While many people joke about being addicted to smartphones, this addiction is an actual affliction. In the past decade or so, phones have evolved from being tools for communication to an all-in-one digital device, and our entire worlds can now be accessed with just a few taps on the screen. This makes them incredibly useful but also creates a powerful draw that many people find hard to resist. It is important to manage digital literacy in an ever-growing digital world with healthy boundaries.

People who suffer from smartphone addiction often find themselves unable to put the device down. They may also experience anxiety and irritability if they cannot use their phone for an extended period or if their access is restricted. Common signs of smartphone addiction include obsessive checking of phone notifications, losing track of time while using the device, and neglecting other activities or people in favor of time spent on a smartphone.

My guest today is Jose Briones. Jose is a passionate advocate for digital minimalism. By day, he serves as a project manager for four churches in the non-profit sector, dedicating his time to community building. Outside of work, Jose delves into researching innovative strategies to enhance offline living experiences. Through his YouTube channel, he offers insightful reviews of dumbphones and provides practical tips to empower individuals in their journey toward embracing a more offline-centric lifestyle. Jose spends most of his day walking the dog, reading, and like many of us doing work tasks.

In 2018 Jose wrote 'Low Tech Life: A Guide to Mindful Digital Minimalism'. This insightful guide invites you to reassess your relationship with technology and offers practical steps to declutter your digital life. Jose expertly weaves together personal anecdotes, research insights, and actionable strategies, equipping readers with the tools needed to navigate the digital landscape mindfully. He challenges the notion of "more is better," advocating instead for a 'less but better' approach to technology use.

'Low Tech Life' leads you through a transformative journey, starting with an honest assessment of your digital habits. It then helps you to identify what's essential, what's nice to have, and what's merely a time-waster. Briones encourages you to quit digital platforms that don't serve your well-being and happiness, offering practical advice on how to implement digital 'time zones' in your daily life for a more balanced, productive lifestyle.)

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