest{{Forest app which blocks your phone for at most two hours at a time. In the beginning I can only do a 20 minute interval then gradually increasing it to stay longer and longer without looking at the phone}}. On the computer I use the extension #tech-blocker-stayfocusd{{StayFocusd and turn on the nuclear option to block social media during the time I know my families and friends wouldn't be online}}, so I have no excuse to go surf the net. 10 | 11 | I also #tech-do-other-things{{need to fill my days which was previously preoccupied by scrolling with something else}}, so I added #other-activities-exercise{{exercising}}, #other-activities-read{{reading books}}, and #other-activities-learn{{learning new skills (currently studying bookkeeping}} and hoping to study Spanish one day) on the list. During this period, #tech-journaling{{journaling was very helpful to me}} because it keeps me on track (and I need to get back on it because not journaling makes me unmotivated to exercise). 12 | 13 | Overall, I have to rely on a lot of strategies because no one individual things did it all, but again deleting game apps was a life-changing moment for me. It takes off at least 6 hours a day of screen time, and all the other things I do did the rest. I know for many people 2-3 hours a day on the phone is still a lot, but for me it's a huge improvement :)}} 14 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)cranberrylime9z6fzd-what_i_missed_and_didnt_miss_when_i_took_a_month-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{What I missed and didn’t miss when I took a month off of social media}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/9z6fzd/what_i_missed_and_didnt_miss_when_i_took_a_month/, #created:1542828616 2 | 3 | #post{{I took a month off of social media recently. I still used #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} because I got news from here and I have a private sub I adore that I read every day and a few other subs for entertainment, but #tech-logout{{I didn't log into #a-t-twitter{{twitter}}, #a-t-instagram{{instagram}}, or #a-t-snapchat{{snapchat}}}} and #tech-delete{{deleted the apps}}. (I don't have facebook) I’m still getting my plan together on why my future relationship will look like with the internet and social media. 4 | 5 | Anyway, I want to make a longer separate post about not having social media, but to sum it up, after my month was up I logged back in to say hi and see what was up. 6 | 7 | - I missed the sandwich my friend had from a bakery that was apparently amazing. 8 | - I missed that some girl I've never met but somehow I follow on instagram is pregnant. 9 | - I missed photos of a party I wasn't invited to. 10 | - I missed being bombarded by political news nonstop on twitter 11 | - i missed a ton of photos of the snow when it started falling in my city (as it does literally every year...) 12 | - I missed a bunch of sponsored posts of companies trying to sell me crap I don't need 13 | I missed someone trying to sell their overpriced MLM makeup 14 | 15 | - I didn't miss that my friend got an amazing new job because she texted me. 16 | - I didn't miss my friends' photos of their kids in halloween costumes because they emailed them me and I sent photos of my kids to the people that asked to see them. 17 | - I didn't miss good memes because my husband texted them to me 18 | - I didn't miss invites from stuff I'd actually go to because people texted to let me know the info 19 | - I didn't miss spending time with my kids with no distractions 20 | 21 | I have a lot more I could write and will probably make a long post soon, but really... it's crazy how much just does NOT matter and how easy it is to #symp-wasted-time{{just waste time}}/brainpower away endlessly scrolling. 22 | 23 | Also interesting to me how without social media I didn't feel like I used "the internet" a lot other than doing sensible stuff (putting library books on hold Etc) - without twitter and a ton of links of articles to read and falling into a wormhole of clicks it didn't seem like I was on the internet much. 24 | 25 | The people that are actually important and want to stay in contact did. Whenever #withdrawal-urges{{I had the overwhelming urge to log in just to "check" something}}, I would remind myself "it's the internet - it will probably be there forever so I don't need to see it now"}} 26 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)existential_ughery6t2tpi-how_i_reduced_my_internet_use-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How I reduced my internet use}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/6t2tpi/how_i_reduced_my_internet_use/, #created:1502473648 2 | 3 | #post{{When I started looking for new places to live, I decided to use the move as an opportunity to create new habits. Among those was changing the way I use the internet. I wasn't going to have roommates, so it would be my decision alone. It helped that I chose a place (my current one) where #tech-no-home-internet{{I cannot install wifi without having a technician come out and charge me lots of moneys.}} #ben-saved-money{{I used that as an opportunity to put what I'd been paying for internet into my savings every month.}} 4 | 5 | I didn't forsee that #tech-misc{{signal would be awful here}}, but that worked to my benefit as well. Every time I wanted to tether my computer to my phones data, or watch something on my phone, I'd have to walk around for better signal and wait for things to load slowly. I'd get impatient and move on to a non internet activity. Or if I needed to go online for an extended period of time, I had to leave the house and go to the library. 6 | 7 | This has essentially forced me to be intentional with my internet use. I still notice my reflex to grab my phone when I'm bored and not home, but I don't habitually open my laptop for entertainment anymore no matter where I am. Surfing the internet without some kind of goal actually feels uncomfortable for me now. 8 | 9 | Other ways: 10 | - #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} #tech-curate-content{{subscribe. Now all the new posts are on one page and I don't need to hop around a bunch of subreddits and get lost.}} 11 | - #tech-curate-content{{RSS feed}}. This makes it so that I can enjoy my own selected content without the distraction of the rest of the website. I can follow blogs without having accounts on those sites and without having to seek them out every time I want to check them. I just go on feedly, read the new stuff, then log off. This has been super helpful in getting me to quit #a-t-tumblr{{Tumblr}} for good. 12 | - #tech-delete{{Deleted}} #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} and #a-t-snapchat{{snap chat}}. I only have 4 social media accounts now, and I only log onto them when I have a reason. (Most of my reasons wouldn't make sense to other people.) 13 | - #tech-track-time{{Rescue time}}. I have it on my computer and my phone. Seeing all of my internet usage laid out in front of me like that is a really jarring reality check sometimes. 14 | 15 | I use the (free) time now to #other-activities-read{{read books}} and #other-activities-offline-games{{play video games}}. Yeah video games are technically a time wasting activity, but #symp-wasted-time{{I spent so much time online doing jack}} that I didn't even have time to waste on a game. I tire of them quickly, so getting addicted to them hasn't been an issue for me. }} 16 | 17 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Massive_Ad_8133wi0vnq-how_i_always_find_an_alternative_how_i_succeeded-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How I always find an alternative + How I succeeded in quitting addictive apps.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/wi0vnq/how_i_always_find_an_alternative_how_i_succeeded/, #created:1659827315 2 | 3 | #post{{Hi everyone, today I wanted to share my experience about nosurf. I'm sorry for my non-excellent english level, I'm a french native speaker, with russian blood, so I started to study english relatively late. 4 | 5 | I'm actually writing from my dad's computer, which I will not be able to use anymore in 2-3 days, practically blocking me from using internet in the future, and, if God wants it, meaning a total victory against time waste. 6 | 7 | ''I am addicted'' (I'm near to win the battle) since I'm 9 years old, when I received my first PC. At 11-12 I started to use my pc every day for 5-12 hours, depends of the day, and this situation lasted for 4 years. 8 | 9 | But in February, I realized that I was basically #symp-wasted-time{{wasting all my time}} and that I wanted to change, to do useful stuff, to be different by my motivation and success in school, cultural spheres and all. #tech-remove-devices{{This day I just took out my pc from my room, and touched it again only when I gave it to my friend as a lil present.}} 10 | 11 | From this day I everyday tried to improve myself, to destroy all types of addiction, because every time when I was destroying one drug (#a-t-games{{games}} for exemple), another was taking its place immediately (#a-t-youtube{{youtube}} for exemple). The last drug that I beat is internet with nosurf :) W 12 | 13 | Today, thanks to #tech-blocker-stayfocusd{{stay focused (blocks are active forever)}} and #tech-blocker-cold-turkey{{cold turkey (every internet is blocked, some sites like my church's one are authorized)}} , I can proudly say that in some days I will definitely end with internet and waste of time. Yes, it's nice. I'm talking of some days before the total victory, because for some time I'm using my dad's pc, but I finds nothing interressant on it, and I will soon loose the possibility to use it. 14 | 15 | Well, but what are the results ? 16 | 17 | 1- #other-activities-read{{I really started to read by reading in 5 months of nosurf more than in my whole life}}, #ben-better-attention{{I started to gain attention and concentration,}} I speak, write and mind better than ever. 18 | 19 | 2- #ben-more-time{{I have muuuch more time}}, started to draw, think, work better, #ben-less-anxiety{{lost all my stress}}. Before, I was wasting 8 hours every day sometimes 12 hours, now I'm wasting 8 hours sometimes 10 in a whole week. Sometimes 30 minutes a day ! 20 | 21 | 3- #ben-more-intentional/controlled{{I have a lot of ideas and projects for my life now}}, which I will be able to realize out of my addiction ! 22 | 23 | Peace, may God bless and help in your battle you, who reads me.}} 24 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)normificatorj1o0yg-how_i_cured_my_social_media_addiction-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How I cured my social media addiction}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/j1o0yg/how_i_cured_my_social_media_addiction/, #created:1601337462 2 | 3 | #post{{It’s been a few years since I’ve made these changes and #ben-feel-better{{I feel great}}. Granted, sometimes I do lapse but only because I stray away from my guidelines. I’ll share them today and hopefully someone here will find it useful. 4 | 5 | 1. #tech-unsubscribe{{Unfollowed everyone on #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} and #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}}.}} 6 | 7 | I’m a competitive person. When I see someone doing better than me, it challenges me to better myself. #symp-comparing{{But when I see only the best sides of everyone while looking at my own slow progress, I feel depressed.}} The funny thing is I KNOW it’s an unrealistic portrayal yet my emotive mind doesn’t. This taught me that my perceptions are not always in my control and I need to control my sensory input to shape my perceptions. Unfollowing everyone helped tremendously. 8 | 9 | 2. #tech-stop-notifications{{Turned off all sound and vibration notifications.}} 10 | 11 | These non visual notifications draw you towards your phone when you’re otherwise engaged in something else. Turn them off. 12 | 13 | 3. #tech-do-other-things{{Start doing activities that make it impossible to check your phone. }} 14 | 15 | Swimming, running, windsurfing, canoeing, anything that makes it dangerous to your phone. Set a time goal eg I will run for 20mins or I will canoe for 3hrs. 16 | 17 | 4. #tech-plan-time{{Start structuring your life}} 18 | 19 | Time tables! I’m a big fan of structure. I find that when I sit down and plan my day which repeats on a weekly basis, I make full use of my time. Fit the above mentioned activities on a regular basis into the timetable. It won’t feel all right at first and will need tweaking. I’ve had mine for 6 years now and I’m still tweaking it all the time but it’s much better. Now my time adapts to me as an individual instead of me adapting to the environment around me. 20 | 21 | 5. #tech-time-limits{{Keep fixed sleeping hours with no visual phone usage at least 2 hours before bedtime.