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Turning my ESP32 into a DNS sinkhole to fight doomscrolling

(amanvir.com)
105 points venusgirdle | 3 comments | 28 Feb 25 10:39 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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ivanmontillam ◴[03 Mar 25 00:23 UTC] No.43236873[source]▶
I deleted social media apps (IG, TikTok, Reddit, etc.) from my phone a few weeks ago (about two weeks ago perhaps).

The only one that I wish could be deleted is YouTube (because of YT Shorts), which comes with every Android. For now, I've restricted my usage using the App Timers feature.

WhatsApp Statuses sadly cannot be disabled. I wish I could fully delete WhatsApp for good[0]. Telegram Statuses feel wholesome. I admit I have a pet peeve with how Meta engineered WhatsApp after purchase.

I'm not feeling any withdrawal symptoms of any sort. If everything continues to be like this, I'm looking forward to finishing 2025 like this. I've been looking at dumb phones, E-Ink ones seem promising, but not yet quite there. Maybe also drop in a dumb Casio watch.

I did not delete my social media accounts, as I don't want anyone grabbing my public handles and wreaking havoc. I will always reserve these, even for leaving them empty.

I'm fine with HN being my social media.

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[0]: https://www.ivanmontilla.com/blog/goodbye-whatsapp

replies(2): >>43237477 #>>43278056 #
1. password4321 ◴[03 Mar 25 01:55 UTC] No.43237477[source]▶
All Android apps can be disabled, even if they can't be uninstalled.
replies(1): >>43239441 #
2. ivanmontillam ◴[03 Mar 25 08:11 UTC] No.43239441[source]▶
You're right, though I consider that the workaround and not the actual solution.

Also, some apps cannot be disabled depending on the vendor. e.g.: Weather (which launches random notifications from time to time), Radio, etc.

replies(1): >>43242317 #
3. bandedetrappes ◴[03 Mar 25 14:56 UTC] No.43242317[source]▶
To use Whatsapp only, without all the other useless features, try using Beeper. Also works to use instagram messaging without having the instagram app itself, therefore no doom-scrolling. It's open-source.