For the last few years, I've been keeping an eye on the modern analog movement. Ditching smartphones, using film cameras, physical media collecting. It all intrigues me, but none of it feels quite right for my lifestyle. It also feels unnecessary. There is a lot I love about technology-- a world of information that I can access the moment my curiosity is piqued about something. Communities of like-minded people. Endless art, books, music, and films to discover. It's wonderful, it's a big part of my life, and it's made me a more well-rounded person.

My issue is that in the last 10-15 years, technology has been getting in my way more than it's been building me up. My smartphone doesn't just do the few things that I need it to- it's full of distractions. Predatory tech companies make a lot of money to monopolize my time. Misinformation and fear mongering is everywhere. Everyone I've ever met has instant access to me, and I to them. It's these aspects of technology that I want to cut out, and that's why I'm going early aughts analog. I want to enjoy technology without being a slave to it.

I am 30 years old, so until I graduated high school, I very much lived this way all the time and did not find it challenging at all. In fact, I don't think I will find it challenging now, either. The biggest step is deciding to do it.

I have set out the following guidelines for myself:

1. Spend less than 20 minutes per day using my smartphone. I'm not including phone calls in this time limit, and I'm not limiting my time using other electronics. I will have free reign of my laptop, TV, mp3 player, etc.

2. When I am at home, my phone will be out of reach. If it rings, I'll answer it. I'll seek it out if I need it for something. Otherwise, I will leave it at my door with my coat, shoes, and bag.

3. Spend more time on hobbies that help me grow. After a long workday, it's too easy to spend hours scrolling. It's low-effort entertainment that requires zero focus. Empty time. I'm not thinking or feeling anything when I scroll. Art, writing, reading, and watching films are hobbies that require more brain power, but they're still enjoyable and relaxing.

4. Shop in-person whenever possible. It is often cheaper and easier to buy things online, and I will still allow myself to do so, since Amazon has fundamentally changed the in-person shopping experience. But before I buy something online, I'll at least look at an in-person store to see if I can find it for a reasonable price. This will get me out of my apartment and see other people face-to-face.

5. Prioritize spending time with people in-person. A text or two is nice, but I would rather get lunch.

6. Send snail mail. This one is really just for fun. I love sending snail mail, and who doesn't love receiving it? I'll grab some postcards to send out whenever the mood strikes, or if I'm thinking of someone I haven't seen in a while.

I've been carrying a pocket notebook for about a year now, and this will be a big part of my analog journey. I've been using it to jot down ideas and lists, which I'll continue doing. The tactile nature of note-taking has always been the best way for me to commit things to memory and ensure I come back to them later. Now that I'm not using my phone much, I'll write down things to look into, things to remember, book recommendations, whatever. It beats taking screenshots I'll never look at again.

I bought an MP3 player that I can use for music, podcasts, and youtube videos when I'm away from home. I chose the Innioasis Y1 because I like the form factor and it's easy to use, but they also have some touchscreen ones out there if you aren't into buttons and scroll wheels. I might buy a digital camera at some point, but I don't think it's necessary for now. Taking 2 or 3 photos a day will be negligible in terms of smartphone minutes used. I have a small apartment, so I don't keep many physical books. I'll still read primarily on my kindle.

I'll probably update my blog periodically with my experience. If you decide to join me in this admittedly very specific lifestyle change, shoot me an email and let me know how it's going. Maybe once I get into the swing of things, I'll record a short video.