Slow Tech Tools
You may have already encountered the term ‘slow-tech’ and slow-tech tools online or else. In this post I would like to explain what are some of the slow-tech gadgets and technologies that we can make use of to de-clutter our lives and gain back a few hours lost in consuming media.
What is Slow Tech?
Slow tech or slow technology is a term usually used for some sort of product or development design that establishes a healthier relationship between a tool and its user. It can also refer to earlier tech products that are more ‘retro’.
We might at also think of a slow computer/internet connection which hinders us at work to endless frustration but that is probably not designed that way! Slow tech is a branch of the Slow Movement that aims to slow down the frantic acceleration of everyday life. It brings attention to the fact that we use tech that was developed for unclear reasons or for its own sake, which can cause biological, psychological or sometimes even physical harm.
Slow Tech Tools
There are certain tools that try to adhere to the above philosophy and have certain guidelines in their implementation and use. One of these is a go-against-the-grain attitude of the digital age, namely: less features. While this may seem counter-productive, it is actually the opposite. The less features a device has, the less it tends to divide our attention. So what are some of these tools that have features or designs inherent in them to mitigate the harm that other feature-saturated and attention-blunted devices? Let’s look at some of them:
Feature Phones
One of the most impactful technological advances of our time was the smart phone. It is the symbol of technology at its peak and also shows what it is like when tech goes berzerk. Millions of applications are being made every year and even with only a tiny fraction being installed on our own devices, the most popular ones start causing distractions which takes up hours of our time. So, what some adherents of slow living thought is to re-wind the clock to simpler times and switched out their smart phones to feature phones or ‘dumb’ phones - devices that were released before the invention of the iPhone!
Many of us remember these archaic bricks that had a small screen and physical buttons on them, which mostly had no applications other than a phone book, a calling system and a simple messaging system. And a game called Snake. Snake was very important for some reason.
People who wish to take back some control of their digital presence have recently started using dumb phones with great success. By using such a phone, they distance themselves from all the information that a usual smart phone bombards us with, allowing them to focus on the present task or activity that they are engaged in.
E-ink
E-ink is a screen technology that imitates printed and/or written paper, simple as that. It is a very good example of slow technology. Blue light is usually emitted from conventional screens used in computers and phones, and causes some health effects, (long story short, it causes eye-strain and messes with our sleep). E-ink allows us to enjoy reading (and in some cases, even use more, albeit limited features) without these potentially harmful effects.
As I am an avid reader, this one example is very close to my heart: the E-reader! E-ink was invented at first solely to realize such a concept. So what exactly is the advantage of these little devices over just a tablet or even reading on a computer/phone? Well one mentioned above is the absence of blue light. Another is that it consumes very little energy so it can last for a long time compared to smart phones that are obviously more robust and resource-heavy. Investing in an e-reader can also save you a lot of living space as well, since you no longer have to keep all the books you read or want to read at home.
The most important advantage, however, is that it only has a limited number of features which are mostly related to its main function: to allow you to read! No instant messaging services, no intrusive notifications, any ads, if they are built-in like in the case of the Amazon Kindle Series are relatively benign and if internet browsing available is at all, it is excrutiatingly slow because of the slow screen refresh rates. All of this simplicity and dumbing down serves to eliminate your distractions.
E-ink “Smartphones”
There are those who think that a dumb phone is a bit too old a technology and it is more of a hindrance than it has to be. Certain phone manufacturers decided to cater to the needs of such an audience and came up with phones that use the earlier mentioned E-ink screens.
These types of e-ink phones have much less features than a full-fledged smart phone but are not as cumbersome as a dumb phone. They work just as well with the basic features they have and are very efficient in what they were made for which is for their user to be efficient with their usage and not be distracted by it!
De-cluttered Smartphone/Devices
When you first start on the journey of slowing down, it sometimes can be convenient to demonize technology as a whole and cast out of your house anything that has a screen on it for your sanity! Still, some people may not have the luxury or conviction of being away from their phones/devices for hours or even days at a time due to their responsibilities in their work and/or personal lives which may require constant availability.
There are less drastic measures that you can take to take back some control in your digital presence, without sacrificing your accessibility such as de-cluttering your phone. There are plenty of guides on how you can de-clutter your smart phone such as this one. This is one of the smallest changes you can make and reap a huge benefit from regarding your mental well-being!
Pen/Pencil and Paper
One of the oldest and most important technologies humankind has ever invented was the written word. It is still utilized in some aspects of our lives but it is increasingly replaced with its digital counterparts. There are certain people, however, who still swear by the physical writing down of words for a variety of purposes.
What are the advantages? Let us state the obvious: it is still the cheapest way of note-taking and general writing. The old-fashioned paper does not require any electricity, nor does any pen or pencil you may use and they last a long time.
Turning to other advantages, one David Goggins remarked in his book that physically writing down your challenges as well as accomplishments on paper had a psychological lasting power that the digital counterparts do not have. This advantage I have personally experienced while studying a topic by switching from note taking on my computer to jotting down ideas to a physical notebook. It was in a way more accessible, and whatever was written down I could retain easier.
Another aspect of long hand writing is the abundance of mental activities that you can try out and practice such as journaling, creative writing and even poetry if you are so inclined! Many of these are excellent creative outlets that help people get better at organizing their thoughts on a given topic along with the mental health benefits.
Is it worth it?
This is, of course, not an exhaustive list of slow-tech tools but a small list of accessible items that can help you improve your life. Some of these tools may vary in cost from very cheap to somewhat expensive. Also, getting used to some of the technologies may require some minimal effort.
Nonetheless, the pros far outweigh the cons in terms of mental health as well as productivity in any endeavour, be it professional or creative. Regardless of whether it is just turning off a few bothersome notifications on your phone or switch it out entirely, never mind how deep you want to dive into slow technologies and slow living in general, the benefits will always be tangible in some manner that will serve your well-being!