}} 22 | 23 | The guideline says 30 mins but it doesn’t work for me. 2 hours hiatus is where it’s at for me. Might be different for you idk. Trick is to be disciplined in keeping this rule. Which helps if you.. 24 | 25 | 6. #tech-misc{{Don’t totally cut out your phone life}} 26 | 27 | Social media is here to stay. If you cut it out totally, you will rebound and use it with a vengeance when your discipline breaks. I use it while I commute surfing interest pages or catching up on news on reddit. This amount of usage works for me. You might have different goals, maybe you want to be fully off the grid. That’s fine too but going too hard too early will inevitably fail and demoralise you. Fight and win the small battles! 28 | 29 | Hope this helps!}} 30 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Archr_556a7tdrs-stumbled_across_this_sub_thought_id_share_my-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{stumbled across this sub, thought I'd share my story/method.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/a7tdrs/stumbled_across_this_sub_thought_id_share_my/, #created:1545272736 2 | 3 | #post{{thought I'd share my "technique" for limiting my internet use, I didn't see this in the sidebar posts so I thought I might make a post. about a year ago I was spending *way* to much time on the internet so I eventually said fuck it and went for the nuclear option. I had been using #tech-not-work{{different apps and extensions to try to block internet access but they where all so easy to get around they did little good for me}}. The "nuclear option" I came up with (for MacBooks only) 4 | 5 | #tech-misc{{1. create 3 user accounts, one as an admin account, this account you don't actually use for anything, one for goofing off, and one for work. 6 | 1. enable parental controls for your work user profile. With parental controls on a mac, you have the option to block all websites by default and create a whitelist of allowed websites, or allow all sites and create a blacklist, choose the option to block *all* websites by default (there are infinite distractions on the internet and even if you block the most distracting sites you can always find another) and whitelist only sites that you need for work. For me, that is stuff like google drive, Wikipedia, my school's website, and Pandora for music. 7 | 8 | 1. On your goof-off profile, allow all websites by default, and use the parental controls to create a time limit. You have the option to put a limit on your usage per day and create schedules. I'd recommend both options. I like to limit my usage to 30 min on weekdays and 1.5 hours on weekends, then also set it to kick me off at 9 so I know when to go to bed. 9 | 10 | 1. The most important part, on the 3rd account, the one created with admin privileges, change the password to something that is long and complicated, something you won't be able to memorize. This is the account password you would need to alter the parental control settings, without it, there is no way to change your computer back to default. Write your password down (make several copies just in case) and stash them places that would be inconvenient for you to get at. 11 | 12 | 1. Last go to users and groups settings and disable the guest user account.}} 13 | 14 | The parental control settings on mac are great because they run through admin so when you use them to block something there are *NO* ways to weasel your way around them without the admin password. There are some disadvantages, mainly parental controls is *too* good at its job. Web browsers like chrome or firefox need to connect to too many IP addresses. Safari is the only browser that works properly, so you're stuck it on your work profile, which isn't a big deal. On a final note, I would wait about a week or so before locking down the admin password, it takes a little trial and error to get everything working smoothly. 15 | 16 | EDIT: weekdays}} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(2)lionkingers11eb21n-i_didnt_have_my_smartphone_for_45_days-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I didn't have my smartphone for 45 days}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/11eb21n/i_didnt_have_my_smartphone_for_45_days/, #created:1677597952 2 | 3 | #post{{I read the #book-digital-minimalism{{digital minimalism}} book and got the idea to #tech-dumbphone{{leave my smartphone}} for a month and not use it 4 | 5 | It turned to become more than a month and #ben-feel-better{{I've been happiest in my life}} 6 | 7 | I was bored at some point and it made me to go walking 8 | 9 | #other-activities-socializing{{Talking to others beside me}} 10 | 11 | Talking to strangers and not being scared of talking to new people 12 | 13 | #ben-feel-more-alive{{I was feeling alive}} 14 | 15 | I tried to have access to my phone because I needed some books to print and send some photos to my insurance company I didn't have any other choices but to use my smartphone 16 | 17 | I now regret it because I was using the phone and surfing all the time today and I couldn't put my phone away 18 | 19 | I wanna leave the phone again after some days that I can be sure that I don't wanna send anything else to the insurance company 20 | 21 | #other-activities-read{{I read few books that were amazing}} 22 | 23 | #ben-cleaner{{I now make my own bed every time}} 24 | 25 | I now wanna follow the philosophy that is explained in digital minimalist book and wanna focus my life to become very best that I can 26 | 27 | I'm also searching for other good book titles that are related to internet addiction please introduce me to some of them}} 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | #title:{{not having smartphone is helping me but its boring at the same time}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/146p2bz/not_having_smartphone_is_helping_me_but_its/, #created:1686474260 33 | 34 | #post{{Its very good concept to care about people in real life and get away from the smartphones and addiction of them but there is a problem that happened to me 35 | 36 | ​ 37 | 38 | #bad-misc{{Since i don't have allot of friends in real life and my social life isn't that rich with other people and I'm not very good with others in my family members and I don't go out allot I have only books to read and i go to yoga classes and I work that's my life , I don't have anyone to talk with or any friends to go with and Actually I don't have allot of entertainment I become sad allot of times and i become angry}} 39 | 40 | ​ 41 | 42 | Of course I don't put my anger towards others but I feel empty Not having any entertainment and not having anyone to talk with and not being able to have friends its all boring 43 | 44 | ​ 45 | 46 | my life became boring I dont have any reason for my living , I dont have lots of things to do 47 | 48 | ​ 49 | 50 | #bad-bored{{Life became boring for me}} 51 | 52 | ​ 53 | 54 | I am sure this life is way better than being addicted to my smartphone and wasting my time on the phone but I need some help to keep going since this method of living is becoming boring for me}} 55 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Jace-parkymkfd5-1_month_with_a_dumbphone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{1 month with a dumb-phone}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/ymkfd5/1_month_with_a_dumbphone/, #created:1667623627 2 | 3 | #post{{It has been 1 month since my #tech-dumbphone{{smartphone broke and I picked a dumb phone to get by}}. I always wanted to leave my smartphone, tried multiple times to use a dumb phone that was lying around at my house (this guy is 7-8 years old and still works), #tech-not-work{{tried apps on my phone to block my use of internet}}, etc. 4 | 5 | Social media like #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} and #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} were easy to leave. #tech-obscure-password{{I just changed my password to random letters and numbers and logged out}}. I got used to it in a week or two. The issue was #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} and #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}}. I felt like I was learning something from them. Whenever I would have a question, crisis, etc I would come to reddit. 6 | 7 | When I started using my current phone, there were periods of discomfort. For #withdrawal-time{{first two weeks}} I was #withdrawal-anxiety{{physically anxious}} and #withdrawal-sick{{ill}}. I would be having an #withdrawal-anxiety{{anxiety attack}} and I would try to figure out why im having one and the moment I would pick up my dad's smartphone and open browser, my anxiety would calm down. That's when I understood what and why it was happening. #bad-lose-contact{{My friends pestered me to get my phone fixed or get a new one fast because I "lost contact" with them.}} It was a mess. #withdrawal-misc{{I genuinely felt crazy for a while}}. I would start to second guess my decision to leave smartphone, I would think why am I doing this? It's so stupid. Not having a smart phone is a very bad decision, etc. But #tech-review-motivations{{I would remind myself of why chose to do this}}. Past days when I would be fed up of my internet use, #symp-tired{{drained}}, #symp-wasted-time{{not having space and time to actually think and do the things I want}}. 8 | 9 | Now I think it was a really good decision. I am #ben-better-sleep{{sleeping much better and on fixed time}}, I can easily observe my routine and things I am doing right and things I need to change. #ben-more-intentional/controlled{{I am able to observe and change routine very easily now}}. It has only been one month and I can see the change in my mood. #ben-better-handling-negative-emotions{{I still get anxious (because of other reasons) but now I don't jump to internet to calm my anxiety. Now I sit with it or call my friends/family to talk about it.}} Somehow my #ben-better-social-life{{friendship with some people have improved over this time}}. People who care enough to reach via a call and not just chat, and people I care enough to call. 10 | 11 | It's just a start and I think I will continue with my decision to not use a smartphone for the future. Maybe I will come back and update you guys on my journey. 12 | 13 | Till then take care you all. No matter what situation you are going through in life right now, you will end up fine, you will end up good.}} 14 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Shakalyabashka188ys0n-1_month_off_youtube_addiction-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{1 month off YouTube addiction}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/188ys0n/1_month_off_youtube_addiction/, #created:1701503499 2 | 3 | #post{{It’s been 1 month since #tech-youtube-extension{{I installed the plugins for #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}}[from comments: Unhook, return dislike, shorts blocker, remove end cards and click bait remover]}} that literally neutered it. No more clickbaits, recommendations or shorts. It looks empty and boring and doesn’t display a thing unless you type something in a search bar. 4 | At first my idea was to quit using YouTube once and for all but that turned out to be unrealistic since my study process depends greatly on explanation videos from YT. So the less painful option was taken. 5 | Along with installing plugins #tech-rules{{I decided to myself that I’ll watch either explanatory content or podcasts on scientific topics that are both long and thought provoking.}} 6 | #withdrawal-time{{First week}} was very unpleasant. #withdrawal-bored{{I was bored most of the time.}} #withdrawal-misc{{I couldn’t work properly as if I forgot how to concentrate on tasks.}} #withdrawal-misc{{Each time I had a meal I felt emptiness and my food didn’t interest me as much}} but then I started noticing small changes that became more visible over time 7 | 8 | 1. #ben-productive{{Once I quit binging YT I suddenly started caring more about my work and studies}} as if YouTube was my painkiller and escape at the same time. It robbed me of my urge to live. 9 | 2. #withdrawal-urges{{I experienced urges to watch random video when I’m bored or have a task that I don’t particularly know how to solve}} 10 | 3. I also used to watch YT prior to solving hard tasks from work to ease my anxiety at the beginning. Now I only have to plan my work routine to avoid feelings of unease 11 | 4. #ben-better-social-skills{{My speech became better and I started to notice more social cues}} 12 | 5. #ben-more-learning{{I actually learn new things now instead of imagining how I would.}} 13 | 6. #ben-more-time{{I have more free time}} 14 | 7. I understood the exact meaning of attention economy. 15 | 16 | Media from a useful tool became an addiction. I won’t accept this state of things in my life and it this point I feel like I could pay YouTube itself to provide me with a purified version of media if they had it. 17 | But since it does not exist I will donate to all the chrome extension makers whose products I use. Yeah, I’m salty. You don’t sell my natural curiosity to some ad makers. 