My own feelings on technology use
It's hard to eliminate all technology from life, but let's start trying
Over the years of studying mathematics, taking pictures of birds, creating a YouTube channel, and even writing this newsletter, I think I've used my fair share of technology. And I won't deny that I enjoy using certain kinds of technology like my camera. I like getting sharp shots of birds and I enjoy making videos.
However, would it surprise you to know that my ultimate aim is to use technology as little as possible? I would rather be more immersed in the world without my senses being augmented by technology, and just live sustainably and frugally.
For example, I enjoy making YouTube videos about photography and birdwatching, but my primary reason for producing so much content there is simply that it seems like a good passive income stream. If I weren't concerned about passive income, I might try a different community that is less centered around advertising and does not support big tech.
It's the same thing with this newsletter. The main reason why I write it is not because I want to write newsletters forever, but because I want to get the word out to as many people as I can about minimizing their use of technology. I figure that if many people eliminate some technology from their life, it will make the world a better place.
It's one of the hardest things in the world to not use advanced technology, because even attaining a decent living now requires it. But technology erodes our connection with nature and hides the good part of ourselves. It is turning us into machines that move around like psychotic, destructive ants.
Thus, I encourage everyone to aim for a life that is as unencumbered by technology as possible. Remember, using technology is often enjoyable because it alleviates difficulties caused by other technology. Of course, that's not the only reason why it's enjoyable, but it is one of the main reasons. I know that personally, photography for me would have much less of an appeal if I didn't have to view the ugliness of the industrial system. My laptop computer would go unused if I could live in the wild self-sufficiently without it.
It would be hard to eliminate all technology from your life, and maybe you're not even psychologically prepared to do so. But I strongly encourage you to find anything you can eliminate and just try it. Use the internet less. Use your phone less. Delete some social media accounts, and eat less processed food. You just might find such changes an improvement!