Opting-Out: Phone Rehab

Detox Your Digital Life and Reclaim Your Peace

It's time to send your phone to rehab.

We’re all guilty of spending way too many hours on our phones, especially when we're exhausted. Ironically, all that scrolling only makes you feel more drained. But here's the thing—detoxing the content on your phone can cut down on screen time and spending.

Step 1: Delete Every Single Online Shopping App. Yes, that includes DoorDash, Instacart, Amazon, and Uber Eats. Even Uber had to go for me because I was too hooked on Uber Eats. You’d be amazed at how much money you'll save—I've slashed my spending by nearly 80%.

I know you're tired and scrolling through Amazon or Etsy after a long day. But remember, this system was created to remind you of what you lack, not to make your life better. That dopamine hit from buying something online is just a temporary thrill. The goal here is to reduce your need to buy things, period.

I had $300 worth of random stuff in my Amazon wishlist, but now, a month later, I can't even remember what I thought I needed so badly. Deleting the apps made me refocus on what truly matters. I don't feel like I need anything now, and the ease and time I've gained have been life-changing.

Step 2: Detox from the Impulse to Shop—Thrift or Not. Delete all clothing apps, even the thrift ones like Depop and OfferUp. You need to break free from the urge to scroll, shop, and buy—whether it’s new or second-hand. Thrift shopping should become more spiritual, like if something is meant to be in your life, it will appear in the real world, not on a screen.

Eventually, you can reintroduce apps that support small sellers, but for now, detox yourself from the impulse to online shop. This process grounds you in what you already have. It's tough, but it's worth it.

Step 3: Detox Your "For You" Pages. Your social media content should be silly, funny, pretty, relaxing, informative, or artsy-fartsy. Everything related to celebrities needs to go. Hit "not interested" on any content about them. You don't have to give up celebrity worship forever—just try it for a month. Trust me, after one month, you won't want to go back.

I've found a greater sense of relaxation and focus on my own life, and I’ve been less tempted to buy things. We subconsciously compete with these people, but they’re nothing more than marketing tools designed to make you feel inadequate so you'll buy more stuff.

Cold Turkey on Celebrity Content. No fan pages, no parasocial relationships, nothing. If you're panicking at the thought of this, it’s a sign that your relationship with them is bordering on addiction. Remember, they love your worship and your money, but they don't love you.

Engage with their art—music, films, whatever gets you through—but stop feeding into their lifestyle content. It’s just a tactic to get your money. Ever since I detoxed my "For You" pages, they’ve become so cute and whimsical. Now, I see more local content from normal people doing normal things, and it's made me appreciate the beauty of everyday life.

A few days ago, I watched a video of a girl getting ready for her shift as a barista, and it had like six likes—it was the cutest thing ever. Our lives, as working-class people, are just as beautiful, fruitful, entertaining, and comforting as anyone else's. Reconnect with that, and reclaim the joy of your own life.