18 | 19 | Also, despite all the actions I took I still suffer from information overload and it really feels like my filtering measures only made my issues worse. 20 | 21 | As if racing through countless political videos and let’s plays is less mentally taxing than watching one podcast of the same length. I don’t get it. At least I have more free time now to process my thoughts, to study new things. I believe that I simply unlearned how to consume and process limited quantities of information but I guess I’ll see and share how it unfolds in the long run.}} 22 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)DivingPanda689m8dzyy-what_helped_me_an_ereader_and_an_mp3_player-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{What helped me: An e-reader and an MP3 player}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/m8dzyy/what_helped_me_an_ereader_and_an_mp3_player/, #created:1616148402 2 | 3 | #post{{Background: I am a professional software engineer for more than 15 years. Before that I used to program as hobby. I have been in front of a screen 75% of my life. 4 | 5 | While it wasn't a problem early on, the advent of social media + smartphones made me into an addict. I was in front a screen every waking moment (either for programming or social media) 6 | 7 | I began to notice the following problems: 8 | 9 | * I began to notice that I'm #symp-worse-work{{'slowing down' in my job}}. I initially put it down to my age ( young programmers are sharper, I'm in my late 30's now). 10 | * My #symp-worse-communication{{writing and conversation skills became poorer}} ( very important for everyone, including a senior developer who talks to clients like me) 11 | * #symp-worse-social-skills{{My social skills became poorer}}. I'd rather stare at a phone screen than talk to people. I justified this saying "oh I'm a geek" 12 | * I used to tinker around with computers a lot, but I don't anymore. I am more interested in everything else, from geopolitics to religion to the afterlife! ( It's not bad having interests, but my core competency of being a programmer started getting affected) 13 | * Being well-paid, I bought every distraction I could. iPhone, iPad and an Android phone. Playstation, Xbox, you name it, I have it. 14 | 15 | I had everything yet I was #symp-anxiety{{always anxious}}. Something had to be done about this. 16 | 17 | * I #tech-remove-devices{{got rid of all my gadgets other than my iPhone}}. I formatted it and I #tech-delete{{only keep Apple apps}} that are pre-loaded on the device. No unnecessary notifications from #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}}/#a-t-facebook{{FB}}/#a-t-pinterest{{Pinterest}}/#a-t-news{{BBC/CNN}} etc. To check news, i use the built-in browser. 18 | * I #tech-downgrade{{bought a Sony MP3 player}}. I curated the top 100 songs I listen to and copied it over to the walkman. I started jogging without being distracted with notifications. ( I know you can silent your phone, but I am addict. It's like telling an alcoholic - 'hey go to a bar with your friends and drink only soda' - it's very very difficult) 19 | * I #tech-tool-kindle{{bought an Amazon Kindle and started re-reading books I used to like - this is just so that I could regain the reading habbit.}} 20 | * #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} would be restricted to my personal computer, no mobile Reddit app anywhere. 21 | * #tech-app{{I use the 'wind down' feature in iOS to stop all notifications from 9PM to 9AM. Calls from selected friends/family are white-listed}} 22 | 23 | &#x200B; 24 | 25 | I have noticed a dramatic #ben-better-memory{{improvement in my ability to retain things in my head}}. I feel #ben-less-anxiety{{less anxious}} now. I feel #ben-less-anxiety{{more at peace}}. #ben-less-fomo{{FOMO is (almost) gone}}. 26 | 27 | We cannot live without gadgets in today's world. But we can reclaim our lives from them}} 28 | 29 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)TexanLoneStaruikl1w-i_gave_up_the_internet_except_for_bank_email_etc-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{I gave up the internet (except for bank, email, etc. necessities, and they were only on my phone) for 45 days and my anxiety disorder / general mental health drastically improved, ending a 7 month long anxious wave.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/uikl1w/i_gave_up_the_internet_except_for_bank_email_etc/, #created:1651709863 2 | 3 | #post{{I initially just wanted to do it as a spiritual thing for Lent, and get detached from the world. The first 2 weeks I didn't improve at all until I went cold turkey and #tech-remove-devices{{just had my room mate take my monitor to his office.}} 4 | 5 | I wrote in the past [a post talking about how a lot of my anxious waves seem to stem from information I receive on the PC](https://www.reddit.com/r/nosurf/comments/tjg3cy/i_want_to_give_up_computer_forever_in_so_far_as/) and after 45 days I think I was right in my hypothesis that it was largely the computer's fault. 6 | 7 | #ben-less-anxiety{{Most of the things I worry about (looping intrusive thoughts) in that long list have died out}}. There is simply no more fuel to add to the fire. 8 | 9 | No Surf definitely doesn't *improve* mental health in and of itself, in my experience, but it definitely *prevents* things from getting worse. All the while you have time to hammer out your real life problems. In my case I was constantly googling the optimal diets, supplements, exercises, etc. to try and solve my anxiety, unaware that this obsessive attempt to rid myself of what I have was an anxious behavior itself. 10 | 11 | So the information overload stopped and things keep gradually allow themselves to get worked out. I think that's key: realizing that it doesn't heal mental health in and of itself as it does prevent a bunch of BS from getting stuck in your subconcious. I have no doubt that the information overload we see from the #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}} or #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} frontpage has an enormous effects on our subconcious. 12 | 13 | 14 | If you struggle with anxiety, looping intrustive thoughts, or depression I highly advise you simply go cold turkey and throw the PC monitor out and get Apple products or a filter to where only manually-entered sites are allowed. 15 | 16 | 17 | #withdrawal-misc{{It is a brutal detox at first, and there were Sundays where I would just be staring at my wall, not wanting to read anymore}}, but it's worth it. You are neither escaping from reality, in my opinion. In regards to exposure therapy they say "What you resist persists" but I have found the total opposite after giving up computer: you are not resisting, you are simply returning your brain to the normal level of information-intake our ancestors have been receiving for thousands of years. Just like how humans are experiencing problems with modernity (sedentary life styles, etc.) I feel the overload of information is another big one. 18 | 19 | Your life has enough things to worry about. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues I really encourage you to go cold turkey. Real news pertaining to you, the *really* important stuff, will reach you no matter what.}} 20 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)nicegraphduded6z6pk-my_first_4_weeks-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{My first 4 weeks}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/d6z6pk/my_first_4_weeks/, #created:1569004762 2 | 3 | #post{{It has been roughly 4 weeks since I began no surf(more like less surf for me). #tech-rules{{My rules for this time}} have been as follows 4 | 5 | 1. No social media or phone based entertainment until at least 2:30 PM 6 | 2. No social media or phone based entertainment at all on Sundays 7 | 3. No social media or phone based entertainment until after all classes for the day are done. 8 | 4. Sleep with my phone in another room (requires alternative alarm) 9 | 5. No phone usage until after breakfast 10 | 6. Computer and tablet are exclusively used for work and school related tasks. 11 | 7. #tech-phone-break{{Leave phone in the car when I go to the gym}} (unless I'm meeting with someone and I can see they aren't inside yet) 12 | 8. No phone during class (duh) 13 | 9. #tech-unsubscribe{{Only follow channels and subreddits that provide me with value and don't suck me in.}} 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | What's the hardest part? 19 | 20 | The hardest one for me is certainly doing a complete social media fast on Sundays. Usually sunday is my least busy day so I'm prone to #bad-bored{{boredom}} and I've slipped up on this one at least twice, but it's the only one I've slipped up on more than once. 21 | 22 | 23 | What's the easiest part? 24 | 25 | I have absolutely no trouble leaving my phone in the car at the gym. #ben-better-attention{{It's fantastic how much more focused I feel}} and how it gives my mind a break. 26 | 27 | What's changed? 28 | 29 | My phone usage has gone down from a typical 4 hours a day on weekdays and 7-8 hours a day on weekends to 1-2 hours a day on weekdays and 2-3 hours a day on weekends. On top of that my usage which used to be primarily #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} and #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}} has changed to being mostly useful apps like Amazon kindle, Dayboom (journaling app), navigation, email, and texting. I still use and enjoy YouTube and Reddit but my usage is less than 10 minutes a day on average for each. 30 | 31 | #ben-more-time{{With the newfound free time}} #other-activities-read{{I've started reading books for pleasure for the first time....ever really.}} I've also picked up a couple of old hobbies again for when I'm bored around the house (to do when I get the urge to surf). #ben-better-school{{Most importantly I've been more on top of my course work this semester than ever before.}} I haven't stayed up late studying or working on something since I started this and I find it easier to focus for longer periods of time than I used to. 32 | 33 | 34 | I'm well aware the 4 weeks isn't really all that long considering I've been addicted to technology for over 10 years. #ben-more-positive{{I just feel hopeful now in a way that I haven't before}} because I finally managed to change my behavior for longer than a day. 35 | 36 | I realize that nothing I listed in revolutionary, but I wanted to share. The biggest one for me is waiting until 2:30 to use social media. It primes the brain for novelty to wake up and hop on reddit or ig so not doing it helps me immensely with concentration.}} 37 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Leadsynthesizerri2kt1-my_30_days_of_no_home_internet-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{My 30 days of no home Internet}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/ri2kt1/my_30_days_of_no_home_internet/, #created:1639695454 2 | 3 | #post{{I've been meaning to try it for years, but I finally went for 30 days of #tech-no-home-internet{{no home Internet}}. I just thought, screw it, and I unplugged my router and all my ethernet cables and left them at the office. Well, in reality it was more like 24 days because the last three weekends I brought the stuff back home so I could game with my friends on Sunday nights. That's still something I value. 4 | 5 | The first week #ben-less-anxiety{{I felt calm and serene for not having the option to go online}}, like a toddler wrapped tightly in a blanket. I felt silly for being so dependent on the Internet once. I started writing stuff down to check them later. #ben-misc{{My home started to feel like my fortress of solitude where the world couldn't get to me}}. #other-activities-play-music{{I made some progress on a music project}}, #other-activities-read{{I read more}}, #other-activities-journal{{I journaled more}}, #ben-better-sleep{{I slept better}}, #ben-better-self-care{{I ate better and I just took better care of myself}}. I couldn't believe I ever had time to be online! 6 | 7 | #withdrawal-time{{After the first week}}, #withdrawal-misc{{being offline was getting more difficult. I started to fill my time with offline stimulation (yes, it's a thing), things like consuming and distracting myself with old music and movies on my harddrive.}} 8 | 9 | On the second weekend I brought the router home to game with friends. My mind immediately started toying with the idea of plugging it in. After a crazy week at work, my mind told me that I deserved it. And so I plugged it in. Immediately, a popup ironically appeared and wished me "Welcome back!". Everything needed updates, apparently. I was back online again, and the world was already nagging me. 10 | 11 | Come third week, I was back on the horse again. My sleep got better again and I had more mental energy after work. Being offline after work started to feel like the new normal. I knew I wouldn't die from it. But I was still distracting myself with offline content a lot. I was multitasking again. It felt a lot like being online, actually. I would get the same sort of feeling after turning it off—like when you turn off a noisy fan and go "aaaah that's better". 