August Lamm: you don't need a smartphone from Feb 10, 2025
Feb 11, 2025
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, visual artist and author August Lamm shares insights from his book, advocating for a life free from smartphones. He explores how our reliance on technology stifles genuine connections and personal creativity. Lamm reflects on his journey of detaching his artistic identity from social media, revealing the mental health challenges of digital dependency. He emphasizes the importance of reclaiming autonomy and creativity, encouraging listeners to embrace simplicity and engage deeply with life beyond screens.
August Lamm argues that downgrading technology can enhance personal interactions and reflection, countering society's obsession with constant upgrades.
The podcast discusses how smartphones, while convenient, contribute to social isolation and a decline in meaningful public interactions.
Lamm shares her journey of moving away from smartphones, illustrating how this shift improved her well-being and awareness of her surroundings.
Deep dives
The Concept of Downgrading Technology
Downgrading technology refers to the practice of intentionally choosing older, simpler tools instead of constantly upgrading to the latest devices that often infringe upon privacy and autonomy. August Lamb argues that society's recent obsession with adopting new technology has caused us to lose essential aspects of our lives, including personal interaction and time for reflection. By examining a historical perspective on technology, individuals can assess what level of technological advancement is truly necessary for their lives. This approach advocates for critical thinking about the tools we use, challenging the assumption that newer is always better.
The Hidden Costs of Technology
Many technologies are marketed as enhancing efficiency but often come with significant personal costs that are rarely highlighted. August explains that while a smartphone provides swift access to information and convenience, it simultaneously results in lost social interactions and decreased awareness of the world around us. The promotion of technological advancements promotes a narrative that focuses solely on what is gained, neglecting to mention the privacy invasions and mental health impacts that accompany these tools. This one-sided marketing creates a culture where individuals are continually distracted and removed from meaningful experiences.
The Social Impact of Surveillance Technologies
Lamb discusses the decline of spontaneous social interactions in public spaces due to the proliferation of smartphones and wearables, leading to a dystopian sense of isolation. She shares personal experiences of feeling disconnected in environments where everyone is consumed by their devices, underscoring how technology has stripped away human connection. She highlights that many everyday activities now require the use of a smartphone, creating barriers for individuals who wish to disengage from surveillance technology. The recognition of this social alienation emphasizes the importance of advocating for a life less dominated by digital distractions.
The Journey from Smartphone to Simplicity
Reflecting on her own transition away from being a smartphone user, August describes how her heavy use of social media led to burnout and a desire for a more genuine existence. The shift to using a basic phone allowed her to reclaim her attention and personal interactions, showcasing the significant improvements in her overall sense of well-being. She encourages others to recognize the compelling benefits of living without a smartphone and how it fosters a greater awareness of oneself and one’s surroundings. This personal narrative serves as a motivational account for individuals contemplating a similar path towards a less technologically reliant lifestyle.
Advocating for Thoughtful Consumption
The discussion highlights the necessity of being aware of the societal structures around technology and the choices individuals make regarding their consumption. August posits that individuals can reclaim their agency by questioning the need for certain technologies and making conscious decisions to opt out of the digital norm. She encourages readers to engage with literature on technology and its societal impacts to understand the broader implications of their usage patterns. The emphasis is placed on the notion that individual actions, such as choosing to downgrade technology, can collectively influence a cultural shift towards more mindful and intentional living.
August Lamm: you don't need a smartphone
Tomaš Dvořák - "Gameboy Tune"
- "Interview with August Lamm"
Andrew Thompson - "We're In Business" [0:54:20]
https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/149014
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode