What if your phone was algorithm-free?
This is the best way to set up your phone for minimal social media distractions
Hi everyone,
It’s been a long time since I last sent a Dachi newsletter. If you don’t remember why you are getting this, it’s likely because you signed up after reading my articles like The Ultimate Guide to Reduce Screen Time or Eight Cognitive Biases Harming Your Digital Wellbeing.
I’ve been quiet because I’ve been working on a secret project: an algorithm-free phone. A phone that doesn’t distract you, where you only see the content you actually want to see. On it, social media would not about constant entertainment, but about keeping connections with friends and acquaintances you already know in the physical world.
For the past year, I have set up my phone so that all algorithmically suggested content is blocked right at the source.
Here is an example with Instagram, with screenshots from my own phone:
I truly believe this is the best way to set up and use your device.
How did I do it? Well, in the past few years, I learned how to code and decided to create an app that filters any distracting parts of the internet.
The app is called TimeCap. When you scroll social media through it, all algorithmic content, like Reels, Shorts, the For You page, and Suggested Posts, can be completely hidden. It is fully customizable, and you can even add a time limit to your usage.
Here are some additional examples with Twitter and YouTube, though you can use it for almost any social media platform!
If you’re tired of the algorithm, you can download TimeCap for iPhone through this link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6737515680
I really hope you give it a try and that it helps you take back your time.
Antonio
P.S. Feel free to reply to this email, I read and write back to all of them.