12 | 13 | When the last week rolled around, my document of "things to do online" was empty. I didn't feel the need to go online anymore. I had learned to distract myself in other ways. 14 | 15 | After the last weekend I forgot to take the router back to work. My willpower faltered and I plugged it in for a bit one night. 16 | 17 | So what did I learn? 18 | 19 | * I sleep better on weekdays without the Internet. 20 | * Weekdays offline are not that difficult. Weekends are hard. 21 | * If I have the option to go online, I will. 22 | * The Internet fills up time that I don't really have, time that should be spent taking care of myself. 23 | * It doesn't matter whether I'm online or not. I find ways to distract myself in any case. 24 | * Offline stimulation feels as crappy as online stimulation. They both kidnap the mind. 25 | * Most of all, the Internet is not my scapegoat anymore.}} 26 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Own-Consequence64zyilei-2022_nosurf_success-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #good-one #title:{{2022 Nosurf success!}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/zyilei/2022_nosurf_success/, #created:1672352919 2 | 3 | #post{{Throwaway because I don't have a real reddit account (obviously lol). 4 | 5 | Thought I'd make a post about my successful experience with nosurf in 2022. There are a lot of negative and hopeless-sounding posts here so I want to do my small part to show that success is possible. I'm defining success for me as no longer having any real urge to browse #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} or #a-t-twitter{{twitter}} (my two addictive sites) and being disinterested in the content if I do look at them (how did I ever find this dreck interesting?). I don't have statistics but at the start of the year I would spend most of the day on my laptop, now on a typical day I don't use my laptop at all and only use my phone for texting and looking up words in the language I'm learning. 6 | 7 | I don't have an ingenious method or simple hack to get rid of your internet addiction, my approach was to #tech-slow-progress{{keep introducing more and more friction into my device usage and continuing to plug away at it}}. This involved rather ridiculous methods. For instance #tech-obscure-password{{I set my laptop password to a random 64 character string that I wrote down on a piece of paper.}} It can take me several minutes to get logged in now. Anyway, here are some observations about internet addiction I have. Doubtlessly unoriginal but it's what I have: 8 | 9 | * Your internet addiction is almost certainly a coping mechanism for something else. This means unfortunately you're probably not going to kick your reddit habbit then be happy and healthy for the rest of your life. You need to fix your actual issues. The good news is you'll have lots of time to do this. 10 | 11 | * I think it can be helpful to really, really think about how these sites fundamentally operate. They compete to get your attention and show you ads, or in other words they convert your life into revenue. It's deranged! Ironic detachment is the cultural norm right now it seems like but if you can get out of that and #tech-misc{{really feel just how disgusting social media is I think it can help a lot, especially when it gets hard}}. #tech-misc{{Paradoxically realizing I am a victim was empowering, it made my struggle meaningful.}} 12 | 13 | * Pretty much everything is better "analog", the annoying parts that tech automates away are what enriches the experience. I'm not 100% on this though, for instance I think spotify has let me listen to a lot of interesting music I would never have encountered otherwise. But I'd recommend maintaining an attitude of extreme skepticism towards anything digital until it demonstrates otherwise. 14 | 15 | * Real life meaningful relationships are indescribably beautiful and make being online seem incredibly pathetic in comparison. Please go make some friends if you don't have any, or become closer with them if you do have them (maybe that acquittance you have could be your bff if you got to know them better). I don't have the secret^TM to making friends either, but please try. 16 | 17 | Don't have much else to say, like I said I don't have some secret technique or insight. I'm just a guy. I hope anyone reading this has a good 2023 and I look forward to not seeing you around!}} 18 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)No_Sorbet_9440wnn5wn-update_on_no_smartphone_life-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Update on no smartphone life}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/wnn5wn/update_on_no_smartphone_life/, #created:1660420625 2 | 3 | #post{{I made a post near the beginning of summer about #tech-dumbphone{{switching out my iphone for a flip phone}} as my addiction and adhd was running rampant. My quality of life had become so poor that even getting up to use the bathroom while scrolling felt like a challenge that took way too much mental energy. 4 | 5 | So, i'm back for an update (on my PC of course) 6 | 7 | So far its been amazing, #withdrawal-bored{{at first I was super bored}} but then I just...started doing things! I have been outside almost every day whether I am out #other-activities-misc{{looking for cool rocks and fossils}} or just #other-activities-walk{{enjoying a nice hike}}, or #other-activities-read{{reading outside in the shade}}. #symp-worse-concentration{{Reading was something I couldn't manage for longer than five minutes}} and #symp-worse-school{{was causing my grades in college to plummet}}...now I can enjoy it again like I used to as a kid. #other-activities-exercise{{Apparently I really, really like river swimming, who knew?}} 8 | 9 | It has me wondering if I truly have ADHD or if having a smart phone from the age of 12 seriously messed up my attention span...or maybe the ADHD was aggravated by the device, who knows. I'm not gonna bother messing with my medication until i'm back in class so I can know for sure. 10 | 11 | #ben-saved-money{{That and my plan is now 20 dollars a month compared to 70-80!}} 12 | 13 | Now for the drawbacks.. 14 | 15 | As much as it has impacted me positively, I'll note that there are some hurtles to jump over. 16 | 17 | #bad-practical-difficulties{{My gym switched from plastic barcodes to an iPhone app to check in for "sanitary reasons" which I never got because nobody else is touching my key?}} 18 | 19 | Music. I didn't even think about music until I had none! This problem was solved by a good ol MP3 player and youtube to mp3 converter like the good ol days. 20 | 21 | #bad-difficulties-with-others{{People. Holy crap is it ever annoying to get people to send a text as a text and not an imessage. I turned off imessage on my old apple ID and factory reset it but for some reason people won't stop trying to add me to imessage group chats, including for work...like come on not everyone has an iphone, I know plenty of people who prefer samsung smartphones.}} 22 | 23 | #bad-lose-contact{{Some people have completely stopped talking to me simply because I am no longer an active #a-t-facebook{{facebook}} or #a-t-instagram{{instagram}} user despite me giving them my phone number to contact me (yes they have a working phone)}} 24 | 25 | I've had one person throw a tantrum for not responding within an hour on facebook...after I gave him my phone number and explained the situation in detail, yet he still did not grasp it. Its like people won't believe you actually don't use social media like you used to and still expect you to answer on their platform of choice, rather than just calling or texting. This has been the most aggravating part, not everyone wants to watch their social media notifications from sunrise to sunset. Good riddance I suppose. I keep facebook to occasionally check up on family but that's about it, I should honestly just perma delete instagram.}} 26 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)_virtuoso5911s8-ditching_the_smartphone_a_nosurf_success_story-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Ditching the smartphone; a nosurf success story}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/5911s8/ditching_the_smartphone_a_nosurf_success_story/, #created:1477260293 2 | 3 | #post{{So about 6 months ago, #tech-broken-phone{{I threw my iPhone as hard as I could against my wall, and shattered the screen}}. The phone didn't break completely. The phone was still on, as the cracked screen was jolting out spurts of electronic light through the spiderweb of shattered glass. It was like an insect still kicking reflexively after being smashed. I put it out of it's misery, but grabbing it on each end and bending it until it's insides snapped up and the phone shut off for good. 4 | 5 | Then I went in to work. 6 | 7 | I got off work, and instead of checking my phone for notifications, news, social media posts, text messages, emails, and calls, I just walked out of the restaurant and walked around in the physical world and experienced a #ben-being-present{{feeling of presence and stimulation that I had completely forgotten about}}. It was #ben-misc{{like being a child in an open field, exploring the world without being tethered to the concerns of adult life}}. #ben-being-present{{Seeing things and thinking about them, being present in the moment, enjoying the world as it is}}. 8 | 9 | #tech-no-phone{{I went without a cell phone for nearly two months}}. It was glorious. People simply couldn't bother me. I indulged in the intense isolation that we systematically deny ourselves in this constantly connected world. #other-activities-read{{I read books on park benches}}, #other-activities-walk{{I walked around with coffee in hand}}, #other-activities-misc{{observing human behavior up close and personal}}, rather than through an artificial medium where people filter their words and facial expressions, custom tailoring their image to please the greatest amount of people. 10 | 11 | I ended up caving in to the social pressure to have a cell phone, but #tech-dumbphone{{I got a very simple GoPhone that I use for calls and texts and nothing else whatsoever.}} 12 | 13 | I felt it was somewhat irresponsible to be completely unreachable, in case of family emergencies and things of that nature. 14 | 15 | But overall, my relationship with my phone has stayed extremely minimal, so I've retained the benefits of destroying the smartphone. 16 | 17 | I'm not going to sit here and lie and pretend like my life is so great because I killed my smartphone. I still have tons of issues to work on. 18 | 19 | But life is better. Because when those problems become too much, I can simply take a walk and escape them all, if only for a little while. 20 | 21 | #ben-being-present{{Every day I feel present}}. #ben-clear-mind{{I feel lucid}}. #ben-appreciate-more{{The world is vibrant and interesting.}} 22 | 23 | I no longer occupy myself with the daily news. Being up to date on everything constantly is not only unnecessary; it is destructive to our well being. There is so much going awry in the world at any given moment that keeping a constant newsfeed means that we are #symp-misc{{inundated with negativity}} and #symp-horror{{horror.}} 24 | 25 | But this is a choice we make. #ben-misc{{I made the choice to reclaim my psychological independence, at least to a degree}}. and it's been positively wonderful. 26 | 27 | Cheers.}} 28 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(2)5points6w0ucw-rnosurf_sunday_will_be_my_first_month_with_no-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{r/nosurf: Sunday will be my first Month with No: Video,Reddit or Wikipedia.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/6w0ucw/rnosurf_sunday_will_be_my_first_month_with_no/, #created:1503690216 2 | 3 | #post{{I stopped watching TV 10 years ago. I watch more #a-t-youtube{{video}} over the internet now than I ever did before. #ben-better-social-life{{I have been more social}} and #ben-more-active{{done way more things}} that I would have if I had been lost on #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} or #a-t-wikipedia{{Wikipedia}} or Documentaries. I thought if I was learning something that I wasn't wasting my time. Collecting information and not doing anything with it is a #symp-wasted-time{{total waste of time.