It's been 15 years since Apple launched the AppStore for the iPhone 3G. Yes, mobile devices existed before this but had barely an impact in comparison to what Apple and Google have had since.

Back then, I remember it being like a 'new internet' - new apps everyday, pushing the boundaries of what you could do in your hard, on the move.

Within a few months, there we're over half a Million apps on the AppStore. Apps were (and are) here to stay.

How amazing is it to be able to check your bank balance, payments, transfer money!! on your phone. An insane level of convenience comparable to not needing to buy a sat nav, not needing to carry a camera and not even needing to own a wallet or carry cash. Our devices do it all.

That's not all they do though.

The amount of time that we humans piss away on these devices on a daily basis is astounding. Bombarded by notifications. Group chats. Snaps and Tik Toks. Every app is designed to be as addictive as possible. The attention economy. They've created the clear perspex box with the hamster wheel and treats. We're the rats.

Tik Tok, Instagram Reels, YouTube shorts. These might be the most insidious media consumption concepts ever made. That notification hits, and you tap it. BAM! 90 minutes later your watching a cow get her hooves trimmed in some random farm in Scotland. You don't even fucking like cows. You especially don't want to work on a farm. What's happening and where are our lives disappearing?

Our devices are built for this behaviour. Built to trigger the Dopemine or Seratonin that makes you flick again and again. One more video, one more swipe right, one more picture, one more like, one more bet, one more insult from the internet trolls.

At what point do we say no?

At what point are these devices harming us more than helping us?

I think I'm close to the precipice. Maybe I'm way past the tipping point, something doesn't feel right in my brain, in my soul.

As part of my measures of overcoming burnout and in an attempt to stop it being an issue again, im ditching the smartphone for a Punkt MP02. My current phone will serve as a work phone and will stay on my desk. This will be my personal phone.

For 9 years I've had no communication separation of life and work. I'm looking forward to it.

No email, no whatsapp, no internet, no youtube.

No notifications.

I can't wait.