Getting off our smartphones can feel terrifying. When we constantly suppress our thoughts and feelings with content 24/7, they grow more intimidating the longer we avoid them. Sometimes, life is rough and we need to get through the day with whatever makes it easier—and that’s okay. But often, I reach for my phone simply because I’ve forgotten how... See more

I wondered if this is what it felt like in the ’90s: thinking, letting random thoughts wander, and feeling curious in a way I’d forgotten. Now, I feel bored and attentive all at once—and I giggle at the funny, everyday moments I used to miss.

Despite valiant efforts to reduce my screen time, such as setting screen time limits with passwords I didn’t know, deleting all my apps, or even disabling accounts, I couldn’t escape the endless scroll. Sound familiar? I’d get fed up with being online, delete all my social apps, and then find myself refreshing Goodreads or Gmail—the least... See more