}} 4 | 5 | I am done learning things. I want to start doing them more. I am thinking about having every other day be Amish day. 6 | 7 | }} 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | #title:{{r/nosurf Progress Report 3 Months In (This is hard to believe but it is true)}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/7qiav0/rnosurf_progress_report_3_months_in_this_is_hard/, #created:1516003407 13 | 14 | #post{{Ten Facts: 15 | 16 | 17 | 1. #ben-better-reading-writing{{My reading and writing has improved soooo much!}} 18 | 19 | 20 | 2. #other-activities-writing{{I actually wrote a diet ebook!}} 21 | 22 | 23 | 3. #ben-better-social-life{{I have bonded much closer with friends and family}} 24 | 25 | 26 | 4. I have done many things instead of watching many things 27 | 28 | 29 | 5. I was raised on television and knew it was a problem I god rid of the TV and I have been lying to myself that #a-t-youtube{{YouTube}} wasn’t as bad because it was “educational” at first at least 30 | 31 | 32 | 6. #ben-better-social-life{{I see everybody more}} 33 | 34 | 7. #ben-feel-better{{I am happier}} 35 | 36 | 8. My depression is much better 37 | 38 | 9. #withdrawal-bored{{I got Soo board for the first month!}} 39 | 40 | 10. I saw benefits after the first day I repaired a relationship with an old friend that I wouldn’t have 41 | made up with 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | Biggest Shocker (This is hard to believe but it is true) 46 | I was addicted to the YouTube suggestions physically, I have a strong tolerance for drugs I have tried them all except crack and heroin I have never been addicted to anything except Crystal Meth (That was way worse btw stay away from the white devil) I had physical withdrawals when I stopped watching YouTube #withdrawal-time{{after the 3rd day}} #withdrawal-misc{{it was just like coming off of Pain Killers when would get high for too many days in a row that with them a few years back, I am going to a strict church so I don’t do drugs right now other than pot 😊. Trust me my wife witnessed it. I couldn’t believe how bad it was. I have had to come off of Pain killers before this was way way worse. }} 47 | After taking a month off #tech-curate-content{{I let myself watch only subscribed videos}} #tech-youtube-extension{{I still use a Chrome addon that Blocks the suggestion AI}} 48 | 49 | 50 | Thank you r/nosurf! you all were a big part of my recovery! 51 | 52 | I have a different definition of addiction than most BTW. For me it is not being able to stop something when you want to. I believe that I am the only person that can decide wither or not I am addicted to something. I am not talking about others opinions here only my own. My x-wife would say that I am addicted to pot. I see it as it's something that I like to do sometimes. }} 53 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)srakeebbrkaff-i_decided_to_quit_social_media_for_a_year_ive-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes [[she says in a comment that she has more free time]] #title:{{I decided to quit social media for a year. I've made it to 4 months and I'm still going.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/brkaff/i_decided_to_quit_social_media_for_a_year_ive/, #created:1558498927 2 | 3 | #post{{It was an impulsive move, but it has become one of the best decisions I have ever made. 4 | 5 | 10 years ago, I made my first #a-t-tumblr{{Tumblr}} account. I was 11 years old, and by the time I was 12 years old, I had already gained 22,000 followers. From a young age, I quickly learned what it meant to be a part of an online community. I hadn't realized it, but the amount of time that I had spent online was shaping my perception of the world around me. #symp-less-real-friends{{I never made an effort to befriend my classmates because I believed that no one would understand me the same way that my internet friends would}}. I met some of my internet friends at concerts and I exclusively interacted with them. It wasn't until college that I had experienced a shift in location, freedom, and routine and my screen time had been reduced for the friends I had been making real-time through my classes. Still, I had this lingering feeling that if I was not continuously posting pretty pictures of myself or funny content, then my followers would see no value in me—and this made me #symp-fear{{deeply uncomfortable and afraid}}. 6 | 7 | In her book, #book-how-to-break-up-with-your-phone{{How To Break Up With Your Phone}}, Catherine Price emphasizes that our lives are what we pay attention to and if we spend our attention on our phone, then our phone will be our life. In my case, this is true. Halfway through my teenage years, I moved from Tumblr to other platforms such as #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}} and #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}} and I spent a lot of time figuring out how to curate a profile like the people I followed. #symp-living-for-online{{I was organizing my life based around what I could share online}}. I spent time thinking about new makeup looks, new clothes to buy, new photos to upload, new events I could attend—all so I can impress others and keep it consistent online. I took advantage of every new meme and new gossip about celebrities to create funny or relatable posts. #symp-risk-taking{{I even became more reckless and I did things I normally didn't do just so I could have a story to share online later}}. I have to admit, #symp-negative-self-image{{I wasn't proud of myself}}. Yet, this was all I ever knew about how to use the internet. Most of the users I befriended throughout my time online eventually reached between 20,000-100,000 followers. A few other ones surpassed a million. I wanted to stand out on the internet too. 8 | 9 | A friend asked me to share my life story with him one day. It was then that I had realized that my life story revolved entirely around my history and engagement on the internet. I met so many people online who were a big part of my life. Although I have come across many beautiful and funny people online, I could tell that some of them weren't genuinely fulfilled with their lives and I wanted to be. If people are supposedly the average of the five people they spend the most time with, then I was the average of all the unhappy and misguided people that I followed online. 10 | 11 | I'm really grateful that I quit. #ben-clear-mind{{My mind feels clear again}}. I'm unlearning what the internet has taught me about my self-image and my self-worth, and #ben-feel-better{{I have to say that it feels absolutely incredible to let go of it all}}.}} 12 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]86x58y32-been_off_social_media_for_a_month_never_felt_so-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Been off social media for a month. #ben-freedom{{Never felt so free}}.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/x58y32/been_off_social_media_for_a_month_never_felt_so/, #created:1662250601 2 | 3 | #post{{The three most important things I've done this year: 4 | 5 | * Get diagnosed with ADHD 6 | * Get as healthy as possible 7 | * #tech-delete{{Delete all social media}} 8 | 9 | &#x200B; 10 | 11 | **Story** 12 | 13 | I failed high school, a university preparation course, dropped out of university multiple times, and struggled at employment due to undiagnosed ADHD. During all of this, #symp-wasted-time{{I also spent excessive amounts of time online}}. The internet was exciting when I was young, but gradually got more hostile while I was unable to log off. #symp-getting-into-trouble{{I was posting inflammatory content under my name, caused dramas, getting emotionally provoked by the algorithm, and getting into the most jaw-dropping dramas}}. I knew it was bad for me, but because I had undiagnosed ADHD I couldn't stop. 14 | 15 | The people, drama, and content I saw online got more extreme each year. In the past few years, I saw some messed up scenarios I'd have never come across in real life. 16 | 17 | #tech-adhd-diagnosis{{After an ADHD diagnosis at 25}}, I've lost heaps of weight, got employed, managed to wean off all social media, get a flip phone, and generally living a happier life. 18 | 19 | &#x200B; 20 | 21 | **Thoughts on social media** 22 | 23 | Almost everyone I know seems to realise social media is bad for them, but has a reason to stay on. 24 | 25 | After a month off social media, it is obviously a good decision. Social media makes you more depressed, anxious, hostile, stupid, radical, lower social skills, and even an association to alcohol abuse. Because of how much impact social media has on people's well-being, you will be able to find a link to excessive social media use and almost any negative outcome. If research hasn't made a link yet, they will find a link in the future. 26 | 27 | I bet eventually you will be able to see a link between lower life expectancy and excessive social media use. I also bet when our generation are elderly and surveyed on regrets, spending so much time on screens will be our generation's top regret. 28 | 29 | Every reason people stay on social media is overrated and also improves when you sign off. 30 | 31 | When you aren't on social media, it makes you more rare and people value your presence more. Your relationships with your friends become valuable when you are less accessible. People make an effort to invite you to things. 32 | 33 | If someone wants to connect with you but realises you aren't on social media, they'll make an effort to get your details. 34 | 35 | When you aren't able to spend all day chatting on the internet, you naturally start finding ways to connect with people in person. You start finding new ways to fill the time. 36 | 37 | You feel better, do better socially, and live a better life. The benefits of abandoning social media massively outweigh the cons. 38 | 39 | While 26 is still young, I look at my history with regret. I look at my teenage years, early adulthood, and think of all the time I spent online. Those years aren't coming back. On top of that, #symp-bad-online-presence{{we live in a cancel culture now and all my youthful dumbassery is up there for display.}} I wish I spent time with my chums, not spending my youth in front of a screen and getting into insane drama online. 40 | 41 | &#x200B; 42 | 43 | TL;DR - Ditching social media is an overwhelmingly good decision. Your reasons to stay are overrated and will improve too. Do it.}} 44 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)[deleted]84wsekht-tips_from_a_nosurf_veteran-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Tips from a NoSurf Veteran}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/wsekht/tips_from_a_nosurf_veteran/, #created:1660917116 2 | 3 | #post{{Bit of tongue in cheek title, but I've been doing NoSurf since 2020 and wanted to share some tips and tricks I've learned and picked up. Made this account, will stick around and then delete this account, cause not staying here lmaoo. 4 | 5 | **Firstly, what does NoSurf look like?** 6 | 7 | I learned that there is not one way to do NoSurf, I still use the internet. But I don't use social media . #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}}, #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}}, #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}}, #a-t-youtube{{Youtube}}, #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}}, #a-t-tiktok{{TikTok}} and #a-t-snapchat{{Snapchat}} are all platforms I don't use. I used to spend my life on these platforms. Heck, my life was these platforms. 8 | 9 | I do use Spotify, email and sometimes Netflix (only intentionally though). Along with some online courses, on Udemy. 10 | 11 | I also do lots of googling, and researching random topics. But that's just my personality! :D 12 | 13 | **Secondly, what's my number one tip?** 14 | 15 | You need to replace social media, with just as fullfilling and dopamine filled activities. It's been a long road and first its hard because you have to go out and make your own algorithm. You have to actively search for your dopamine. I get mine from my hobbies, #other-activities-play-music{{(music composition}}, #other-activities-art{{painting}}) #other-activities-music-listening{{music (i'm listening to the new Nicki Minaj while typing this)}}, #other-activities-misc{{podcasts}}, #other-activities-read{{books}} and #other-activities-socializing{{friends}}. 16 | 17 | #tech-misc{{Podcasts podcasts podcasts. These got me off social media completely. I find you can know more about the internet and whats going on social media through podcasts than actually scrolling.}} 18 | 19 | Maybe listening to pop culture, news, political commentary, comedy and lifestyle podcasts is breaking some sort of NoSurf rule. But for me, I'm not surfing, so it's a success. I also feel connected, more connected actually. 20 | 21 | So yes, find what is your equivalent to what podcasts did for me. 22 | 23 | Also don't make NoSurf bigger than it needs to be. Don't make it a dopamine detox, NoFap, slow living, no caffeine, new diet, self improvement, minimalism and no social media challenge. Just focus on getting rid of social media. Make it simple and easy as possible 24 | 25 | **Thirdly, do I miss it?** 26 | 27 | Yes, I did, nothing like a TikTok algorithm curated exactly to what would make you laugh. But now I rarely do. It does nothing for me, and means nothing to me. Occasionally a podcast dips into whats happening on Tiktok so I learn through that. And that reminds me why I remain off TikTok and other social media. 28 | 29 | **Fourthly, what is my opinion on social media?** 30 | 31 | It's changed, significantly. At first, I hated it, it was vermin to me, a abomination to this earth, it was the source of all disharmony in society, it was the problem in my life, it was the reason the world was crumbling and it was ruining society and humanity. Now I'm neutral. Social media is great. Its a great tool if you know how to use it. It's also not a good representation of the real world AT ALL, but yes of course it has an influence. I'm a sociology student so I could write a whole ass essay on this, but my toast is about to pop. 32 | 33 | **Final thoughts?** 34 | 35 | Get off social media if you want to. If you don't want to, don't. 36 | 37 | Also, It won't solve all your problems. It doesn't have that much power. (trust me) 38 | 39 | Hope you guys find harmony and peace! <3}} 40 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Net-Ad5772108npc7-how_ive_stayed_off_social_media_for_over_a_year-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How I’ve stayed off social media for over a year}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/108npc7/how_ive_stayed_off_social_media_for_over_a_year/, #created:1673391012 2 | 3 | #post{{ About seven years back, an adorable game was making the rounds on social media. Ten questions to ask your child about you. Our five-year-old answered “what is your mom good at?” She knew this one immediately: “texting on her phone.” Then: “what is your mom not good at?” “Not texting on her phone.” I awkwardly laughed thinking it wasn't that clever. Yet later when alone, I sobbed. 4 | 5 | At the age of five, our daughter had identified my addiction. #symp-shame{{I felt deep shame}}. #symp-less-self-controll{{I was powerless to control my social media use and my texting}}. Life had become unmanageable as #symp-worse-sleep{{I stayed up well past midnight, sometimes all night posting and commenting on social media}}. I’d wake up with next-to-no sleep exhausted. Even though I was the stay-at-home mom, my husband handled the entire morning routine getting the kids out the door. 6 | 7 | I searched weekly for a support group and #tech-support-group{{in June of 2020 I found ITAA. “These are MY PEOPLE,” I declared to my husband after the first meeting. I was so very happy to have finally found this fellowship which has become a home to me the last 2 ½ years.}} 8 | 9 | I went to a meeting every day from there forward. Yet, nothing changed, and I didn’t get sober. There’s a recovery slogan: “meeting makers make it,” well, meeting makers who \*only\* go to meetings, don’t. In January of 2021, I really started to work the program. I got a sponsor and began the steps. I made outreach calls. I love ITAA’s outreach calls: if I need support in the moment, I ask and someone calls me. Likewise, I can support another. 10 | 11 | My early bottom lines—the specific tech boundaries I use to define sobriety—were around limiting my use: such as only using before 10pm or only going on to social media to visit the district parents’ group. Yet I slipped. Again and again. #symp-feel-bad{{I wasn’t happy}} and I certainly wasn’t sober. My usage was very unmanageable, and self-reliance had failed me. 12 | 13 | On September 27, 2021, I hit my bottom. That is my wedding anniversary and my husband stayed home from work. He was doing some yard work and then we’d planned to ride our Harley north and have lunch. He finished the yard work. I could tell he was done but I couldn’t pull myself away from social media. Almost an hour later I pulled myself away—we had a rushed lunch to get back for the kids—this was my fault. That evening we had a special dinner to celebrate our anniversary with the kids. Once again, I couldn’t pull myself off social media and didn’t join until dessert. 14 | 15 | #symp-negative-self-image{{I felt like SUCH a bad mom.}} Who does this?! 16 | 17 | I was running my life on self-will and I needed to trust something other than myself. 18 | 19 | I had a lot of fear and mourning around leaving social media. Yet another ITAA fellow let me know that he had felt that, too. That helped me feel like I could do it and my ITAA friends gave me support. 20 | 21 | Yet I can’t stay sober today because of yesterday's recovery. I need to ask for help every day. As I’ve been in the program longer, I’ve discovered new bottom lines. Toughest for me today is over-researching insignificant purchases but I’m working on that with an #tech-accountability{{accountability group}} of six ITAA friends who have similar issues. 22 | 23 | I’ve been quite active in service with the fellowship. I’m excited that we’re so new--only five years. It is a great honor to help create this fellowship which I have craved for years. The camaraderie, support, and love I feel in this fellowship lifts me up daily.}} 24 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Its_A_Nice_Dayadxtkl-on_my_32nd_day_of_almost_no_internet_or_phone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{On my 32nd day of [almost] no internet or phone}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/adxtkl/on_my_32nd_day_of_almost_no_internet_or_phone/, #created:1546975072 2 | 3 | #post{{#tech-rehab{{Been in a substance recovery facility with no computers, and very highly restricted phone access.}} 4 | 5 | It feels like my brain is re-wiring itself. 6 | 7 | #ben-less-anxiety{{Been feeling a lot calmer}}. #ben-mentally-stable{{More in control of my moods and emotions}}. #ben-appreciate-more{{Able to enjoy less stimulating activities}} like #other-activities-socializing{{socializing}}, #other-activities-misc{{eating}}, and #other-activities-exercise{{working out far more.}} 8 | 9 | Been #other-activities-contemplative{{meditating and doing a form of concentrated **intentional** physical activity every day}}, and it's #ben-clear-mind{{been far easier to focus on it without endless mental chatter, distraction, and impulsivity.}} 10 | 11 | I got a wrist watch, and its crazy how much we get sucked into our phones just to check the time. 12 | 13 | #ben-more-patient{{A lot more patient too. }} 14 | 15 | #withdrawal-irritable{{I've been pretty irritable though}}, but theres a lot of other factors involved in my recovery than just too much pc/internet use. 16 | 17 | #ben-better-social-life{{My social drive is a lot higher, too. It's greater than ever. Been talking to more people, holding conversations far better, able to pay attention and listen a lot better, and I just in general feel a stronger presence, a brighter aura, when im with people.}} 18 | 19 | I've been in an environment where I'm constantly around people, which helps tremendously whenever there's the urge to isolate and escape when emotions get tough, or when i feel bored or understimulated. 20 | 21 | It also helped to be around people who I can relate to that understand my struggle. 22 | 23 | The facility I'm at is also all men. Tougher men who've been through a lot of shit. Many residents are fresh out of prison, or off the streets, so I've been able to express what I been through, and how I feel when high emotions come out, without them being all soft and bitchmade and arrogant like a lot of people online are. 24 | 25 | I feel like internet use causes us to generalize far more, reduce our empathy, be less compassionate, judge more discriminatory, and be much quicker to express negative emotions like anger. 26 | 27 | The fact I was able to be angry, yell, and act out, yet get a **SUPPORTIVE** response from people willing to **HELP** me, rather than being around soft people that are highly reactive and have vindictive personalities, really has helped me improve. Being somewhere that highly emotional outbursts were ineffective, yet understood by my peers, taught me to practice more productive behavior. 28 | 29 | Maybe this isn't all internet related, but I had a bad "addiction cocktail" where id stay in a cycle of 30 | internet-drugs-porn-games-junkfood-repeat; all day, for years and years, and it really declined my mental and physical health. 31 | 32 | I got tired of people saying condescending shit to me about problems they dont relate to. And those who try to dismiss the problems because they're defensive about something they enjoy. They just don't understand and won't understand. 33 | 34 | I realized I needed to be somewhere that I was completely unable to access my addictions and compulsions, and made the decision to go into treatment. 35 | 36 | Another great benefit, too, is not constantly polluting my mind with the endless toxicity of the internet. I believe too much of this has a negative impact on our mental health and overall outlook on life. Today, I'm able to focus on whats important to my life, here, and now. 37 | 38 | I look forward to the road ahead. 39 | 40 | }} 41 | 42 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)ProgressTakenvbes8h-a_small_update_5_months_of_consumption_reduction-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{A Small Update (5 months of Consumption Reduction)}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/vbes8h/a_small_update_5_months_of_consumption_reduction/, #created:1655134116 2 | 3 | #post{{A few months ago, I made an update on my progress towards completely reducing my consumption of media, and my possessions. I have made progress in some areas, and not so much in others as is to be expected. 4 | 5 | My previous post is in *italics*, and the current update is in **bold**. 6 | 7 | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 8 | 9 | *I started by slowly #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{removing my online accounts}}. All of the ones I did not use/plan to use got deleted. I consolidated all of my accounts that I absolutely can't live without.* 10 | 11 | **This is a work in progress by nature. As time goes on, accounts get added. But I have removed major players (Payment processors, shopping accounts) and I consider that a net positive.** 12 | 13 | *I joined better/more secure services that do not use me as a product. I focused on intentionally cutting out the Alphabet companies and going for alternatives.* 14 | 15 | **I have done well in this category as well. I have almost no accounts with google, ms, fb, etc.** 16 | 17 | *I left all social media platforms -- except for the couple of apps I absolutely need for keeping in touch with important people.* 18 | 19 | **I am proud that I am no longer a member of any 'forward facing' social media platforms. Though I do have a discord and mastodon. I consider these to be a good compromise.** 20 | 21 | *#tech-delete{{I've slowly phased out gaming to the point where I can live without it easily. I started with deleting Val/League/CS which were the most problematic. Now I allow myself to enjoy some single player games, but multiplayer games are just too addicting and can't be apart of that.}}* 22 | 23 | **This has been my biggest challenge. I do still #a-t-games{{play games}}, but way less than I used to.** 24 | 25 | I *#tech-remove-devices{{completely wiped my gaming PC/Sold/Gave Away the parts. I am sticking strictly to my laptop where it is harder to game/waste time and much easier to be productive.}}* 26 | 27 | **Great progress here as well. Put countless technology devices in the trash (after wiped for privacy). The journey to discovering the best way to get rid of technology was interesting, as it isn't as simple as other household items.** 28 | 29 | *#tech-unsubscribe{{Slowly phase out my spending on subscriptions/services I do not use or that waste my time.}}* 30 | 31 | **I am down to 3 essential subscription services!** 32 | 33 | *Completely cut out #a-t-porn{{pornography}} consumption and replace it with something more useful (I have been making progress towards this as well* 34 | 35 | **This is an up and down battle that isn't covered by the scope of this post. But I have made meaningful progress in this area, and my mental health is a lot better.** 36 | 37 | *Ultimately have the least amount of devices that cover the most amount of purpose. My ideal goal is to have one computer and a minimalist phone that covers everything I need.* 38 | 39 | **This is the best area. I have 1 phone, 1 tablet, 1 laptop. It is so much simpler and I am keeping it this way.** 40 | 41 | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 42 | 43 | I doubt anyone remembers my initial post. But for those who are on a similar journey I hope this helps to motivate and inform! I will try to answer questions as much as I can. Certain information has been changed for privacy concerns.