What is “appstinence?”
appstinence (n.): refraining from having personal social media accounts, and instead using direct-line communication like phone calls and texts
As Gen Z, we’ve heard all the answers to fixing our social media habits:
self-regulation
moderate use
hack your algorithm so it isn’t as exploitative
detox regularly
These solutions require a continual dance of never-ending adjustment to our routines and indefinite willpower. They assume that there must even be a relationship. Why can’t we walk away? We focus on how social media degrades personal relationships and practical alternatives to keeping in touch with those you care about in a way that is uninterrupted by algorithms, persuasive design, and the whims of BigTech.
We understand that social media is great for many other things: running a business, advocating for social change, etc. But for your best friend, classmates, and grandma it falls short.
Appstinence is a big ask, we understand. That’s why our services don’t just give you guides, how-to videos, and tips and tricks. We work with you one-on-one to figure out why appstinence is the best route for you, and get you living the fullest in-person life you’ve never even imagined. Well, imagine it!
While we specialize in the digital needs of Gen Z and youth, our services are applicable to anyone. Social media touches us all.
The APP Approach:
Agency, Permission, and Proof
Agency: Much of the advice we hear is to control ourselves, that self-regulation is the best way to reap the benefits of social media which avoiding the harms. In practice, these platforms are incredibly good at making that incredibly hard. We want everyone to feel that they have agency over their attention, time, and thoughts. By opting out you’re choosing peace. Fighting with your screen time doesn’t bring agency, it brings anxiety.
Permission: Even for those who are curious about the appstinent lifestyle, it can be difficult to transcend the social and mental hurdles to even get started. Fear of missing out, worry about friction in personal relationships, angst about being bored, etc. These are all valid, but we are here to inspire you that trying a new lifestyle always incurs certain risks. At the same time, our services and projects are here to show you that others are doing it too (and successfully), and that we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Digital Lifestyle Planning and the Yellow Pages are two of our projects to provide personalized help, build community, and show that our social lives do not have to be in 2D AT ALL!
Proof : In this digital age where “everyone has social media!” we lead by example. Our leadership is appstinent, in its completeness or are on a successful journey towards it.
Gabriela: Used to have all the social media and a smartphone. Now does not have personal social media, and uses a CAT S22 as her “daily driver" (main phone).
Kaylee: A total unicorn. She and her sister grew up without social media at all. Once they were of age to choose, they both decided to be appstinent, and have never looked back!
Zhao: Made incredible progress moving off of social media, and replacing it with high quality leisure and slow-living.
Our clients on their Digital Lifestyle Planning journeys come from different age groups and walks of life. There is a place for you. Welcome.