}} 44 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)puggidy7dzv9x-my_solution_to_cutting_screen_time_been_doing-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{My solution to cutting screen time, been doing this for around 2 years}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/7dzv9x/my_solution_to_cutting_screen_time_been_doing/, #created:1511087905 2 | 3 | #post{{Hi guys, I wanted to share a method I’ve found that has helped me significantly reduce the time I spend on my phone. Essentially it is based on recognizing that **#tech-not-work{{willpower}} alone is not enough** because smartphones are too addictive, and that **removing triggers will go a long way** toward reducing screen time. 4 | 5 | **Here’s a list of what I do (no fluff, all actionable):** 6 | 7 | **1. #tech-other-time-checking{{Wear a watch}}:** so that I can check the time without having to pull out my phone, which could lead me to checking messages/emails etc. and I end up being sucked into using my phone. 8 | 9 | **2. #tech-stop-notifications{{Turn off all notifications}} (except WhatsApp and Telegram):** every time I receive a notification, there is a chance I’ll get sucked into mindlessly reading/checking things on my phone. By reducing the number of notifications, I’m basically reducing the number of “triggers” that can lead me down that path. 10 | 11 | **2a. Why I use both WhatsApp and Telegram:** because my workplace has set up an office WhatsApp group. I want to be able to contact my friends and family on Telegram without having to open up WhatsApp. This is a personal choice. 12 | 13 | **2b. Since I’ve turned off all notifications even for emails,** I’ll check my emails once in the morning, once in the afternoon and again in the evening -- instead of every time an email comes in. 14 | 15 | **3. #tech-delete{{Deleting apps that are too addictive}}:** I used to spend a lot of time online playing chess and reading about chess, solving chess tactics/puzzles etc. It’s addictive and I’ve deleted a chess app I used to have. 16 | 17 | **4. Stop going to websites that are heavy on clickbait:** I like reading the news, but some websites bait you into clicking on the next article and the next etc etc and can be a giant time suck. Once I notice a particular website is like this I just stop going to it. I don’t find this difficult to do; I just get my news elsewhere. 18 | 19 | **5. #tech-misc{{Using a phone bag}} (this ties everything together):** I put my phone in a special bag (I’ll call it a “phone bag”). This is a great way to stop mindless reading/checking on the phone. Here are concrete examples of how it has helped me. 20 | 21 | **Example 1:** I’m waiting for the bus or train and out of habit I pull out my phone “just to check something.” With a phone bag covering my phone, I’m reminded that I don’t really need to check something. I’ll then put the phone back in my pocket and that’s the first step to breaking the cycle of smartphone addiction. 22 | 23 | **Example 2:** I get on the bus or train and again, out of habit, I pull out my phone just to “check something.” Again I’m reminded that I don’t really need to do so, and instead I put my phone away. This definitely has helped me break the cycle of smartphone dependence. It’s also helped me become **aware** of when I want to check something on my phone just out of habit. 24 | 25 | **Summary:** So when I’m out and about, I always have my phone in a phone bag. I’ll only feel my phone vibrate when I have calls or WhatsApp/Telegram messages since all notifications are turned off. I’ve deleted addictive apps and have told myself which websites not to go on because they’re full of clickbait. Whenever I feel like taking my phone out just to check something, my phone is in a phone bag and I’m reminded I don’t really need to go on it. 26 | 27 | I hope you guys will find this helpful and I’d love to hear your comments/feedback. This set-up has definitely helped me. I’ve created a website (www.theunplugger.com) that offers phone bags, but a simple drawstring pouch or something similar will suffice. 28 | 29 | Happy unplugging! 30 | Andrew 31 | 32 | }} 33 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(2)digitallyminimallymq4wjr-from_a_smartphone_to_a_flip_phone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #title:{{What I learned from taking a 31 day break from Reddit}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/nuhn20/what_i_learned_from_taking_a_31_day_break_from/, #created:1623085441 2 | 3 | #post{{I did a no-reddit challenge for the month of may; No posting, not event lurking for 31 days. 4 | 5 | *Note: I've been on this journey for a while so it's not like I went from spending hours on reddit, which I used to do A LOT, to what I'm about to share in a month. I've been slowly, and painfully, changing my relationship with compulsive internet use for years now.* 6 | 7 | Without further ado... 8 | 9 | I could say a lot about what happened during the 31 days. What is more interesting, however, was when the challenge ended and I could check reddit again. 10 | 11 | When I logged in a few days ago, I had three notifications. I learned this from quitting social media too, but **you cease to exist online as soon as you step away**. I know, *duh*, but what I am trying to say is that getting attention online requires putting a lot of attention, time, and energy into giving attention to others. Unfortunately, it's not even quality attention that we give and get online; passive likes, emoji comments, upvotes, etc. 12 | 13 | #ben-better-connection{{Talking to someone *decent* in-person for like 10 minutes is infinitely better than communicating with 10 people on Reddit. People tell you a lot of interesting stuff when you actually listen and ask questions. So, invest the time, energy, and attention spent looking for connection online to the people around you. This can be the cashier at the check out line, or you know, the family you live with and see every day.}} 14 | 15 | Second realization is that I don't like being on Reddit anymore? I find the online space very emotionally exhausting. I can't last more than 10 minutes on the front page of reddit anymore without feeling completely drained. 16 | 17 | There's so much negativity online, *duh*, but until you actually step all the way away, you think it's normal. But, **it's not normal to consume negative and toxic message 10 hours a day**. It really is not. I don't know how survived being plugged in on #a-t-twitter{{Twitter}} and #a-t-reddit{{reddit}} every day. #ben-less-negativity{{It is so much nicer to spend my days without a single negative tweet or news ruining my vibe.}} 18 | 19 | Another thing: **Everyone is saying the same thing online, following the same script**. Especially on the popular platforms like reddit and social networking sites. Same posts. Same arguments. Same 'jokes.' You remember when the Internet was actually interesting and entertaining? :'( I remember being so engrossed in reading threads and comments all day long, and literally unable to pull myself away. Now, it feels like I have seen, read, heard it all online. It's kind of boring to me. Maybe, I'm older and have the 'been there, seen that' mentality now, and have aged out of all the cool, hip stuff online. I'm 27. 20 | 21 | **It's so strange to have that desire to be online gone**. It was a long and hard battle, but it has been worth all the times I beat myself up for being so hopelessly addicted to reddit. #symp-negative-self-image{{There was so much self-loathing}} and #symp-feel-bad{{just feeling totally hopeless}}. I didn't even notice when the challenge came to an end. To think reddit used to run my life... I was so hopelessly addicted to this platform. Smh. 22 | 23 | The biggest lesson is that I need to continue making my offline life more interesting and entertaining so I don't fall into the default passive and easy entertainment available online, even when I no longer enjoy it. 24 | 25 | Some tools I used: 26 | 27 | #tech-misc{{* [A 31-day tracker](https://austinkleon.com/2020/03/01/31-day-challenge/)}} 28 | #tech-blockers{{* [SelfControl app](https://selfcontrolapp.com/) for Mac}} 29 | #tech-smart-dumbphone{{* An iPhone turned a dumb phone}} 30 | * An internal desire to not be on reddit}} 31 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)bellapippin9v0fwm-how_my_apple_watch_series_3_has_helped_me_stay-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{How my Apple Watch Series 3 has helped me stay away from browsing mindlessly}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/9v0fwm/how_my_apple_watch_series_3_has_helped_me_stay/, #created:1541605102 2 | 3 | #post{{Hey guys, I did a search for this and noticed all posts about this were a year old so I wanted to share my experience. 4 | 5 | I was never interested in an Apple Watch or any other wearable tech because I found it dumb they still needed the "mother device" close. #tech-smartwatch{{But when the series 3 stand-alone (with data) came out I actually considered it for nosurf intention purposes , bought it to give it a try}} and I'm close to 1 year of using it (I bought it around xmas time). **This thing has helped me immensely**. Let me elaborate. 6 | 7 | * The Apple Watch can't open/run social media apps other than the Messenger chat (and you can choose not to install it at all). That means no FB, Twitter, Insta, Snapchat, nothing. It does not have a web browser. Nosurf ready. Even if it could you could just choose not to install any. For people who use WhatsApp (I use it to text my family in Argentina for free) it will show you the text even if app isn't installed and you can reply but if they send you an audio or image you need to check the phone. 8 | * With this in mind, #tech-phone-break{{I've been leaving my phone inside my backpack/anywhere else but where I am}} (like, another room). When I'm home it might be on my bed, connected to my little JBL speaker playing music, while I do stuff around the house and just take the speaker with me. 9 | * I don't get anxious about missing someone trying to reach me because if someone texts me or calls me, the watch vibrates (I typically set all my devices to silence as a preference). I check the watch, read the text. If I wanna answer I can dictate my answer or even send one of those pre-set answers. If I dont' want to answer then, I just put my wrist down. Same with calls, same with alarms. If I'm having a conversation with someone and I feel a tap on my wrist it's discrete and I know I got something, but I can just wait until it's a more appropriate time to check. 10 | * During my commute I turn on the music on the phone connected to my BT headphones (although the watch can connect to the headphones too) and put it away on my backpack for the rest of the commute. If I wanna skip songs, change volume, stop etc. I can either do it from the watch or the headphones buttons. 11 | * As for the other useful apps, I can check the weather w/o taking out the phone, I have the public transportation app to check arrival times, and I like the watch taps you to stretch your legs or walk a bit on the 50th min of every hour if it didn't sense much movement during the hour, which encourages me to take a walk to the kitchen and drink water or w/e (I sit at a desk all day). If you use Apple Maps, the watch will give the instructions and tap you when it's time to make the turns. \[EDIT\]: I forgot to mention. I use it when cooking or going to the basement to do my laundry to set timers either thru the watch or I just say "Siri set timer for X min". Done. Or when I'm changing the water in my aquarium I'll ask Siri how much Gal is X Quarts so I know how much conditioner to put while I'm filling the bucket in the bathroom. Tasks get done and I don't go anywhere near the phone. 12 | * Pro-tip: For super extended battery life (up to 2 days if people aren't texting you constantly!), set it to "theater mode" which means it won't light up the screen everytime it senses you lift your wrist to look at the watch, you need to tap it (it's designed so it doesn't light up on you at the movies). If I have gloves on I even tap it with my nose lmao. 13 | 14 | This is just off the top of my head but my attachment/checking on the phone has decreased DRAMATICALLY since I have the watch. You don't need the latest model just get the last year one for cheaper if you want. The watch itself is meh just another toy but if you use it as a nosurf tool is TOTALLY worth it! 15 | 16 | &#x200B; 17 | 18 | Hope that's some useful info for everyone. 19 | 20 | B}} 21 | 22 | #comment{{#ben-feel-better{{feels so much better}}}} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)feligatora1qyq3-yes_its_true_getting_addictionfree_changes_your-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #good-one #title:{{Yes, it's true: Getting addiction-free changes your life. My story and best tips.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/a1qyq3/yes_its_true_getting_addictionfree_changes_your/, #created:1543570002 2 | 3 | #post{{**Who i am & where i come from** 4 | 5 | Short form: 22 y/o from Germany (so English is my second language, be aware!), college student. Had my own computer since the age of 12 and spend way to much time of my youth in front of it. In addition to this, smartphone addiction kicked in with getting my first at the age of 16. 6 | 7 | My actual change in behavior started in the last year: at first, it was just a feeling of #symp-feel-bad{{"something is wrong, i feel bad, i feel confused"}} which i step by step referred to my intense use of screens. Reading books on this topic, finding this sub and doing a quite painful reflection of my past and present state really helped me identify the problem. As is already had #symp-suicidality{{thoughts of suicide}}, things needed to change, fast! 8 | 9 | &#x200B; 10 | 11 | **What did i do?** 12 | 13 | Over a time span of around 4 weeks, i killed all my social media step by step. #tech-not-work{{First i deleted the app icon's from my phone's start screen}}. As this didn't really work out, #tech-delete{{i deleted the apps}} and finally #tech-deactivate/delete-account{{deleted my accounts}}. This worked quite well for me, but for others a hard cut may be the better way. Do what fit's your case the best! 14 | 15 | Furthermore, i put my phone in #tech-misc{{"do not disturb"}}-mode, so my phone was not actively craving for attention. It was only my addiction that kept grabbing for my phone all the time - which, as a side effect, showed how bad the problem was. 16 | 17 | I also started to #tech-ask-why-when-picking-up-phone{{reflect and think about my usage. Is this really the way i want to spend my days and life? Aimlessly browsing social media and the web? I really got sick of this thought of wasting my life by this addiction.}} 18 | 19 | &#x200B; 20 | 21 | **What happened after i killed social media and stopped surfing?** 22 | 23 | \- Obviously, i got #ben-more-time{{way more free time}}. Which i now use for way better things: #other-activities-productivity{{improve my flat}}, #other-activities-productivity{{care for my plants}}, #other-activities-exercise{{do more sports}}, #other-activities-read{{read more}}, #other-activities-think{{reflect about my life}} ... 24 | 25 | \- #ben-remember-dreams-more{{I remember my dream(s) of every single night}}, instead of just once in a while. This is probably the must unexpected effect, but it show's how deep the addictions impact on our brain seems to be. 26 | 27 | \- #right-mind{{Using my smartphone feels "wrong" now}}, and the same goes for my desktop pc. Just weeks ago i would sit in front of it for several hours a day - now i don't event want to put it on. It's crazy. 28 | 29 | \- #ben-better-social-life{{I talk to people in a different way - i hold more eye contact, shake hands stronger, listen more carefully, talk to strangers just because it's fun to get to know new people.}} 30 | 31 | \- The addiction is gone. Which is a wonderful #ben-more-intentional/controlled{{feeling of self control.}} 32 | 33 | \- #ben-better-attention{{Concentration has gone up}}. I am now able to read or work for a way longer time, before my mind starts to wander of. 34 | 35 | \- I feel #ben-less-anxiety{{less stressed and more calm}}. I think this goes together with the point of increased concentration. 36 | 37 | &#x200B; 38 | 39 | **Next step** 40 | 41 | As my current smartphone is still the primal source of distraction (incoming messages, mails or other notifications), I want to buy a second smartphone now. It will have a separate number which only the most important part of my friends & family will become. By this they are able to reach me in cases of emergency or for spontaneous and urgent things. My first smartphone will stay at home (when not at home) or in a corner of my room and can be used for relaxing and entertainment at *specific* times a day. 42 | 43 | &#x200B; 44 | 45 | Best wishes 46 | 47 | feligator}} 48 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Botanical-pimpiy5wag-my_experience_with_a_dumb_phone-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{My experience with a 'dumb phone'}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/iy5wag/my_experience_with_a_dumb_phone/, #created:1600847614 2 | 3 | #post{{So i see alot of posts on here about dumb phones, what to get, how it improves things, what they're missing etc and I often comment and then get questions (not a dig, I don't mind people asking), I know when I was on the hunt for something other than a smart phone I'd have loved just some more info on people's experiences but the fact of the matter is people don't have an experience with them, that's the point! Their phone becomes something less important. 4 | 5 | I wrote this out in reply to someone and figured I may as well post it on here for anyone who's interested to read/discuss. (I have edited it a touch from the actual reply, I ended up getting quite excited and going off on mini rants 😂) 6 | 7 | So around 2 years or so ago #symp-feel-bad{{I was pretty unhappy with my smart phone usage (and in general, funny that 🤔)}} so started looking into phone/social media addiction, I'd had dumb phone when I was a kid etc and almost longed for that simplicity back so started looking into simpler phones. I considered the light phone and another Swedish phone I can't remember for a looooonng time but they were just daft money and they seemed to have big software issues, I also felt that although they really fit everything I was after, I just didn't know if I was strong enough to commit to it, and didn't want to spend that sort of cash to end up leaving it in a drawer. Then #tech-dumbphone{{Nokia brought out their classics range.}} 8 | 9 | At the time I had quit #a-t-facebook{{Facebook}} which was a game changer, #ben-freedom{{I felt so free}}, it was amazing (if you haven't, please consider this, it did wonders for my mental health and I have not once regretted it). I still had messenger and #a-t-instagram{{Instagram}}, I bought my 3310 (in Argos in the UK for about £50) and was suddenly left with this brick that couldn't entertain me, I #withdrawal-misc{{felt a little lost}}, but I persevered. I had been slowly getting people to text me more than WhatsApp by telling them I didn't have internet and leaving WhatsApp messages unread so people got used to it and slowly but surely they did. Messenger and Instagram didn't last long when they weren't constantly in my pocket so they went pretty quickly, I still have a WhatsApp account and a reddit account on a tablet that I check every now and again but only for sending photos etc and I feel that whatsapp may go soon tbh..people text or call me, it's easy, I have my phone on loud all the time as the only time it goes off is if someone actually wants me (it's an odd feeling, no longer having a phantom vibrate every few minutes). If its just something they need to ask or say its a text, if its a natter they want, which woukd have normally be done by a series of messages, they call me. People have told me that they enjoy our conversations and the fact they have to call as it forces them to stop and have a chat, kinda like a cigarette break from life. 10 | 11 | With regards to the phone, the #ben-battery-life{{battery lasts me about 3 or 4 days with fairly heavy usage}}, takes around an hour to charge I guess and it turns out I used to get quite stressed over whether I had enough charge or somewhere to charge my phone, I just didn't realize how much these small things affected me. The #bad-practical-difficulties{{camera is a potato}} but it has a torch! I plan my routes before I go out, I also take a book as I realized the second I got rid of my smart phone I had nothing to do in those waiting around moments and #other-activities-read{{books filled that void, you can't be productive all the time}}, don't kick yourself for it, just don't use that down time to turn your brain to smoothie. You can live without maps, emails get checked once a day (it's email, that's kinda the point, if it's urgent, don't email it!), you can see things through your eyes instead of a screen, you can order food the old fashioned way, I'm not sure what else I'm meant to be missing 😂 I don't think I'd change it for anything else, #ben-freedom{{it's an amazing sense of freedom that can't really be explained!}}}} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /successes/(1)Druidite4g9avi-spent_1_year_without_the_internet_at_home_just-: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | #yes #title:{{Spent 1 year without the internet at home. Just finished hooking it up for a month to test it out again.}} #permalink:/r/nosurf/comments/4g9avi/spent_1_year_without_the_internet_at_home_just/, #created:1461522331 2 | 3 | #post{{Hey all, this post is going to be pretty informal and off the cuff. I didn't really plan this out but I hope it will be useful to someone. If you have any questions feel free to ask or pm. 4 | 5 | So about a year ago I started realizing that I was spending way too much time on the internet. #symp-wasted-time{{It was consuming all of my free time}} and #symp-feel-bad{{I never enjoyed real life. I always had a slight feeling of gloom and dissatisfaction}}. After doing some looking into dopamine, one thing led to another and I realized that constant browsing might be my problem. 6 | 7 | Once I figured this out, #tech-no-home-internet{{I decided to move out on my own and NOT hook up the internet}}. It was just me, a #tech-dumbphone{{dumbphone}} (no data), and a library card for books/internet use once a day. 8 | 9 | At first the free time was a killer. #withdrawal-restless{{I felt like I was starting to go slightly crazy and was breaking stuff, pacing around the house like a madman, getting angry at nothing, etc}}. But then I started to realize how long the days were. #other-activities-read{{I started reading}}, #other-activities-productivity{{cleaning}}, #other-activities-cook{{cooking}}, #other-activities-learn{{studying}}, #other-activities-exercise{{exercising}}, #other-activities-being{{spending time outdoors just looking at the lake for no reason}}. #ben-notice-more{{I started noticing the seasons more, the humidity, the cool air in fall. Etc.}} #ben-being-present{{Everything just became more present.}} 10 | 11 | #ben-better-social-skills{{I also learned to communicate much better with other people, even relatives. It was great.}} And also, even without home internet, #ben-misc{{I felt more connected to society than ever}}. I was listening to the news on the radio every hour, I was checking newspapers, I was going out and about. 12 | 13 | So those are all great benefits and stuff, but recently I learned that an ISP near me was doing month-to-month internet plans, so I decided to sign up for one month just to see what having internet again was like, now that I finally realized what a normal life is supposed to be like. 14 | 15 | I noticed that #symp-less-self-controll{{I felt trapped inside my house because of how compelling the internet was}}. I stopped going outside. #symp-less-clean{{I stopped cleaning and cooking. My floors became super dirty}}. #symp-bored{{Days became bland}}. 16 | 17 | And also, despite having the internet at home, I was actually less connected to it and society than ever. Instead of using it beneficially, I was just #a-t-games{{playing browser games}}, watching endless #a-t-tv-and-movies{{tv shows}}, and wasting time on joke subreddits and on streaming video sites like #a-t-twitch{{twitch.tv}}. 18 | 19 | When I used the internet once a day at the library, I would load up reddit and actually read all the links on the front few pages and actually read the articles of the interesting stuff, and research them further as well (science stuff, tech stuff, cool AMA's, etc). But once I had the internet at home, I stopped doing that. I browsed #a-t-reddit{{Reddit}} more than ever, but only for the jokes and puns, and the low effort picture posts. I stopped doing any research and stopped caring about the cool stuff that required learning. 20 | 21 | I stopped watching new movies from redbox because "i have all the movies ever made through torrents" but I never even watched them. Just the idea of having them was enough. I stopped caring about or enjoying music. 22 | 23 | The only good thing I got from having the internet at home was that I found a cool new blog I never knew of before, but to be honest, I'm pretty sure I would have found it at the library too because I found it through google and I would have used that same search string there as well. 24 | 25 | So all in all, I would consider the experiment of reconnecting the internet to be a huge success in that it proved to me why I don't have it in the first place. So I am disconnecting it again and for good this time.}} 26 | 27 | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------